Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs: What’s Best for Texas Homeowners?

Introduction

When it comes to modern bathroom remodeling, one of the biggest design questions Texas homeowners face is whether to install a walk-in shower or a bathtub. Both options offer unique benefits — but lifestyle, family needs, home value, and space all play important roles in the decision.

At Salvation Home Remodeling, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Fort Worth and the DFW area choose between showers and tubs during their bathroom remodels. With the Texas housing market emphasizing space efficiency, comfort, and resale value, choosing the right option can directly impact your home’s functionality and market appeal.

This article breaks down the facts, costs, resale data, accessibility trends, and design insights to help you decide what works best for your Texas home.

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1. The Bathroom Design Trend in Texas

According to Houzz’s 2024 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study, 61% of homeowners renovating their bathrooms now prefer walk-in showers over traditional tubs. In Texas, where many homes have compact layouts or secondary bathrooms, space optimization is becoming a design priority.

However, the same report shows that freestanding bathtubs remain popular in master suites — often installed for luxury, resale appeal, or family use.

A report by the Texas Association of Realtors found that bathroom updates remain among the top 3 renovation projects with the highest ROI, averaging 57–64% cost recovery on resale.

So, both options have value — it depends on your goals.

🔗 If you’re planning a complete bathroom upgrade, explore our Bathroom Remodeling Services to see how we can help design your ideal space.

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2. Walk-In Showers: Space-Saving and Stylish

Key Benefits

• Accessibility & Safety: No step-over ledges make them ideal for seniors or anyone with mobility challenges.

• Space Efficiency: Perfect for smaller bathrooms; often require less floor space than a full tub.

• Easy Cleaning: Fewer crevices and no tub walls reduce maintenance time.

• Modern Appeal: Frameless glass, tile walls, and rainfall showers give a spa-like look.

A study from The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that over 75% of homeowners aged 55+ prefer walk-in showers for accessibility and convenience.

Design Options

• Frameless glass enclosures

• Zero-threshold or curbless entry

• Built-in benches or niches

• Dual shower heads or body sprays

In Fort Worth and across Texas, walk-in showers are particularly popular in custom home remodels where homeowners want open, airy layouts.

🔗 Learn how we design custom bathrooms at Salvation Home Remodeling.

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3. Bathtubs: Comfort and Family Functionality

Key Benefits

• Relaxation: Soaking tubs are associated with stress relief and spa-like luxury.

• Child-Friendly: Families with young children often prefer tubs for bathing convenience.

• Resale Appeal: Many buyers still look for at least one bathtub in the home.

• Versatile Designs: Options include alcove, freestanding, jetted, and clawfoot tubs.

While tubs take more floor space, they offer emotional and lifestyle value that walk-in showers don’t.

A Zonda Media 2024 Remodeling Report shows that homes with at least one bathtub are more appealing to family buyers and female decision-makers, especially in suburban markets like Fort Worth, Arlington, and Mansfield.

🔗 If your home needs layout adjustments for a bathtub installation, visit our General Contracting Services.

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4. Space Considerations in Texas Homes

Texas homes vary widely in layout — from compact bungalows to sprawling suburban builds.

• Small bathrooms (under 50 sq. ft.) benefit most from walk-in showers to maximize usable space.

• Medium to large bathrooms can often include both — a shower for daily use and a tub for relaxation.

• Master bathrooms in Fort Worth remodels increasingly feature walk-in showers with glass enclosures and standalone tubs as luxury dual setups.

If space is tight, a well-designed shower will feel open and modern, while freeing up storage and vanity area.

🔗 Explore small-space solutions with our Home Remodeling Services.

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5. Maintenance and Durability

Walk-In Showers

• Easier to clean with fewer grout lines and no standing water.

• Non-porous materials like quartz or large-format tile resist mildew.

• Frameless glass may need regular cleaning to avoid water spots.

Bathtubs

• More prone to water splashes and leaks around edges.

• Acrylic and fiberglass models are easy to clean but scratch more easily.

• Cast iron or porcelain tubs last longer but need refinishing over time.

From a maintenance perspective, walk-in showers are lower effort — a big advantage in Texas where hard water can cause calcium build-up.

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6. Safety and Accessibility

Accessibility is one of the top reasons Texas homeowners switch from bathtubs to showers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 235,000 bathroom-related injuries occur in the U.S. annually, with most due to slipping in or out of tubs.

Walk-in showers minimize tripping hazards and can include grab bars, non-slip flooring, and built-in seating.

However, modern tubs with low-entry thresholds and textured bottoms can still meet safety standards — it depends on your needs.

🔗 Our Remodeling Experts specialize in ADA-compliant and accessible bathroom designs for Texas homeowners.

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7. Cost Comparison

Here’s a general cost breakdown for Fort Worth and surrounding areas (2024 data averages):

Sources: NKBA Market Outlook 2024, HomeAdvisor Remodeling Costs Report, and Fixr 2024 Bathroom Trends Guide.

In general, walk-in showers have higher upfront costs, but better long-term ROI due to lower maintenance and modern appeal.

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8. Energy and Water Efficiency

Texas is known for long summers and water conservation concerns. Walk-in showers tend to be more eco-friendly:

• A 10-minute shower uses around 25 gallons of water, compared to 70 gallons for a full bathtub.

• Installing low-flow fixtures can cut water use by 30–40%.

Homeowners who switch to efficient showers can save up to $100 annually on water heating costs (U.S. Department of Energy).

If you’re planning a sustainable remodel, a modern shower is usually the better choice.

🔗 Learn more about eco-friendly renovations in our Home Remodeling Services.

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9. Resale and Market Perception in Texas

When it comes to resale, the best option often depends on your home’s buyer demographic:

• Family buyers prefer at least one bathtub (usually in the master or guest bathroom).

• Young professionals and retirees prefer walk-in showers for practicality and low upkeep.

• Luxury buyers expect both — a statement tub and a frameless shower.

Real estate agents in Fort Worth note that homes with updated bathrooms featuring walk-in showers sell faster and closer to listing price, especially in markets like Keller, Southlake, and Aledo.

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10. Design Trends in Texas Bathrooms (2024–2025)

According to the Fixr 2025 Design Forecast, the most popular bathroom trends in Texas include:

• Curbless Walk-In Showers with linear drains.

• Matte Black Fixtures paired with natural stone finishes.

• Freestanding Soaking Tubs as focal points in large bathrooms.

• Smart Showers with temperature control and digital displays.

• Neutral Earth Tones & Textured Tiles inspired by Southwestern aesthetics.

🔗 Check our Remodeling Services for design inspiration and material options for your next project.

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11. Lifestyle and Personal Preference

Ultimately, your decision depends on how you live:

At Salvation Home Remodeling, we often help clients design dual bathroom layouts — combining efficiency and elegance.

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12. Local Insight: Fort Worth Homeowner Preferences

In Fort Worth, walk-in showers dominate new construction and major renovations, particularly in:

• TCU/Westcliff neighborhoods

• Arlington Heights

• Downtown Fort Worth loft conversions

However, bathtubs remain common in family homes across Keller, North Richland Hills, and Burleson, where families appreciate multifunctional spaces.

Our experience shows that local climate and lifestyle often drive decisions more than design trends alone.

🔗 Learn about our custom bathroom remodels on our Remodeling Services page.

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FAQs

Q1: Do walk-in showers add more value than bathtubs?
A: Generally yes, especially in modern homes. But keeping at least one tub in the home helps resale flexibility.

Q2: What’s the lifespan of each option?
A: Walk-in showers last 20–30 years, while quality tubs last 15–25 years with proper care.

Q3: Which is easier to clean?
A: Walk-in showers are easier — fewer corners and less water retention.

Q4: Can I convert my tub into a walk-in shower?
A: Yes, this is one of the most requested remodeling projects in Texas.

Q5: How do I know which is right for me?
A: Consider space, lifestyle, family needs, and budget. A local expert can help you decide.

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Conclusion

Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort, functionality, and how you use your space.

For most Texas homeowners, walk-in showers win on accessibility, modern appeal, and maintenance. But homes with one bathtub still hold strong resale and family value.

At Salvation Home Remodeling, we help Fort Worth homeowners find the perfect balance — blending aesthetics, practicality, and return on investment. Whether you’re considering a shower conversion, a spa-style tub installation, or a complete bathroom remodel, our team is here to help you build the perfect space.

🔗 Explore our Bathroom Remodeling Services or Contact Us to schedule a consultation.

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