Walk-in shower or bath: which suits your bathroom?

Taking out a bath and fitting a large walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom changes people make. It can make a small room feel bigger and more modern. But it isn't the right choice for every home, so it's worth thinking it through before you decide.

How you actually use the room

Be honest about how often anyone has a bath. If it's mainly used as a very big shower tray, a walk-in shower will probably suit you better. If you have young children, or someone in the house loves a long soak, you may want to keep a bath.

Keep at least one bath in a family home

Many families with young children find a bath much easier for bathtime. If your home has only one bathroom, keeping a bath can also matter to future buyers. If you have an en-suite or second bathroom, there's more freedom to put a walk-in shower in one of them.

Space and layout

A standard bath is about 1700mm long, which often fits a generous walk-in shower in the same space. Think about where the glass screen will go, which way water will splash and where towels will hang. A heated towel rail close to the shower makes a big difference.

Water pressure and the type of shower

Your hot water system decides which showers will work well:

• With a combi boiler or an unvented cylinder, a mixer or thermostatic shower runs at mains pressure.
• With a tank in the loft (a gravity system), pressure can be low and a pumped shower may be needed.
• An electric shower heats its own water and needs its own electrical supply from a qualified electrician.

Checking this before you choose a shower avoids disappointment later.

Shower trays and floors

Low-profile trays give a sleek, nearly level look and are easier to step into than older raised trays. A true wet room, where the whole floor is waterproofed and slopes to a drain, needs more work but suits some homes well, especially where easy access matters.

Can you have both?

In larger bathrooms, a freestanding bath and a separate walk-in shower give you the best of both. In smaller rooms, a shower over the bath with a good fixed screen is a practical middle ground.