Walk-in shower or bath?

When space is limited, many bathroom renovations come down to one question: keep the bath, or take it out for a large walk-in shower? There is no single right answer, but there are good reasons to choose either.

The case for a walk-in shower

Space. A walk-in shower feels open and makes a small bathroom look bigger, especially with frameless glass and a floor that runs through.
Accessibility. A level-access shower is easy to use at any age, and for anyone with limited mobility. It is a good long-term choice if you plan to stay in your home.
Daily use. Most people shower every day and bath rarely.
Water. Showers generally use less water than baths, which still matters in Cape Town.

The case for a bath

Children. Bathing young children is much easier in a bath.
Comfort. For many people, a bath is a relaxing ritual, especially in winter.
Resale. Many buyers, particularly families, expect at least one bath in the house. Removing the only bath can affect resale appeal.

A good rule: if the house has more than one bathroom, keep a bath in at least one of them. If it is the only bathroom, think carefully before removing it.

Can you have both?

In a larger bathroom, the best option is both: a separate shower and a free-standing or built-in bath. In a smaller room, a shower over a bath with a fixed glass screen is a practical compromise.

Getting a walk-in shower right

A walk-in shower looks simple, but it is one of the hardest things to build well:

Falls. The floor must fall to the drain so water does not spread into the bathroom. A level-access shower needs the floor to be recessed or built up carefully.
Drains. Linear drains make it easier to create falls with large tiles. Point drains need more cuts and an “envelope” fall.
Waterproofing. The entire shower area, including the walls, must be waterproofed with a proper membrane system, extending beyond the shower area. This is not the place to save money.
Glass. Use safety glass with appropriate fixings. A screen that is too short lets water escape.
Ventilation. Large showers produce a lot of steam. An extractor fan is essential.

Getting a bath right

Free-standing baths need space around them for cleaning, and the taps need planning: floor-standing mixers need pipes run in the floor before it is closed up.
Built-in baths need access to the waste and a properly sealed edge.
Weight. A cast-iron or stone bath, full of water, is very heavy. Check the floor structure, especially upstairs.

Our advice

Think about who uses the bathroom and how, and for how long you plan to stay. For more on finishes, see our guide to bathroom tiles, and see examples of our bathroom projects. If you are planning a bathroom renovation, get in touch.