The Great Bathroom Debate: Shower or Tub?
If you're planning a bathroom remodel in Margate, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to keep your bathtub, replace it with a walk-in shower, or find a way to incorporate both. It's a question we hear almost every day at Oasis Bathroom Remodeling, and the answer isn't always straightforward.
Your ideal choice depends on your lifestyle, your home's resale value, the size of your bathroom, and your long-term plans. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to consider so you can make a confident decision that you'll love for years to come.
The Case for a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers have surged in popularity across South Florida, and for good reason. Here's why many Margate homeowners are making the switch:
More Space and an Open Feel
If your bathroom is on the smaller side — which is common in many Margate homes built in the 1970s through 1990s — removing a bulky tub and replacing it with a sleek walk-in shower can make the room feel significantly larger. Frameless glass enclosures amplify this effect by creating a seamless, open look.
Easier Accessibility
A curbless or low-threshold shower is a game-changer for aging in place. With Florida's large retiree population, many homeowners in our community are thinking ahead about mobility and safety. Walk-in showers can be outfitted with grab bars, built-in benches, and non-slip tile — all without sacrificing style.
Modern Aesthetic
From rainfall showerheads to floor-to-ceiling tile work, walk-in showers offer endless design possibilities. They give your bathroom a spa-like feel that's hard to achieve with a standard tub-shower combo.
Faster Daily Routine
Let's be honest — most adults take showers, not baths. If you rarely soak in the tub, dedicating that square footage to a spacious shower simply makes more practical sense.
The Case for Keeping a Bathtub
Before you rip out that tub, here are some important reasons to think twice:
Families with Young Children
If you have little ones at home, a bathtub is practically essential. Bathing toddlers and small children in a shower is inconvenient at best and unsafe at worst. If your household includes kids under six or seven, keeping at least one tub in the home is usually the smart move.
Resale Value Considerations
Here's a factor many homeowners overlook: most real estate professionals recommend that a home have at least one bathtub. Removing every tub from your house can narrow your pool of potential buyers down the road. This is especially relevant in family-friendly neighborhoods throughout Margate and nearby Coral Springs, where homes with tubs tend to sell more easily.
Relaxation and Wellness
There's no substitute for a long, hot soak after a stressful day. If you're someone who values that ritual, a freestanding soaking tub or a deep alcove tub might be the centerpiece your bathroom needs.
What About a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?
A tub-to-shower conversion is one of our most requested services at Oasis Bathroom Remodeling. It involves removing an existing bathtub and installing a custom shower in its place. Here's what the process typically looks like:
- Assessment and design consultation — We evaluate your current plumbing, bathroom layout, and your wish list.
- Demolition — The old tub and surrounding materials are carefully removed.
- Plumbing adjustments — Drain and supply lines are repositioned as needed for the new shower configuration.
- Waterproofing and tile installation — Proper waterproofing is critical in our humid Margate climate. We install a membrane system before laying your chosen tile.
- Fixtures and finishing touches — Showerheads, handles, glass doors, niches, and benches are installed to complete the look.
Most tub-to-shower conversions in a standard-sized bathroom can be completed in about five to seven business days, depending on the complexity of the project.
Key Factors to Help You Decide
Still on the fence? Ask yourself these questions:
- How many bathrooms does your home have? If you have two or more full bathrooms, converting one tub to a shower while keeping the other is often the ideal compromise.
- Who lives in your home now — and who might in the future? Think about your household's needs over the next five to ten years, not just today.
- What's your primary goal? If it's maximizing space, a shower wins. If it's creating a personal retreat, a deep soaking tub might be the answer.
- Are you planning to sell soon? If resale is on the horizon, keeping at least one tub is generally advisable.
- What's your budget? Tub-to-shower conversions and shower upgrades can range widely in cost depending on materials and scope. A professional consultation will give you a clear picture.
A Hybrid Option: The Wet Room
For homeowners who want the best of both worlds, a wet room design is gaining traction. In this layout, the shower area and a freestanding tub share an open, fully waterproofed space. It's a stunning solution for larger master bathrooms and creates a true luxury spa experience right in your Margate home.
Why Material Choices Matter in South Florida
Regardless of whether you choose a shower or a tub, the materials you select need to stand up to our local climate. High humidity, hard water, and warm temperatures mean that proper ventilation, mold-resistant materials, and quality waterproofing aren't optional — they're essential. Porcelain and ceramic tiles remain top choices for their durability and water resistance, while natural stone options like marble or travertine add elegance but require more maintenance.
At Oasis Bathroom Remodeling, we guide our clients through material selection with South Florida's unique conditions in mind, ensuring your new bathroom looks beautiful and performs flawlessly for the long haul.
Let's Design Your Perfect Bathroom
Whether you're leaning toward a luxurious walk-in shower, a relaxing soaking tub, or a creative combination of both, the team at Oasis Bathroom Remodeling is here to help you bring your vision to life. We've helped homeowners across Margate, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and the surrounding area transform outdated bathrooms into spaces they truly love.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll discuss your goals, assess your space, and provide a detailed plan tailored to your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.