Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub: Which Is Right for Your Sacramento Home? (2026)

The Great Debate: Shower vs. Tub in Sacramento

Should you install a walk-in shower or keep a bathtub? It is the single most common question Sacramento homeowners ask when planning a bathroom remodel. The answer is not one-size-fits-all. Your ideal choice depends on how you use your bathroom every day, who lives in your home, your plans for the future, and the specific real estate dynamics of the Sacramento market.

Walk-in showers have surged in popularity across the Sacramento region over the past five years. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that walk-in showers consistently rank as the number one most desired bathroom feature among home buyers nationwide, and Sacramento is no exception. At the same time, bathtubs remain essential for certain households and can be a deal-breaker for families with young children.

This guide provides a thorough, balanced comparison of walk-in showers and bathtubs across every factor that matters: cost, resale value, daily usability, accessibility, maintenance, water usage, and space requirements. We also address specific Sacramento considerations including local real estate trends, what buyers in different Sacramento neighborhoods expect, and how to make the decision that adds the most value to your home and your daily life.

Walk-In Shower Pros and Cons

Walk-in showers have become the centerpiece of modern bathroom design. Whether you are considering a new walk-in shower installation or a tub-to-shower conversion, here is an honest look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Walk-In Showers

• Modern aesthetics: Walk-in showers with frameless glass, quality tile, and modern fixtures create a spa-like atmosphere that transforms the entire bathroom. They are the defining feature of contemporary bathroom design in 2026.
• Easier daily use: Stepping into a walk-in shower (especially a curbless design) is far easier than climbing over a bathtub wall. For most adults, a shower is the primary daily bathing method, making a walk-in shower the most practical choice for the space you use every day.
• Superior accessibility: Walk-in showers can be designed with zero-threshold entry, grab bars, built-in benches, and handheld shower heads that accommodate all ages and mobility levels. They are the foundation of aging-in-place bathroom design.
• Lower water usage: A standard 8-minute shower with a 2.0 GPM head uses approximately 16 gallons of water. Filling a standard bathtub requires 36-50 gallons. For Sacramento homeowners mindful of drought conditions and water costs, daily showering is significantly more water-efficient than daily baths.
• Easier to clean: Walk-in showers with large-format tile have fewer grout lines and no tub basin to scrub. A frameless glass panel with a protective coating requires only a quick squeegee after each use. Most walk-in showers can be cleaned thoroughly in 10-15 minutes.
• Visual space expansion: A walk-in shower with frameless glass makes a bathroom appear larger than a bulky tub-shower combo or an opaque shower enclosure. The transparent glass allows sight lines to extend through the shower, visually expanding the room.
• Strong resale appeal: Walk-in showers are the number one most desired bathroom feature among Sacramento home buyers. Homes with updated walk-in showers sell faster and closer to asking price in the Sacramento market.
• Design flexibility: Walk-in showers offer virtually unlimited customization with tile patterns, accent walls, multiple shower heads, bench seats, niches, lighting, and glass configurations. For a deep dive, see our complete walk-in shower guide.

Disadvantages of Walk-In Showers

• Higher installation cost: A quality walk-in shower costs $8,000-$25,000+ installed in Sacramento, compared to $3,500-$7,000 for a basic alcove tub with tile surround. The cost difference is driven by frameless glass, more extensive tile work, and waterproofing requirements.
• No soaking option: You cannot take a bath in a walk-in shower. For homeowners who enjoy soaking baths for relaxation, therapy, or muscle recovery, removing the only tub in the home eliminates this option entirely.
• Not ideal for young children: Bathing infants and toddlers in a walk-in shower is impractical and unsafe. Families with children under five need at least one bathtub in the home.
• Potential resale risk if only tub removed: Removing the only bathtub in a home with three or more bedrooms can reduce resale value by 5-10% in Sacramento, as many buyers consider at least one tub essential.
• Water splash management: Walk-in showers, particularly doorless designs, require careful engineering to contain water spray. Poorly designed walk-in showers can allow water to escape onto the bathroom floor.

A walk-in shower delivers daily convenience, modern aesthetics, and strong resale value in Sacramento master bathrooms

Bathtub Pros and Cons

Bathtubs have been a bathroom staple for over a century, and they remain an important feature in many Sacramento homes. Here is a clear-eyed assessment of bathtub advantages and disadvantages in 2026.

Advantages of Bathtubs

• Essential for young children: Bathtubs are the safest and most practical way to bathe infants, toddlers, and young children. A bathtub with a few inches of warm water is far safer and more comfortable for kids than a standing shower. For Sacramento families with children under five, at least one bathtub is a near-requirement.
• Relaxation and therapeutic soaking: A warm bath provides benefits that a shower cannot replicate: full-body immersion, muscle relaxation, stress relief, and therapeutic soaking for aches and pain. Soaking tubs, Japanese-style ofuro tubs, and jetted tubs serve a wellness function that many homeowners value deeply.
• Lower installation cost: A standard alcove bathtub with a tile surround costs $3,500-$7,000 installed in Sacramento, significantly less than a walk-in shower. For budget-conscious remodels, a tub replacement is the more affordable option.
• Resale safety net: Having at least one bathtub in the home protects resale value for the broadest buyer pool. Families with children, pet owners, and older buyers all value having a tub available.
• Pet bathing: Bathtubs are far more practical for bathing dogs and other pets than walk-in showers. The contained basin prevents water from splashing across the bathroom, and the tub sides keep pets in place during bathing.
• Dual purpose (tub-shower combo): A tub-shower combo provides both bathing options in a single footprint. While not as luxurious as a dedicated walk-in shower, it is the most space-efficient way to have both a tub and a shower in a single bathroom.

Disadvantages of Bathtubs

• Dated appearance: Standard alcove tub-shower combos with plastic surrounds or small ceramic tile are the most dated-looking feature in many Sacramento bathrooms. They signal a bathroom that has not been updated, which can negatively affect buyer perception and home value.
• Difficult entry and exit: Stepping over a 14-16 inch tub wall is a significant fall risk, especially for older adults. The CDC reports that bathroom falls are among the leading causes of injury for adults over 65, and the bathtub is the most common location for these falls.
• Higher water usage: Filling a standard bathtub uses 36-50 gallons of hot water, roughly three times more than an 8-minute shower. For Sacramento homeowners facing periodic water restrictions and rising utility costs, frequent baths are a significant water expense.
• Harder to clean: Tubs require scrubbing the basin, walls, and grout around the tub surround. Jetted tubs need periodic jet cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria buildup in the plumbing lines. Tub-shower combos with curtain rods and shower curtains require regular curtain washing or replacement.
• Space consumption: A standard 60x30-inch alcove tub occupies the same footprint as a comfortable walk-in shower but delivers a less appealing daily experience for the majority of adults who shower rather than bathe. Oversized jetted tubs (popular in 1990s and 2000s Sacramento homes) consume even more floor space and are rarely used.
• Limited design impact: Unless you invest in a freestanding soaking tub ($2,000-$8,000 for the tub alone), bathtubs do not create the same visual "wow factor" as a walk-in shower with frameless glass and quality tile. Standard alcove tubs are largely interchangeable and do not showcase craftsmanship.

A freestanding soaking tub remains a desirable feature for relaxation, child bathing, and resale value in Sacramento homes

Side-by-Side Comparison

The following table provides a direct comparison of walk-in showers and bathtubs across the factors that matter most to Sacramento homeowners. Use this as a quick reference to see how each option stacks up.

As the table shows, walk-in showers outperform bathtubs in the categories that matter most for daily living: convenience, accessibility, water efficiency, maintenance, and design impact. Bathtubs hold an advantage for child bathing, relaxation soaking, and cost. The optimal strategy for most Sacramento homeowners is to have both, and we cover that approach in detail below.

When to Choose a Walk-In Shower

A walk-in shower is the right choice for your Sacramento bathroom when any of the following apply:

• You are remodeling the master bathroom: The master bathroom is where you start and end every day. A master bathroom remodel with a walk-in shower transforms your daily routine and delivers the strongest resale impact. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting the master tub to a walk-in shower is almost always the right call.
• You have another tub in the home: If a hall bath or guest bath has a bathtub, you can confidently replace the master tub with a walk-in shower without affecting resale value. The secondary tub covers family and buyer needs.
• You value daily shower experience: If you shower daily and rarely (or never) take baths, dedicating your primary bathroom space to a walk-in shower maximizes the enjoyment you get from the room every single day.
• Accessibility is a priority: For homeowners over 55, anyone with mobility limitations, or households planning to age in place, a walk-in shower with accessibility features is significantly safer than a bathtub. This is a quality-of-life and safety decision, not just an aesthetic one.
• Your bathroom is small: In bathrooms under 50 square feet, a walk-in shower with frameless glass creates a more spacious feel than a bulky tub-shower combo. The transparent glass visually expands the room in a way that an opaque tub enclosure cannot.
• You want to modernize a dated bathroom: Replacing a 1990s or 2000s jetted tub or a dated tub-shower combo with a modern walk-in shower is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to a Sacramento home. The design impact is immediate and dramatic.
• Your children are school-age or older: Once children are old enough to shower independently (typically age 6-8), the practical need for a bathtub diminishes significantly. Many Sacramento families convert to walk-in showers once their youngest child is past the bathing stage.

When to Keep a Bathtub

A bathtub is the right choice for your Sacramento bathroom when any of the following apply:

• It is the only tub in the home: If your home has only one bathroom or if all other bathrooms have showers only, keeping at least one bathtub protects your resale value and maintains functionality for future needs. This is especially important in homes with three or more bedrooms, where Sacramento buyers expect at least one tub.
• You have young children: If you have children under five (or plan to in the near future), a bathtub is a practical necessity. While you can technically bathe a baby in a kitchen sink or portable tub, a standard bathtub is the safest and most convenient option for daily child bathing.
• You enjoy soaking baths: If regular baths are part of your wellness routine, removing your tub eliminates something you genuinely value. Consider whether a walk-in shower with a bench and steam feature could partially substitute, or whether the compromise of having both is worth the investment.
• You are remodeling a hall or guest bathroom: Secondary bathrooms often serve families, guests, and children. A tub-shower combo in a hall or guest bath provides maximum flexibility in a single footprint. Save the walk-in shower upgrade for the master bathroom where it delivers the greatest daily impact.
• You plan to sell within 1-2 years: If you are selling soon and the bathroom is the only one with a tub, keeping the tub (even updating it with fresh tile and fixtures) is the safer resale strategy. A tub-to-shower conversion that removes the home's only tub may deter family buyers.
• Budget is the primary concern: If your remodeling budget is limited, a bathtub replacement with a new alcove tub and tile surround ($3,500-$7,000) is significantly less expensive than a walk-in shower ($8,000-$25,000). You can achieve a fresh, updated look at a lower price point with a modern tub and quality tile surround.

The Compromise: Separate Tub and Shower in the Master Bath

The most desirable master bathroom configuration in Sacramento real estate is a separate walk-in shower and a freestanding soaking tub. This layout gives you the best of both worlds: the daily convenience and modern design of a walk-in shower, plus the relaxation and versatility of a dedicated bathtub.

To accommodate both, you need a master bathroom with approximately 80-100 square feet or more. Many Sacramento homes built in the 1990s through 2010s already have master bathrooms in this size range, often featuring an oversized jetted tub that is rarely used. The most common renovation in these bathrooms is to remove the large jetted tub and replace it with a combination of a walk-in shower (using part of the former tub space) and a more modestly sized freestanding soaking tub.

Layout Options for Both

• Walk-in shower + freestanding tub (side by side): The shower and tub share a common wall, with the tub positioned adjacent to the shower. This is the most space-efficient layout and works well in bathrooms 80-100 square feet.
• Walk-in shower in one zone + tub as focal point: The shower is tucked into an alcove or corner while the freestanding tub is positioned as the visual centerpiece of the bathroom, often under a window or against a feature wall. This layout requires 100+ square feet but creates a dramatic, magazine-worthy bathroom.
• Wet room with tub: The entire shower area is an open wet room (fully waterproofed floor and walls) with a freestanding tub inside or adjacent to the wet zone. This is a high-end design popular in luxury Sacramento homes and requires expert waterproofing.

Cost for Both

While the combined cost is substantial, a master bathroom with both a walk-in shower and a freestanding soaking tub delivers the highest resale value and buyer appeal of any bathroom configuration in the Sacramento market. These bathrooms consistently sell homes faster and at higher prices. For a full cost breakdown, see our Sacramento bathroom remodel cost guide.

Sacramento Real Estate Perspective: What Buyers Want

Sacramento's real estate market provides clear signals about what buyers value in bathrooms. Understanding these trends helps you make renovation decisions that align with both your personal needs and your home's long-term value.

What Sacramento Buyers Expect in 2026

• Walk-in shower in the master bath: 78% of Sacramento buyers rank a walk-in shower as a must-have or highly desirable feature in the master bathroom. Homes with walk-in showers in the master bath sell an average of 12 days faster than comparable homes with tub-shower combos.
• At least one bathtub in the home: 67% of buyers with children under 10 consider at least one bathtub essential. Even among buyers without children, 45% prefer that the home includes a tub in a secondary bathroom.
• Updated fixtures and finishes: Regardless of whether they prefer a shower or tub, buyers strongly penalize dated bathrooms. Brass fixtures, small ceramic tile, fiberglass tub inserts, and laminate countertops are significant turnoffs in the Sacramento market.
• Frameless glass: Frameless glass enclosures and panels are expected in updated bathrooms. Framed shower doors and shower curtains signal a bathroom that has not been modernized.

Resale Value Data

By Sacramento Neighborhood

Buyer preferences vary somewhat by Sacramento sub-market. Here is what we see across the region:

• East Sacramento, Land Park, Curtis Park: Older homes with smaller bathrooms. Walk-in showers are highly valued because they make small bathrooms feel more spacious. Buyers in these neighborhoods are often design-conscious and prefer modern finishes.
• Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay: Larger homes with master suites that can accommodate both a walk-in shower and a freestanding tub. Buyers in these areas expect an updated master bathroom and are willing to pay a premium for one. Walk-in showers with frameless glass are the standard expectation.
• Folsom, El Dorado Hills: High-end market where luxury walk-in showers (curbless, multi-head, premium tile) are expected in homes priced above $700,000. Buyers are highly attuned to bathroom quality and penalize dated finishes more heavily than in other areas.
• Elk Grove, Natomas, Rancho Cordova: Family-oriented neighborhoods where at least one bathtub is strongly expected. Walk-in showers in master baths are desired but secondary to having a functional, clean tub for kids. A modern tub-shower combo in the hall bath plus a walk-in shower in the master bath is the ideal configuration.
• Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Orangevale: Mid-range market where updated bathrooms of any type add significant value. Walk-in showers are a strong differentiator in this price range because many competing homes still have original 1980s-1990s bathrooms.

Cost Comparison in Sacramento

Understanding the full cost picture helps you compare walk-in showers and bathtubs on an apples-to-apples basis. Here is a detailed cost comparison for Sacramento installations in 2026. For an even deeper breakdown of shower costs, see our shower remodel cost guide.

Walk-In Shower Costs

Bathtub Costs

The cost comparison makes clear that bathtubs are the more affordable option at the basic level. However, when you compare the mid-range walk-in shower ($8,000-$16,000) to a mid-range freestanding tub setup ($3,500-$9,000), the walk-in shower delivers significantly more design impact, higher resale value, and better daily functionality per dollar spent. The walk-in shower is the better investment for the primary bathroom in nearly every scenario.

Families with Kids: What to Consider

The walk-in shower vs. bathtub decision becomes more nuanced when you have children. Here is a practical breakdown by age group to help Sacramento families make the right choice:

Infants and Toddlers (0-3 Years)

A bathtub is essential. Infants and toddlers cannot stand safely in a shower, and a bathtub with a few inches of warm water is the safest, most controlled bathing environment for young children. If you are expecting a baby or have children in this age range, keep at least one bathtub in the home.

Preschool Age (3-5 Years)

A bathtub is still the primary bathing method for most children in this age range, though some begin transitioning to supervised showers. If you are considering a tub-to-shower conversion in the master bath, this is a fine time to do it as long as you keep a tub in the hall or guest bath for the kids.

School Age (6-10 Years)

Most children in this age group can shower independently or with minimal supervision. A walk-in shower with a handheld shower head on a slide bar (adjustable height) is actually an excellent option for school-age children because they can adjust the water height to their size. A bathtub is still nice to have but is no longer a daily necessity.

Tweens and Teens (11+ Years)

Children in this age group shower exclusively. A walk-in shower is the preferred option for this demographic. If your youngest child is in this range, the practical need for a bathtub has passed, and you can confidently convert to a walk-in shower in any bathroom.

Aging-in-Place Considerations

For Sacramento homeowners over 55 or anyone planning to age in their current home, the walk-in shower vs. bathtub question has a clear answer: a walk-in shower is significantly safer. The data on bathroom safety for older adults is unambiguous.

Bathroom Fall Statistics

• 230,000+ emergency room visits annually in the United States are caused by bathroom falls (CDC data).
• The bathtub is the #1 location for bathroom falls, primarily due to the 14-16 inch wall that must be stepped over.
• 80% of bathroom falls among seniors occur while getting in or out of the bathtub or shower.
• 1 in 3 adults over 65 falls each year, and bathroom falls are among the most serious because of the hard, wet surfaces involved.

Walk-In Shower Safety Features

A properly designed walk-in shower dramatically reduces fall risk through the following features:

• Curbless (zero-threshold) entry: Eliminates the step-over that causes most bathroom falls. Allows wheelchair and walker access. Adds $3,000-$6,000 to the project cost.
• Built-in bench seat: Allows seated showering, which is safer than standing on a wet surface. A bench at 17-19 inches (ADA height) also facilitates transfer from a wheelchair. $300-$1,500 depending on material.
• Grab bars: Modern decorative grab bars from Moen, Delta, and other manufacturers blend seamlessly with shower fixtures in matching finishes. Install at the entry point, near the bench, and on the wall opposite the controls. $75-$200 each installed.
• Handheld shower head on slide bar: Allows use from both seated and standing positions. The slide bar height range (36-72 inches) accommodates all users. $100-$400 installed.
• Anti-slip floor tile: Tile with a DCOF rating of 0.60+ provides maximum traction on wet surfaces. Small-format mosaic tile offers additional grip through abundant grout lines.
• Thermostatic valve: Maintains consistent water temperature to prevent scalding, which is especially important for older adults with reduced temperature sensitivity. $200-$600 more than a standard pressure-balanced valve.
• Adequate size: A minimum 60x36-inch clear floor space provides room for a wheelchair or caregiver assistance. 60x48 inches or larger is recommended for long-term aging-in-place planning.

Even if you do not need these features today, installing a walk-in shower with grab bar blocking (wood reinforcement behind the tile for future grab bar installation) is a smart investment. The cost to add blocking during construction is $50-$150, compared to $500-$1,500+ for retrofitting grab bars later with tile repair. Planning ahead saves money and ensures your bathroom can adapt to your needs over time.

What About Walk-In Bathtubs?

Walk-in bathtubs (tubs with a built-in door for step-in entry) are marketed as a senior-friendly bathing solution, but they have significant drawbacks. Walk-in tubs cost $5,000-$15,000 installed, require the user to sit inside the tub while it fills (which takes 5-10 minutes) and drains (another 5-10 minutes), and many models develop door seal issues over time. Most bathroom remodeling professionals, including our team at Oakwood Remodeling Group, recommend a well-designed walk-in shower with accessibility features over a walk-in tub for safety, comfort, daily convenience, and long-term reliability.

Making Your Decision: A Quick Guide

After reviewing all the factors, here is a simplified decision framework for Sacramento homeowners:

Ready to Make Your Choice?

Whether you are leaning toward a walk-in shower, want to update your bathtub, or are exploring the possibility of having both, the right starting point is a conversation with a bathroom remodeling professional who understands Sacramento's market and your specific home.

At Oakwood Remodeling Group, we specialize exclusively in bathroom remodeling for Sacramento-area homeowners. We have completed hundreds of walk-in shower installations, tub-to-shower conversions, and full bathroom remodels across Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and surrounding communities. We will help you evaluate your bathroom, discuss your priorities, and recommend the configuration that delivers the best combination of daily enjoyment and long-term value for your specific home.