Walk-In Shower vs. Tub: What Kitchener Homeowners Are Choosing in 2026

This is the question we get asked most often on a full remodel, and the right answer depends on more than personal preference — it depends on the rest of the house.

The Case for a Walk-In Shower

Curbless or low-curb walk-in showers are the most-requested upgrade we do. They read as more modern, they're easier to keep clean, and if you're planning to stay in your home long-term, they age with you — no step to navigate. A well-built walk-in with a glass panel (rather than a full enclosure) also makes a small bathroom feel larger.

The Case for Keeping at Least One Tub

If your home only has one full bathroom, most realtors and home inspectors will flag a house with zero bathtubs as a resale limitation — young families and buyers with kids specifically look for at least one tub in the house. If you have a second bathroom, converting the primary ensuite to a walk-in shower while keeping a tub elsewhere is the common compromise.

Cost Difference

A tiled walk-in shower conversion typically costs more than a like-for-like tub replacement, mainly due to waterproofing membrane work, a linear or center drain, and glass. Budget for the glass panel or door separately — it's often quoted as a line item after the tile work is priced.

What We'd Actually Recommend

If this is your only bathroom: keep the tub, but consider a tub-shower combo with a sliding glass door instead of a curtain — most of the "modern" feel with none of the resale risk. If you have a second bathroom elsewhere in the house: the ensuite is the right place to go all-in on a walk-in.

Related: How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take in Kitchener?

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