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Hey there, neighbor! If you’re standing in your bathroom right now trying to decide whether to keep that old tub or finally rip it out for a big, beautiful walk-in shower, you’re not alone. Just about every week someone in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Emmaus calls us with the exact same question: “Walk-in shower vs tub—which is really better for my house?”
I’ve been remodeling bathrooms across the Allentown for over 18 years now, and honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works great for a young family in West End Allentown might be totally wrong for empty-nesters over on the south side. But after thousands of projects, I can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home, your budget, and the way you actually live.
Why This Decision Matters More in Allentown Than You Might Think
Our Pennsylvania winters are cold and damp, summers can get sticky, and—let’s be real—the hard water here is brutal on fixtures. Older homes in Center City or the 6th Ward often have tiny bathrooms with high-maintenance cast-iron tubs, while newer places out in Parkland have plenty of room but still face the same humidity and mineral buildup issues. Choosing between a walk-in shower and keeping (or replacing) the tub isn’t just about looks—it affects safety, resale value, water bills, cleaning time, and even how fast mold tries to move in.
So let’s break it down the way we do when folks invite us over for a free consultation.
I’ve been remodeling bathrooms across the Allentown for over 18 years now, and honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works great for a young family in West End Allentown might be totally wrong for empty-nesters over on the south side. But after thousands of projects, I can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home, your budget, and the way you actually live.
Walk-In Shower vs Tub: The Real Day-to-Day Differences
How You Actually Use the Bathroom
A luxurious soak after shoveling snow sounds nice in theory, but most of our customers admit they haven’t taken a bath in years. Kids are the only ones who really use tubs regularly—and even then, only until about age 8 or 9. Once they’re teenagers, it’s all quick showers.
Safety and Aging in Place
Here’s the part I never sugarcoat: standard tubs become a serious fall risk as we get older. That high wall is tough on bad knees, hips, or balance issues. We’ve installed countless walk-in bathtubs for folks who still love soaking but need the safety door, but far more people just say “get rid of the tub entirely” and go with a zero-threshold walk-in shower.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Hard water + soap scum + Pennsylvania humidity = mold and mildew love letters written on your grout. Walk-in showers with large-format tile or solid surface walls wipe down in minutes. Tubs—especially ones with that non-slip texture on the bottom—turn into science experiments if you don’t stay on top of them.
Space and Light
Ripping out the tub instantly makes even a small 5×8 bathroom feel twice as big and bright. We did a tub-to-shower conversion last month for a couple in the Overlook Park neighborhood—same exact footprint, but now it feels spa-like instead of cramped.
Resale Value in the Allentown Market
Real estate agents around here will tell you: at least one tub in the house (usually in the hall or master bath) is still preferred by buyers with young kids. Zero tubs can scare some families away. That said, a gorgeous primary bath with a huge walk-in shower sells houses fast too—especially to empty-nesters and downsizers who are a big part of our market right now.
Walk-In Shower vs Tub: Pros and Cons Side-by-Side
| Feature | Walk-In Shower | Traditional Tub (or Tub/Shower Combo) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily convenience | ★★★★★ Fast & easy | ★★★ Depends on step-over height |
| Safety for seniors/kids | ★★★★★ With grab bars & bench | ★★ Walk-in tubs can be ★★★★★ |
| Cleaning time | 5 minutes a week | 20–30 minutes scrubbing |
| Water usage | Usually lower | Higher (especially deep soakers) |
| Visual space | Makes bathroom feel huge | Takes up floor space |
| Relaxation factor | Rain heads & steam are awesome | Long soaks with Epsom salts |
| Cost to install (basic) | $6,500–$12,000 | $4,500–$9,000 (replacement) |
| Best for | Most adults, busy families | Homes with babies/young kids |
So Which Wins in 2025–2026? (It Depends on Your Household)
Here’s the rule of thumb we use after 18 years and 2,000+ bathrooms:
- Primary bathroom → 80% of our customers choose a full walk-in shower (often with dual heads, niche storage, and a bench).
- Hall or kids’ bathroom → Still keep the tub if you have (or plan to have) children under 10, or if you ever see grandchildren staying over.
- Only one bathroom in the house → Keep the tub (or do a shower-to-tub conversion if you currently have just a shower). Buyers hate zero-tub houses.
- Aging in place → Either a zero-threshold walk-in shower with all the safety features, or a proper walk-in bathtub with the door.
Real-Life Examples from Right Here in the Allentown
- West End Allentown (2024) – Young family with toddlers: Kept the hall tub but did a full tub-to-shower conversion in the primary. Best of both worlds.
- Emmaus couple in their 70s (2025) – Removed rarely-used tub for a huge roll-in shower with fold-down teak bench and six body sprays. They call it “the best money we ever spent.”
- Downtown Allentown row home – 1920s house with a tiny bathroom. Removed the clawfoot (sold it on Facebook Marketplace for $800!) and installed a neo-angle walk-in shower. Instantly modern.
- Catasauqua family expecting baby #3 – Actually went the other way: shower-to-tub conversion because the kids were outgrowing the infant tub.
Cost Considerations in the Allentonw(2025–2026 Pricing)
Here’s what we’re actually charging right now (full tear-out and professional install, mid-range materials):
- Basic tub replacement (same footprint): $4,800 – $7,200
- Tub-to-shower conversion (acrylic or tile): $6,900 – $11,500
- High-end walk-in shower (large format porcelain, frameless glass, niche lighting): $12,000 – $18,000
- Walk-in bathtub installation: $9,500 – $14,000
- Add a second bathroom package deal: usually 10–15% off total
Prices have gone up about 6–8% since 2023 because of material costs, but labor here is still reasonable compared to Philly suburbs.
The Hybrid Option Most People Don’t Think Of
Want the look and ease of a walk-in shower but still need a tub sometimes? We’ve been doing more “low-profile tub + frameless glass” combos lately. You get a sleek modern look, easy cleaning, and you can still fill it for the grandkids once a year. Win-win.
Final Thoughts
After all these years, I still love this conversation because every family is different. Some folks tear up talking about giving up the tub they bathed their babies in. Others dance when we carry the old one out to the truck.
The most important thing is making a decision you’ll be happy with for the next 10–20 years—not what looks good on Pinterest.
If you’re still on the fence, do this tonight: time how long your shower or bath actually takes for a week. Ask everyone in the house what they prefer. Then picture yourself at 75 getting in and out safely.
Still not sure? That’s literally why we’re here.
Ready to talk about what makes sense for your bathroom—and your life? Give us a call or fill out the form on our contact page. We’ll come measure, listen to what you want, and give you real numbers—no pressure, no upsell, just honest Lehigh Valley advice.
FAQs
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than replacing a tub?
Usually not. A straight tub replacement is less work. Converting tub-to-shower often means new plumbing location, waterproofing, tile, and glass—so it runs $1,500–$4,000 more on average.
Do walk-in showers increase home value in Allentown?
Yes—especially in primary bathrooms. A dated pink tub hurts value; a clean modern shower helps it.
Can you add a tub if I only have a shower now?
Absolutely! We do shower-to-tub conversions all the time, especially for growing families.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Most are done in 3–5 days start to finish. We protect your floors, clean up daily, and you’re showering in the new one by the weekend.
Are walk-in showers slippery?
Only if you choose the wrong tile. We use matte-finish porcelain with a high DCOF rating and always offer grab bars.
What if I want both—a tub and a separate walk-in shower?
If you have the space (usually 9×10 or larger), this is the gold standard for primary bathrooms. We’re doing more of these in new builds out in Upper Macungie.
Do you offer financing?
Yes—12–18 months 0% interest for qualified homeowners, or longer terms at low rates.
How do I get started?
Just click over to our contact page or call 610-510-5555. We’ll schedule a time to come out, look at your bathroom, and help you decide once and for all: walk-in shower, tub, or the perfect combination.