Are tub shower combos out of style in remodeling and new construction?

A fiberglass tub/shower combo unit has been a staple (especially in jack and jill, hall bathrooms, and smaller master bathrooms) for DECADES! And whether you’re building a new home or remodeling, you may be wondering if it’s smart to stick with the tub/shower combo ‘tradition’ (and this word reminds me of that annoying Broadway show – Fiddler on the Roof) or opt for a walk in shower and/or a freestanding bathtub instead.

And based on what I’m seeing as a nationwide bathroom products wholesaler and Cleveland bathroom remodeling contractor, I can tell you it’s a ‘mixed bag’ on whether or not to use a bathtub/shower combo.

In remodeling, tub/shower combos are losing ground faster than 60 year olds are losing their hair! And what’s replacing these units you might ask? It’s walk in showers and freestanding tubs (if you have enough room for them).

However, in new construction, the tub/shower combos are alive and well – thank you very much. They’re maintaining their standing (or sitting – OK, that’s a bad tub pun if you didn’t pick up on it) with single family and multi-unit builders.

So, you might be wondering, why are tub/showers going out of style in remodeling, but holding their own in new construction projects? Read below and find out.

Why are one piece tub/shower combos going out of style in remodeling projects?

Like many things in life, there’s not simply one reason tub/showers are going the way of the ‘hula-hoop’ (now that brings back memories like you’ll see in the video below!) in remodeling projects, but there’s several reasons.

Let’s take a peek at what they are:

Reason #1 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – Safety and accessibility.

If your mom, dad, or child has mobility challenges you know their ‘attempts’ to climb over the edge of a tub are anxiety-provoking for you. It’s an accident waiting to happen. This is why bath to shower conversions with low profile shower pans are growing like weeds in your lawn.

Reason #2 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – Cost.

Since you can’t get a one-piece fiberglass tub shower combo into your home AFTER your interior walls are framed and drywalled (because it’s too big), and the fact that tubs (generally) are more expensive than shower pans, it’s usually less expensive to replace a one piece tub/shower with a new shower pan and separate wall surround panels.

Reason #3 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – It’s easier to clean a shower pan than a tub. And it’s easier to wash your pets in a shower than in a tub.

Bending over a bathtub to clean soap scum (or ‘attempting’ to clean your St. Bernard) is (literally) a pain in the neck (and back). Cleaning a shower pan (or your big dog in a shower) is far simpler because you’re not bending over a tub rail. Why make life tougher than it has to be with a tub if you’re remodeling?

Reason #4 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – You’ve got significantly more room to plant your feet on a shower pan than a tub.

If you think about it, tubs are contoured (and gently angled on the sides and back) to create a comfortable bathing or soaking experience (this area in the industry is called the ‘bathing well’). And while this is good if you’re bathing – it’s NOT good when you’re showering because it reduces the space you to have securely plant your feet while standing up and showering.

Reason #5 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – It’s easier to add permanent seating in a shower, than it is in a tub.

With a shower you have the flexibility to install a bench or fold shower seat almost anywhere you’d like.  With a tub/shower combo, options to add a seat are non-existent after the unit has been installed. And even when you do see seats pre-built into these units they gobble up more space than a flock of turkeys trying to get out of town BEFORE becoming Thanksgiving dinner!

Reason #6 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – There’s infinitely more surround options with a shower than with a boring one-piece tub/shower unit.

Let’s face it, the ‘fashion statement’ made by a white, fiberglass tub shower combo could be affectionately described as ‘understated’ – or more aptly described as ugly. And as these units ‘age’ – they DO NOT usually age gracefully (and any of you with yellowed or dirty fiberglass one piece surrounds you KNOW what I’m talking about!).

On the other hand, with a shower surround you can go with unique tiles or cool (and grout free) stylish shower surround panels.

Why settle for a ‘Plain Jane’ (and my apologies to all the ‘Jane’s’ out there) tub/shower combo walls – when you can get extraordinary?

Reason #7 tub/shower combos are less popular in remodeling – You’ll have more elbow room in a shower than a tub shower combo. In addition, you won’t CONSTANTLY be bumping your shampoo bottles onto the floor!  

One piece fiberglass tub shower combos have annoying pre-formed, pre-molded ‘shelves’ (and I use the term lightly here). And you know if you make the slightest ‘wrong move’ and touch showering products on these shelves with your ‘uber-thin’ body (yes, we all wish) you’ll hear the familiar ‘plop’ of products descending to the tub/shower floor. What a pain!

On the other hand, with a walk in shower you can place accessories wherever you like. Use virtually any sized recessed niche to ‘super-size’ storage. And yes, this works out wonderful if you’ve got a wife like mine whose has A BUNCH of stuff in the shower to make her pretty! Ok, maybe now I understand why I’m afflicted with U.M.D. (that’d be Ugly Man Disease). I need more beauty products in the shower!

You can choose niches, corner shelves, grab shelves, you name it. And YOU can determine where they’ll be best placed for the height or mobility capabilities of those using the shower, unlike a tub/shower combo where they’re molded into predetermined locations.

So, now that’s I’ve covered why tub/shower combos – while not totally going the way of the ‘hula hoop’ – are declining in remodeling, you may be wondering why they’re NOT going out of style in new homes? Read on.

Why are tub/shower combos NOT going out of style in newly built homes and apartments?

Reason #1 why tub/shower combos are NOT going out of style in new homes – You’ll get a ‘BOGO’ special!

I’ll bet you’ve taken advantage of a ‘BOGO’ (buy one, get one free) special once or twice before in your life.

And if you’re a home builder – who is ALWAYS looking to save a buck, you know if you can find a way to put in a ‘multi-functioning’ product you’re delighted to do it.

And with a tub/shower combo you’re getting the ultimate ‘BOGO’ special. You’re getting a tub AND a shower for the price of one. And for multi-unit builders constructing one bedroom, one bathroom apartments – they can broaden their market for potential buyers or tenants to those people who want a shower AND those people who demand a tub.

And the same is also true of single family builders who are targeting young couples with young children who need the tub function today, but also want the flexibility of a shower.

Reason #2 why tub/shower combos are NOT going out of style in new homes – They’re cheap (‘er cost-effective is the P.C. term for this) to purchase and install.

Since one piece fiberglass tub/shower combos can be brought into a new home bathroom before framing – and they’re simple to install, labor costs are lower for a production builder.  

And since these units are manufactured in large quantities in standard sizes (60 x 30 and 60 x 32 are most common) – they’re a high-volume manufacturers dream – and welcome with open arms by the builders striving for lower purchasing costs.

Reason #3 why tub/shower combos are NOT going out of style in new homes – Young couples need a tub for little ones.

Especially in starter homes (which – as you know are getting more expensive all the time) the fiberglass one piece surround is a staple because young couples with kids need one to bath the little ones.

Reason #4 why tub/shower combos are NOT going out of style in new homes – Some people want ‘take me away Calgon’ moments or are worried the home won’t sell without at least one bathtub.

I don’t know why but this commercial from the 1977 for Calgon – and being ‘taken away’ from the stress of life while soaking in a bathtub is still funny to me!

But even if you’re not buying Calgon – having the ability to relax in a soaking tub is an important part of an enjoyable life for many people. And the alternative, laying on the floor of your shower pan, IS NOT as comfortable (and if you ARE doing it, people will likely think you had just a ‘tad’ too much to drink at the bar last night– ha! ha!).

And besides another motivator to include a tub/shower combo is to make your home sellable to the widest range of people (those who want a tub and those who want a shower).

Reason #5 why tub/shower combos are NOT going out of style in new homes – Depending on the home plan, you may not have enough room for a separate tub and a separate shower.

Let’s face it – larger master bathrooms in custom homes are NOT a place you’ll see a one-piece fiberglass tub/shower combo. No, customers with bathrooms in upper-end homes demand a ‘5 piece bathroom’ with a stylish look.

And if you don’t know what the components of a 5-piece bathroom are, here’s a list:

• 2 sinks,
• 1 toilet,
• 1 separate shower
• 1 separate tub.

And I can tell you from my experience (and the recent bathroom remodel I did in my own home) – I made sure we kept our ‘5 piece bathroom’ (for resale) and replaced our outdated step in tile drop in tub – with a new ‘freestanding acrylic tub’ – even though I knew my wife and I would seldom use it!

However, not all home plans obviously have room for the ‘5 piece bathroom.’ Some feel lucky to have ‘3 pieces’ (a toilet, a sink, and the tub/shower combo).

So, if bathroom space is at a premium, a builder may feel it’s essential to give prospective owners or renters the most ‘bang’ for the buck with the ‘2 for 1’ BOGO tub/shower special.

Now that you know more about tub/shower combos in remodeling or new homes, will you use one in your next project? Would you like help with your job?

I hope this article has made it clearer to you if a tub/shower combo is a good thing – or not – whether you’re building a new home or remodeling.

And because I know (since I’ve been in this business way more years than I’d care to admit and before I had my gray hair) there’s a lot of ‘moving parts’ in a bathroom. In addition, if you’re confused on what to do, I’d like to offer help from the Innovate team to get you through it.

So, if you have questions, want wholesale pricing on a shower system, or need a contractor referral contact a Shower Specialist at Innovate Building Solutions. Call 877-668-5888 or request a Free Consultation.

And if you’re a bathroom contractor, a kitchen and bath showroom, or multi-unit property owner (or buyer) looking to purchase shower kits, shower walls, or freestanding or alcove bathtubs call me at 888-467-7488 or visit the wall panel dealership or multi-unit wall panel supply areas of our site.

And lastly if you’re looking for an Akron or Cleveland bathroom remodeling contractor to professionally install for you, call 216-531-6085.

Thanks for reading and learning about tub/shower combos in new construction and remodeling. Let me and my team know if we can help further.

Mike