Glued-Down vs Floating (Underlay) Wood Floors
What they are
- Bathtub: Soaking tub with deck or freestanding, shower-over optional.
- Walk-In Shower (linear drain): Step-free/low-profile shower tray or tiled floor with a linear drain and continuous waterproofing.
Advantages & benefits
Bathtub
- Relaxation/therapy: Full-body soak; family-friendly for bathing kids.
- Acoustics & warmth: Water retains heat; cozy feel for long soaks.
- Resale signal: Some buyers expect at least one tub in a home.
Walk-In Shower (linear drain)
- Accessibility & safety: Low/zero step entry; easier for seniors and mobility aids.
- Space efficiency: Feels larger; enables bigger vanity/storage in small baths.
- Fast daily use & cleaning: Fewer ledges; linear drain simplifies slopes.
- Design continuity: Large-format tiles, frameless glass—premium, modern look.
Performance notes
- Water use (per use): Walk-in shower typically −30–60% vs a full tub (depends on shower length/flow rate).
- Slip risk: Lower with textured tiles + linear drain; add grab bars where needed.
- Thermal comfort: Tubs retain heat for soaking; open showers may need warm-tone lighting and proper extraction to avoid drafts/steam buildup.
- Maintenance: Fewer siliconed joints in well-detailed walk-ins; tubs have overflow, waste seals, and caulk lines to maintain.
Costs (percentages only; baseline = Standard bathtub with tiled surround = 0%)
(Like-for-like bathroom quality; ranges vary by brand, glass, tile size, and site conditions.)
- Walk-in shower (linear drain, tiled floor & wall): +10–35% vs baseline
- Walk-in with frameless glass panel/door upgrade: +20–50% vs baseline
- Freestanding designer tub (instead of standard): +15–40% vs baseline
- Program time (to completion): Walk-in shower typically +5–15% vs baseline (extra prep: waterproofing, slope/linear drain detailing), but may be −5–10% if skipping tub, apron, and filler works in simple layouts.
- Lifecycle upkeep over ~10–12 yrs: Well-detailed walk-in −5–15% vs baseline (fewer seals and easier cleaning).
Risks & how to avoid them
Bathtub
- Leak paths at tub–wall junction/overflow. → Use full waterproofing behind walls, quality silicone with backer rod, test overflow.
- Trip step getting in/out. → Add grab bars, non-slip mats/finishes.
Walk-In Shower (linear drain)
- Waterproofing failure at corners/threshold. → Certified system (primer + band + 2 coats), 24-hour flood test before tiling.
- Poor slope to drain / ponding. → Pre-slope and single-plane fall to linear drain; set drain level precisely.
- Slip risk on glossy tiles. → Use R-rated/structured tiles or add fine anti-slip treatment.
- Spray escape/drafts in open designs. → Correct glass width/height and extractor sizing.
Value impact (rent & sale)
- Modern walk-in (linear drain, frameless glass): listing appeal +10–25% (photos/first impression), days-to-rent/sell −15–30%, and perceived quality jump in contemporary markets.
- Maintaining at least one bathtub in the home: buyer pool retention +10–20% for family-oriented segments.
- Utility savings (tenant appeal): shower water/energy −10–25% annually vs frequent tub use (behavior-dependent).
When to choose which
- Small bathroom, accessibility, quick daily routines, premium modern look: Walk-In Shower (linear drain)
- Family with small children, spa-like master suite, resale to tub-seeking buyers: Bathtub (consider shower-over-tub if only one bath)
- Best of both (if space allows): Walk-in in master + tub in secondary bath.
Spec tips (for Dubai & similar)
- Use linear drains with integrated flanges and matching waterproofing kits; stainless steel or PVD finishes hold up well.
- Choose rectified porcelain for minimal joints; slope a single plane toward the linear drain.
- Ventilation: quiet fan with run-on timer; target 10–15 air changes/hour equivalent for steamy showers.
- Glass: 10–12 mm tempered; treat with easy-clean coating.
- For tubs: specify solid, accessible panels, quality filler/overflow sets, and non-slip base.
Quick FAQ
- Does a walk-in always cost more? Usually +10–35% due to waterproofing/glass, but simple one-panel designs can be close to tub cost.
- Is a shower-over-tub a good compromise? Yes—value retention with lower cost; ensure a straight, rigid screen and full wall waterproofing.
- Maintenance difference? Walk-ins generally have −5–15% upkeep over time; tubs add caulk/overflow checks.
