Walk-In Showers vs. Traditional Tubs: What North Jersey Homeowners Are Choosing in 2026

Bathroom design in 2026 looks different than it did even a few years ago. North Jersey homeowners are moving away from the standard bathtub setup and reimagining their bathrooms as spaces of comfort, accessibility, and efficiency. The biggest question many homeowners face during a remodel is whether to keep a traditional tub or replace it with a sleek, walk-in shower.

At Atlantic Pro Remodeling, this is one of the first conversations we have with nearly every client. Both options have benefits, but your choice depends on lifestyle, space, and long-term goals for your home. This guide explores how walk-in showers and bathtubs compare in design, functionality, value, and appeal to help you make the right decision for your North Jersey bathroom remodel.

The Shift in Bathroom Design Across North Jersey

Bathroom remodeling trends have changed dramatically over the last decade. Homes in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties are filled with older bathrooms built for utility, not relaxation. Modern homeowners want something different: open layouts, spa-style finishes, and easy-to-maintain features that elevate daily routines.

Walk-in showers have become the centerpiece of this transformation. They offer a sense of openness, require less cleaning, and provide accessibility for all ages. However, traditional tubs still hold their own, especially for families or homeowners who love the ritual of a long soak.

The real question isn’t which one is “better” but which one is better for you and your home.

Why Walk-In Showers Are Gaining Popularity

Walk-in showers have surged in popularity throughout North Jersey because they blend design, comfort, and practicality. They work in homes of all sizes and adapt beautifully to both contemporary and transitional aesthetics.

A Modern, Open Look

A walk-in shower immediately makes any bathroom feel larger. With frameless glass enclosures and low-profile bases, they open sightlines and create the illusion of more space. This design style is especially beneficial for smaller homes and condos in towns like Hoboken, Jersey City, or Montclair, where maximizing every square foot matters.

Neutral tiles, subtle lighting, and hidden drains keep the look clean and seamless. The result feels modern but timeless, a major reason why walk-in showers have become the most requested feature in bathroom remodels across the region.

Accessibility and Safety

One of the biggest advantages of a walk-in shower is accessibility. There’s no high tub wall to step over, which makes entry and exit much safer, especially for seniors or anyone with mobility challenges. Many North Jersey homeowners are remodeling with future needs in mind, creating bathrooms that allow them to age in place without sacrificing design.

Pairing a walk-in shower with features like built-in benches, grab bars, and handheld showerheads makes it even more functional and comfortable.

Easy Maintenance

Traditional tubs can be difficult to clean, especially in tight corners or around shower curtains. Walk-in showers, on the other hand, minimize grout lines and eliminate many of the hard-to-reach spots where mildew and soap scum build up. Large-format tiles, seamless glass, and modern drains make upkeep quick and simple.

For busy families or professionals, this low-maintenance appeal is often the deciding factor.

Customization Options

Walk-in showers can be tailored to any design preference. Homeowners can choose custom niches for storage, LED lighting for ambience, and a variety of showerheads, from rainfall to body jets. For a touch of luxury, some add steam features or integrated sound systems.

Atlantic Pro Remodeling helps clients create custom layouts that match both style and function, ensuring each walk-in shower feels like a personal retreat rather than a standard install.

The Timeless Appeal of Traditional Bathtubs

While walk-in showers dominate design trends, bathtubs remain a beloved feature for many homeowners. They provide comfort, tradition, and versatility that no other fixture can replicate.

Relaxation and Luxury

For those who value unwinding at the end of the day, a bathtub is hard to beat. Soaking in warm water reduces stress, relieves muscle tension, and offers a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.

In master bathrooms, a freestanding tub often becomes a design focal point, elegant, sculptural, and serene. It’s the kind of feature that transforms a utilitarian space into a sanctuary.

Ideal for Families

Families with young children often prefer keeping at least one bathtub in the house. It’s practical for bathing kids and even pets. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, having one full bathroom with a tub can appeal to family-oriented buyers and maintain resale versatility.

Design Variety

From classic clawfoot tubs to sleek, modern soaking designs, today’s bathtubs come in a wide range of materials and styles. Acrylic models are lightweight and affordable, while cast iron or stone tubs bring luxury and durability.

Paired with accent lighting or decorative tile, a bathtub can become the statement piece of your bathroom, a design anchor that feels timeless and personal.

Design and Space Considerations

Choosing between a tub and a shower often depends on your bathroom’s layout and available square footage.

Small bathrooms in older North Jersey homes tend to benefit from converting a traditional tub into a walk-in shower, freeing up visual and physical space. Showers can be built along one wall or into an unused corner, maximizing openness.

Larger bathrooms, on the other hand, often accommodate both, a separate walk-in shower for daily use and a soaking tub for relaxation. This dual setup adds both practicality and luxury, appealing to a broad range of buyers if you ever decide to sell.

Atlantic Pro Remodeling frequently designs hybrid layouts where the shower and tub share a cohesive aesthetic but serve distinct functions.

Resale Value and Buyer Preferences

One of the most common homeowner questions is whether removing a bathtub will hurt resale value. The answer depends on your property type and location.

In North Jersey’s competitive housing market, modern, low-maintenance bathrooms are in high demand. Many buyers, especially professionals and empty nesters, prefer the look and convenience of a walk-in shower. However, families with children may specifically look for homes that have at least one bathtub.

A smart strategy is to convert the master or guest bath into a walk-in shower while keeping a tub in a secondary bathroom. This approach appeals to the widest audience and maintains balance between functionality and marketability.

Maintenance and Longevity

Walk-in showers generally have fewer moving parts and surfaces to maintain. Frameless glass panels resist corrosion and are easier to clean than metal-framed enclosures. Quality tile and grout sealing also extend durability and reduce maintenance over time.

Bathtubs, while durable, may require more frequent refinishing or caulking to prevent water damage. Homeowners should consider the level of upkeep they are comfortable with before deciding which fixture suits their lifestyle.

At Atlantic Pro Remodeling, we use professional-grade waterproofing systems for both showers and tubs to ensure your investment lasts decades.

Water Efficiency

Environmental awareness and rising utility costs have made water efficiency a growing priority. Walk-in showers, when paired with low-flow showerheads, use significantly less water than filling a bathtub.

A standard bathtub holds around 60 gallons, while a five-minute shower typically uses between 10 and 20 gallons. For eco-conscious homeowners, showers are a clear winner.

That said, installing aerated faucets and modern fixtures can make bathtubs more efficient too. The key is choosing fixtures that deliver both comfort and conservation.

Personal Style and Lifestyle Fit

Ultimately, your choice between a walk-in shower and a bathtub comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. If you value quick, efficient routines and a modern look, a shower will fit your daily rhythm perfectly.

If you cherish long, relaxing soaks and want your bathroom to feel like a spa retreat, a bathtub may be the right call. For many North Jersey homeowners, the best solution is both, a large walk-in shower for convenience and a freestanding tub for indulgence.

When planning your remodel, think about how you use your bathroom today and how that might change in the next five to ten years. The right choice will support your lifestyle well into the future.

Why North Jersey Homeowners Are Choosing Walk-In Showers in 2026

The trends for 2026 show a clear direction. Homeowners are prioritizing practicality, accessibility, and sleek design over traditional fixtures. Walk-in showers meet all three.

Across Bergen County, we’re seeing demand for barrier-free showers with built-in benches, rainfall showerheads, and minimalist tile designs. These showers not only look incredible but make the bathroom easier to maintain and safer for all ages.

In condos and smaller homes, showers also improve resale appeal because they make bathrooms feel bigger and more open.

That said, Atlantic Pro Remodeling always helps clients evaluate what fits their specific space and goals rather than simply following trends.

How Atlantic Pro Remodeling Helps You Decide

Our process starts with a personalized design consultation. We listen to your preferences, assess your space, and present layout options that fit your lifestyle. Using 3D design tools, we show how a walk-in shower or bathtub would look before construction begins.

From material selection to waterproofing and installation, every detail is handled by licensed professionals. Our goal is to make your renovation stress-free, beautiful, and built to last.

Conclusion

Choosing between a walk-in shower and a traditional bathtub is one of the most important decisions in any bathroom remodel. The right choice depends on how you live, how long you plan to stay in your home, and what adds the most value for you.

In 2026, North Jersey homeowners are leaning toward modern, low-maintenance, and accessible designs, and walk-in showers lead the way. But a well-placed bathtub still adds elegance and comfort that will never go out of style.

👉 Ready to explore your options? Contact Atlantic Pro Remodeling, North Jersey’s trusted bathroom renovation experts, and schedule a free design consultation. Whether you envision a spa-inspired walk-in shower or a classic soaking tub, we’ll help you create a bathroom that’s both timeless and uniquely yours.