Zero-Threshold Shower vs. Walk-In Tub

Dear Phyllis,
I have been following your column for
years and love it! My mom is almost ninety
years old and lives in her own home. She
very much wants to age in place and so far,
so good. She only has one bathroom with
a tub shower combo. We are going to need
to make some changes as it is increasingly
diffi cult for her to get in and out of the tub.

Our two options are a walk-in tub or a zero-
threshold walk-in shower. Which of these
choices would be best for a future sale of
the home? Also is it diffi cult to sell a home
without a bathtub?

— Curious

Dear Curious,
Thank you for your readership!
When making any costly home
improvement, it’s wise to consider the
impact on future resale value. While both
options prioritize your mother’s safety, a
zero-threshold (curbless) shower is generally
the better choice based on modern buyer
preferences.

That said, removing the home’s only
bathtub can be a drawback—especially for
young families with small children. However,
a walk-in tub/shower combo often feels
bulky and institutional, which may be even
less appealing to most buyers. Realistically,
neither option is ideal for bathing young kids.

Buyers—particularly younger ones—tend
to favor open, curbless showers for their
sleek design, accessibility, and versatility.
To help offset the lack of a tub, incorporate
stylish and functional elements like a rainfall
showerhead, built-in bench, and upscale tile
fi nishes. These touches can help the shower
feel like a modern luxury rather than an
aging-in-place necessity.

A zero-threshold shower offers excellent
long-term usability and is more aesthetically
pleasing. It’s the better choice for your mother
balancing safety, style, and universal design
which can help preserve both functionality
and future marketability.

Phyllis