Your guide to choosing from the Top 5 Best one piece bathtub shower combo
Last update - March 2023 - Updated list of one piece bathtub shower combos as the old ones are currently unavailable.
Should you choose a bathtub or a shower? This decision affects many more aspects than just the aesthetics of your bathroom. Bathtubs are cozy while showers consume less space. Did you know that bathtubs can also significantly boost the value of your home? Now in this never-ending battle of which one should be labelled a better choice, designers came with a better conclusion- why not pick the best of both worlds? Enter bathtub shower one piece combos!
What is a bathtub shower onepiece?
Some even call it the prefab bathtub shower and there are different names that manufacturers might use to label this product. It is as simple as it sounds – a bathtub that also comes with a shower unit. There are many sleek designs available for the tight spaces so you can use them in small bathrooms as well. To make it easy for you to visualize what you would get from this combo, we will talk about 5 of the most popular products in this category. We will then get into the details about how to choose one and how to make this design concept work for you.
Onepiece bathtub shower combo vs DIY variants
You would find plenty of kits and plumbing hardware as well as wall units on ecommerce sites. These can all be used in any bathtub that you already have. You can use the bath wall kits to add a shower system to your existing bathtub. This doesn’t require too much of extra work. If you are planning to refurnish your bathroom or furnish a new one from scratch there are prefabricated bathtub and shower combos in the market. There are many like this from Sterling, American Standard and other brands. These are nothing but bathtubs integrated with a wall unit complete with the shelves for storage or even a shower niche. There is nothing extra to buy for a shower kit in this case. You only have to find the right spot and install the unit.
Here are the 5 popular products to check out if you need to create a bathtub shower setup.
A quick comparison:
| 1. STERLING 71101122-0 Ensemble Bathtub | 2. Swanstone Veritek Glue-Up 5-Panel Bathtub Wall Kit | 3. Dreamline QWALL | 4. Maax 5 Piece Bathtub Wall Kit | 5. American Standard Studio Bathtub Wall Set |
 |  |  |  |  |
| It is definitely a good spend for a bathtub as it is spacious, long-lasting, and from a reputed brand. | It might be a worthy investment if you are looking for a stylish upgrade. | Dreamline QWALL is a cost-effective and straightforward solution to your bathroom woes. | The textured finish makes it a perfect addition to make your bathroom look more elegant and stylish with a one-pound capacity. | The studio-quality bathtub with an attractive design can help increase the home equity well. |
Best fully assembled one piece bathtub shower units
1. STERLING 71101122-0 Ensemble Bathtub
The sterling ensemble bathtub by Kohler is a beautiful design by Vikrell (known for its quality and durability) and comes with a sturdy construction using polyresin and glass fiber. It uses a clean coat technology to enable easy cleaning of the tub regularly. The installation is quick, easy, and takes 30% less time than other brands. This bathtub measuring 60 x 30.25 x 19 inches can hold up to 44 gallons of water, enabling you to soak in comfortably. Equipped with a right-hand drain, cleaning this bathtub is easy. The manufacturer backs up its claim of durability with a solid 10-year warranty.
Final Thoughts
It is definitely a good spend for a bathtub as it is spacious, long-lasting, and from a reputed brand. More than the brand equity it adds to your home, you will love to spend more time enjoying it and less time cleaning it as it requires less maintenance.
2. Swanstone TI50000.010 Veritek Glue-Up 5-Panel Bathtub Wall Kit
The Swanstone 5 panel bathtub wall kit has a single back panel, two corner panels, and two side panels. Made from Veritek, the molded-in shelves are bound to last very long. The lack of coating prevents cracks and chipping. This, in turn, prevents chances of mold and mildew.
The panel is designed to look like a masonry tile but does not have the creases of the tiles. As it’s not a tile, it removes the chances of grout and accumulation of dirt. The showerhead design helps to avoid spraying the seams. You just have to wipe down the surface, and it gets clean in no time.
Final Thoughts
This panel’s design helps it to last long and look elegant in your bathroom. It can suit most bathrooms and is very spacious as well. Though it has a tile finish, it does not have the problems that the tiles will bring. It might be a worthy investment if you are looking for a stylish upgrade.
3. Dreamline QWALL – Tub
Have the perfect tub but not the right back wall? Not everyone can invest in a full-fledged bathtub with built-in shelves. This back wall panel from Dreamline is the ideal choice for those who do not have the time or the budget but still want a modern-looking bathroom.
It is 28 – 32 inches wide, 60 inches in height, and trimmed to the required size. The tile pattern is beautiful, and the design overlaps to look even throughout. It will give you a seamless finish. Also, the ABS/ acrylic material is effortless to clean and helps it last longer.
Final Thoughts
Dreamline QWALL is a cost-effective and straightforward solution to your bathroom woes. The glass shelves offer sufficient space. You can add this back wall panel to the existing bathroom wall and change the entire look in no time.
4. Maax 5 Piece Bathtub Wall Kit
Maax is known for its durable bath solutions. The 5 piece polystyrene bathtub wall kit from Maax is glossy white and suits both new and old bathrooms. It can be a quick and easy fix for your remodeling needs.
The wall kit has a textured finish and has plumbing fixtures, tubs, shower, and bathtub walls. As it comes as a complete kit, you don’t have to worry about spending more to buy other accessories. The textured finish makes it a perfect addition to make your bathroom look more elegant and stylish with a one-pound capacity.
Final Thoughts
The 5 Piece bathtub wall kit can be an easy and quick solution for space constraints in the bathroom. The material can be easily cleaned, thus reducing your maintenance workload. Also, It is a cost-effective solution as it comes as a complete kit.
5. American Standard Studio Bathtub Wall Set
This studio bathtub wall set from American Standard is a spacious high-gloss acrylic set that weighs just 27 pounds and can be easily mounted on the wall. It’s resistant to heat, and the tongue and groove interlocking system prevent any leakage, thus extending its life.
Simple design and easy-to-install bathtub wall set can change the look of your bathroom in no time. This wall set can be easily cleaned and maintained for a long time to come.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a bathtub back panel to make your bathroom look stylish and coordinated without having to spend money, the American standard studio bathtub wall set can be a great choice. The studio-quality bathtub with an attractive design can help increase the home equity well.
List of Currently unavailable bathtub shower combos
1. STERLING 61040120-0 All Pro Bath and Shower Kit, 60-Inch x 30-Inch x 73.5-Inch, Right-Hand, White
This all in one kit comes with a 3-piece wall unit and a spacious bath tub. This product excels in terms of the additional features in the design. There is a convenient to access towel rod. There are 4 integrated wall shelves for storage. Made of Vikrell this bathtub shower kit is long lasting.
2. STERLING 71240110-0 Plumbing Accord Bath/Shower With Left-Hand Drain, White
The Accord range is another popular choice when it comes to choose bathtubs with built-in shower systems. You can choose from two color options namely white and biscuit. There is an eye grabbing tile like geometric detailing provided on the back wall.
3. STERLING 71220110-0 Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit, 60-Inch x 32-Inch x 74-Inch, Left-Hand
There are smooth finish curved walls in the unit which makes this one look elegant while also solving the purpose. There are spacious convenient storage shelves in the corners. There is a neat 18” apron included in the design.
4. STERLING 71090116-0 Acclaim Bath and Shower Kit, 60-Inch x 30-Inch x 72-Inch, Left-Hand, White
If you need something that comes with a pleasant look to suit any bathroom style vintage or modern, this is an impressive option to consider. There is an interesting molded-in back wall design. It comes with a 15” apron. You also get a 3” factory installed extension if you need to tackle the installation of AFD or above floor drain.
5. Kohler Accord Bath/Shower Kit with Age-in-Place Backers with Left-Hand Drain Finish: High Gloss White
One of the best aspects of this one is the aging in place backboard it features. There is a whole lineup of products that are compatible with ergonomic features for the elders. The backboards on this one are designed such that you can effortlessly install a grab handle on the backboard when required. This model has a sunken and efficient left hand drain. There is a glossy finish which stays as good as new with minimal maintenance.
For existing bathtubs you can use a one-piece wall mount setup like Durawall® Thermoplastic Bathtub Wall Kit, Whirlpool Sized, 5 Pieces, 6 Shelves. These can be snugly installed above rectangular bathtubs to create a combo design instantly.
If you have a traditional Clawfoot bathtub the options are going to be slightly different. Take a look at the “DANCO Add-A-Shower Bathtub to Shower Conversion Kit for Clawfoot Tubs” for example. Products like this one come with a complete shower installation system for the oval shaped Clawfoot tubs where adding back walls without gaps would be impossible.
FAQs
Do combos help you save money?
Yes. One of the biggest perks of getting a tub shower combo installed is that you get the benefits of both the configurations in one at a reduced cost. Today with the growing demand there are plenty of affordable options available as well.
Are tub shower combos easy to maintain?
Yes. The major problem with cleaning bathrooms is because of the growth of mold and mildew. When there are clean finishes without wall gaps cleaning becomes easy. The grout between the wall and the tub is another space that’s difficult to clean and this is eliminated in the tub shower combo design.
Will your home value be affected if you get one of these?
The fact that showers can slightly lower the value of the home is not often spoken about, so, if you wish to install only the shower, your would better off doing it only in the guest bathroom. In the family room it is always a good idea to get a tub. The combo design due to its added convenience, adds to the home value like a bathtub.
Can you install a bathtub shower combo in a small bathroom?
Yes, there are slim designs like the Ensemble range in our list if you have a narrow bathroom. For further space saving configurations there are also corner setups available.
Are bathtub shower combos suitable for families?
From slightly reduced depth of the bathtub to grab bars and other ergonomics there are various elements that make tub shower combos as convenient as any standalone tub or shower setup. This makes them suitable for families with kids and elderly.
Buyer’s guide
What should you look for when you buy a bathtub shower combo?
- Brand
There are many brands that are popular around the world in the sanitaryware segment. Sterling by Kohler, American Standard and many other sanitaryware brands offer the combo designs. These are also available to shop online. This makes it easy for you to compare all the options available and also understand the configuration before you place the order.
- Ease of finding parts and accessories
Picking reputed brands has one of the biggest benefits – you can find spares and upgrade parts easily. Most of the brands offer compatible spares for their popular models in tub shower combos. You would also be able to choose from OEM products designed for such popular models in the segment.
- Installation support and warranty
Again, working with a popular brand means you get support in terms of the installation. Most of them also offer several years warranty on the product itself and the parts which would help you to handle quick repairs easily.
- Durability
These are expensive investments for the bathroom and can drastically affect the looks and the functionality of the bathroom. Installation of bathroom tub shower combo is time and money intensive. So, you really need something that lasts for years. Find those that do not chip or break too easily. If you have kids at home, then there would also be a lot of wear and tear as well as scratches from bath toys and more. You might need something with a long-lasting finish.
- Dimensions
Measure the size of your bathroom and the design between the walls to choose the best fit tub and shower combo. The wall unit directly goes on the wall so you would also need a flat wall surface behind.
- Modular design
This provides the convenience of getting the tub combo to the bathroom you wish to renovate. Positioning and alignment also become easy in this case.
- Storage options
Installation of shelves on the back and side walls damage them. Pick something that comes with built in storage, spacious enough to hold all your bath essentials. In terms of the storage-based features All Pro model, the first one on our list, features a nice design.
- Ease of maintenance
You need something that comes with easy to clean surface. This reduces your work in the long run and also provides a more hygienic environment. The ones that come with low maintenance features are also the ones that keep sparkling like new for years together. These also do not get discoloured that easily. White stays white!
Conclusion
Given the many benefits of choosing a combo shower tub design this is growing to be a popular trend. You would be able to find products in all budget ranges. If you need something that is not too expensive and comes with a fuss free setup then the Ensemble series in Sterling range of tub showers is worth a shot.
Reference:
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/baths-versus-showers_n_57f81387e4b0e655eab4530d
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathtub
I have a window in my bathroom, do you make the shower and tub combo with a window opening, if not how would I than put this in
I really liked the idea of integrating the bathtub with the shower. They have a lot of advantages. They can save a lot of space which can help a small bathroom look very spacious and the installation of pipelines also becomes very easy. I will definitely try this out in my own bathroom. Thank you for sharing this idea with us.