Safer, easier bathrooms for later life

Walk-in bath, level-access shower or wet room?

Each one suits different needs. This is a quick comparison — our guides explain each option in full.

Comparison of walk-in baths, level-access showers and wet rooms

	Walk-in bath	Level-access shower	Wet room
Getting in	Through a door in the side of the bath, over a low step.	No step at all, or a very low lip on a shallow tray.	No step. The shower is part of a level floor.
Sitting to wash	Many have a built-in seat.	Fixed, fold-down or free-standing shower seat.	Shower seat, or a wheeled shower chair that rolls in.
A soak in the bath	Yes.	No.	No.
Room for a carer	Less: a carer helps from outside the bath.	Some, more with half-height doors or a curtain.	The most room.
Building work	Replaces your bath.	Replaces your bath or old shower.	The most work: the floor is waterproofed and sloped to a drain.
Good to know	You stay in the bath while it fills and while it empties.	Ask for a seat and grab rails in the plan.	More of the room can get wet.
Read more	Walk-in baths explained	Level-access showers explained	Wet rooms explained

Photos: Walk-in bath — Photo: gemteck1, CC BY 2.0; Level-access shower — Photo: vastateparksstaff, CC BY 2.0; Wet room — Photo: yvthzwli86, CC0.

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