Choosing between bathtubs and showers is one of the biggest decisions in any bathroom remodel. It shapes the layout, the plumbing, the finishes and how the room feels every day. Excel Plumbing Supply & Showroom has served San Francisco for more than 20 years as a plumbing wholesale distributor and showroom, with over 6,000 square feet of kitchen and bath fixtures on display. Homeowners, designers and contractors visit our San Francisco plumbing showroom to compare options side by side. Have a question about your project? Call (415) 863-8889 or send a message through our contact form.
Bathtubs and showers: which is right for your bathroom?
The right choice depends on your space, who uses the bathroom and how you like to unwind. A shower saves floor area and suits quick daily routines. A bathtub works well for soaking and for households with young children. A tub and shower combination gives you both in one footprint, which is why it remains a common choice for many homes.
Types of bathtubs
Bathtubs vary widely in shape, depth, material and installation style. Knowing the main categories makes it easier to narrow your options before you visit a showroom.
Freestanding and soaking tubs
A freestanding tub stands on its own, away from the walls, and often becomes the focal point of the room. Many are designed as soaking tubs, with deeper basins that let you sit with water up to your shoulders. They pair with floor-mounted or wall-mounted tub fillers, so plan the faucet location early. Freestanding tubs typically need more open floor space around them for cleaning and visual balance.
Alcove / built-in tubs
An alcove tub fits between three walls, with a finished front panel facing the room. This is the most space-efficient bathtub layout and a familiar fit for many San Francisco homes, where bathrooms are often compact. Built-in and drop-in tubs set into a deck or surround also fall into this category, giving a clean, integrated look.
Tub and shower combinations
A tub and shower combination places a showerhead and valve above an alcove tub, usually with a curtain or glass door. It is a practical choice for family bathrooms and for homes with a single bathroom, since it serves both bathing and showering without extra square footage.
Shower options to consider
Showers have become a design centerpiece in many remodels. The main decisions involve the enclosure, the valve and trim, and the spray components.
Walk-in and curbless showers
A walk-in shower has a low threshold or no door at all, creating an open, modern feel. A curbless shower takes this further, with a floor that runs level into the bathroom. Both styles can make a small room look larger. They also require careful planning of floor slope, drainage and waterproofing, so work closely with your contractor or plumber on the layout.
Shower systems, valves and trim
The valve is the hidden heart of a shower. Pressure-balance valves help keep water temperature steady when pressure changes elsewhere in the home. Thermostatic valves let you set a preferred temperature and often control volume separately. A complete shower system combines the valve with trim, a showerhead, and optional hand showers or body sprays, so all the pieces are designed to work and look good together.
Shower heads and hand showers
Shower heads range from compact fixed heads to large rain-style models, and hand showers add flexibility for rinsing, cleaning and bathing children or pets. For a closer look at spray patterns and water use, see our article on choosing shower heads.
Key factors: space, plumbing layout, materials, maintenance and accessibility
Start with measurements. Note the room dimensions, door swings, window placement and the clearance you want around a tub or shower. Next, consider the existing plumbing layout. Keeping a drain and supply lines in roughly the same location is usually simpler than relocating them, and your plumber or contractor can tell you what is practical for your home.
Materials matter for comfort and upkeep. Tubs come in options such as acrylic, enameled cast iron and stone resin, each with a different feel, weight and heat retention. Shower surrounds may be tile, stone or solid panels. Think about maintenance too: fewer grout lines and smooth surfaces are generally easier to clean.
Finally, think ahead about accessibility. Features like a low or no threshold, a hand shower and a built-in bench can make a bathroom more comfortable for everyone over time. For any requirements specific to your project, confirm details with a qualified professional.
Matching finishes and fixtures across the bathroom
A tub or shower looks its best when it coordinates with everything around it. Choose a consistent finish for the shower trim, tub filler, lavatory faucet and bath accessories, such as towel bars and robe hooks. Bathroom furniture, including vanities and storage, should complement the style of your tub or shower enclosure.
Our showroom brings these categories together, from bath accessories and bathroom furniture to complete kitchen fixtures, so you can compare finishes in one place. Browse our featured brands and explore kitchen and bath design inspiration to start collecting ideas.
Why see bathtubs and showers in person at a showroom
Photos rarely show true scale, depth or finish. Seeing fixtures in person lets you judge how a tub feels when you sit in it, how a finish looks under real light and how fixtures compare in size and weight. A visit also gives you the chance to ask product questions and bring your measurements, plans or inspiration photos.
Excel Plumbing Supply & Showroom offers plumbing supply, a plumbing showroom, kitchen fixtures and bathroom fixtures under one roof. Learn more about our plumbing supply and showroom, read our showroom shopping tips, or find directions on Google.
FAQs
Should I choose a bathtub or a shower?
It depends on your space, who uses the bathroom and your daily routine. Showers save space and time, while tubs suit soaking and young children. A tub and shower combination offers both.
What is the difference between a freestanding and an alcove tub?
A freestanding tub stands alone and often serves as a focal point. An alcove tub fits between three walls and makes efficient use of space.
Can I replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower?
Often, yes. Drain location, waterproofing and layout all matter, so consult your plumber or contractor about what works in your home.
What should I look for in a shower system?
Consider the valve type (pressure-balance or thermostatic), the spray options you want and how the finish matches the rest of your bathroom.
Why visit a plumbing showroom before buying?
A showroom lets you see scale, finish and quality in person and get help comparing products before you decide.
Where can I see bathtubs and showers in San Francisco?
Visit Excel Plumbing Supply & Showroom at 659 S Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, or call (415) 863-8889.
For more than 20 years, Excel Plumbing Supply & Showroom has been a San Francisco plumbing wholesale distributor and showroom, offering a huge selection of kitchen and bath fixtures across more than 6,000 square feet. Call (415) 863-8889, email info@excel-plumbing.com, use our contact form, or visit us at 659 S Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110. You can also follow new arrivals on Instagram.
