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Stepping over a tub wall is one of the hardest moves in the bathroom for many older adults. Two common fixes are a tub cutout conversion, where a section of the tub wall is cut out and finished to make a low step-through, and a walk-in tub, which replaces the tub with one that has a watertight door. They differ hugely in cost, time and what you can still do in the bath. This guide compares them, along with lower-cost options, so you can ask installers the right questions.
What a tub cutout is
A tub cutout removes a U-shaped section from the front wall of an existing tub, then seals the edges with a pre-formed insert. The result is a lower step into the tub, often a few inches high instead of 15 or more. Some kits add a watertight door that fits back into the opening so the tub can still be filled.
Cutouts are usually done by a specialist installer in a few hours. They work on many steel, cast iron and acrylic tubs, but not all, so an installer should check the tub first.
Pros
- Much lower step-in height.
- Keeps the existing tub and walls.
- Usually far cheaper and faster than a remodel.
Cons
- Without a door insert, the tub becomes shower-only.
- Can affect resale for buyers who want a bathtub, though a door insert can help.
- Not suited to every tub material or condition.
What a walk-in tub is
A walk-in tub has a door in its side and a built-in seat. The user steps in, closes the door, sits, and fills the tub. Many add jets or heated seats.
Pros
- Keeps full bathing.
- Built-in seat and low threshold.
Cons
- High cost, often with plumbing and electrical work.
- The user sits in the tub while it fills and drains, which can be cold and slow.
- May need a larger water heater.
- The door threshold is low but not zero.
Lower-cost options to try first
Before construction, check whether equipment solves the problem. A tub transfer bench lets the user sit outside the tub and slide across, with no step at all. See our transfer bench vs shower chair guide.
Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench with Backrest (12011KD-1)
Aluminum frame; sits half inside, half outside the tub for a sit-and-slide entry; height-adjustable legs in 0.5 in. steps; reversible backrest; suction-style feet; drainage holes; 350 lb capacity
Pros
- No need to step over the tub wall
- Backrest can be switched to either side
- Wide seat with drainage holes
Cons
- Bulky in small bathrooms
- Water can run down the outside leg without a tucked curtain
A clamp-on tub rail gives a handle at the tub edge for stepping over. Our clamp-on rail guide covers which tubs they fit.
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Safety Rail (17–20 in.)
Clamp-on tub rail; handle height adjustable 17 to 20 in.; powder-coated steel; clamps to the tub wall
Pros
- Taller handle means less bending
- No wall drilling
Cons
- Only as secure as the clamp on your tub wall
- Not for fiberglass tubs with thin walls; check the listing
A sliding transfer bench with a swivel seat makes the slide across easier still.
Carousel Sliding Tub Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat
Sliding transfer bench with swivel seat; padded seat, back and armrests; reclining backrest
Pros
- Slide and swivel for less twisting
- Padded surfaces
Cons
- Bulky in small bathrooms
- Heavier than basic benches
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench with Backrest (12011KD-1) | Aluminum frame; sits half inside, half outside the tub for a sit-and-slide entry; height-adjustable legs in 0.5 in. steps; reversible backrest; suction-style feet; drainage holes; 350 lb capacity | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Safety Rail (17–20 in.) | Clamp-on tub rail; handle height adjustable 17 to 20 in.; powder-coated steel; clamps to the tub wall | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Carousel Sliding Tub Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat | Sliding transfer bench with swivel seat; padded seat, back and armrests; reclining backrest | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Comparing the options
- Transfer bench: no installation, removable, shower-only while in use.
- Clamp rail: no drilling, helps with stepping over, does not lower the step.
- Tub cutout: lowers the step, quick install, often shower-only.
- Walk-in tub: keeps bathing, highest cost and longest install.
- Curbless shower remodel: no step, best long-term access, major construction.
Questions to ask installers
- Is my tub suitable for a cutout, and what material is it?
- What is the final step-in height?
- Is a door insert available, and is it watertight?
- What warranty covers leaks and the insert?
- How long will the bathroom be out of use?
- For a walk-in tub: how long does it take to fill and drain? Is a larger water heater needed?
- Are permits needed?
Get at least two written quotes. Be cautious about high-pressure sales and same-day discounts, which are common in this market.
Who each option suits
A cutout often suits someone who mostly showers and wants a quick, lower-cost fix. A walk-in tub suits people who value soaking baths and can manage sitting while it fills. A transfer bench suits renters or anyone wanting to try a solution first. An occupational therapist can assess which one fits the user's needs.
Safety after any change
Whatever you choose, add a grab bar at the entry and non-slip treads on the floor. A lower step still needs a hand-hold.
What affects cost
We do not list prices, because they change by region and installer, but the main drivers are easy to see. A cutout's cost depends on the tub material, whether a door insert is added, and local labor. A walk-in tub's cost depends on the tub model, plumbing and electrical changes, removal of the old tub, wall repair, and whether a larger water heater is needed. A curbless shower remodel involves demolition, floor work, waterproofing and tiling, which usually makes it the largest job of all.
Ask every installer to itemize their quote: equipment, labor, removal, permits and any extra work behind the walls. Compare like for like, and check whether the quote includes making good any tile or drywall damaged during the job.
Thinking about the next five years
A good choice works not only now but as needs change. A cutout helps someone who can still stand to shower. If the user may soon need to shower seated, check that a shower chair or transfer bench will fit the converted tub. If wheelchair use is likely, a curbless shower may be the better long-term investment, even if it costs more now. An occupational therapist's home assessment can help you plan for likely changes, not just today's problem.
Whichever route you take, involve the person who will use the bathroom in the decision. Their habits, such as baths versus showers, matter as much as the hardware.
FAQ
Can I still take a bath after a tub cutout?
Only if a watertight door insert is fitted. Otherwise the tub is used for showering.
Is a tub cutout a DIY job?
Kits exist, but cutting a tub wall and sealing it properly is usually done by a specialist.
How long does a cutout take?
Often a few hours to a day, depending on the installer and the insert.
Are walk-in tubs worth it?
For people who want to keep bathing and can accept the cost and fill time, they can be. Compare with a cutout and a transfer bench first.
Does a cutout work on fiberglass tubs?
Some installers work with fiberglass and acrylic tubs; ask them to check yours.