Combining a shower and bathtub in one footprint can save space while keeping both options available for daily use and bathing. The most straightforward choices are tub-and-shower kits with a wall surround; a separate shower kit or portable stall may work better when you need an accessible shower or a shower in a room without a conventional drain. Before choosing, check the room dimensions, drain location, and installation requirements—small differences can determine whether a kit will fit.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Key details | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| STERLING Accord Seated Shower Kit | Shower kit | 36 x 60 x 74.5 inches; molded-in shelves; age-in-place backers | A dedicated shower with a seat |
| Shower Anyplace Portable Shower Stall | Portable shower stall | 28 x 28 inches; pump-assisted drainage; water hookups included | Adding a shower where permanent construction is impractical |
| STERLING Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit, Left-Hand Drain | Bathtub and wall surround | 60 x 42 x 72 inches; molded-in shelves; left-hand drain | A wider tub-and-shower setup |
| STERLING Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit, Right-Hand Drain | Bathtub and wall surround | 60 x 36 x 72 inches; shelves; right-hand drain | A standard-width alcove with a right-hand drain |
| WOODBRIDGE Alcove Tub and Wall Surround Kit | Bathtub and wall panels | 60 x 32-inch tub; four-piece wall kit; integrated niches | A low-grout tub-and-shower surround |
Our Picks: Best Shower And Bath In Same Space reviews
1. STERLING Accord Seated Shower Kit: Best for a Dedicated Seated Shower
This Sterling kit is a dedicated shower rather than a tub-and-shower combination. Its 36-by-60-inch footprint and seated design can suit a bathroom where a bathtub is not needed, or where a shower-focused layout better meets the household’s needs. Age-in-place backers are built into the kit, but the product information does not specify that grab bars are included.
The four-piece surround is made from Vikrell and is designed to snap together, with caulk-less seams. Molded shelves provide places for bath products. Its stated overall dimensions are 36 inches deep, 60 inches wide, and 74.5 inches high, so check the alcove and access route before ordering. Compared with the Sterling tub-and-shower kits below, this one gives up the bathtub in favor of a seated shower layout.
Pros:
- Seated shower design with age-in-place backers
- Four-piece modular construction
- Caulk-less seams and built-in storage shelves
- Large 36-by-60-inch footprint
Cons:
- Does not provide a bathtub
- Backers are listed, but grab bars are not listed as included
Verdict: Choose the Accord if you want a dedicated seated shower and do not need a tub in the same space.
2. Shower Anyplace Portable Stall: Best for a Flexible Indoor Shower
This compact, freestanding stall is a different kind of solution from a built-in tub-and-shower kit. The listed model is 28 by 28 inches and is intended to add an indoor shower where permanent bathroom construction may not be practical. The package description lists three water hookup options, 20-foot hot and cold water lines, and a 20-foot drain line.
Instead of relying on an existing floor drain, the stall uses a sloped base and an automatic pump-assisted drain system. The pump is listed at 750 gallons per hour, and a mesh filter helps catch debris. The product description also notes that the parts are predrilled and supplied with illustrated reassembly instructions. This can offer placement flexibility, but it is not a bathtub and should not be treated as a conventional permanent tub-and-shower replacement. Confirm the chosen configuration and the room’s water and wastewater arrangements before buying.
Pros:
- Compact 28-by-28-inch listed size
- Three hookup options and water lines are included
- Pump-assisted drainage does not require an existing floor drain
- Predrilled components and illustrated instructions are described
Cons:
- It is a shower stall, not a bath-and-shower combination
- Requires suitable water connections and a way to route the drain line
Verdict: Consider this portable stall when adding a shower is the priority and a conventional built-in tub-and-shower kit is not practical.
3. STERLING Ensemble 42-Inch Bath and Shower Kit: Best for a Wider Tub
This Sterling Ensemble combines a bathtub with a wall surround, making it one of the clearest matches for a bath and shower in the same space. The listed dimensions are 60 inches long, 42 inches wide, and 72 inches high. Its wider-than-standard footprint may offer more room around the tub, but it also needs more bathroom width than the 36-inch Sterling option.
The kit is made from solid Vikrell, and the surround has a realistic tile look with molded-in shelves. A high-gloss finish is described as smooth and easy to clean. This model has a left-hand drain, so match that detail to your plumbing before choosing it. It is a heavier, substantial fixture, and its wide footprint makes careful measuring and planning especially important.
Pros:
- Combines a bathtub and shower surround in one setup
- Wider 42-inch dimension than the other Sterling Ensemble option
- Molded-in shelves provide storage
- Solid Vikrell construction and high-gloss finish
Cons:
- Requires more width than a 36-inch tub kit
- Left-hand drain may not suit every bathroom layout
Verdict: Pick this Ensemble model if you want a wider tub-and-shower combination and your room and drain layout can accommodate it.
4. STERLING Ensemble 36-Inch Bath and Shower Kit: Best for a Standard Alcove
This 60-by-36-by-72-inch Sterling kit pairs a bathtub and wall surround in a more typical alcove width than the 42-inch model. It has a right-hand drain, so the existing plumbing location is a key part of the decision. The modular design is described as easier to move through corners and doorways than a single-piece unit, which can be useful when access to the bathroom is tight.
The composite kit has a tile-like surround with molded shelves. It also includes a 3-inch apron extension for above-floor-drain installation, according to the product details. That feature may help with certain installations, but it does not remove the need to confirm the drain configuration and fit with a qualified installer. Compared with the wider Sterling Ensemble, this is the more space-conscious tub-and-shower choice.
Pros:
- Combines a tub and shower in a 36-inch-wide footprint
- Modular design can help with moving components through doorways
- Molded-in storage shelves
- Includes a 3-inch apron extension for above-floor-drain installation
Cons:
- Right-hand drain limits compatibility with some plumbing layouts
- Its listed dimensions still need to be checked against the alcove
Verdict: This is a practical option if you want a tub and shower in a standard-width alcove and need a right-hand drain.
5. WOODBRIDGE Alcove Tub and Wall Surround: Best for Integrated Niches
This WOODBRIDGE package combines a 60-by-32-inch left-drain soaking tub with a four-piece wall-panel surround. The panels have a marble pattern and integrated niches for bath products. The package description lists two 60-inch-wide back panels with a combined height of 64 inches, plus two 32-by-64-inch side panels. Check these measurements against your intended installation area and confirm that the niches work with the wall layout.
The fiber-reinforced composite panels are described as nonporous, grout-free, and designed to resist scratches, stains, and moisture. Finished panel edges are intended to create a clean look without extra trim. The listing says the panels can be installed over existing tile or drywall, but that does not mean every wall is suitable; follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and assess the surface first. The drain and overflow kits are sold separately, so budget for those components when planning the project.
Pros:
- Includes both a soaking tub and wall panels
- Integrated niches provide built-in storage
- Grout-free panels are designed for easier upkeep
- Finished edges support a streamlined appearance
Cons:
- Drain and overflow kits are sold separately
- Left-drain tub may not fit every bathroom’s plumbing
Verdict: Choose the WOODBRIDGE kit if built-in niches and a grout-free surround are priorities, and you have confirmed the drain and panel fit.
How to Choose a Shower and Bath for the Same Space
Measure the alcove and the route into the room
Measure the width, depth, and height of the installation area, then compare those numbers with the product’s full dimensions. Also measure doorways, hallways, and tight corners the components must pass through. A kit can fit the bathroom opening but still be difficult to bring into the room. Modular panels can help with access, but always confirm the actual pieces and installation plan.
Match the drain location
Drain direction is not a minor detail. The Sterling Ensemble options here specify left-hand or right-hand drains, and the WOODBRIDGE tub is listed with a left drain. Check where your current plumbing sits and whether the fixture can connect without major changes. If you are unsure how the drain is defined for a specific model, confirm it with the seller or installer before ordering.
Decide whether you need a tub or a shower-only setup
If you want bathing and showering in one footprint, choose a tub-and-shower kit with a surround. The Sterling Ensemble and WOODBRIDGE options are designed around that arrangement. The Sterling Accord is a dedicated shower, while the Shower Anyplace model is a portable stall. Those two may fit shower-focused needs, but they do not provide a bathtub.
Consider access, seating, and support
Think about who will use the bathroom now and in the future. The Accord includes age-in-place backers, but its listing does not say that grab bars come with the kit. Ask what the backers are designed to support and what additional hardware may be required. For any bathing area, consider entry height, available standing room, and whether the finished installation can safely support the intended use.
Compare surround materials and upkeep
Surrounds range from molded panels with a tile-like look to grout-free composite wall panels. Built-in shelves or niches can keep products close at hand, while a smooth or nonporous surface may be easier to wipe down. Review the care instructions for the specific material and consider whether niche placement, seams, and panel edges suit your cleaning routine.
Check what the package includes
Do not assume every kit includes all the parts needed for a finished bathroom. The WOODBRIDGE listing says its drain and overflow kits are sold separately. The Shower Anyplace stall lists water lines, hookup options, and a drain line, but its installation still depends on suitable connections and drainage. Confirm the included components, required fixtures, and any separately purchased items before you begin.
Plan installation before ordering
Bathroom kits can require careful fitting, plumbing work, and preparation of the surrounding walls and floor. Review the installation instructions and warranty terms, and consider hiring a qualified professional if the project involves moving plumbing or changing the structure. The right product is not only the one that fits on paper; it must also work with your room, connections, and installation skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of product for a shower and bath in the same space?
A tub-and-shower kit with a wall surround is the most direct solution when you want both functions in one footprint. The Sterling Ensemble and WOODBRIDGE kits in this guide combine a bathtub with wall protection for shower use.
Can a shower-only kit replace a bathtub and shower combination?
Not if you need a bathtub. The Sterling Accord is a dedicated shower kit, and the Shower Anyplace model is a portable shower stall. Both may suit shower-focused needs, but neither is described as including a tub.
How do I choose between a left-hand and right-hand drain?
Check the existing drain location and the product’s drain description. The models in this guide include both left- and right-hand configurations. If the listing’s terminology is unclear, confirm the orientation with the manufacturer or installer before purchasing.
Does the STERLING Accord include grab bars?
The supplied product details list age-in-place backers, but do not list grab bars as included. Confirm what hardware is supplied and what is needed for your planned installation.
Does the WOODBRIDGE kit include the drain and overflow?
No. The product description says drain and overflow kits are sold separately. Make sure you select compatible parts and include them in your project plan.
Can I install a portable shower stall without a floor drain?
The Shower Anyplace description says its sloped base directs water to an automatic pump-assisted drain system without requiring an existing floor drain. You still need to plan suitable water hookups and a route for the included drain line.
Which option is best for a smaller bathroom?
Compare the exact dimensions with your room before deciding. The 60-by-36-inch Sterling Ensemble is narrower than the 60-by-42-inch version, while the WOODBRIDGE tub is listed as 60 by 32 inches. The portable stall is smaller still, but it does not include a bathtub.
Final Recommendation
For a true bath-and-shower combination, the STERLING Ensemble 60-by-36-inch kit is a strong starting point if its right-hand drain matches your plumbing. Choose the wider 42-inch Sterling Ensemble when you have room for its larger footprint, or consider the WOODBRIDGE kit if integrated niches and grout-free wall panels matter most. If your priority is a shower rather than a tub, the Accord offers a seated design, while the portable Shower Anyplace stall addresses a different need: adding a shower where permanent construction may not be practical. Measure carefully and confirm drain direction and included parts before buying.
