The Walk-In Shower

Costs
History
Maintenance
Pictures

Popular Bathroom Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References

If you’re considering shower options for a bathroom remodel job, it would probably be accurate to say that the walk-in shower is among your top choices. The modern walk-in shower changes the whole concept of an enclosed shower. With no moving parts, walk-in showers feature an open end for entry and come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes. Here’s what you need to know.

Costs

The cost of adding a walk-in shower to your bathroom depends on the model used, size of the shower, and the cost of labor. It could vary greatly from bathroom to bathroom. Get a couple price quotes to know what cost you’re looking at.

Pictures

Pros

Walk-in showers can be made to any specification, e.g. rounded, square, etc.

Can encompass an entire wet room, similar to those found in fancy spas.

Walk-in showers provide easy access for the elderly and homeowners with disabilities.

Cons

Special considerations must be made for flooring when it comes to installing a walk-in shower.

Walk-in showers don’t allow for the bath and shower combo.

Maintenance

Walk-in showers require the same type of maintenance as any other shower design—regular cleaning.

Common Questions and Answers

What should be considered when adding a walk-in shower to an existing bathroom?

A special consideration for the walk-in shower is appropriate flooring. If your bathroom would be easily damaged by vast amounts of water, or would not offer proper drainage, then it’s best to use a shower tray. It’s arguable, however, that the shower tray destroys the luxurious lines of the walk-in shower. Without the shower tray, a walk-in shower has an elegant flow about it as glass meets floor with no interruption, and the drain can be installed right into the floor.

History

It wasn’t until indoor plumbing became a viable option for homes in 1850 that people began using freestanding showers. However, the bath was still more popular than the shower until the second part of the 20th century.