What You Need to Know About Walk-In Showers (Quick Guide)

Are you thinking of upgrading your bathroom to make it more efficient? Then you should know about walk-in shower enclosures to make the most of your available space.

They are gaining in popularity as they are free of curtains and doors. These glass enclosures create the illusion of space and give your bathroom a clean appearance. Do you prefer quick showers to long baths? This design makes it a great option for people with active lifestyles.

Are you ready to create a spa-like sanctuary at home? Then keep reading to find out everything you need to know about walk-in shower enclosures.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Walk-In Showers

Are you designing a new bathroom or remodelling an existing one? Want to install a walk-in shower? Check out our essential guide.

1. What is a walk-in shower?

Unlike other glass shower doors, a walk-in one doesn’t have any doors. This offers an amazing shower experience while making appropriate use of the available space. It is a sophisticated addition that doesn’t impact other bathroom fittings or fixtures. If you want a spacious and open bathroom, a walk-in shower enclosure is your best option.

1. What’s the difference between a walk-in shower and a wet room?

A wet room typically has an open plan where the water flows away through a floor drain. A walk-in shower consists of two glass screens with a low-level shower tray. Both are easily accessible and make a style statement.

1. What are the advantages of walk-in showers?

Here are some of the benefits homeowners enjoy over regular showers and bathtubs when they install a walk-in shower .

1. They’re Accessible

Walk-in showers are great for those with limited mobility or joint pain since they don’t require additional effort to get in or out. They also reduce the risk of falls which are a major concern for both children and the elderly. Also, since there is no threshold or curb, wheelchair users can easily get in and out and will have enough room to move around and use the space. You can choose to install products or facilities that can be used independently by people with different types of disabilities.

1. They’re Easier to Install

Traditional showers drain in the centre, so the flooring slightly slopes all around the drain. Creating these slopes is time-consuming and can only be done efficiently using small floor tiles. Walk-in shower areas generally position their drain on one corner, meaning the flooring only needs a single slope. This makes construction of walk-in showers easier than traditional ones.

1. They’re Easy to Maintain

Since walk-in showers don’t have as many crevices or curves as traditional showers-with-tub combos, there isn’t much space for mildew or soap residue to accumulate. This makes cleaning them easier. Moreover, bathtub crevices prevent water from flowing into the drain and lead to clogs. With walk-in showers, the design and slight sloping of the flooring prevent water from pooling.

1. They’re Durable

Walk-in showers are built to withstand wear and tear for many years. They require fewer parts than a regular tub or shower area which means there are fewer parts to malfunction or break. When looked after properly, the materials can last many years, making them one of the most durable types of showers.

1. They Add Space

Traditional bathtubs can make the space look cluttered and small, as much of the floor space will be used for the bathtub. This holds true for smaller bathrooms

Q. Are there any drawbacks I should be concerned about?

While walk-in showers offer homeowners many benefits, they’re not problem-free. Since there’s no door or curtain, you’re more likely to feel cold. You can solve this problem by installing a mounted warm light or heated floor tiles.

Q. How much freedom will I have in terms of design?

The size of your bathroom will determine the space that can be used for your walk-in shower. However, homeowners enjoy some decorative leeway in terms of custom design. You can:

• Choose to install glass panels or blocks on a single or multiple sides.
• Pick the type and colour of tiles for the walls and floor.
• Select different shapes such as rectangles, squares or hexagonal lines. Additionally, you can choose from virtually any wall shape, even a curved one. Remember: building codes generally recommend a minimum of 30 inches between fixtures. This leaves adequate space to walk between the vanity or toilet and walk-in shower.

Q. What factors should I consider before installing a walk-in shower enclosure?

Some things you need to take into consideration before installing a walk-in shower are:

• Choosing a Suitable Showerhead

This ensures that your bathroom remains dry and clean in use and afterwards. Any showerheads should be directed away from other fixtures and accessories to prevent them getting wet.

• Waterproofing the Area

Bathrooms should be water-resistant to keep users from slipping and falling. This is also necessary to maintain cleanliness. So, when choosing materials for an open shower, make sure they can withstand continued exposure to water.

• Ensuring Appropriate Drainage

To guarantee your shower area functions properly, you need to ensure proper drainage. This prevents water from entering other areas and protects against slipping on a wet floor.

There’s a lot to keep in mind about walk-in showers, but remodelling or designing one isn’t as challenging as you might think. With an eye towards details, you can plan a wonderful and enjoyable shower area that blends well with the rest of your bathroom.