A walk-in shower can create the illusion of more space in your bathroom and add a large measure of eye-pleasing surroundings for those who prefer a relaxing, rejuvenating shower over a long soak in the bathtub. Yet many bathrooms just don’t have the room to accommodate both a walk-in shower and tub.

If you’re toying with the idea of converting your shower/tub combo, here are a few important things to consider.

 

 

Advantages of a Walk-In Shower

Unlike shower/tub combos, walk-in showers don’t require a curtain or door. Instead, they present a clean, open look. Prefabricated units come with shallow curbs to contain excess water while custom showers can be designed with a gently sloping floor, offering greater accessibility for those with joint or mobility issues. A standard and popular feature of walk-in showers is the ability to have multiple spray nozzles that can direct water to all areas of the body.

Disadvantages of a Walk-In Shower

The lack of a shower door can create a drafty feeling and offers less privacy than standard showers with doors or curtains. Will you be bathing small children? It’s much easier to do so in a tub. Also, keep resale value in mind before ripping out your only bathtub – most home buyers prefer to have at least one.

Design

The size of your bathroom determines the size and shape of your walk-in shower. Even with a smallish footprint, you’ll have plenty of design flexibility when it comes to selecting the type, color, and shape of tile, the addition of a niche for hair and bath products, or a bench to sit back and relax on.

Cost

The cost of a shower/bath combo to walk-in shower conversion will depend on several factors, including whether you opt for a pre-fab kit or go custom. Altering the footprint of the bathroom, including removing or adding walls, moving plumbing, electrical, and HVAC also adds to the cost. A pre-fab shower kit installed where your tub/shower combo is now will usually be the most affordable option.

Walk-In Shower Care

Caring for a walk-in shower is not much different than caring for a standard stall shower. To keep yours looking like new, follow these tips.

  • Run the exhaust fan during and for at least five minutes after a shower to remove excess humidity.
  • Keep shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items in an open-bottom shower caddy to prevent slimy residue and mildew from forming – or wipe down tile shelves or niches after every shower.
  • Spray walls and floors daily to keep soap scum and hard water deposits at bay.
  • Remove excess water and help walls dry faster with a rubber squeegee.
  • Once a week, spray walls and the floor with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner, and use a stiff nylon-bristle brush to scrub tile and grout lines; then rinse with clean water.
  • Clean glass doors or panels with a glass cleaner and wipe with clean, absorbent cloths to keep the glass sparkling like new.

Is a walk-in shower a good fit for your home, bathroom, and family needs? Even if you’re not sure, contact us today so we can answer your questions and, at your request, schedule a free in-home consultation.