Walk-in showers have gone from a luxury feature to a common choice in new bathrooms and remodels. If you are deciding whether to swap your tub or shower stall for one, here are the main reasons people make the switch, followed by the design choices that decide whether yours turns out well.
Four reasons to choose a walk-in shower
1. It makes better use of space
Without a tub wall or a bulky door swing, a walk-in shower often makes a small bathroom feel larger. Clear glass or a doorless layout lets the eye travel to the far wall, and removing a tub can free up room for a bigger vanity or storage.
2. It is easier and safer to use
A low or zero threshold means you step in rather than climb over a tub wall. That helps children, older adults and anyone with limited mobility, and it can make the room easier to age in. Add a built-in bench, grab bars and a handheld shower head and it gets safer still. For more on this, see our guide to walk-in showers for elderly people.
3. It is simple to keep clean
There are no door tracks to scrub and fewer corners where grime hides. Large-format tile means fewer grout lines, and a squeegee after each shower keeps glass clear. A good exhaust fan clears the steam so mold has a harder time getting started.
4. It looks modern
Clean lines, glass and natural stone or tile look current and can help a home appeal to buyers. The return on a remodel varies by market, so choose a design you will enjoy first and treat resale as a bonus.
Design choices that matter
Walls
Porcelain and ceramic tile are the classic choice. Large panels, solid-surface or acrylic wall systems have fewer seams and are quicker to clean. Whatever you pick, proper waterproofing behind the surface matters more than the finish.
Floor and drain
The floor should be slip resistant and slope toward the drain. Pre-sloped shower bases are the easiest route, while custom tile floors give you more design freedom. A linear drain lets you use one large slope instead of four, so see our shower drain reviews.
Glass and doors
The roomier the shower, the easier it is to go doorless, because spray stays inside. In a smaller space, a fixed glass panel or a full door is more practical. Compare options in our best shower doors guide, and read about shower enclosures before you commit.
Storage and seating
A recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor. Look at our shower niche reviews, and consider a built-in bench or a fold-down shower seat.
Fixtures
A fixed head with a handheld on a slide bar suits most households. Compare handheld shower heads and rain shower heads, and make sure your shower valve can support the outlets you want.
Is a walk-in shower right for you?
If you rarely take baths, want a roomier-feeling bathroom or need easier access, it probably is. If you have young children who need baths or you want a soaking tub for resale reasons, keep one tub in the house. Our walk-in shower designs and walk-in shower ideas pages have more inspiration.
