5 Reasons to Choose a Walk-In Shower
Curb-less and low-barrier showers can be accessible, low-maintenance and attractive
Do you love nothing more than an invigorating morning drench but can’t see a way of fitting a shower enclosure into your bathroom layout? Or maybe you want to ditch the bath altogether. Then a walk-in shower—which might have a low curb or be totally curbless—could be the solution. Read why you might want to choose a walk-in shower and get some helpful advice on how to make this popular bathroom feature work for you.
What defines a walk-in shower? It’s a waterproofed showering area that typically has no hinged doors, enabling you to simply “walk in.” A popular design feature is to have a wet-room-style floor where the floor is tiled throughout and a preformed shower mat is laid beneath the tiles. However, it’s also possible to have a visible shower tray in a walk-in, but they will have a very low curb or sit flush with the floor, so the step is minimal. A totally barrier-free shower entrance offers more flexibility as it can accommodate people who use wheelchairs or others who may have trouble with a curb.
Another common design feature is a frameless and fixed-glass screen that shields the water spray from the rest of the room. Some walk-ins can even be completely open, depending on the size of the space and what works with the rest of the fixtures.
1. They Save Space
Whether you’re desperate for more space in your bathroom or you simply want to create the illusion of it, a walk-in shower can help with both. This is particularly helpful in rooms that are narrow or have low ceilings.
A walk-in shower with a wet-room-style floor also offers more flexibility when it comes to planning your layout, as there is no fixed tray size and it can be fitted into awkward spaces.
What’s more, if you’re installing a frameless glass screen, there will be no visual interruption through the space, and the room will appear larger and brighter—perfect in compact bathrooms where the space is tight or there is no natural light.
2. There Are Practical Advantages
A huge benefit that a walk-in shower has over a traditional enclosure is that it’s much easier to use. Thanks to the doorless and step-free design, walk-in showers are ideal for people with less mobility, such as the elderly and young children, who struggle to lift their leg over a bath or to keep their balance.
And with extra space for showering, two or more kids can be washed at once, easing the morning or bedtime routine. Double showers can also be fitted inside the wet area for dual showering, which will add a five-star touch.
In tray-less showers, be sure to pick flooring that is nonslip or has a slight texture for grip, such as ceramic tiles. But if you do opt for a shower tray, go for a slimline design that can be fitted flush with the floor, so there is a minimal step and less of a trip hazard.
3. They’re Easy to Maintain
Minimal hardware equals minimal cleaning. With no door handles or hinges to scrub, just the shower head and faucets to buff now and again, you’ll have more time to enjoy a relaxing shower. Most glass panels come complete with easy-to-clean tempered glass, which makes it super simple to spray down, while the tiled floor inside the shower area can be cleaned with the rest of the floor in your usual routine.
4. You’ll Get a Designer Look That Adds Value
The sleek lines and minimal styling of walk-in showers give them a high-end, luxe look that will boost any bathroom’s style credentials. It’s well known that buyers consider the kitchen and bathroom to be game-changers when it comes to purchasing a house, so installing a walk-in shower is sure to create a stunning feature that will help make your home memorable if you decide to sell.
5. Their Durability Will Stand the Test of Time
With fewer fittings involved in their design than in standard enclosures, walk-in showers are a robust feature that will stand up to years of usage and plenty of wear and tear. No more replacing hinges or door seals that have worn out; a walk-in shower will keep its good looks for a long time.
At Levite Construction Co. in Seattle, Washington, we can help you choose the right bathroom design and build it to suit your style and needs. Give us a call at 425-998-8958, or send us an email at info@leviteconstruction.com
