All You Need to Know About Walk-In Shower Installation

Walk-in showers provide more room and safety. Avoid remodeling mistakes from the start with this complete guide to walk-in shower installation.

The average shower in America lasts eight minutes. If you shower every day, that’s 56 minutes a week.

Right now, you might see your shower as simply a way to get clean, but what if taking a shower became a spa-like experience? If you’re spending nearly an hour in the bathroom each week, shouldn’t it be enjoyable?

If it’s time for a bathroom remodel, you should consider a walk-in shower installation. Not only does a walk-in shower look clean and modern, but it’s also easy to step in and out of one, which can prevent slips and falls.

If you’re ready to learn more, read our guide on walk-in shower remodels.

What Are the Benefits of Walk-in Shower Installation?

One of the biggest benefits of a walk-in shower remodel is that this style is safer, especially for older adults.

More than one million Americans suffer slip, trip, and fall injuries each year. Most of these are due to a slippery surface, which is why we need to be extra mindful in the bathroom. The tub floor and the bathroom floor can get extra slippery.

If your home currently has a bathtub and shower combo, you likely have to step over the edge of the bathtub to enter the shower. Even with lower tubs, there’s always a chance of slipping or tripping on the inside of the tub or over the edge.

Many walk-in shower installations don’t have curbs at all, only a sloping floor. This makes them much more accessible for individuals with mobility issues.

Another huge benefit of walk-in showers is that they don’t have to use curtains. Glass showers provide an open and spacious look. This style can give your bathroom a spa-like feel.

They’re also customizable. You can have multiple showerheads and direct water all over your body for a luxurious experience. Take a look at our Virginia Shower and Bath gallery to see the many different stylistic choices. You can also get optional upgrades, like heated surfacing and hydrotherapeutic jets, for an even more relaxing experience.

Is My Bathroom Big Enough for a Walk-in Shower?

Many homeowners think they can’t get a walk-in shower installation because they don’t have a massive bathroom. However, there are many different styles and shapes of walk-in showers. You might be surprised by what’s possible.

There are corner showers, shower rooms, curved enclosures, pivot doors, sliding doors, and many other options. In short, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask about your options!

When to Schedule the Shower Installation

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you should plan the shower installation around the same time as other structural work. This should be somewhere fairly early in your remodel timeline.

When you hire a professional service, like Virginia Shower and Bath, you know you’re getting expert installation services. Our certified installation specialists have the tools and expertise needed to transform the look of your shower.

Walk-in Shower Designs and Ideas

There’s a lot you can do with your walk-in shower, so don’t feel limited or forced into a particular look.Maybe you want a curtain for your walk-in shower rather than glass. Maybe you want a black frame instead of a silver frame to match the other hardware and accents in your bathroom. Open or barrier-free showers don’t have doors at all, making them easy to access.

If your dream bathroom involves a spa shower, we can do that. We can also incorporate windows and natural lighting that allow you to enjoy your view and the scenery outside while you relax.

Are you looking for more inspiration? Take a look at some of our ideas.

Curbed or Curbless Showers

One important consideration is whether you want a curbed or curbless shower. A curb design is one you have to step over, though it’s not nearly as tall as a bathtub. A walk-in shower with a curbless design means the floor and the shower are on the same level.

Curbed designs keep water inside the shower better, but a curbless design creates more of an open feeling. In the end, the design choice is up to you.

What About Privacy?

The look of an open walk-in shower makes your bathroom feel like a spa, but some people worry about privacy. If you’re worried about your kids or your spouse coming into the bathroom when you want a little privacy, there are ways to design around that concern.

Glass blocks bring in light while still offering privacy. You can also install a shower bar instead of glass to hang a shower curtain.

Regardless, you’ll still have a beautiful and accessible shower in your new bathroom remodel.

Keeping Your Walk-in Shower Warm

Unlike a shower enclosure, heat can escape from an open walk-in shower. However, if you want to stay nice and toasty warm while washing up, you have options.

You can install a heated floor, which will keep you warm even in winter. You can also get a curtain rod or glass door installed to create a semi-closed space that still feels open.

Considering Tile Choices

Choosing the right type of tile can get tricky since there are thousands of choices out there. Choosing a neutral color and style is best if you’re thinking about resale value. Subway tile and natural stone are also classic and beautiful choices.

Take a look at a gallery to glance over some different styles and see if any colors or materials call out to you. You have a lot of options for design when it comes to shapes as well. Some homeowners like the look of geometric patterns and custom tile designs in their showers. Others like the look of crisp, white tile.

There’s no wrong choice. Choose what you like best and what matches the rest of your bathroom remodel.

Create Your Dream Bathroom

As you plan your bathroom remodel, consider all the benefits of a walk-in shower installation. The clean and open look can transform the look of your bathroom, and they’re easy to enter and leave, making them safer.

If you’re ready to schedule your shower installation, set up an appointment with Virginia Shower and Bath today.