Homeowners enjoy having a spacious bathroom, especially in their master baths. Walk-in showers are a great way to open up a bathroom space while still maintaining functionality.
A walk-in shower, level access shower, or roll-in shower are all terms used to describe the same principle used within a wet room, that of a showering area that is the same level as the rest of the floor, i.e. there is no tray to step up into, as is normally found with a white plastic shower tray for example.
The absence of any 'step in' tray creates a flush flooring environment for showering which eliminates any trip hazard or barrier to entry, in addition to being much more aesthetically pleasing.
A walk-in shower/level access shower is the ideal showering environment for most people. However, its lack of a 'step-in' makes it particularly suitable for young children, the elderly, and those with disabilities or mobility problems.
Here are some of the benefits of walk-in showers that you should know:
Walk-in showers can make the bathroom appear bigger and brighter. This gives you more flexibility when designing your bathroom layout.
In fact, walk-in showers can suit perfectly in tight spaces because they only have a single glass panel that gives a streamlined view throughout the bathroom. It's the perfect addition to bathrooms where the space is limited and there's no natural light.
Walk-in showers have fewer elements that need regular cleaning compared to traditional shower enclosures. With a walk-in shower, you just have to clean the showerhead, tray, and glass screen.
The modern showers come with quality protective coatings that make them easier to keep clean and look new for longer. Furthermore, this type of shower utilizes minimal fittings and fixtures, which makes it more durable and long-lasting.
Another fantastic benefit that a walk-in shower has over a shower enclosure with doors, is that it's a lot easier to use. The doorless and almost step-free design makes a walk-in shower a great choice for those with limited mobility and the elderly, who struggle to lift their legs over a bath and keep their balance.
There's also plenty of showering space, so you can wash young children with ease. You could even fit two shower heads for a luxury touch.
A walk-in shower room features clean lines and minimal looks, which provides a high-end feel and makes a statement too. If you ever decide to sell your home in the future, a walk-in shower can make a real selling point. What's more, you don't have to break the bank to achieve this.
A walk-in shower is an obvious choice for a modern home. Walk-in showers work so well with modern or contemporary styles because they are designed to be open and use straight geometric shapes, such as rectangles, or circles. The lack of elaborate or frilly decoration makes them appear more streamlined and minimal, as well.
Here are some of the walk-in design considerations:
The style of shower enclosure you choose makes the design your own. There are plenty of ways to make your mark. You are able to specify how spacious you'd like the shower and whether you'd like it partially or fully enclosed.
Most homeowners opt for a full glass or Perspex enclosure. This option is simple to install and provides an open-plan feel while containing much of the steam and spray that's created while showering.
Showering is a personal experience. Some people enjoy a refreshing, high-pressure blast, while others prefer the gentle waterfall experience. Luckily, modern shower fixtures are multifunctional and can tick several boxes in one.
Showers typically have adjustable heights, pressure controls, and detachable heads as standard. This is especially important if you need a shower to be suitable for elderly or disabled people.
The least expensive option—a prefab walk-in shower kit—costs between $800 and $2,500, based on size and quality.
Installing the shower pan and any doors, including yourself, is a money-saving option if you're knowledgeable in plumbing and framing, while professional installation will add another $750 to $2,500, depending on the layout of your bathroom and plumbing requirements.
At Edesia Kitchen and Bath Studio, Inc., we specialize in kitchen interior design and bath interior design. We believe in designing baths with your family top of mind. Edesia can help ensure your walk-in shower not only functions efficiently but also has a great design that matches your home and your lifestyle. Contact us to learn more and get started.