Walk-in Shower Pros and Cons: A Complete Guide

A walk-in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom, offering a stylish, spacious and low maintenance alternative to traditional shower enclosures.

Whether you are bathroom remodeling, building a new home, or simply upgrading your current shower, there are many reasons why it is a perfect solution.

Although it is a growing trend, there are also some disadvantages to consider before making your decision. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of walk-in showers to help you make an informed decision.

What is the difference between a shower and a walk-in shower?

There seems to be some confusion about what a walk-in shower is and whether it differs from a traditional one. Some people interchange the two words, but there are some differences. Let’s get into those differences before addressing a walk-in shower’s advantages and disadvantages.

Regular shower

A traditional shower typically has a door or shower curtains that enclose the showering area and a floor that is elevated from the bathroom floor, creating a barrier to prevent water from escaping.

It is almost always part of a tub and shower combo. In essence, you have to step over the high edge of the tub to get in and take a shower. 

Here are the features of a traditional shower in a nutshell:

• Shower curtains or shower door for privacy
• High ledge tub enclosure
• Completely enclosed space
• Possibility of taking a bath or shower

Walk-in shower

A walk-in shower is a type of shower enclosure that has no door or threshold, allowing for easy access and mobility. Most people opt for doorless walk-in showers but there are types have doors or even a shower curtain. 

The main feature is that there is a shower pan for a floor, or a flat floor that allows for proper drainage since it is slightly sloped. 

With the wide range of styles, materials, and features available, walk-in showers are a versatile option that can enhance the look and functionality of any bathroom.

Here are the features of a walk-in shower in a nutshell:

• Open design
• No threshold or tub
• Sloped shower pan floor
• Can be with a door or doorless for a frameless look
• Can be large or small to fit any unusual shape

Pros of Walk-in Showers

1. Style and Design

A walk-in shower can bring a modern and stylish touch to your bathroom. With clean lines, sleek glass, and an open, spacious feel, walk-in showers are the perfect way to create a spa-like environment in your home. They can be designed to suit any style, from contemporary to traditional, and can be customized to match your bathroom’s existing décor.

They are highly customizable in terms of the shape and size so you can also add a lot of accessories and luxury features such as shower seats. 

2. Space

Walk-in showers are a great option for a smaller bathroom or cluttered bathrooms. They do not require a door or curtain, which means they do not take up any additional space in your bathroom. This makes them ideal for small bathrooms, as they create the illusion of more space by opening up the area.

Since they can be made to order, walk-in showers fit in any bathroom, even a half bath or three-quarter bath. They can also be made to fit corners so there is a wide range of possibilities and few limitations if you are looking to convert to a walk-in shower.

3. Greater accessibility

Walk-in showers are a great option for people with mobility challenges or disabilities. With no step to navigate, they are much easier and safer to use than traditional showers. Additionally, an accessible walk in shower can be customized with grab bars and other accessibility features to make them even more user-friendly.

Many walk-in showers also have seats built in such as a bench or wall-mounted seat that folds down. This adds to the accessibility for those with mobility issues since it is easier to shower when sitting down. 

4. Maintenance

Walk-in showers are incredibly low-maintenance. They are much easier to keep clean with no door or curtain to clean than traditional stalls. Additionally, they are less likely to develop mold or mildew growth, as they allow for good ventilation and air flow.

A walk-in shower’s open, uncomplicated design and use of water-resistant materials make it easier to maintain compared to a shower with an enclosed space. The open design of doorless showers makes them easier to clean, as there are no corners or tight spaces to navigate

Cons of Walk-in Showers

1. Water Spillage

One of the biggest disadvantages of walk-in showers is that they can allow water splashes onto the bathroom floor. This can be a problem if your bathroom flooring is not waterproof and can lead to water damage and mold growth. To prevent water spillage, it’s important to install a good quality shower tray and make sure that the shower is properly sealed.

In fact, many walk-in showers won’t work with a shower panel with water jets that shoot out from the wall. If you are looking for massage jets for the whole body then a walk-in shower is not a great option since the water will spray out of the enclosure. Most use rainfall showerheads, however, for a relaxing shower experience.

Besides the water splashes, humidity in the rest of the bathroom is also a factor. An enclosed shower with an exhaust fan can remove a lot of moisture from the air so it doesn’t get in the rest of the bathroom. A walk-in shower will cause a lot of humidity and condensation in other areas of the space. 

Cost

The cost of walk-in showers can be more expensive to install than traditional shower enclosures. This is because they require more materials, such as glass, tiles, and waterproofing, and may also require professional installation. 

​​Walk-in showers typically require special flooring, such as a sloped floor or a waterproof membrane, to ensure that water drains properly and does not leak into other bathroom areas.

However, the long-term cost savings in terms of maintenance and energy efficiency may offset the initial investment.

Privacy

Another disadvantage of walk-in showers is that they do not provide as much privacy as traditional shower enclosures. If you are sharing a bathroom with others, or prefer more privacy when showering, a doorless shower not be the best option for you.

However, privacy can be improved in a walk-in shower by using partial walls, screens, or adding a glass door. The level of privacy in a walk-in shower ultimately depends on the design and layout of the bathroom and the individual’s personal preferences.

No bathtub

If you love to soak in a bath with some essential oils, you will be disappointed not having that option if you go for a walk-in shower. The same goes if you have small children since washing them will be a challenge without a tub.

FAQ

Bottom Line

In conclusion, walk-in showers are a great option for those looking to create a stylish, spacious and low maintenance bathroom. With many benefits, including easier accessibility and low maintenance, they are a popular choice among homeowners and designers alike. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as water spillage, cost, and reduced privacy. When deciding whether to install a walk-in shower in your home, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons, and weigh them against your own needs and preferences.

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