Stepping into a cramped shower stall can feel like squeezing into a phone booth. But imagine a spacious haven where showering becomes a luxurious and relaxing experience. That’s the magic of a walk-in shower! Our bath remodeling company shares the many benefits of a walk-in shower, from its incredible functionality and accessibility to its surprising space-saving capabilities and ability to elevate your bathroom’s aesthetics. Get ready to discover why a walk-in shower might be the perfect upgrade for your bathroom, transforming your daily routine and potentially even increasing the value of your home.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is completely free of doors or curtains. Walk-in showers redefine the showering experience. Unlike traditional enclosed stalls, they boast minimal to no curbs for easy entry and exit. Completely open designs offer a spa-like atmosphere, while partial glass enclosures provide water containment. Available in various sizes and styles, walk-in showers, cater to any bathroom layout and aesthetic, from modern minimalist to luxurious with decorative elements. But the benefits go beyond looks. The curbless design makes them a game-changer for those with mobility limitations, enhancing accessibility and creating a feeling of spaciousness, especially in smaller bathrooms.
Walk-In Shower vs. Tub: What’s the Difference?
- Space: If you’re between a tub and a shower, think of space. Tubs tend to take up more floor space, which can make condensed bathrooms seem cramped. Installing a tub might also require extensive floor and wall construction, which can be costly.
- Entry: While a walk-in closet allows you to just walk in, a tub requires you to step over a high ledge. While this can be great for keeping small children safe while bathing, it can be inconvenient for adults and dangerous for individuals who are vulnerable to imbalance or falls.
- Openness: While tubs are completely enclosed with walls and a door or curtain for bathing, walk-in showers are complete with just a drain and a showerhead or can have partial glass enclosures for water containment.
- Uses: A walk-in shower is excellent for individuals who don’t enjoy baths, while tubs offer the option of both standing showers and baths.
How Big Is a Walk-In Shower?
The size of a walk-in shower can vary depending on the size of the bathroom and the individual’s design preferences. However, the average walk-in shower measures 60″ x 30″, though sizes may also include 60″ x 42″ for a rectangular shower and 42″ x 42″ for a square one. For more condensed bathrooms, a walk-in shower size of 36″ x 36″ is recommended.
How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?
The cost of a walk-in shower may vary depending on the size, material, and design. Generally, however, the cost of a new walk-in shower ranges from $1,800 to $15,000. While the potential sum can be great, the advantages of a walk-in shower outweigh the costs and work required for installation.
What Are the Benefits of a Walk-In Shower?
If you’re unsure of whether to incorporate them in your kitchen remodel, here are some walk-in-shower benefits to consider:
- Space-saving design: One major benefit of a walk-in shower is the space it saves. A tub takes up more floor space, whereas a walk-in shower can be tucked into a corner, offering a sense of openness.
- Low-maintenance: While this may depend on the design or materials used, walk-in showers tend to be easier to clean, as they have fewer corners and crevices than tubs. The lack of a door also reduces the cleaning space and allows air to circulate, which can prevent musty odors. However, walk-in showers that have glass doors may require more frequent cleaning.
- Accessibility: Walk-in showers are excellent for individuals with limited mobility because they don’t have a threshold to step over. What’s more, if the shower floor is flush with the rest of the bathroom floor, wheelchairs can also easily enter it.
- Multiple showerhead options: Walk-in showers offer the flexibility to incorporate rainfall or handheld showerheads, creating a luxurious and spa-like showering experience.
- Energy and water savings: Walk-in showers use less water than baths, consuming around 17 gallons compared to a bath’s 24 gallons.
- Durability: Showers made of floor-to-ceiling tiles and a glass screen are less likely to break or need repairs than other types of showers.
- Resale value: According to the National Association of Realtors, walk-in showers can increase a home’s resale value by an average of $2,500. Every dollar counts!
While they might not be the perfect fit for everyone, the numerous walk-in shower advantages make them a compelling option for many homeowners looking to upgrade their bathrooms and create a more functional, stylish, and accessible space.
How to Design a Walk-In Shower With Karin Ross
Imagine stepping into a spa-like haven every time you use the shower. With a walk-in shower, that dream can become a reality. Whether you prioritize accessibility, ease of cleaning, a luxurious showering experience, or a modern aesthetic upgrade, a walk-in shower offers a winning combination of benefits.
Are You Ready to Transform Your Bathroom and Experience the Magic of a Walk-In Shower?
Karin Ross Designs can help you navigate the entire process, from design and material selection to expert installation. Our bathroom interior design team will work with you to create a custom walk-in shower that perfectly complements your bathroom.
Contact Karin Ross Designs today and schedule a consultation to discuss your vision for your dream bathroom! Let’s turn your outdated bathroom into a functional and stylish haven you’ll love.
