A doorless, walk-in, or curbless shower offers some advantages that traditional shower stalls lack. Before you decide to do this, there are some factors you need to consider. Below are some pros and cons that go along with this particular bathroom feature.
Going barrier-free is a growing trend in bathroom remodeling. No-curb showers offer homeowners a sophisticated feel, limitless design options, improved safety, accessibility, and easier cleaning.
It’s a great example of “Universal Design”, an approach that values spaces that are accessible to as many people as possible—no matter their age, size, or mobility.
Pros of Doorless Showers
- Doorless showers offer accessibility! This is a growing trend among older homeowners. A walk-in shower without a glass barrier or threshold makes the bathroom more accessible for people of all ages and different levels of mobility, and can often be a less expensive option.
Leaving off the glass door can significantly reduce the cost of installation. However, a curbless, walk-in shower will typically be more expensive due to the specialty drain and the tile work needed to create the curbless layout. One option to save a bit of money on this option, is to install the doorless shower, but have a tiny lip or curb. This will allow you to forego the pricey specialty drain that is needed for curbless showers. - The sophisticated look of a seamless surface is just the tip of the iceberg. A barrier-free shower actually increases your design options because of the way its drainage system functions.
Traditional shower floors have to be sloped in four directions to move water to the drain in the center. This kind of system is actually more costly and time-consuming to install, and it forces you to choose a small tile. Barrier-free showers use a linear drain which means that you can use any-size tile in your design—helping you to save time and money while getting the look of a luxury spa.
- Aging-in-place is a growing trend among older homeowners. A walk-in shower without a glass barrier, or a threshold, makes the bathroom more accessible for people of all ages, and with all levels of mobility. Consider making the entrance wide enough for wheelchair or walker access. Easy accessibility is also a great selling point down the road.
While leaving off the glass door can significantly reduce the cost of installation, a curbless, walk-in shower will typically be more expensive due to the specialty drain. One option to save a bit of money on this option, is to install the doorless shower, but have a tiny lip or curb. This will allow you to forego the pricey specialty drain that is needed for curbless showers.
Cons of Doorless Showers
- It goes without saying that doorless showers lack privacy. A clear glass door or shield will provide some privacy because the water droplets and steam can obstruct the view, but the whole point of a doorless is to create an open feeling. However, choosing a frosted or designer option on the door isn’t always the first choice because it takes away from the intended effect. We have built some walk-in showers that aren’t glass and are simply just a tiled wall between you and the rest of the bathroom. If your room is large enough this can be a great option too!
- Putting in a doorless shower isn’t a do-it-yourself kind of project. Grading the floor, installing drains and plumbing, and building and tiling walls are jobs best left to the pros. In many cases, installing a doorless shower will require a permit and periodic inspections by the local building authority.
Additionally, it may appear like the door-less shower enclosures are cheaper in the absence of a door. However, due to the complexity of the design, the initial costs and costs of installation are higher than that of a standard shower enclosure. - An open bathroom will always allow cold air from outside to reach where you are. While heated flooring will certainly help along these lines, no doors also means less insulation. Some people find that the level of exposure leads to chillier-than-normal showers. It’s the opposite concept of a steam shower. This is a con for having a spacious shower enclosure in a modern home. You need to have a more comfortable space when taking a shower which is filled with warmth and comfort.
Are you wondering where you can get all the designs of shower enclosures? To keep up with the latest trends and to enjoy the advantages of these new walk-in shower enclosures, Bath Planet New Jersey is a company that offers a wide array of products including shower enclosures. Our experts help you understand the different types of shower enclosures that would be suitable for your home.