A walk-in shower provides a unique showering experience by making the best use of the available space in a bathroom. Unlike other shower enclosures, it is completely free of any doors or any barriers to entry. The door-free and unobtrusive design of a walk-in shower is a stylish addition that does not affect other bathroom fittings. It is possible to build the perfect walk-in shower with thoughtful space planning and wise material choices. They are a great option if you are remodeling your bathroom for accessibility. This article discusses everything you need to know about a walk-in shower before you install one.
Walk-In Shower Sizes and Dimensions
Most walk-in showers are often rectangular and can be sized differently depending on the available space. It is important to think about your showering needs when deciding on the size of your shower. The standard size of a walk-in shower should be 70 cm in width and 170 cm in length. However, you can always make it big enough to fit perfectly in your bathroom, as the extra space can be beneficial for your showering needs. Larger shower enclosures prevent splashes by keeping in water and provides enough space for other features such as shelves, seats, and extra showerheads. A walk-in shower that is too cramped can lead to constant water splashes and may limit your options of adding extra features and bathroom accessories.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Walk-in Shower
- Plan and Have a Budget
Installing a walk-in shower in an existing bathroom is a labor-intensive project that may require the expertise of well-trained professionals during installation. It involves tearing down the walls to access plumbing and electrical cables, before sealing it up. The walls need to be waterproofed or re-tiled to prevent moisture from causing damage. It is important to plan on a budget as it gives you control over the amount of money you are spending.
- Create Enough Space
It is important to create enough space for your walk-in bathroom so that everything can fit perfectly in place. There should be a minimum space of 32 inches between the enclosure and other fixtures. Other necessary accommodations need to be made if you will be designing your bathroom for accessibility. Some of these features include a grab bar, wheelchair turning space, and shower seats.
- Review Your Options
You can either purchase prefabricated shower kits or build your walk-in shower from scratch. Prefabricated shower kits are available in different dimensions such as one-piece stalls, a shower pan, and customizable units. However, building your shower from scratch gives you the freedom to design the space according to your style and preferences.
- Consider the Needs of the User
If you are designing your walk-in shower for accessibility, it is important to think about the needs of the user to guarantee their safety while in the bathroom. Some of the accessible features include a low threshold, entrance of the shower area, direction of door movement, grab bars and ease of maneuverability for both seated and standing users.
Why Install a Walk-In Shower?
It is important to consider the benefits and downsides of a walk-in shower to help you decide whether it is fit for your space. The popularity of ‘aging in place’ has influenced the decision of most homeowners to install a shower that can be used by people of all ages. Not only does a walk-in shower add a sense of luxury but it also makes your bathroom feel spacious. The door-free design makes it easier to clean compared to standard showers and offers different customization options to suit your style and preferences.
It also gives you a wide range of options when it comes to choosing the type of shower pans, shower panels, and showerheads. Walk-in showers are not as common as standard showers, which means that it is likely to appeal more to homebuyers. The only downsides of walk-in showers are that they offer less privacy and it can be a little chilly, unlike standard showers that have door enclosures.
Investing in a walk-in shower can be an exciting experience once you have the perfect design in mind. It is essential to have a solid plan and budget before installing a walk-in shower to avoid compromising the quality of work and materials used. Most importantly, you need to hire professional contractors as they have extensive knowledge and experience in handling complex issues during installation.