Walk in showers are one of the most common upgrades homeowners get in their bathroom remodeling projects. This investment can bring back 70% ROI, but also has immeasurable value for your day-to-day life.
However, there are some pros and cons of having a walk in shower, and before you invest in this bathroom upgrade, you should know them.
If you’re debating on getting a walk in shower, here’s all you need to know.
Let’s begin!
What Is A Walk In Shower
Walk-in showers are entered without stepping over a tub, which is highly beneficial for senior homeowners or those who have mobility issues. They can also be advantageous if you’re looking to conserve space in your bathroom.
There are many different types, sizes, and styles of walk in showers. They can be frames or frameless, with glass shower doors or without, with a shower pan or not, or with a tile surround.
Walk in showers can be made out of different materials. Most commonly they are made using shower tiles such as these ones, but you can also find them made out of stone, glass, or metal.
Note: Tub and shower combos are not considered walk-in showers.
What Are The Pros Of Having A Walk In Shower?
There are many pros to having a walk in shower.
- One of the main benefits of walk-in showers is that they are very accessible. If you have trouble stepping over a tub, a walk-in shower can be ideal.
- Not only do walk-in showers save space in your bathroom, but they also allow you to avoid a tub if that is what you desire. If you have a small bathroom and want to make the most of your space, opt for a walk-in shower.
- Not only are walk-in showers easy to use, but they're also much simpler to clean. Without a tub taking up space, you can easily wipe down the shower walls and floor after each use. This saves precious time when cleaning your bathroom overall.
What Are The Cons Of Having A Walk In Shower?
- One is that they can be more expensive than traditional showers. This is because they require more materials, and they often require special doors or shower curtains.
- Another downside to walk-in showers is that they can be less private than traditional showers. If you have a door, it can be difficult to keep water from getting into the bathroom. And without a door, people in your house will be able to see you while you are showering.
- Lastly, walk in showers can take longer to heat up than traditional showers. This is because the water has to travel farther to reach the showerhead. So, if you like to take long showers, a walk in shower might not be the best option for you.
How Much Does A Walk In Shower Cost?
The cost of a walk-in shower or the cost of any bathroom shower of a greatly varies and depends on the size, materials, and whether you need a door or shower curtain.
If you are looking to save money, you can find walk in showers made out of cheaper materials, such as fiberglass or plastic. You can also choose a smaller shower, which will cost less than a larger one.
Prefabricated showers start from $1k and can be as high as $10k, and often times the most expensive thing is the glass shower door.
If you want an upgraded shower, there are options like stone or tile that can make it appear more luxurious. Additionally, making the shower bigger will also come with a heftier price tag.
The Best Materials For A Walk In Shower
There are quite a few options when it comes to the material of your walk in shower.
- If you're looking for an upscale option for your shower surround, Italian porcelain tile is a popular choice that can make your shower look amazing.
- If you want an elegant looking shower, opt for a glass door; however, if you're working with limited funds, a shower curtain will suffice.
- You'll only need a door for a 3-walled shower surround, but if there are only 2 walls, besides the door you'll need a glass panel or wall instead. A glass panel will be pricier, but building a wall will take more time and effort.
- Although it would look great to use the same material for your bathroom and shower floors, this is not always possible. If your bathroom floor is luxury vinyl planks, look into stone, porcelain, or ceramic tile for your shower floor. Shower pans are not a thing anymore, and they give your bath a cheap look.
- Shower heads can be very expensive, but you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. You can find a decent shower head for around $200.
How Difficult Are Walk In Showers To Maintain?
Walk in showers require minimal time for cleaning thanks to their design of tile and glass. This means you also will have less worry about mold or mildew growth.
A walk in shower made out of stone or tile may need to be sealed every few years, while a glass-enclosed shower will require slightly different care.
A large walk in shower will probably take a little longer to clean, including the tile surround and the glass doors, but an airy walk in shower allows you to move around easier, without the risk or hitting your elbows.
Are Walk In Showers Worth The Cost?
Walk in showers can be a great addition to your home. They are easy to get into, easy to clean, and can save you space. However, they can be more expensive than traditional showers, and they might not be the best option if you like to take long showers.
If you are looking for a way to save space in your bathroom, or if you have trouble stepping over a tub, a walk in shower might be the right choice for you. If you still not sure what to choose check out our article on the pros and cons of a bathtub vs a walk-in shower.
Otherwise, you might want to stick with a traditional shower, or even a bathtub.
Note: You can have both the walk in shower and the bathtub, though! You can add a freestanding tub and a walk in shower, but you can also add a tub and shower combo. Although these look a bit dated, they’re highly-functional additions.
Conclusion
Overall, we’d recommend showers to most of our customers, with very few exceptions.
If you’re still wondering if walk in showers are worth it, know that the simple answer is yes. They’re highly-functional, they make mornings much more efficient, and you actually get to save a lot of water.
If you want to find out more about the advantages of getting a walk in shower for your new bathroom, contact your local experts from Pellak Construction right now! We’re offering professional bathroom remodeling services in Springfield, Broomall, Havertown, Newton Square, and more of PA.
Call today at (610) 543-2479 to discuss your project, or request a free quote right now!