If you have decided to make a bathroom reno, then you have considered the option of installing walk-in showers. However, before committing to a solution that will last for a couple of years, at least, you have to make sure that you understand what this implies.
But first, why do people prefer walk-in showers? It’s simple; they create the illusion of more space. If you are the type of person who favors a quick shower and you find no pleasure in soaking in a bubbly bathtub, a walk-in shower will suit your lifestyle.
However, do not have the misconception that a walk-in shower means a shower head placed in the middle of the room with no tub underneath it. It is an enormous shower, with no tub but with doors. Technically, you will not walk directly into the shower as you step into your bathroom. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to close off the shower with panes of glass, half walls, and other similar solutions.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Walk-In Showers
When installing a walk-in shower in your bathroom, you create the impression of space because there is no door or curtain to delimit the space. However, if you opt for a pre-fab solution, you will notice that it features shallow curbs to prevent excess water from spreading all over the room. But if you decide to customize it with the help of a constructor, then you can choose one without curbs. Persons who experience mobility problems or joint injuries often prefer this option.
Another significant advantage you will have if you will choose a walk-in shower is that it will feature a multi-nozzle spray. You will decide the number of nozzles, but it can grow to ten or even more.
But walk-in showers also have some drawbacks, and the main one is that it lowers the resale value of the house. If you have multiple bathrooms, it is advisable not to convert all the tubs into walk-in showers because they are not an option everyone likes. Many people still love to soak in a bathtub full of warm water; it is a relaxation technique they use when they get home. Optimally, you will have at least a bathroom with a tub in the house if you intend to sell it.
Also, if you plan to have children, you should know that it is quite challenging to bathe them in a shower. Walk-in showers do not offer the same level of privacy a traditional bathtub would do, and if you choose not to install a shower door, you can feel some draft while you shower.
You Have The Freedom To Design
Most of the doorless showers are custom designed. Therefore you can decide every detail of the project. If you want to keep the bathtub, you can install the shower in one of the corners of the room; you only have to make sure that the space is big enough to feature two additions. The size of the walk-in shower is determined by the size of the space, but all the other features are decided according to your preferences.
You will decide the color of the walls and floors; use your creativity to choose the model of the tile. If you want to retain the water from spreading in the bathroom, you can install glass blockers or glass panels.
Considering that walk-in showers are customizable additions, you will collaborate with a qualified installer to guide you through the process. It is not the type of project you can handle on your own; do not try to transform it into your DIY project because it will lead to a disaster. The installer will help you decide what the best shape for the walk-in shower is because you have a wide range from which to choose. The most popular models are the geometric ones with hexagonal, rectangles, and square lines. However, you can select any shape you want; the options are virtually endless; it all depends on the floor space you have.
Things You Should Expect During The Construction Phase
Building a walk-in shower is a complex project, and it requires different hard work.
- If you want to convert your traditional bathroom into a walk-in shower, you can expect the installer to demolish and dispose of the wallboard and old tub to transform the room into a clear canvas they can work. Depending on the shape you prefer for the shower, a new wall framing may be required to accommodate the new addition.
- The showers that feature overhead lights also require electrical work.
- If you want a customized shower, then you will have to install moisture-resistant wallboard over the wall studs.
- Depending on the place of the shower, you may need to install a new water supply for the faucets and showerhead. If you opt for a shower with multiple nozzles, then this step is mandatory.
- According to the users of the shower, you will have to inform the installer if you have some special requirements when it comes to the placement of the accessories. Decide the location and height for the wall niches for shampoos and soaps, grab bars, and shower seats. All these accessories are personalized according to the height of the users and their needs.
How Should You Care For The Walk-In Shower?
Once the project is successfully completed, you need to make sure that you know how to properly care for it to last in time and to maintain its aesthetic and functional features.
- Use a shower spray after every shower to break the soap residue. It is easy to use, you only have to spray on the floors and walls, and it will do the hard work for you. If you want to help the walls to dry faster, you can use a rubber squeegee. This solution is mandatory if your bathroom has experienced mold or mildew in the past.
- If the shower features glass panels, you should use a commercial glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean them after every use.
Every six months, you will need to seal the grout lines. The period may vary according to the instructions offered by the installer.
