What is a Walk-In Shower?

If your existing shower space leaves much to be desired, it may be time to consider upgrading to a walk-in shower. But what exactly is a walk-in shower and how is it different from a typical shower enclosure?

As the name suggests, a walk-in shower does away with doors, screens and raised trays in favour of an open entry and seamless access. This creates an indulgent yet accessible shower experience. What’s more, a stylish and practical walk-in shower is easier to achieve than ever, thanks to complete walk-in shower kits!

Key Features of a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers are characterised by certain defining features:

No Barriers

Unlike regular shower cubicles, walk-in showers have no doors, glass panels or curtains separating the shower area. You simply walk directly into the open enclosure. For users, this promotes ease of access and flexibility while amplifying the feeling of space.

Step-Free Entry

Standard showers feature raised trays or rims several inches high to contain water splashes. In contrast, walk-in showers sit flush with the floor with no lip or step-up, enabling smooth entry directly from the bathroom floor. This also facilitates wheelchairs and easier cleaning without awkward edges.

Completely Waterproofed

As walk-in showers have no containment screens or doors, it’s vital that the surrounding floor and walls are fully waterproofed to prevent leaks. Waterproofing is applied as a tanking kit under tiles, topped with drainage channels to direct water away safely.

Luxurious Style

The minimalist, spa-like style creates a sleek designer look, even in small bathrooms. Walk-ins feel more expansive and can integrate seating areas or hydrotherapy jets for a luxury hotel experience at home.

Benefits of Walk-In Showers

Alongside the glamorous aesthetics, walk-in showers offer many practical advantages:

Enhanced Accessibility

The lack of screens or raised edges provides nearly universal accessibility. With simple entry, walk-in showers comfortably accommodate family members of all ages and mobility levels without awkward transitions.

More Space

Removing shower doors and trays can gain up to 150mm in a small bathroom. This open style makes compact bathrooms appear larger and lighter, especially if you place fittings and recesses strategically to prevent a cluttered look.

Reduced Maintenance

Walk-ins eliminate fiddly enclosures, hinges, seals and grouting that can leak, crack or grow mould over time. With proper waterproofing and drainage, a tiled walk-in shower needs little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with a squeegee or microfibre cloth.

Flexible Showering

The open plan means you can position fittings like showerheads or seating anywhere to customise spray coverage rather than being restricted by glass panels. Handheld or wall-mountable jets offer total flexibility.

Customisation Options

From seating nooks to designer tiles or lighting, walk-ins provide extensive scope for personalisation. This allows you to match the shower area to your tastes and the overall bathroom design perfectly.

Things to Consider

While walk-in showers offer many advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Installation Complexity

Creating a high-quality walk-in shower requires a more complex installation compared to basic enclosures. Fitting shower trays or tanking kits, waterproof membranes and tile finishes are best left to professionals.

Higher Upfront Costs

The plumbing work and waterproofing required for a walk-in shower ups the initial spend over basic shower replacements. However, this buys you longevity over cheaper fixes that degrade and leak quickly.

Increased Wet Zones

Unlike contained cubicles, water can spread across larger zones in open showers. Effective floor gradients and drainage are key to preventing puddles, slippery surfaces and water damage. Heated tile floors help keep the area dry and comfortable between uses.

Walk into Luxury with Wetroomstop

At Wetroomstop, we specialise in superb products to help you realise your dream walk-in shower. From linear drains to stylish trays and waterproofing essentials, our comprehensive range takes the hassle out of installation.

Our expert team can advise you on ideal dimensions, layouts and compatible items like shower enclosures.  Transform even the most awkward little bathroom into a spa-like retreat with our walk-in shower supplies. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!