Walk-In Shower vs. Roll-In Shower: Key Differences

When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the most important decisions to make is the type of shower you’ll install. Two popular low-threshold options are the walk-in shower and the roll-in shower. Both have unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Low-Threshold Showers Offer a Stylish, All-Purpose Solution

You don’t need to sacrifice accessibility for design. Walk-in and roll-in showers provide a modern solution for homeowners who prioritize beauty and convenience. 

Low-threshold showers can turn your bathroom into a showpiece. They offer inviting, tailored designs for every home. With premium fixtures and customizable tile options, low-threshold showers create a spa-like atmosphere that blends safety with sophistication. Sleek finishes combine elegance and functionality to elevate your bathing experience. Choose from a variety of colors and accents to match your preferred style.  

If you’re searching for an accessible solution that benefits the entire household, low-threshold showers are a practical choice. Their easy-access design makes them great for children and doubles as a convenient pet-washing station for four-legged family members.

To help you determine which low-threshold shower experience is best for you, we break down the key differences between walk-in and roll-in shower designs.

What Is a Walk-In Shower?

A walk-in shower is a popular modern shower design that features a low threshold to make entry safe and easy, especially for bathers with limited mobility. Its open layout makes bathrooms appear larger and more spacious, creating a sophisticated and minimalist look. Many walk-in shower models also include built-in seating, grab bars and other safety and convenience features to provide additional support and comfort.

What Is a Roll-In Shower?

Roll-in showers are designed with a zero-threshold entry to allow easy, unobstructed access and maneuverability within the shower area. Their curb-free design ensures bathers using wheelchairs or mobility aids can enter safely and comfortably without needing a transfer seat.

What Are the Key Differences?

The biggest differences between a walk-in shower and a roll-in shower lie in their threshold height and wheelchair accessibility. These design factors make them more suitable for specific mobility needs.

Threshold Height

A walk-in shower has a low threshold, typically 2 to 4 inches high, that allows for easy step-in access. This creates a secure, stress-free entry for bathers with limited mobility who may have difficulty lifting their legs over the high curb of a traditional shower-tub combo. In contrast, a roll-in shower features a zero-threshold design, meaning there is no curb at all.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The low step-in of a walk-in shower can still present a barrier for wheelchair users. They may need to transfer from their wheelchair to a shower seat or bench when entering. But with a roll-in shower, the floor is flat and rimless, allowing a wheelchair to maneuver into the shower stall with ease.

Having the right stability-improving safety features gives both types of showers added security. Grab bars, slip resistant flooring and built-in seating provide reassurance and make every shower accessible. A glass enclosure to keep water from spilling out and becoming a concern is another helpful feature.

Take a Seat

You don’t have to stand to enjoy the spacious design of a walk-in shower. These showers offer a variety of seating options to meet your bathing needs. Take a look at some different kinds:

• Portable seat: A free-standing seat is low-cost and flexible, but it lacks stability.
• Fixed shower seats: This type of seat is permanently installed in the shower and is ideal for someone who needs a sturdy option that’s always available.
• Wall-mounted, fold-down seat: A folding seat is a space-saving solution, and Safe Step’s have double armrests for comfort. 

Which Option Is Best for You?

The choice between a walk-in shower and a roll-in shower comes down to your design choices and specific mobility needs. 

For those with moderate mobility limitations, the Safe Step Walk-In Showers featuring the EZ Step base provide secure access and peace of mind to bathe safely and independently. Choose from two-inch or four-inch height for a thoughtfully refined design that enhances both form and function. The curb and sloping floor limit water from seeping onto the bathroom floor and creating slippery conditions.  

If a roll-in shower sounds like what you need, the Safe Step Deluxe Shower and ShowerSpa both feature an ultra-low threshold that’s ideal for wheelchair users. They allow seamless maneuverability into the shower space. And these clean, streamlined choices bring beauty and convenience, giving your bathroom a design-inspired upgrade. 

Future-Proof Your Home

Nearly one in five adults suffers from arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Arthritis and other mobility limitations can make bathing a chore as you grow older. 

To future-proof your home, consider how your mobility needs may change over time. It’s never too soon to start taking steps to make your home accessible, enabling you to age in place for as long as possible. 

Walk-in showers and roll-in showers both offer excellent accessibility for seniors and others with mobility challenges. While many wheelchair users can easily navigate a transfer bench to slide into a walk-in shower, the accessibility of a roll-in shower may be a better choice. 

Choose Safe Step for Your Shower Needs

At Safe Step, we offer a variety of walk-in shower options to meet your unique needs and preferences. Our range of customizable shower designs lets you customize your shower experience for maximum safety, comfort and convenience.

Whether you prefer a simple upgrade or a fully customized design with walk-in and wheelchair accessibility, we promise you relaxation and independence for years to come.

Request a free quote today to discover the perfect