What Is a Walk-In Shower? Benefits, Design and Cost Explained

In this blog:

• Walk-in showers feature low-threshold entry for easy access, while walk-in tubs add therapeutic extras like ten hydro massage jets, chromotherapy lighting and aromatherapy that showers don’t provide.
• Filling a bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water, so switching to a shower can lower your utility bill.
• Homeowners recoup at least 50 percent of a bathroom renovation’s cost when they sell, according to the National Association of Realtors, making a walk-in shower a financially savvy upgrade.
• Potential downsides include less warmth in an open layout, less privacy with glass doors and fewer built-in safety features than a walk-in tub.
• Every Safe Step Walk-In Shower includes a pressure- and temperature-balancing valve, a foot spout to test water before stepping in and an efficient 2-inch drain kit.

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A walk-in shower makes a bold style statement and is an investment for your future. Its sleek, modern look provides accessibility and comfort features to enable a safe bathing experience at any age or stage of life.

This guide covers the different types of walk-in showers and what to consider when choosing one for your home. If you’re ready to compare models and features, explore walk-in showers from Safe Step.

What Is a Walk-In Shower?

A walk-in shower has an ultra-low-threshold entry that’s near the bathroom floor, creating a seamless look and providing easy access for individuals with mobility limitations.

Many walk-in showers feature glass doors, creating a spacious, airy appearance and minimalist design. With clean lines, easy access and a spa-like vibe, a walk-in shower blends both form and function.

A tub-to-shower transformation maximizes space and elevates style. Safe Step’s team handles installations with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Curbed vs. Curbless Walk-In Showers

One key difference in walk-in showers is the design of the shower entrance. Curbed showers feature a small, 1- to 4-inch lip that helps keep water inside the shower base while still offering easy entry. A curbless walk-in shower sits flush with the bathroom floor and slopes gently to a drain.

Safe Step offers two walk-in shower options: a 3-inch EZ Step base and an ultra-low-threshold, wheelchair-accessible model. The ultra-low shower includes a silicone rubber threshold to make entry easier for wheelchair users.

Doorless vs. Enclosed Walk-In Showers

To add flair to master suites, designers began incorporating doorless showers. These showers often feature eye-catching tile and make bathrooms feel more open. While splashing can create slippery floors, proper sizing and drainage help keep water contained.

For more privacy, consider a traditional enclosed shower. Enclosed stalls retain heat and contain splashes better, but doors, tracks and tighter spaces can create more areas that require regular cleaning.

Walk-In Showers vs. Traditional Shower Stalls

Unlike traditional shower stalls (standard, enclosed prefab shower stalls), walk-in showers feature modern amenities designed to enhance the look and functionality of a bathroom, increasing a home’s resale value.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

	Walk-In Shower	Traditional Stall
Design Aesthetic	A walk-in shower’s spacious and sleek, minimalist design has a modern appeal for an upgraded design aesthetic.	In primary bathrooms with a traditional shower stall, jetted tubs are often the focal point. The fully enclosed shower is usually nestled into a compact corner as an afterthought.
Cleaning	The open design makes a walk-in shower easy to clean with no nooks and crannies. Safe Step Walk-In Showers feature antimicrobial walls to prevent mildew.	The small size and significant enclosure make stall showers challenging to keep clean.
Customizable	Walk-in showers come with a variety of customizable features, including wall color, tile accents, hardware and more.	With their small footprint, shower stalls offer limited opportunity for enhancement.
Lighting	The open design creates a light and airy feel that can be enhanced with soft lighting for a soothing atmosphere.	Shower stalls are fully enclosed and require dedicated lighting for proper visibility.
Ventilation	The open layout naturally increases ventilation, and Safe Step’s quick-drain design enables the shower to dry faster.	Shower stalls trap warm, moist air, creating ideal conditions for mildew and mold growth.

Is a Walk-In Shower a Better Option Than a Walk-In Tub?

Choosing between a walk-in shower or tub depends on your unique mobility and comfort needs. If you suffer from arthritis or other pain associated with aging, a walk-in tub may be a better choice.

In addition to a shower feature, our Safe Step Hybrid Tub has many therapeutic benefits that are not available with walk-in showers, including:

• MicroSoothe® air therapy: Cleanse and nourish your skin with gentle, oxygen-enriched bubbles.
• Hydro massage jets: Target and massage aches and pains with ten propulsive water jets.
• Heated seat and backrest: Ease tension in your joints and muscles as your tub fills and drains.
• Chromotherapy: Use color therapy to calm your mind and body with seven built-in color-changing lights.
• Aromatherapy: Diffuse soothing essential oils in your tub to relieve stress.

Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Shower

The average American spends more than 16 minutes in the shower each day. Why not make the time you spend on your daily routine enjoyable?

A thoughtfully designed bathroom should feel like a daily escape, blending comfort, safety and smart features that elevate your experience.

• Accessibility: With a low-threshold entry, a walk-in shower provides easy access for the entire family, including kids and people with mobility limitations.
• Modern design: With glass, pivot doors and customizable style features, a walk-in shower offers a cutting-edge design to match your aesthetic.
• Conserves water: Filling a bathtub can require up to 70 gallons of water. Showering conserves water and can lower your utility bill.
• Space optimization: Walk-in showers take up less space than traditional tub-shower combos. Glass doors create uninterrupted lines of sight and can make your bathroom feel larger.
• Home value: Homeowners recoup at least 50 percent of the cost of a bathroom renovation when they sell their home, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. The high return on investment makes a walk-in shower a savvy project for homeowners.

Limitations To Consider

Walk-in showers provide design enhancements and improved accessibility, but there may be some limitations to keep in mind.

• Temperature: An open layout may feel chilly, especially in colder climates or bathrooms lacking sufficient heating. Unlike tubs or enclosed showers, there’s no steamy enclosure to trap warmth.
• Less privacy: Walk-in showers featuring glass doors offer less privacy for bathers.
• Fewer safety features: Walk-in showers have fewer safety features than a traditional walk-in tub. They do offer an easy step-in design, grab bars and temperature controls to enhance comfort and accessibility.

Despite potential drawbacks, walk-in showers are a one-time investment in your home that allows you to age in place comfortably.

“The installers were very friendly and professional. The results were fantastic. The shower is beautiful,” said P. Gillespie, a satisfied Safe Step customer.

Walk-In Shower Ideas and Features

Safe Step Walk-In Showers combine comfort, safety and style. Our new Signature Showers provide a fully customizable shower experience. Depending on the shower you choose, options may include tile accents, customizable acrylic walls, built-in shelving, a fold-away seat and grab bars. Explore our Walk-In Shower features.

Ready To Design Your Walk-In Shower?

Get personalized pricing and expert guidance from the Safe Step team. Request a free quote to get started today.