Imagine being able to walk right into your shower without having to navigate a ledge or step over the edge of the tub first, making for an entrance that is safe, simple, and effortless. Not only is a walk-in shower safe and easy to use, but it looks wonderful too! It’s elegant, airy, and open, making your bathroom feel even more spacious than it already is.
If you’re thinking about adding a walk-in shower to your next bathroom remodel, you will most certainly have some planning to do. You’ll need to make several important decisions about exactly how your new shower will look and function.
To save time and money, and to make sure the end results meet your every expectation, it’s critical that you avoid these 5 common walk-in shower design mistakes:
1. Thinking Your Bathroom Is Too Small for a Walk-In Shower
Are you worried your bathroom is too small for a walk-in shower? Well, if your bathroom already has a combination bathtub and shower, then a walk-in shower should be no problem. You don’t actually need a large amount of space to accommodate a walk-in shower. In fact, one of the benefits of a walk-in shower is that it will make your bathroom feel even bigger than before.
A good tip would be to consult with two or three remodeling contractors about your space to find out what they’d suggest. This way you can be sure before you spend any time or money on preparations. But don’t ever assume that your bathroom is too small, you may be happily surprised to find out it’s not!
2. Planning Your Design Before Choosing Your Shower Head
Do you have a specific type of shower head that you like? The type of shower head you choose can affect the planning of your barrier-free shower area in a big way. For example, a traditional shower head sprays water more forcefully and in more directions than a rainfall shower head does.
So, be sure to discuss the type of shower head you’d like with your contractor during the planning stages. That way, they can recommend appropriate design strategies such as a glass wall that partially encloses the shower to contain the spray.
3. Not Thinking About Shower Privacy
Do you share the bathroom with your family, a loved one or a roommate? If you previously had a standard shower with a curtain, it might be a big adjustment to have zero barrier or only a clear glass enclosure.
Make sure, during the planning stages, that you consider the comfort levels and privacy needs of everyone who will be using the shower when it’s finished. That way you can opt for a frosted glass semi-enclosure or a similar solution if privacy is a major concern.
4. Not Anticipating the Difference in Temperature
We sometimes take for granted that glass enclosures and shower curtains contain the steam and heat when you’re showering, making things nice and cozy. That’s why you may feel a chill as you step out of the shower. However, in a barrier-free shower, which has no door, the heat and steam escape making the temperature inside the shower similar to the room temperature. If you’re not used to this, it’s probably going to make you feel a slight chill.
One solution for countering the chill would be heated floors and heated lamps. Another option could be the addition of a partial barrier wall to help hold in some of the steam. If you get cold easily, make sure you think about this aspect of the walk-in shower as you’re in the planning stages.
5. Not Thinking About Maintenance
Do you already have your heart set on a particular tile or design for your shower wall surround? Tile can be stunning in showers, but it’s not the only option. Remember, grout can take more effort to keep clean, meaning that your new walk-in shower could become less enjoyable and more like a chore if you’re not careful.
Make sure you investigate all wall surround options, such as larger tiles, laminate panels, natural stone, engineered stone, Durabath® by Re-Bath and other wall panels. You can also consult with your contractor about the best grout options that won’t breed mildew or require frequent scrubbing. By thinking ahead about cleaning and maintenance, you can make sure your walk-in shower is a practical addition to your bathroom remodel.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can plan your walk-in shower remodel with confidence that the finished product will be something you’ll be happy with for years to come.