Skip to content 
Have you been considering a walk-in shower, but you’re not sure if it’s the right choice for your home? You’re in the right place! Here at Lori K Bath, our goal is to help you find the best options to remodel your bathroom. From walk-in showers to freestanding tubs, there are many possibilities to rejuvenate your bathroom and build a space that works for you.
Below, we have outlined many of the pros and cons of a walk-in shower. You can read through these, then contact our team with any additional questions that you have. We’re happy to help you determine if a walk-in shower is the best option to meet your goals.
Ready to learn more about walk-in showers? Let’s begin!
What is a Walk-in Shower?
A walk-in shower is a standalone shower, without an attached tub. Many traditional showers come with a bathtub, which can have its benefits. However, walk-in showers offer more accessibility and comfort to those with mobility concerns, while also offering many customizable options to meet the needs of any home.
Walk-in showers generally have a low-threshold entry, meaning there isn’t a large step or tall tub wall to climb over when you need a shower. Instead, you can simply step right in. This eliminates the tripping hazard that comes with climbing over a tub.
Overall, walk-in showers are highly customizable and offer many benefits. But, there are also some things to consider. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of a walk-in shower for your Northwest Indiana home.
Exploring the Benefits
Walk-in showers are an excellent addition to any home, bringing easier access, customizability, and simple maintenance to your home. You can look forward to long-lasting solutions to make bathing simpler and safer. Learn about the benefits of a walk-in shower below.
1. Customizable
One of the best features of a walk-in shower is that it is completely customizable to meet your goals and vision. Whether you need additional safety features, such as handrails, benches, and handheld shower heads, or you want premium style in your bathroom, you can build your dream shower. Walk-in showers can feature everything you need and want, becoming an integral part of the style and function in your bathroom.
2. Accessible
For many residents of Northwest Indiana, a walk-in shower is an investment in safety and security in the bathroom. Many people struggle to climb over a tub wall to take a shower. It can be dangerous, especially for those with mobility concerns. A walk-in shower offers ample opportunity to customize your space with the safety features you need, while also making it easier to enter and exit the shower.
3. Easy Maintenance
Many older tubs and showers are difficult to clean. With hard to reach places, outdated materials, and aging features, your old shower can become stained and discolored. However, new walk-in showers are easy to maintain and clean. With easy-to-reach surfaces, no tub wall, and premium materials, you don’t have to struggle to keep your shower shining through the years.
4. Space Improvements
A walk-in shower opens up your space, making your bathroom look larger and more roomy. Without the bulky tub, you can create the appearance of space, while also adding in more actual space to shower. Because you don’t have tub walls in the mix, you have more standing space, as well as space to add additional features like shower benches and shelves.
5. Long-term Use
Your walk-in shower will be built to serve you through the years. Whether you are already dealing with mobility challenges or you are planning ahead for aging, you can enjoy the simplicity, comfort, and safety that come with a walk-in shower. You won’t have to worry about adding new additions over the next few years because your shower will be made to age with you.
Addressing the Drawbacks
While walk-in showers bring many clear benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Whether you’re worried about price tags, slipping, or privacy, you’ll want a complete picture of a walk-in shower before you decide if it’s the best option for your home. Learn about some of the cons (and fixes!) below.
1. Costs
For many homeowners, the biggest concern with installing a walk-in shower is the cost. Typically, walk-in showers are more expensive than traditional tub-shower combos. This is because they require skilled labor, high-quality materials, waterproofing, and specialized plumbing in comparison to other wet spaces. In addition, customizations (such as benches, handrails, handheld shower heads, shelves, and shower doors) can add to the expense.
While it may be true that walk-in showers may be more expensive, they offer many long-term benefits that tend to outweigh this con. You’ll pay more upfront, but you will soon find that you have a new addition that is meant to last you through the years, even as your mobility needs change.
2. Slippery Flooring
The floor of a walk-in shower can be slippery, and water that leaks out from the shower can make the bathroom floor slippery as well. This can be a fall risk, especially for those with existing mobility challenges.
However, you can opt for non-slip flooring in your shower. In addition, expert installation and quality products will help you limit any water leaking outside of your shower. With proper shower doors, shower pans, and professional installation, your shower should not leak into your bathroom space. Therefore, you can easily avoid the disadvantage of slippery floors, as long as you hire a skilled remodeler for your walk-in shower installation.
3. Privacy Considerations
Some homeowners worry that walk-in showers will create privacy concerns. While some walk-in showers do not have doors, curtains, or other privacy measures, this is not the case for every walk-in shower.
If you want a more open look or an enclosed shower, it can feel more exposed. However, this is often not a problem for residences because you have the privacy of the closed bathroom. In addition, you can opt for your preferred shower doors, curtains, and more to prevent privacy concerns.
So, Are Walk-in Showers Worth It?
If you are looking for a more convenient, safer, and luxurious shower in your bathroom, then a walk-in shower brings ample advantages for you. While you may be concerned about some drawbacks, such as costs, privacy, and slippery surfaces, a professional bathroom remodeler can help set your mind at ease. These cons can be addressed with expertise and quality materials. That way, you can simply enjoy all of the benefits, including customized features, improved accessibility, easy maintenance, spacious designs, and long-term use.
Ready to Design Your Custom Walk-in Shower? Call Lori K Bath!
If you’re ready to design your walk-in shower in Northwest Indiana, you’ve found your solution! Lori K Bath is your local expert bathroom remodeler. Our bathroom designers will help you choose the best layout and features to build the shower that you need. From accessibility upgrades to luxurious style, the options are endless. Contact us today to get started with a FREE, in-home design consultation!
