Walk-In Shower: 6 Things to Know About Installation
By Editorial Team
Updated on September 4, 2024
Have you always dreamed of owning a beautiful walk-in shower in your bathroom? Whether this large-scale project is carried out for aesthetic or functional purposes, it’s essential to be well informed before embarking on the adventure. Here are some important facts about the installation of a walk-in shower!
Installing a walk-in shower: What you need to know
Source : les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.
1- The floor and slope
First, you should know that a walk-in shower installation initially begins with taking note of something very important: this relates to the possibility of embedding the system (water drainage, shower tray, etc.) below the flooring. This implies a full floor removal to integrate the entire device under it.
After this step, it’s usually possible to obtain a slope (between 1 and 3%) which will be sufficient to ensure good water flow. In a situation where this is not the case, it’s necessary to raise your shower or build a platform on which the shower will be placed.
2- Sealing is of utmost importance
To ensure optimal waterproofing, it’ll be essential to use only water-repellent products for the jointing between the walls and the floor. Otherwise, issues will not take long to reveal themselves!
At this point, there are many elements to take into account: sealing strips on each side and in the corners, the presence of seals at the siphon as well as the use of waterproof paint at the tank level.
3- Installing a shower with or without a wall?
Most homeowners who consider installing a walk-in shower do so because of its unique design, which is often open-concept. Of course, keep in mind that a shower without walls allows for splashing water to disperse around the room.
This can be very unpleasant, especially if your bathroom configuration wasn’t designed with this reality in mind. In this case, all is not lost! It’s always possible to lean towards integrating transparent walls to preserve the unique charm of this style of shower. Moreover, be aware that the integration of sliding, hinged or pivoting doors are among the available options.
4- The cost of installation
Source : CRC - Construction Rénovation Canada inc.
Unsurprisingly, the budget required for the installation of a walk-in shower will be substantial. Due to the complexity of this project and the nature of the plumbing work required to complete it, it’s impossible to get out of it without spending several thousand dollars. So, if you need to renovate the entire bathroom, planning your budget will be of the utmost importance.
5- The choice of tiles for your walk-in shower
When choosing the floor tiles for your walk-in shower, you’ll naturally have the choice between small or large tiles. How do you make a decision about something which will have a major impact on your shower’s aesthetic appearance? First, note that each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
First, regarding the large tiles, let us mention that these have the ability to visually enlarge the space. Moreover, when used with glass panels extending down to the floor, they create continuity with the flooring.
However, it’s important to mention that these will be much more slippery than the small squares. If this option is the one that catches your attention due to aesthetic considerations, be sure to purchase a shower mat and install it on your shower’s floor to prevent slips and falls.
Now concerning small tiles, these will have more of a non-slip effect. This is a huge advantage for some people, especially those with reduced mobility. For those concerned about the extra maintenance involved with small tiles, note that the use of an epoxy-cement grout will reduce the required frequency for cleaning.
6- The integration of niches and benches
Looking at various illustrations of walk-in showers, it’s common to notice the presence of niches. Very practical for resting various items such as shampoo and soap, keep in mind that these pose a very specific problem: water accumulation. Indeed, these cavities will inevitably end up accumulating small amounts of water, favourable to the proliferation of moulds.
Similarly, the installation of ceramic benches is also not recommended. Not only are they also susceptible to collecting water, but in the event of a fall, they’re very dangerous due to their protruding corners.
Would you like to have an estimate of the cost of your bathroom renovation project? Try our price calculator!
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•07 Nov 2023
Homeownership almost always entails ongoing repairs, renovations, or upgrades. Note that on average, Quebecers allocate 64% of their residential energy expenditures to heating, and the costs can amount to $1,200 for an average-sized home. Surely, upgrading a heating system is a significant investment, but a wise decision in terms of energy conservation and minimizing consumption costs.
Editorial Team
•08 Dec 2023
A lavish bathroom that leaves us yearning for a little more time spent is without a doubt one of the most appealing aspects of a hotel room. More often than not, to promote their establishments, hoteliers capitalize on the allure of this elegant space where clients will spend very little time but reminisce long after zipping up their suitcases.
Cynthia Pigeon
•07 Nov 2023
Have you just made the leap and purchased your dream lakefront house or chalet, but you are just lacking an essential element to fully enjoy it? Now, adding a floating dock might just be the idea of the century to bring about a bit more fun to your evenings with your friends and make your family's access to water sports that much easier.
Editorial Team
•04 Jul 2024
All homeowners dread plumbing issues of any kind, whether due to resulting damage or repair costs. Issues concerning drain pipes certainly instill a legitimate fear in everyone, albeit there are various ways to solve such problems, and hiring a plumber right off the bat isn't always a necessity. However, beware as some quick fixes might result in further pipe damage.
Léa Plourde-Archer
•07 Nov 2023
Relationships between neighbours can be affected when a punctual event starts to disturb the usual tranquil atmosphere. Oftentimes, home renovation projects can be one of the events that serve as a trigger to provoke conflicts. Fortunately, this is a situation that can easily be resolved by conducting a fair and balanced discussion between the involved parties. However, in some rare cases, things may unravel and cause real problems.