Walk-in showers seem like a luxury feature, but they offer practicality and long-term value. Is a walk-in shower worth it? Finding the answer involves considering various pros and cons and your personal preferences and needs. At Schicker Luxury Bath, we specialize in helping homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area create bathrooms that are both stylish and functional.
Pros of a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower is low maintenance and versatile, offering several functional and aesthetic benefits that make it a popular choice in modern bathroom remodels.
Easy to clean
Typically built with smooth-surfaced materials, large-format tiles, and frameless glass panels, walk-in showers eliminate many of the hard-to-reach spots and clutter-prone elements in traditional step-in or tub-shower combos.
Without a curtain, track, or tall tub wall, there are fewer places for mildew or soap scum to collect. Likewise, large tiles and glass walls equate to fewer grout lines or crevices to clean. Professional installation and sealing further reinforce your walk-in shower against mold and mildew. Overall, a walk-in shower’s ease of cleaning saves time and creates a more hygienic bathing environment.
Accessibility
Walk-in showers are a popular element in accessible bathrooms. Compared to step-in showers and tubs, walk-in showers feature a low or zero-threshold entry. This makes it easier to transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area and allows for greater independence and comfort in daily routines. Walk-in showers can be especially helpful for:
- Older adults who are vulnerable to slips and falls.
- Individuals with mobility or balance concerns.
- Those relying on mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs.
Contemporary design
Walk-in showers instantly refresh and modernize bathrooms. With clean lines and minimal obstructions, the open-concept layout makes even small spaces feel larger by reducing visual barriers. Frameless glass panels, open floor plans, and minimalist tile patterns help natural and artificial light flow freely.
Versatility and customization
Whether your priorities are comfort, functionality, design, or a combination of the three, walk-in showers give you the flexibility to create a space that fits your lifestyle. Walk-in showers offer more customization options than a standard tub-shower combo, and you can tailor yours to your personal preferences or physical needs. Popular customization options include:
- Built-in or fold-down seating.
- Handheld or dual shower heads.
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass panels.
- Niche shelving for storage.
- Grab bars that match the aesthetic of the fixtures.
- Slip-resistant flooring in a variety of textures and tones.
Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers offer numerous advantages, but bathroom designs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Consider how you plan to use your bathroom and how it fits within your home to determine if a walk-in shower matches your needs.
Limited privacy
An open design makes walk-in showers feel spacious, but glass walls and no doors or curtains may leave some household members feeling too exposed. If privacy is a concern, consider adding frosted glass or partial walls to your design. Ask your contractor how different bathroom layouts provide privacy without interrupting light flow and openness.
Chilly airflow
Compared to enclosed models, walk-in showers may not retain heat or steam as well, and their larger interior footprint allows for more airflow. This can make the shower space feel colder during use. Custom designs can offset these concerns by integrating radiant heated floors, towel warmers, and other heating solutions that enhance overall comfort in your bathroom.
Water splashes
With minimal or zero threshold and fewer physical barriers overall, your contractor must design your walk-in shower with water containment in mind. At Schicker Luxury Bath, we evaluate drainage, waterproofing, and splash zones to prevent splashes outside of the shower area.
Cost
A custom walk-in shower generally involves more labor and materials. It costs more upfront than standard installations, especially if additional plumbing, wall or flooring demolition, or specialty finishes are required. Working with a professional bathroom remodeling contractor can balance costs by providing efficient installation while maintaining high-quality workmanship.
Less family-friendly
Families may find standard or walk-in bathtubs more convenient than walk-in showers for bathing young children. If you’re removing your only tub, consider how it affects your daily routines. In many cases, families with multiple bathrooms choose to retain one bathtub while converting another bathroom to a walk-in shower.
How Walk-In Showers Improve Accessibility & Safety
Walk-in showers offer practical features that improve overall bathroom safety and comfort. These upgrades help homeowners stay in their homes longer and offer convenience to people of varying ages and mobility. Walk-in showers reduce common risks and physical strain associated with traditional tubs or showers, and you can adapt them for long-term needs.
Low or no threshold entry
Standard bathtubs have a 15- to 20-inch threshold that may be hazardous for those with mobility challenges. With low or zero thresholds, walk-in showers are easier and safer to enter and support wheelchair or walker access without modifications.
Spacious design
Walk-in showers are typically larger and more open than standard options and walk-in tubs, enabling better maneuverability for wheelchairs, walkers, and caregivers.
Non-slip flooring
Many walk-in showers include textured tiles or slip-resistant surfaces that reduce the risk of accidents. Combined with proper drainage and water control, non-slip flooring facilitates a safer environment for all users.
Grab bars and handrails
Custom-installed grab bars and handrails provide stability when entering, exiting, or moving within the shower. Walk-in showers have more options for grab bar placements and positions. Modern grab bars also come in various finishes to match your shower fixtures.
Built-in seating options
Fixed benches or fold-down seats allow users to sit and rest while showering. These are especially helpful for people who fatigue quickly, suffer from joint pain, or have other mobility issues.
Adjustable handheld showerheads
Handheld showerheads on adjustable sliders add flexibility to the bathing experience. They’re especially helpful for:
- Seated users.
- Caregivers assisting with hygiene.
- Users with limited upper body strength or range of motion.
This design lets you control water direction and pressure with ease, improving comfort and autonomy.
Will a Walk-In Shower Increase Home Value?
Walk-in showers provide benefits that can increase your home’s value, especially with high-quality designs and materials. The actual impact varies depending on several factors, such as:
- Aging-in-place features: Buyers often look for homes that are ready to accommodate older family members or allow them to age comfortably in place.
- Updated aesthetic: A modern walk-in shower helps your bathroom look fresh and well-maintained.
- Low-maintenance: A mold-resistant shower that’s easy to clean appeals to buyers who prioritize function and style.
- Overall home design: Bathroom remodels should be consistent with your home’s style — luxury designs may emphasize dated designs in the rest of your home and can seem out of place.
- Number of bathrooms: Removing the only tub may reduce buyer appeal — homes typically retain higher value when they have at least one tub as well as a walk-in shower.
Upgrade to a Walk-In Shower With Schicker Luxury Bath
Walk-in showers are stylish and practical and complement almost any bathroom remodel. With over 18 years of experience and 11,000 finished projects in the Bay Area, Schicker Luxury Bath completes bathroom remodels in days with our own expert crew — no subcontractors. Pulling permits guarantees that the job is done properly without cutting corners. We stand by our work and offer an extended lifetime warranty on most products! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
