Walk-In Showers
Updated February 20, 2026
Curbless or low-threshold shower enclosures with glass doors or panels. Modern design that improves accessibility and opens up the bathroom.
Overview
Walk-in showers have no tub to step over -- just a curbless or low-threshold entry into an open shower space. Glass panels or doors contain the water. They are the modern standard for primary bathrooms: accessible for all ages and mobility levels, easier to clean than tub-shower combos, and visually open up small bathrooms. The critical detail is the floor slope -- the entire shower floor must pitch toward the drain to prevent water from escaping. This requires a custom shower pan or a pre-formed base with a built-in slope.
Pros & Cons
- Accessible
- Modern look
- Easy to clean
- Opens up space
- Requires proper drainage slope
- Professional installation
- Can be cold
Key Features
- Curbless entry for wheelchair and walker accessibility (ADA-compliant when properly built)
- Linear drains or center drains with precise floor slope for containment
- Glass panels, half-walls, or fully frameless enclosures for modern aesthetics
- Tile-ready bases allow custom tile floors to match the bathroom design
- Can be built to any size -- not limited to standard tub dimensions
Sizing & Selection
Minimum recommended size is 36x36 inches, but 48x36 or larger is much more comfortable. Curbless showers need at least 30 inches of open entry width for wheelchair access. The entire bathroom floor may need to be lowered or the shower area recessed to create the slope without a curb. Work with a contractor to verify floor structure and drainage options.
Installation
Walk-in showers are professional installation projects. The floor structure must accommodate the drain and slope. Pre-formed shower bases (Kerdi, Schluter) simplify waterproofing. Custom tile floors require a waterproof membrane, mud bed with proper slope, and tile. Glass enclosures install after tile is complete. Linear drains are popular for curbless designs because they allow a single-direction slope.
Maintenance
- Squeegee glass panels after every shower to prevent hard water buildup and soap scum.
- Seal grout lines annually if using tile floors and walls.
- Clean the linear drain cover and trap monthly -- hair and debris accumulate quickly.
- Inspect the waterproof membrane at the curb (if present) or transition point annually for signs of water escape.
Buying Tips
- Frameless glass panels (-2000) create the cleanest look but cost more than framed enclosures.
- Pre-formed shower bases (-800) with integrated slope are much easier than custom mud beds. Recommended for DIY-assisted projects.
- Linear drains (-400) are worth the premium for curbless designs -- they look better and simplify the floor slope to one direction.
- Budget for waterproofing materials separately: membrane, sealant, and test flood before tiling.
- If aging-in-place is a consideration, add blocking in the walls for future grab bar installation even if you do not install them now.