Best Walk-In Showers of 2025
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What are Walk-In Showers?

A walk-in shower is designed with convenience and ease of entry in mind. It has no curtains or doors, and you can walk right in without having to worry about barriers such as a bathtub or curb.

While they can be fully enclosed in materials like glass or tile, many walk-in showers are only partially enclosed or even fully open. They have a modern style and make a bathroom look more spacious as there is nothing to interrupt the space.

Walk-in showers can be customized in many ways, such as having different finishes, materials, showerheads, and even systems with multiple nozzles. They can work well in both small and large spaces.

Keeping them clean is easy thanks to their tile or glass construction, as opposed to the porcelain surface of most traditional showers or tubs. And while they can be expensive, many feel that the style and functionality are worth it.

Different Types of Walk-In Showers?

There are many different kinds of walk-in showers that can add more convenience, safety, and luxury into your life. This includes conventional open walk-in showers, walk-in showers with enclosures, walk-in shower and walk-in tub combos, and walk-in shower wet rooms.

Here is more information about some of the most popular types of walk-in showers.

Conventional open walk-in showers

The conventional open walk-in shower is the most common type. It uses a very minimalistic design, often with a tiled wall on two sides and a small glass panel on the third. This glass panel is generally located between the shower (near the showerhead) and the rest of the bathroom, to reduce splashes.

It is easy to enter and exit as there is usually no curb at all. It’s also great for smaller bathrooms or for people who like an open and spacious bathroom look, while still having some protection from splashing.

With only a single glass panel, these are generally among the most affordable types of walk-in showers you can install, as well.

Walk-in shower with enclosures

While an open walk-in shower may look elegant, it can allow for more splashing than you want. If splash control is your main goal, a walk-in shower with enclosures could be the right choice for you.

These are just as easy to use and can still look great in any bathroom. The design is very similar to a conventional open walk-in shower, only that there is an extra glass panel that acts as a third wall either at the back or side of the shower.

Often, there is a shorter glass panel that acts as a fourth wall while leaving space for entry and exit. With more glass walls present, less water should find its way out of the shower, keeping the rest of your bathroom nice and dry.

It will feel more closed in than an open shower, but most are spacious enough to allow you to move freely inside.

Walk-in shower and walk-in tub combos

This is a versatile choice for those who like the convenience of a walk-in shower, while still getting the safety of a bath. The combo is especially great for homes with seniors present, or in a household where needs may vary from person to person.

There may be a small curb to step over when compared to walk-in showers, but it is still much easier than stepping into a traditional tub for children, pets, or anyone else. The walk-in tub itself is quite deep, and one of the walls will double as a door that you open to get in, which makes entry and exit easy for anyone.

Whether you feel like relaxing in a warm bath or taking a quick shower to freshen up, this solution has you covered. While it may not help your bathroom feel as large and spacious as a standalone walk-in shower, it more than makes up for it with its added functionality and comfort.

It is also a great choice to plan for the future. Some people may regret only having a shower with no bath present, but this way you have both if your needs or preferences ever change. And if you intend to sell your home at som epoint, it also means that you can cover the needs and preferences of a wider range of buyers.

Walk-in shower wet room

Lastly, another popular choice is a completely open walk-in shower wet room. This style of shower features no curtains, doors, walls, or glass panels to isolate the shower from the rest of the bathroom. It is a modern, minimalistic and stylish choice, and will certainly get the attention of everyone who sees it.

A wet room is very convenient, as there is no curb at all and no walls or panels to get in the way. However, keep in mind that if you have a wet room, the other parts of your bathroom should be waterproof. There is nothing separating the shower from your sink, toilet, vanity, walls, and floors, so they will become covered in water often.

If your bathroom is big enough, some of the components in the room may avoid being splashed, but these should still be resistant to water, just in case. So in addition to paying for the shower, you may need to remodel other aspects of the space to make sure the splashing water won’t damage anything.

Some wet rooms have a single glass panel to stop a bit of splashing, but most feature a completely open design concept.

How to Choose the Walk-In Shower for Your Needs

Consider the costs

One of the first things to consider is your budget. Walk-in showers often cost thousands of dollars or more, so be sure you know in advance what you can afford and what features you really need.

On average, an installed custom walk-in shower will cost between $3,500 and $15,000 (HomeGuide). The exact amount will depend on the size of the shower, the materials required, and the features you choose.

If you want to save, another option is to go with a prefabricated shower. These are created off-site and simply need to be assembled and installed. They require much less effort than creating something custom. According to HomeGuide, they can generally cost between $1,000 and $8,000 to purchase and install.

Other ways to save money on your shower include avoiding moving the plumbing, doing some of the work yourself (if you are experienced), and choosing affordable materials and components.

In addition to the cost of the materials, think about the amount of work required. The longer it takes a company to build and install your shower, and the more work that goes into it, the more expensive it will be.

Make sure to have some wiggle room in your budget. Renovation projects don’t always go according to plan, so ensure you can financially handle things going a little off the rails.

Think about your lifestyle, wants and needs

You should take some time to think about your lifestyle, wants, and needs to choose the right walk-in shower. This helps you ensure you end up with a shower that works for you and your family and not one you end up regretting.

Walk-in showers can be built with materials like glass, marble, acrylic, stone, or tile, and often come in a variety of colors or designs to fit any taste.

In addition to materials and colors, you can often choose the showerhead you want, the style of drainage you like, and the size of the shower. You can add shelves, a non-slip floor, and grab bars and seating for extra safety and functionality.

All of these customization options allow for different people to design the walk-in shower that works for them.

For example, someone with mobility problems or who is a little older may want a shower/tub combo with a grab bar so they have a place to sit and more to hold onto. On the other hand, a family with a large dog may prefer an enclosed walk-in shower so the splashing from the dog getting bathed is contained by glass panels.

Make note of your available space

The space you have available can also dictate the walk-in shower you choose. While walk-in showers are good for small and large spaces alike, the size of your bathroom will ultimately determine exactly what you can do and how much design freedom you have.

For example, those with a large bathroom may be able to create a larger rectangular shower with multiple shower heads, while those with smaller spaces may have to opt for a beautiful but smaller, square-shaped shower instead.

Always gather precise measurements of your space before starting the shopping or design process. Being even a few inches off when designing a bathroom shower can lead to major headaches down the road.

If you’re not sure of the best way to use your available space, or want some professional advice, consider reaching out to a bathroom designer who could help you come up with the best solution.

How Do You Get a Quote for a Walk-In Shower?

The first step to acquiring your new walk-in shower is getting a quote. This should be a fairly straightforward process, but you should consider getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate and service.

1. First of all, choose a provider or providers to work with. Make sure to choose companies with a proven track record and a good reputation. Reading reviews can help you learn whether a company is worth considering or not, as can asking friends and family.

2. Next, reach out to the shortlisted companies to start the process. This may be done online in some cases, but will often involve calling and speaking with a sales agent over the phone.

3. During your correspondence with an agent, you will discuss your needs and budget, how you want the shower to look, and more.

4. Finally, the company will provide you with a quote based on the information you provided and your ideas for your shower.

Find the Best Walk-In Shower

Whether you want to improve the look of your bathroom, have mobility issues and want something a little safer, or have children or pets, a walk-in shower can be a great choice.

The glass and/or tile construction will help your space look larger and more elegant, and the lack of a tub or large curb reduces your chances of falling or tripping and makes it much easier to enter and exit. They are also easy to clean and can fit in any bathroom.

By considering the cost, your needs, and the amount of space you have, you can ensure you end up with the walk-in shower of your dreams. Get a quote today to get the process started.