Adding walk-in showers to your bathroom remodeling plan involves making sure to properly waterproof the area and install safe slip-resistant tile. Bathroom remodeling contractors may recommend choosing specific sizes or types of tile to ensure your long-term satisfaction. You’ll also want to ask about how your remodeling contractor plans to waterproof the space.
What Goes into Walk-In Shower Installations?
Walk-in showers are rapidly becoming a staple in modern bathroom designs. People love how the streamlined design creates a sleek look, and walk-in showers are easily accessible for people with mobility challenges.
When you meet with our Encinitas kitchen and bath designer, you’ll discuss whether you prefer a curbed or curbless style. Curbed showers have a low lip that contains the water. Curbless versions have floors that are specially designed to be level with the rest of the bathroom floor. To prevent flooding, bathroom remodelers use techniques for sloping the shower floor and installing the drains to ensure water goes away from the main bathroom area.
Why Do Walk-In Showers Need Special Barriers for Waterproofing?
When you look at a walk-in shower, you mostly see the top layers of the fixture. The tile and grout play an important role in preventing water damage, but these materials are still porous. Remodelers install special waterproof membranes behind the wall coverings in showers. Your home remodeler might choose a membrane system that adheres directly to the cement board. Or they might use a paint-on liquid barrier. Waterproof sealant tape, bonding paste, and corner pieces are typically used to waterproof vulnerable areas of the walk-in shower, such as the screw holes and corners.
How Do You Choose the Right Tile for a Walk-In Shower?
The tile in a walk-in shower should be visually appealing and skid-resistant. Ceramic and porcelain are common materials for tile in showers. Since porcelain is less porous, it makes the space more water-resistant. Mosaic tiles tend to work best for increasing slip resistance.
What Final Touches Make a Walk-In Shower Feel Personalized?
If you’re planning a walk-in shower for accessibility purposes, adding handrails and built-in seating are options you might want to explore. Adding a handheld showerhead makes it easier to bathe sitting down. You can also install smart shower features that allow you to adjust the water temperature or turn the flow off with simple controls.
The experienced professionals from Forever Builders can help you choose the best options for your bathroom renovation. Southern California homeowners trust our San Diego modern bathroom design and remodel experts for exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding expertise in kitchen, bathroom, and full home remodels. We’ll help you create the dream home that meets all your needs while keeping your costs within budget. To learn more about our remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you choose a curbless or curbed walk-in shower?
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Curbless showers are best for people who face mobility challenges, but curbed styles may be your preference when you’re able to step over a small ledge.
What happens if you skip creating a moisture-proof barrier for new showers?
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The waterproofing part of a walk-in shower installation is the most critical for preventing rot, mold, and other types of water damage.
Can you install an anti-scald valve during a walk-in shower installation?
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Yes. Let your remodeling contractor know if you have concerns about potential scalds, and they’ll help you choose a safety option to fit your needs.
What types of flooring are slip-resistant for walk-in showers?
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Vinyl bases with texture are an option for walk-in shower floors, and you can choose small mosaic tile that adds slip resistance by having multiple pieces with grout in between them.