walk-in showers

Add a spacious wash area to your bathroom

Ahybrid between an open-plan wet room and fully-enclosed shower cubicle, walk-in showers offer easy, low-level access and a luxuriously spacious showering area. the screen helps to contain shower spray, making walk-ins a practical choice in smaller bathrooms and for young families.

So, what is a walk-in?

A walk-in shower has no door – hence the ‘walk-in’ – but it does include at least one shower screen. there are two main styles: the single entry, like Lucy’s, has access at one end, which is great for a corner or alcove. A double entry or walk-through design can be accessed from either end.

Should I go for a tray or tank the floor?

tanking (waterproofing) the floor, and walls, will provide completely level access and is worth considering if you have less-abled users or are looking to future-proof your home. It will also provide the slickest designer look. however, taking the tray route means you’ll swerve the expense of tanking (a labour-intensive, messy process), which is why we vote tray every time.

Where can I get one?

Complete walk-in shower packages are widely available and come with the tray, screen and waste fittings in one. You can potentially save money buying the tray and screen separately but do measure carefully to ensure they fit together.

What size and shape?

this will be dictated by your space but ideally you want at least W100xd80cm. Walk-in showers tend to be rectangular and can be used as two zones – one end for showering and the other for drying off. You can also buy screens that curve outwards in the main showering area to provide more elbow space while you wash.

How can I achieve uninterrupted entry?

Completely level entry requires tanking the floor to make it waterproof, or a flush-fit tray, but neither option is cheap. Slimline trays are your next best option and range in height from 2.5-3.7cm, so the step ‘up’ into your shower is negligible. Not every bathroom is suited to low-level trays, as they can be too low to achieve sufficient fall for the water to drain away. Placing your shower nearest the external soil pipe will help, as will the direction and depth of any floor joists below – ask your builder or plumber if you’re unsure.