A WALK-IN SHOWER

The smart showering solution

‘THE LACK OF A DOOR, AND VIRTUALLY FRAMELESS GLASS, MAKES FAST WORK OF CLEANING A WALK-IN’ RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR

Acting as a hybrid between an open-plan wet room and fully-enclosed shower cubicle, a walk-in shower offers easy, low-level access and a luxuriously spacious showering area.

Why is it called a walk-in?

A walk-in shower has no door – hence the ‘walk-in’ – but it does include at least one shower screen. Walk-in showers come in two main styles. The single entry has access at one end, which is great for installing in a corner or alcove. A double entry design is fixed centrally and can be accessed from either end.

Should I go for a tray or tank the floor?

Tanking the floor, and walls, will provide completely level access and is worth considering if you have less-abled users or want to future-proof your home. Tanking will also provide the slickest, designer look. However, taking the tray route means you’ll avoid the hassle and expense of tanking.

Where can I buy one?

The easiest route is a complete walk-in shower package, which will take the guesswork out of matching up components and calculating budgets. They are widely available and come with the tray, screen and all the waste fittings in one. If you are tanking the floor, you will need specialist membrane materials and a wet room drain that can cope with the flow rate of your shower – check with your plumber if you’re unsure.

What size and shape should I choose?

This will be dictated by the space available but ideally you want to go for at least 100x80cm – the bigger the better. Walk-in showers tend to be rectangular so that they can be used as two zones – one end for showering and the other for drying off.

How do I make it level?

Completely uninterrupted entry requires tanking the floor to make it waterproof, or a flush-fit tray but neither option is cheap. Slimline trays are the next best option and come in depths from 2.5cm to 3.7cm so the step up into the 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. Siting the shower nearest the external soil pipe will help – ask your builder or plumber.