Walk In Showers At Affordable Prices
Walk-in showers are safer and more comfortable than traditional shower options. Learn about walk-in shower materials, costs and top companies.
If you are planning to remodel your bathroom, one of the best changes you can make is installing a walk-in shower. There are many benefits with adding a walk-in shower. A good walk-in shower is spacious, without taking up too much room in your bathroom, leaving room for other remodeling changes. There’s a wide range of materials to choose from, which make your bathroom not only more comfortable, but easier to clean. You can also customize the showerhead, even turning your walk-in shower into a steam bath.
Another benefit of walk-in showers is safety. This is especially important for senior citizens. With a traditional shower inside of a tub, it is common for seniors to lose their balance and slip in the shower. Getting over the threshold of a tub is also a challenge for senior citizen. It is easier to install rails or seats into a shower as well. Some doors are even built with seniors in mind, being easier to open and having grip bars installed on the inside.
Choosing Materials
An important decision with your walk-in shower is what materials you use. You want to choose a water-resistant material, with ceramic tiles being a popular choice. Ceramic tiles handle moisture well and are naturally slip resistant. For the inside of your shower, mosaic tiles are a good choice. These tiles are smaller and have more grout lines, which naturally provide traction. Ceramic tiles are also inhospitable to most bacteria, making it easier to keep your bathroom clean. There are a variety of ceramic tiles to choose from, ranging anywhere in price from $1.25 to $50 per square foot.
If you do not want to use ceramic tiles, another option is natural stones. Marble is considered one of the most luxurious stones. Marble comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It is also a slip resistant material, but it can be expensive to install. For a standard, 70-square foot shower, marble costs between $1,000 to $2,400 to install.
You can also get a pebble floor installed in your shower. Not only is this stylish, but walking along the stones has a soothing feeling. Pebble floors pair well with natural stone tiles or acrylic walls. Pebble flooring is one of the least expensive options, costing around $5 to $10 per square foot.
Installation Costs
In addition to the materials, you must factor in installation costs. Even if you are an experienced handyman, installing your own shower is a huge project. Because it also involves plumbing, you do not want to risk any mistakes, as these can be costly. It becomes even harder to install a walk-in shower if you are replacing an existing shower, since you also have to remove the existing frame.
The easiest and quickest way to get a walk-in shower installed is by hiring a professional contractor. Professional contractors often have discounts on purchasing bulk materials, so you are not paying as much in material costs. If you are getting a new shower installed, the average cost is between $1,200 to $3,000, based on the materials you use. If you are making other changes to your bathroom to fit in your shower or need additional custom work, it may cost as much as $5,000 to $7,000, especially with pricier materials. It typically takes a contractor between three to five days to install a new walk-in shower.
A good contractor will provide you a quote before the project begins. This should include the cost of materials, labor and any alterations that must be made to the bathroom. During this process, you can ask your contractor questions, including how long it will take to complete the project and when he or she can begin. When selecting a contractor, keep an eye out for deals. A good contractor always provides free consultations. Many will also allow you to setup a payment plan if you do not want to pay the entire costs upfront.
Kohler
Kohler offers a number of walk-in showers, and includes professional installation with the costs of the shower kit. Kohler allows you to customize each shower kit, such as adding grab bars or a free-standing seat. You can also get a low-threshold installed. Kohler sends a contractor to your home for a free quote. They also provide some of the quickest services, including one-day removal and installation.
American Standard
American Standard is one of the best companies if you are shopping on a budget. They do not provide as much customization as other companies, but have a wide range of base models to choose from. Because there is less customization, getting a quote is much quicker with American Standard. On the website, you can enter your desired budget and look for showers within your range. The company also provides lifetime warranty on all their products, which covers both the shower and installation. American Standard also has a number of other products for a bathroom renovation, if you are interested in larger projects.
Safe Step
Safe Step is known for offering quality tubs and showers meant for seniors. Safe step offers a variety of slip resistant materials, with additional options available for hydrotherapy and chromotherapy. Their engineers are more thorough than other companies, cleaning and tidying up your bathroom after installation free of charge. Safe Step does not have any prices listed on their website, but you can request a free consultation to get a quote on your shower installation.
