A walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in Louisville, and for good reason. It opens up the room, it’s easier and safer to step into, and it’s far easier to keep clean than an old tub and shower combo.
Here’s what a walk-in shower is, the main options, what drives the cost up or down, and how to tell whether one is right for your home.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is a shower you step straight into, with a low threshold (or no threshold at all) instead of a tub wall to climb over. Most have a glass door or panel, and some are fully open on one side.
In most Louisville homes, a walk-in shower goes in one of two places: where an old shower stall used to be, or where a bathtub used to be. Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower is called a tub-to-shower conversion, and it’s one of the most common projects we do.
Walk-In Shower Options
Low-threshold base. The base has a short lip, usually just a few inches, that keeps water in while still being easy to step over. This is the most common choice.
Barrier-free or curbless entry. A nearly flat entry with no lip to step over. Great for wheelchair access and for anyone who wants to plan ahead for aging in place.
Doors and glass. Sliding glass doors, swinging doors, or a fixed glass panel with an open end. Clear glass makes a small bathroom feel bigger. Textured or frosted glass adds privacy.
Walls. Grout-free wall panels in marble, subway tile, or stone looks are the easiest to keep clean. We compare every option in our guide to shower wall materials.
Built-in features. A shower seat, a recessed shelf or niche for shampoo, a handheld shower head, and soap dishes all make daily use easier.
What Affects the Cost of a Walk-In Shower
Every bathroom is different, so the price depends on your space and the choices you make. The biggest factors are:
- Size of the shower. A larger footprint means a larger base and more wall area.
- Converting a tub vs. replacing a shower. Taking out a tub usually involves more demolition and plumbing changes than swapping an old shower stall.
- Plumbing changes. Moving the drain or the shower valve adds work. Keeping them in the same place keeps costs down.
- Threshold style. A curbless entry takes more work than a standard low-threshold base.
- Glass and doors. Frameless glass and custom sizes cost more than standard sliding doors.
- What’s behind the old walls. If the old shower leaked, there may be rotted subfloor or framing to repair first.
- Add-ons. Seats, niches, and extra fixtures each add to the total.
The only way to know your real number is an in-home measurement. We give you one written price at a free consultation. For a deeper look at conversions specifically, see our post on tub-to-shower conversion cost.
Is a Walk-In Shower Right for You?
A walk-in shower is a great fit if:
- Climbing over the tub wall is hard for anyone in the house
- You rarely or never use the tub
- You want a bathroom that’s easier to clean
- You plan to stay in your home for years and want it to work as you get older
- You want a small bathroom to feel more open
Think twice if:
- It’s the only tub in the house and you have young kids who need baths
- You plan to sell soon and buyers in your neighborhood expect at least one tub
If you want to keep a tub, a tub and shower combo or a walk-in tub may be a better fit.
Walk-In Showers and Aging in Place
For many of our customers, the reason for a walk-in shower is safety. Stepping over a high tub wall on a wet, slippery surface is one of the most common causes of bathroom falls. A low-threshold or curbless shower, a built-in seat, and a handheld shower head make it possible to keep showering independently for years longer.
Kentucky Considerations
Many Louisville homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s have a single hall bathroom with a tub and tile surround. Those bathrooms are prime candidates for a walk-in shower conversion, and the old tile is often hiding water damage that’s worth catching early. Humid Kentucky summers also make easy-to-clean, mold-resistant walls a smart choice.
Walk-In Showers From Windows Plus
Windows Plus installs walk-in showers and tub-to-shower conversions with low-threshold bases, grout-free wall panels, and the doors and features you choose. Our own crews remove the old tub or shower, check the subfloor and walls, and install your new shower. Every installation is backed by our lifetime warranty.
Homeowners across Louisville, Lexington, and Southern Indiana rate us 4.8 stars on Google from more than 600 reviews.
See our walk-in shower options, learn about shower replacement, or check our current offers.
Call (502) 494-0120 or schedule your free in-home estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a walk-in shower?
A shower you step directly into, with a low threshold or no threshold instead of a tub wall to climb over. Most have a glass door or panel.
Can you turn a bathtub into a walk-in shower?
Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion removes the tub and installs a walk-in shower in the same space, usually without needing to move walls.
Does removing a tub hurt resale value?
Usually not, as long as the home has at least one other tub. In homes with only one bathtub, it’s worth thinking about who your future buyers are likely to be.
Are walk-in showers safer?
Yes. A low threshold, slip-resistant base, built-in seat, and handheld shower head all reduce the risk of falls compared to climbing over a tub wall.
