When homeowners start planning a bathroom remodel, one feature that comes up again and again is the walk-in tile shower.
Many older bathrooms were designed with traditional tub and shower inserts. While those setups are still used today, more homeowners are choosing to replace them with custom tile showers.
There are a few reasons why this style has become so popular.
A More Open, Modern Look
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose walk-in tile showers is the overall look and feel they create in a bathroom.
Tile showers can make the space feel more open and visually appealing. Glass enclosures allow the design of the tile to become part of the room instead of being hidden behind curtains or bulky fixtures.
Because the tile, layout, and glass features can be customized, homeowners have the opportunity to create a shower that fits the style of their home.
Custom Features and Layout Options
Another advantage of tile showers is flexibility in design.
During a bathroom remodel, homeowners often choose to add features such as built-in shampoo niches or seating areas. These small additions can make the shower much more convenient and comfortable to use.
Glass doors or panels are also commonly included to create a clean and modern look while still keeping water contained within the shower space.
These custom elements are part of what makes tile showers feel more personalized compared to prefabricated options.
Ensuring the Framing is Sound
One often overlooked element that factors into the success of a walk-in tile shower project is the wall and floor framing.
The floor must be strong and stiff, so that movement doesn’t occur and compromise the water-tightness of the shower system. This needs to account for the shower drain location and whether any floor framing needs to be modified or reinforced accordingly.
Wall framing prep is also vital to a shower project that looks and functions beautifully. Many wall studs naturally warp over time, and are done twisting by the time the space is being remodeled. In order to ensure that wall tiles may be installed in a nice, flat plane, the existing wall studs often need attention to correct the natural warping.
Lastly, when glass doors are going to be hinged from a wall, there needs to be a proper built-up framing post behind the tile. To ensure this post remains straight and resists warping, the carpenter should be careful to use framing studs with opposing natural twists, such that they work against each other to straighten each other out. This can feel counterintuitive to a carpenter, but is vital to resisting future movement and ensuring the glass door functions smoothly for years and years.
The Importance of Proper Waterproofing
While tile showers look great on the surface, what happens behind the tile is just as important.
A properly built tile shower includes a waterproofing system that forms the substrate underneath the tile. This layer protects the structure of the bathroom and ensures water cannot penetrate into the walls or floor.
In many ways, the waterproofing stage is what determines whether the shower will perform well over the long term.
When installed correctly, the entire system functions as a sealed structure before the tile is even installed.
Comparing Tile Showers to Acrylic Inserts
Some homeowners still choose acrylic tub or shower inserts for their bathrooms.
These systems are generally more straightforward to install and can be a more affordable option. For homeowners looking for a simple upgrade, they can work well.
Tile showers, on the other hand, require more materials and labor because they involve waterproofing systems, tile installation, and often custom glass.
Because of that, they typically represent a larger investment. However, many homeowners feel the appearance and customization options make them worthwhile.
A Bathroom Feature Many Homeowners Prioritize
In today’s bathroom remodels, the shower has become a central feature of the room.
Walk-in tile showers allow homeowners to combine design, comfort, and functionality in a way that older bathroom layouts often didn’t provide.
While every remodel is different, it’s easy to see why this upgrade has become one of the most requested features when homeowners decide to update their bathrooms.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, it’s worth exploring different shower designs and materials early on so you can decide what type of space will work best for your home.
