What is a large size walk-in shower?

A large size walk-in shower is a spacious, barrier-free shower designed to accommodate multiple people and provide easy access for those with limited mobility. Walk-in showers eliminate the need to step over a high bathtub wall and are often preferred for aging in place, universal design, and accessible bathrooms.

What are the typical dimensions of a large walk-in shower?

There is no standard size for a large walk-in shower, but typical dimensions are at least 4 ft x 4 ft or larger. Some key measurements include:

• Minimum interior dimensions of 36 in x 36 in
• Interior area of at least 16 sq ft
• No door or lip more than 1⁄2 in high
• Wall-mounted shower head with adjustable height
• Grab bars installed on walls

Extra large walk-in showers may have interior dimensions of 5 ft x 5 ft or larger. The most spacious designs are tailored to the room and may be 6 ft x 6 ft or bigger.

What are the benefits of a large walk-in shower?

A spacious walk-in shower offers several advantages over a conventional tub shower combination:

• Accessibility: No high threshold to step over, making it safer and easier to enter and exit
• Comfort: Can accommodate wheelchair, walker, shower seat, and allow caregiver to assist
• Versatility: Open layout works for all ages and abilities
• Low maintenance: Fewer crevices than tub surrounds mean easier cleaning

The open design provides ample elbow room and makes it easier to bathe children or pets. Multiple people can use the shower simultaneously.

What are the different types of large walk-in showers?

Walk-in showers come in different configurations with various shapes, layouts, and building materials:

• Neo-angle: Angled entrance to maximize space in corner
• Offset: Rectangle with one wall offset for more interior area
• Curbless: No threshold or glass partition at all
• Wheelchair accessible: Extra features for disabled users

Many oversized showers have an open entrance without doors, while others use frameless glass doors. Tile and solid surface materials like cultured marble provide waterproof, low-maintenance finishes.

Neo-angle Walk-in Shower

A neo-angle walk-in shower has walls set at an angle, usually 135°, to utilize space efficiently in a corner. The angled entry provides ample interior square footage without occupying too much floor space. Neo-angle showers work well in master bathrooms and can accommodate two people.

Offset Walk-in Shower

An offset walk-in shower is laid out as a rectangle, but with one wall slightly offset to increase interior space. This creates a wider area for shelves, grab bars, seats, or room to move about. Offset showers are a smart layout for long narrow bathrooms.

Curbless Walk-in Shower

A curbless or zero-entry shower does not have any threshold at the entrance. The floor smoothly transitions from the bathroom flooring to the shower floor. This provides a completely open entry without tripping hazards. Curbless showers create a sleek contemporary look.

Wheelchair Accessible Walk-in Shower

A wheelchair accessible walk-in shower has several extra features to accommodate people with limited mobility, including:

• Wide door opening of at least 32 in
• Fold-down seat with grab bars
• Adjustable hand-held showerhead
• Soap and shelves within reach

Wheelchair showers often include a roll-in design for easy entry from the bathroom. Non-slip shower floors are essential for safety.

How much does a large walk-in shower cost?

On average, a walk-in shower costs $2,500 to $4,500 installed. Larger custom showers with high-end finishes can cost $6,000 to $10,000. Key factors affecting walk-in shower cost include:

• Size – Larger showers require more materials and labor
• Layout – Neo-angle is often more expensive than rectangle
• Materials – Tile, glass, and solid surface materials
• Accessories – Built-in seating, grab bars, rainfall showerheads
• Plumbing – New drain and water supply lines
• Labor – Removal of old tub and professional installation

For a basic project, expect to spend:

Shower Size	Typical Cost
4 ft x 4 ft	$3,000 – $5,000
5 ft x 5 ft	$4,000 – $7,000
6 ft x 6 ft	$5,000 – $9,000

Upgrading the finishes and accessories adds considerably to the bottom line. Oversized and custom showers may require expanding the room, which adds extensive plumbing, electrical, and construction work.

How to plan for a large walk-in shower

Careful planning is needed to design an oversized walk-in shower. Here are some tips for planning a walk-in shower project:

• Decide on shower location and layout – Corner neo-angle or offset?
• Determine required interior size and entrance width
• Select waterproof shower pan and drainage type – curbless or low threshold?
• Choose finish materials – tile, solid surfacing, glass enclosure
• Incorporate accessories like shelving, grab bars, and bench seating
• Review local codes for requirements like maximum curb height
• Work with plumber on new supply lines and modifying drainage
• Account for lighting and ventilation needs

Hiring professional designers, contractors, and plumbers is advisable for large shower projects. The details must be planned carefully to ensure proper drainage, slope, layout and access.

Choosing Shower Finishes

The finishes in a walk-in shower receive a lot of exposure to moisture. Choosing the right waterproof, durable materials is key. Options include:

• Tile: Natural stone or ceramic tile for walls and floor. Grout must be sealed.
• Solid surface: Acrylic or engineered solid surface panels for walls.
• Glass: Frameless glass panels create an open feel.
• Fiberglass: Economical preformed shower surrounds and pans.
• PVC: Plastic shower lining is lightweight and very affordable.

Tile adds high-end appeal but requires careful slope and drainage planning. Solid surface and glass panels simplify waterproofing. Coordinate finishes for a cohesive look.

Design Options to Consider

When planning an oversized or custom walk-in shower, there are many design options to evaluate:

• Open vs. glass enclosure
• Curbless entry or low threshold
• Built-in seating, shelves, and grab bars
• Laying out the tile pattern
• Access panel for plumbing
• Showerhead placement and height
• Location of soap dish and controls
• Ventilation and lighting needs
• Contrasting grout colors for visibility

Consulting with an occupational therapist is advisable if designing for aging in place or universal access. Every detail from clear floor space, to grab bars, to adjustable shower heads can help improve ease of use and safety.

How to build a large tile shower

Constructing an oversized tiled walk-in shower takes careful planning and expertise. Here are the basic steps involved in building a custom tile shower:

1. Demolish old tub and walls
2. Install reinforced substrate for tile backer walls
3. Build out framed walls for new shower area
4. Install pre-sloped shower pan and linear drain
5. Waterproof shower walls and pan
6. Lay tile on walls, patterned as designed
7. Tile shower floor from drain to walls
8. Grout and seal tile
9. Install glass enclosure if desired
10. Attach fixtures like showerhead, soap dish, seat
11. Caulk all joints and openings

The shower pan foundation needs to slope properly toward the drain at 1⁄4 in per foot minimum. Walls, floors, and joints must be made fully waterproof. Professional tileinstallers handle details like these to ensure the shower does not eventually leak or allow moisture into walls.

Typical Construction Steps

Major steps involved in building a new tiled shower include:

• Installing a pre-formed shower pan or building a mortar bed for the shower floor slope
• Framing in the new shower walls with moisture-resistant backer board
• Applying waterproof membrane over all shower surfaces
• Carefully laying and grouting shower floor and wall tiles
• Sealing all penetrations and joints

The base and walls must be sturdy, moisture-resistant substrates for durability. Drainage and moisture protection are imperative behind the tile.

Common Building Materials

Materials commonly used in large walk-in tile shower construction include:

• Concrete backerboard or cement board for walls
• Waterproofing membrane or surface sealant
• Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile
• Grout sealant
• Fiberglass or acrylic shower pan
• Frameless glass enclosure panels

Options like pre-sloped shower pans simplify installation. A mortar bed allows fully custom pan slopes. Tile-ready shower niches, shelves, and benches are also available.

Maintenance Tips for Walk-in Showers

A well-constructed walk-in shower needs minimal maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your shower in top shape:

• Check and re-caulk joints annually to prevent leaks
• Re-seal grout and use grout cleaner to prevent mildew and stains
• Use non-abrasive cleaners recommended for the shower materials
• Use a squeegee after showering to prevent mineral spots on glass
• Keep silicone and rubber shower seals clean of soap buildup
• Clean shower door tracks periodically to prevent sticking or grit

Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can damage the shower flooring and walls. Check for any cracks in caulk or tile grout that allow moisture penetration.

An access panel behind the shower makes it easier to inspect plumbing connections or make repairs if necessary.

Cleaning Tile and Grout

Tile and grout need regular cleaning to prevent stains, mildew growth, and slipping hazards in the shower. Recommended tips include:

• Sweep up debris after showering so it doesn’t stain grout
• Use a soap scum remover weekly to prevent buildup
• Spray mildew cleaner onto grout lines and let sit before scrubbing
• Re-caulk any failing grout lines allowing moisture in
• Use a steam cleaner to deep clean tile and grout periodically
• Re-seal grout annually to protect from stains and moisture

Shower floors may need re-texturing if the grout becomes excessively worn or slippery. Some tile may need re-grouting after 10-15 years.

Checking for Leaks

It’s important to periodically check a walk-in shower for any leaks or failure points that allow moisture penetration. Signs to look for include:

• Discoloration or deterioration of grout
• Cracked, missing, or failing caulk
• Moisture in wall cavities adjoing the shower
• Rot or delaminating at the shower base
• Puddling water due to improper drainage slope

Left unaddressed, moisture from shower leaks can cause extensive damage to framing, walls, and surrounding rooms. Catching problems early is key.

Conclusion

A large walk-in shower can provide immense comfort, accessibility, and ease of use for bathing. Oversized designs offer plenty of interior space for movement and assistance. Walk-in showers require careful design and professional installation, but result in a durable, low-maintenance bathing zone. With strategic planning and construction, a spacious walk-in shower can serve as the perfect focal point in the ultimate accessible, spa-like bathroom retreat.