Walk-in shower zone: design, price and who it suits

What a walk-in shower is

A walk-in shower is a shower zone without doors or an enclosure. The water is held back by one, two (L-shape) or three glass panels. You enter from the side through an open gap. The idea is simple: the fewer the elements, the more modern and easier to clean the bathroom is.

Minimum dimensions you need

The main drawback of a walk-in is that it does not suit small bathrooms. Water can splash out. Recommended minimums:

• Width: min. 1100 mm (better 1200–1400 mm)
• Depth: min. 1200 mm (so there is room to turn around)
• Entry gap: min. 600 mm (so it is comfortable to step in)
• Height: panel no shorter than 2000 mm (ideally up to the ceiling)

Water drainage — the critical decision

A point drain is not enough for a walk-in. You need: a linear drain (wall-mounted or in-floor) plus an increased floor slope of 1.5–2% toward the drain. It works best when the drain runs the full width of the zone (linear, by the wall or near the entrance). This must be discussed with the plumber and tiler in advance — it cannot be redone after tiling.

Glass thickness and mounting

We use 8 mm tempered glass for panels up to 1.4 m wide; for larger ones — 10 mm. Mounting: U profile in the floor + wall (cheaper, classic), or point fixings (modern, ~15% more expensive). A tall panel without extra support cannot be longer than 1.5 m — a stabiliser is needed (a cross brace to the wall or ceiling).

Walk-in prices 2026

• Single panel up to 1.2 m: €350–500
• L-shape (large + small): €650–950
• With nano coating (water runs off without marks): +€80–120
• Linear drain (separate): €180–450 (depends on the manufacturer — Geberit, Tece)

When walk-in is not the right choice

Walk-in is not a universal solution. Skip it if: the bathroom is smaller than 4 m²; there is no possibility to set up a proper slope on the floor (renovation on a flat slab); there are small children or older people in the family (greater risk of slipping on wet tiles); you want a sealed, steam-tight solution (choose a sliding enclosure).

FAQ

Is the walk-in zone colder than an enclosure?

Yes, slightly colder — because steam does not gather in one place. Solution: stronger bathroom ventilation (air changed 8–10 times an hour) and underfloor heating. For most users the difference is negligible.

Is a handle / grab bar needed?

A walk-in panel does not need a handle (no doors). But we recommend installing a safety grab bar on the wall — especially if the bathroom is also used by older people.

How long does installation take?

The panel itself — 2–3 hours. But by then the linear drain, tiles and floor slope must already be ready. A full bathroom renovation (with plumbing) — 2–3 weeks.