By Kerry Hale

Walk-in vs Level Access: Which is Right for You?

  • Friday 2 August 2024
  • 2 minute read

Ready to renovate your bathroom? The shower plays an important part in your space’s aesthetic.

If you’re unsure whether a walk-in shower is better than a level access, this guide can help. We’ll dive into both types and their pros and cons to find the right one for you.

What is a walk-in shower?

Walk-in or enclosed showers have a tray that catches the water and drains it away. The shower floor is typically sloped towards the drain to stop water from accumulating. Some are closed off by half walls and others by half panes of glass.

Our guide to buying a shower enclosure can help you find the best fit for your space.

Walk-in showers pros and cons

Walk-in showers’ pros and cons include the following:

Pros

  1. They’re easy to clean.
  2. They’re energy-efficient.
  3. They are easily accessible, making them perfect for people with limited mobility.

 

Cons

  1. They tend to be slippery.
  2. They may lead to mould growth as they increase the bathroom’s humidity.
  3. They don’t provide much privacy.

 

What is a level access shower?

Level access showers or wet rooms don’t have a tray or threshold to step over. The tray is sunk into the waterproofed floor underneath the shower so you can walk straight in. The shower floor is level with the bathroom floor and is usually designed without doors or curtains.

Level access showers pros and cons

Level access showers have advantages and disadvantages, including:

Pros

  1. They’re easy to clean.
  2. They are easily accessible, making them perfect for people with limited mobility.
  3. They add value to your home.

 

Cons

  1. They don’t provide much privacy.
  2. They are harder to install because you may need to alter the floor’s structure.
  3. They are typically more expensive than walk-in showers.

 

How to choose which is right for you

When choosing between a walk-in or a level access shower, you’ll need to considerstyle and accessibility. Both types provide a great shower experience, are easy to maintain and are ideal for people with limited mobility. However, if you want your shower to flow seamlessly with your space’s design, then level access is your best pick. They create more visual space and light, adding value to your home.

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