While shower curtains are flexible and can easily catch spray, it’s a different story with a fixed glass panel or an open walk-in, especially if you’ve got a high-pressure or angled showerhead.
The water can splash way beyond the enclosure, soaking the floor and increasing the risk of accidents. Test out your showerhead’s spray pattern before committing to anything, and consider adding a full door or return panel if the water will splash out.Large, glossy tiles may look great, but they’re dangerously slippery when wet.
Choose small tiles with lots of grout lines or textured natural stone instead. And don’t forget non-slip mats – you’ll need a generously-sized one as a safe “landing zone” for when you step out of the shower.More glass and a larger footprint mean more steam, so make sure your bathroom fan is properly sized and vented to the outside.
Upgrade to moisture-resistant finishes too, so mold and mildew don’t take hold.Curbless and low-threshold showers look sleek, but the lack of a shower pan lip means you need serious waterproofing to stop water from seeping into the subfloor.
Work with a contractor to ensure proper waterproofing.Grading the floor with a consistent, gentle slope is crucial too, so water drains properly without feeling like a slippery ramp.
Use safety glazing wherever there’s a risk of impact, and keep the layout simple for easy cleaning.Don’t forget about hard water spotting on the glass – a squeegee or hydrophobic coating can help prevent mineral buildup.
And if you’re removing the only bathtub, think carefully about resale value before doing so.Lastly, make sure to add grab bars and other accessibility features.
Even if you don’t need them now, it’s smart to future-proof your bathroom in case your needs change down the line.