The 7 Best Flooring Options for a Walk in Shower

A walk-in shower is a luxurious addition to any contemporary bathroom, but with all the different flooring options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through seven of the best walk-in shower floor types, so you can make the best decision for your home. You’ll find out:

• What makes walk-in showers such a good idea for bathroom renovations
• The different qualities of shower floor finish options
• Other things you can add to a shower to enhance its feeling of luxury
• The benefits of installing a radiant floor heating system within a walk-in shower
• How to buy walk-in shower heating

What are the benefits of a walk-in shower for my home?

When it comes to bathrooms, more space is always better. So, a walk-in shower will provide you with extra room to move around without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. And, if you’re looking for better accessibility, then a walk-in shower is definitely the way to go. Walk-in showers are designed so that there is no lip or threshold to step over, making them much easier to enter and exit, as well as making them easier to clean than regular showers, They also tend to have a wider door opening (for walk-in showers you can choose from a range of door types including frameless, semi-frameless and framed doors) which can make them more accessible for people with mobility impairments.

What are the 7 best flooring options for a walk-in shower?

Choosing the right flooring for your walk-in shower can feel like a complicated decision so we’ve put together a list of the 7 most popular floor finishes for you to consider whilst shining a light on what makes them so usable for these spaces.

1. Concrete

Concrete can be a good choice for your walk-in shower for a number of reasons. First, concrete is extremely durable and can withstand the heavy traffic common in a shower. Second, properly sealed concrete will provide a waterproof surface. Third, concrete is easy to clean and maintain, making it an ideal choice for a busy household. Finally, concrete is an affordable option that can also add value to your home.

2. Marble

When choosing flooring for a walk-in shower, marble is a great option. It’s classic and elegant, and it’s easy to keep clean. If you’re concerned about slip-resistance, you can choose a marble with a textured surface. However, remember that marble can be expensive and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

3. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tile is often the best choice for a walk-in shower. First, porcelain is extremely durable and is resistant to moisture and mold. Porcelain is also easy to clean and unlike concrete or marble, it is available in many colors and styles, so you can find a tile that fits your preferred interior design.

4. Glass Tiles

Glass tile is a very modern choice for showers and makes a great design statement. Glass tiling is non-porous and when installed properly, these floor types can last a lifetime, with minimal maintenance.

5. Granite Tiles

If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and affordable option for your walk-in shower floor, granite tile is a great choice. Granite is a natural stone resistant to scratches, staining, and chipping, making it a low-maintenance option for busy families. Granite tiles come in various colors and styles and since granite is a natural material, it helps create a warm, inviting space in your bathroom.

6. Pebbles

Pebbles are naturally slip-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about accidents in the shower. They’re also extremely durable, so they’ll stand up to years of heavy use. Additionally, pebbles can add a touch of luxury to your shower, making it feel like a true oasis.

7. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, resulting in tile that is softer, less dense and more porous too, so utilizing unfinished ceramic tiles in a walk-in shower is off limits. Likewise, the clay used to make ceramic is lesser than porcelain, so while you may get a good deal, ceramic tiles overall just aren’t as good as porcelain. They do stay cooler than porcelain tiles, and while great for warm climates, this wouldn’t work so well in cooler climates.

What fixtures can I add to my walk-in shower to increase its comfort?

A shower bench is a fantastic addition to any walk-in shower, adding both smart functionality and style. When choosing a material for your shower bench, consider both durability and slip resistance. Some of the most popular materials include tile, stone, and concrete but you may even want to consider using recycled materials, such as glass or metal.

In terms of shower fixtures, you could install a rain shower head, which provides a spa-like experience, or for a more traditional look, a handheld shower head can be attached to the wall. In-built storage within your shower is also a great idea. Shelves or a small niche fitted within the tile work will keep your bathroom better organized.

Is radiant floor heating suitable for walk-in showers?

If you’re looking to add a touch more luxury to your walk-in shower, consider installing radiant floor heating. Warmup offers a variety of electric radiant floor heating systems that are perfect for walk-in showers and there are several advantages of a heated shower, such as:

• It will help keep the shower warm and comfortable throughout the year.
• Floor heating’s innovative, energy-saving technology can save you money on your utility bills
• Radiant floor heating does a great job of evenly distributing heat, which can be beneficial for those with certain medical conditions whilst also improving indoor air quality.

Want to learn more about the heated shower floors? Read our informative article to discover everything you need to know.

How do I purchase floor heating for my walk-in shower?

Warmup systems are quick and easy to install and can be retrofitted within almost any walk-in shower. To find the perfect heating system for your home, get free instant pricing using our online quoting tool or contact us today and we’ll be happy to talk through the best options.