The big trend in the bathroom is the walk-in shower. And for good reason: in addition to being design and discreet, it adapts to all spaces and all tastes, and allows you to give free rein to your imagination. Discover this type of showers inspired by Roman baths …
A shower without door or tray
The particularity of a walk-in shower compared to a traditional shower is to have a tray (tray) integrated into the bathroom floor, therefore almost invisible. In this way, there is no difference in level between the shower and the floor. The ferry becomes accessible to everyone: elderly people who can no longer climb into a bathtub, people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs, etc. In a walk-in shower, there are fewer corners and the floor is smooth, which greatly facilitates cleaning!
“The real Italian shower has no door” explains Lionel Terzian, manager of the Porcelanosa store in Dijon, “it is tiled and open to the bathroom, in a very refined style”. So plan a space large enough to install it (1.20 m² minimum) to avoid splashing outside. But the walk-in shower can just as easily slip into a smaller corner: “installed in a corner, with only one wall, it takes up little space” adds Lionel Terzian. Maison à part gives you all the elements you need to know about the walk-in shower.
A shower that requires a deep floor
A shower that requires a deep floor – Walk-in shower © Perene
A shower that requires a deep floor
A shower to install, two possible techniques
A shower to install, two possible techniques – Walk-in shower © Porcelanosa
“The floor-standing shower tray is the best solution, because it already incorporates waterproofing, and it can be easily removed in the event of a problem” explains Lionel Terzian. Sealing is a crucial element in the installation of a walk-in shower, and here it is integrated into the system. Today, there are ready-to-install kits of all sizes and at all prices, in the range of 350 to 800 euros. If you choose to make a custom screed, the flow slope must be very precisely calculated (1 to 3 cm per meter, depending on the water flow) to allow efficient drainage. You will need to create a perfectly waterproof receptacle, or casing. This involves laying a sheet of lead, zinc or synthetic material between the masonry and the floor covering, which will collect the wastewater. Concrete and joints must also be water repellent. Tightness remains one of the main characteristics of the walk-in shower.
A shower to install, two possible techniques
A shower whose installation requires professional help
A shower whose installation requires professional help
A shower where good drainage is essential
A shower where good drainage is essential – Walk-in shower © Geberit
A shower where good drainage is essential
A shower available in a wide range of prices
A shower available in a wide range of prices
A shower that adapts to all spaces
A shower that adapts to all spaces – Walk-in shower © Lapeyre
A shower that adapts to all spaces
An easy-to-maintain shower
An easy-to-maintain shower – Walk-in shower © Porcelanosa
An easy-to-maintain shower
A shower for all tastes
A shower for all tastes – Walk-in shower © Leroy Merlin
For the floor, you will be spoiled for choice: tiling, waxed concrete, but also pebbles and gratings which have been very successful. “It’s the return of the mosaic, a different color from the bathroom floor” believes Lionel Terzian. Creating a small niche in the wall will allow you to install storage for shower products.
“Today, we choose a walk-in shower like any other decorative element in the bathroom” supports Lionel Terzian. Nothing prevents you, if space allows it, to imagine a corner with a seat and a hook, to dry yourself comfortably, and at the same time give your bathroom the look of a hammam … You will find advice on the price of Italian showers on Travaux à Part.
A shower for all tastes
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