What Is the Best Material for a Walk In Shower?

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By Blake Lockwood | Curated by Blake Lockwood | Reviewed by Blake Lockwood

Blake Lockwood, the seasoned interior designer behind Decor Snob, has made a name for himself with over 30 years of industry experience. As a member of esteemed associations such as the NCIDQ, CIDA, NAAB, and CCIDC, he upholds high standards in his work.  His content is always people-first, reliable, and engaging.

Chic Block Shower

A walk in shower can be a nice bathroom upgrade. If you are installing a doorless shower, it’s important to do it right. Due to the nature of the project, there are some materials that work better than others. Different areas of the walk in shower need different materials too. Here’s what you should know about walk in shower materials.

Choosing Walk In Shower Materials

Selecting materials for your walk in shower is important. There are many options, which can make the decision difficult. There are certain things you should look for in materials. For example, all materials should be durable. Showers get a lot of use in most cases. Cheap materials can show wear easily. They may even crack or chip over time.

Due to the water and moisture, it’s important to use materials that won’t leak. It’s also a good idea to look for materials that are easy to clean.

Stone and tile give you more freedom over the design. Also, there are many different colors and styles available. This can help you to find the perfect match for your style.

Read Also: 36 Doorless Walk-In Shower Ideas and Designs for a Stunning Bathroom

What Material Should You Use for Walk In Shower Floor?

When choosing a flooring for your walk in shower, natural stone works well. Keep in mind that maintenance is needed. You will need to keep up with grouting and cleaning.

If you’re looking for a non-slip shower floor, pebbles are a great choice.

If you’re wanting to use tile, look for small porcelain tile. Another good type is sealed stone tile.

What Material Should You Use for Walk In Shower Walls?

Acrylic is a good option for any shower walls. Acrylic is a popular choice for walk in shower walls. It’s easy to install and is low maintenance. With acrylic, design options are limited. Acrylic is waterproof and durable.

What Material Should You Use for Walk In Shower Entry?

Consider how you want to to enter and exit your shower. You might choose a low entry for ease. You can also make your walk in shower curb-less.

Glass doors are popular for walk in showers due to their durability. According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can even add a shower curtain.

If you decide to go door-less, make sure your design keeps the water in the shower.

What Material Should You Use for Walk In Shower Ceiling?

According to Do It Yourself, greenboard and tile are the best options. Greenboard is also referred to as water-resistant gypsum board. It’s water-resistant. It’s made to handle the moisture level of a bathroom.

Another option is tile. This gives you some control over the design. There are many types of tile to choose from.

Should You Install a Walk In Shower Yourself?

With any home renovation project, you have a few options. You can opt to do it yourself or to hire someone.

If you do it yourself, you may need to buy extra tools. You might need to hire a plumber for some of the work you can’t do yourself too. If you are handy and have some experience, you could complete the job yourself. Be sure to read all instructions and watch videos for help.

It can be a good idea to hire someone to do it for you. Despite the higher price, you will know that the job is done well. More elaborate tiling should be done by a professional.

Cost of Walk In Shower

The price of a walk in shower is necessary to consider. This may affect your decision on the material you want to use. The cost of each material varies. Plus, if you hire someone to do the job, you will be paying them too. If you do it yourself, you will be paying for tools and materials.

According to Home Advisor, a shower installation can cost $750 to $6,850. This range is wide because there are a lot of options. As mentioned, the type of material can increase the cost. If you are doing a basic upgrade, your installation will be on the lower end. More elaborate custom work will be at the higher end.

Be sure to price all the materials, tools, and labor out. Ask for free estimates. This will help you know how much to save for the installation.

Benefits of a Walk In Shower

A walk in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom. Walk in showers are easy to get in and out of. Walk in showers are great for anyone with disabilities. Walk in showers are also a good option for seniors. In some cases, walk in showers use less water. Plus, walk in showers fit well in any space. Even if your bathroom is small, you can add a walk in shower.


When you’re adding a walk in shower, the materials you use are important. This upgrade can be pricey, but quality materials are important. In the shower, moisture and water are an issue. They should be kept in mind as you’re choosing the right material. A contractor or plumber can help you make decisions about your shower.

Read more about Doorless Showers:

Photo: Grieve Gillett Andersen

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