A walk-in shower changes how a bathroom feels. Without a tub wall or a high step, the room looks larger, light moves through it more easily, and getting in and out is simpler for everyone. It is one of the most requested upgrades we build in Franklin, in everything from downtown cottages to newer homes in Westhaven and Ladd Park.
Low-curb and curbless options
A low-curb shower keeps a small lip at the entry to hold water in. A curbless, zero-threshold shower lets the bathroom floor flow straight into the shower, which looks clean and is ideal for aging in place. Curbless showers take more planning, because the floor has to slope correctly to the drain. In some homes that means adjusting the subfloor. We'll tell you which approach makes sense for your framing during the estimate.
Details that make a shower work
- Waterproofing. A proper waterproof membrane behind the tile is what keeps a shower from failing years later. We do not skip it.
- Built-in niches. Recessed shelves keep bottles off the floor and out of sight.
- Benches. A built-in or fold-down bench is useful for shaving, rinsing off or sitting down.
- Glass. Frameless or semi-frameless glass panels keep the open look, and a fixed panel can eliminate a door entirely in larger showers.
- Fixtures. Rain heads, handheld wands on slide bars, and thermostatic valves that hold a steady water temperature.
Tile and drains
Large-format porcelain tile means fewer grout lines to clean. Linear drains run along one edge of the shower and allow a single-direction floor slope, which works well with large tile and curbless entries. Classic center drains are still a good, budget-friendly choice in smaller showers.
Walk-In Showers: common questions
How much space do I need for a walk-in shower?
Many walk-in showers fit in the footprint of a standard tub. If you have more room, we can make the shower larger or add a fixed glass panel instead of a door.
Are curbless showers possible in older Franklin homes?
Often, yes. It depends on the floor framing and drain location. We'll check during the free estimate and explain your options.
Will a walk-in shower splash water into the bathroom?
Not when it is designed correctly. Shower size, glass placement, floor slope and showerhead position all control where the water goes, and we plan for each one.