Doorless showers, also called walk-in showers, have side entrances that are built open, so that the spray is kept in by the shower walls. Usually, the entire shower area is tiled from the wall up to make it more heat- and moisture-resistant. They are a popular trend in modern bathrooms because they are easier to use, help save space and installation costs, and add a sleek yet edgy look to the bathroom.

Why are they great?

Doorless showers are ideal for elderly and disabled people because they don't have to step through elevated entrances. The concept is similar to walk-in bathtubs, except that there are no doors, making it a lot more convenient. It also reduces the risk of falls or getting locked in, although at the expense of some privacy. Doorless showers also cost less to install and maintain since the wall forms part of the enclosure.

What are my options?

You can choose from a variety of designs and materials when building a doorless shower. Most designs favor strong, heavy materials over the lightweight ones used in conventional enclosures, such as plastic. Some of the most common are glass, ceramic, and acrylic.

Glass and glass blocks. Glass walls make excellent shower enclosures because of their high heat and moisture resistance. They are also easier to clean, since mold and dirt are constantly washed off by the shower spray. Thick glass blocks are great for large enclosures, while glass panels can add space to small rooms. You can also choose frosted or textured glass for more privacy – it's more stylish than using shower curtains.

Ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles have great heat retention, making them ideal for hot showers. They are also very durable, so you can install fixed shower heads and even massage jets without damaging the enclosure. However, ceramic tiles are heavy and may not be suitable for wall applications. A good workaround is to use ceramic on the floor and the bottom part of the wall, and regular tile on the rest of the enclosure.

Acrylic. Acrylic enclosures are lightweight and easy to install, but they are not very durable. Because they are plastic-based, they are fairly water-resistant, but are also prone to mold and mildew buildup. They need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the walls clear and sturdy. However, they are ideal for smaller bathrooms where there is limited space for installation, or in public baths with multiple shower cubicles.

Using existing tubs

You can also convert an existing bathtub into a doorless shower. Simply enclose the tub with the wall of your choice, leaving a gap between the bathroom and shower walls for entry. You can choose how wide or narrow the entry is. This works best with built-in and walk-in tubs because they have lowered entrances, and usually have showerheads already mounted on the walls. Converting a bathtub will limit your design choices, but it's a great start to remodeling you bathroom without having to spend full installation costs.

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