The Ultimate Roll-In Shower Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom
What Is a Roll-In Shower?
A roll-in shower is a shower without a step or curb at the entrance. The shower floor slopes gently toward the drain, allowing a wheelchair, shower chair, or walker to move directly into the shower.
Unlike many "walk-in showers" sold in home improvement stores, a true roll-in shower is designed specifically for accessibility.
Benefits include:
No threshold to step over
Easier wheelchair access
Reduced fall risk
More room for caregivers
Future-proof home design
Modern luxury appearance
Roll-In Shower vs Walk-In Shower
Roll-In Shower
Zero threshold
Wheelchair accessible
Barrier-free
Larger interior
Built for aging in place
Walk-In Shower
Often has a curb
Usually not
Small step
Smaller footprint
Primarily decorative
Many homeowners believe these are the same—but they are not.Many homeowners believe these are the same—but they are not.
Who Needs a Roll-In Shower?
A roll-in shower is ideal for:
Seniors aging in place
Wheelchair users
People with Parkinson's
ALS
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke recovery
Spinal cord injuries
Knee or hip replacements
Balance disorders
Caregiver-assisted bathing
Even healthy homeowners are choosing barrier-free showers because they increase home value while providing long-term safety.
Roll-In Shower Sizes
Although every bathroom is different, common sizes include:
36" x 60"
42" x 60"
48" x 60"
60" x 60"
Custom sizes
Larger showers allow:
Easier wheelchair turning
Caregiver assistance
Fold-down benches
Better maneuverability
Curbless vs Zero-Entry Shower
These terms are often used interchangeably.
A curbless shower removes the raised threshold.
A zero-entry shower allows continuous flooring from the bathroom into the shower without any step.
Proper waterproofing and floor slope are essential.
Essential Safety Features
A professionally designed roll-in shower should include:
Grab Bars
Strategically placed grab bars provide support during transfers and reduce fall risk.
Fold-Down Shower Bench
Allows seated bathing while maximizing floor space.
Handheld Shower
Provides flexibility for seated users and caregivers.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
Textured porcelain tile or specialty shower bases reduce slipping.
Linear Drain
Allows better floor slope and a cleaner modern appearance.
Comfort Height Fixtures
Easy-to-reach controls improve accessibility.
Anti-Scald Valve
Protects users from sudden temperature changes.
Waterproofing Matters
One of the biggest differences between professional accessibility remodeling and inexpensive bathroom renovations is waterproofing.
At BFA we use complete waterproofing systems—not simply cement board behind tile.
Proper waterproofing protects:
Flooring
Subfloor
Wall framing
Adjacent rooms
Long-term home value
Choosing the Right Shower Base
Options include:
Custom Tile Shower Floor
Pros
Unlimited sizes
Beautiful appearance
Custom drain placement
Solid Surface Base
Pros
Easy maintenance
No grout
Smooth wheelchair transition
Composite Shower Base
Great option for quick installations while maintaining accessibility.
Best Shower Doors
Many accessible showers don't need doors.
Popular options include:
Open-entry showers
Fixed glass panel
Sliding glass
Frameless glass
Shower curtain
The best choice depends on the bathroom layout and mobility needs.
Tile Selection
Good tile choices include:
Matte porcelain
Large format porcelain
Textured floor tile
High-contrast designs for low vision
Avoid polished stone floors that become slippery when wet.
Lighting
Proper lighting is often overlooked.
Recommendations:
Recessed LED lighting
Waterproof shower lighting
Motion lighting
Night lighting
Ventilation
Proper exhaust fans help prevent:
Mold
Mildew
Moisture damage
Paint peeling
Common Mistakes
Many homeowners regret:
Buying a prefabricated shower kit
Installing grab bars after completion
Choosing slippery flooring
Making the shower too small
Not reinforcing walls
Poor waterproofing
Using decorative instead of functional fixtures
Roll-In Shower Cost
Costs vary depending on:
Bathroom size
Plumbing relocation
Structural changes
Flooring
Fixtures
Tile selection
Waterproofing system
Accessibility features
Every home is unique, so professional consultation is the best way to determine project costs.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Accessible bathrooms require expertise beyond traditional remodeling.
Proper planning ensures:
Safe transfers
Waterproof construction
Correct floor slopes
Durable installations
Comfortable daily use
Why Families Trust BFA, LLC?
When you choose BFA, LLC, you can expect:
23 years of craftsmanship and experience in Southeast Michigan.
CAPS Certification (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists).
Certified Harmar dealer and trained installer for lifts and mobility solutions.
Authorized PVI ramp dealer with proven expertise.
Collaborations with The Tile Shop and KSI Design Crew, ensuring luxury design with accessibility.
We believe accessibility should be seamless, stylish, and built to last. With our bright ideas and a track record of solving the most complex projects, we help families in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Northville, and Ann Arbor/Scio Township live safely and independently in beautiful homes.
Contact BFA, LLC Today
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Let’s Talk About Your Project
Whether you're remodeling for a loved one with a disability, planning for the future, or recovering from surgery, we’re here to help.
Call us at 734-414-9525 or click here to request a free estimate.
Let’s create a space that supports the life you deserve.
FAQs
Is a roll-in shower the same as an ADA shower?
Not always. Residential roll-in showers are designed around the homeowner's specific mobility needs, while ADA standards primarily apply to commercial and public facilities.
Can a roll-in shower fit in a small bathroom?
Yes. With thoughtful planning, many existing bathrooms can be remodeled to include a barrier-free shower without expanding the home's footprint.
Do I need a wheelchair to benefit from a roll-in shower?
No. Many homeowners choose roll-in showers for aging in place, balance concerns, or simply because they provide a safer and more convenient bathing experience.
Are roll-in showers easier to clean?
Yes. Fewer barriers, fewer grout lines (depending on materials), and open designs generally make maintenance simpler than traditional tub-shower combinations.
Will a roll-in shower increase home value?
An accessible, professionally designed bathroom can appeal to a wider range of buyers and may increase the home's long-term marketability, especially as demand for aging-in-place features continues to grow.
Can I replace my bathtub with a roll-in shower?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to convert a traditional bathtub into a roll-in shower to improve accessibility and reduce the risk of falls. A professionally designed tub-to-shower conversion can create a safer, more open bathroom while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Get in touch.
Let’s Talk – Free Accessibility Consultation
Every situation is different. That’s why we take the time to listen. Our free, in-home consultations are designed to help you make informed, stress-free decisions.