Whether you have someone in your household who has mobility limitations, you’re planning to age in place, or you simply want to add a new level of convenience to your bathroom, an easy access shower is a wise investment. Think about it: What’s the No. 1 risk involved with your bathroom? It’s the matter of stepping over a high barrier into your shower, isn’t it? So, with an easy access shower, you won’t have to worry about you or your loved ones’ safety as much, as these showers are exactly as advertised—they’re easy to step right into without the high potential for a slip and fall.

If you’ve never had an easy access (or walk-in) shower, here’s what you need to know:

Easy Access Showers Come in a Variety of Styles

Whenever anyone thinks “easy access showers,” they’re likely thinking about showers without a high tub wall to climb over every time it’s time to bathe. While that’s true, it’s important to know that these shower systems are available in a variety of styles. What does that mean? Consider the term “walk-in shower.” It’s pretty all-encompassing, but they can have low barriers or no barriers at all.

A low-barrier shower might still have a lip, but it’s a small one—maybe about 2-3 inches— that is very easy to step over. In fact, you might not realize it’s there, as the natural motion you’d go through to step into your shower would have you clearing it every time. This type of easy access shower works for anyone who has trouble with a normal bathtub barrier but can still walk on their own.

On the other hand, a zero-barrier shower has a level entry, with no lip or threshold to step over. These systems provide easy access for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices, as they’re able to safely enter the shower with no problems. The design of these showers understandably features a shower tray to ensure proper drainage, whereas low-barrier showers have floors that are naturally sloped toward the drain.

Easy Access Showers Aren’t Just About the Shower’s Entry Point

While you might think that easy access showers simply refer to walk-in or roll-in showers, it’s not only about the entry to the bathing area. Remember, the goal of these showers is to enhance accessibility. So, even without an entry threshold (or a low one), it’s important to make customization decisions that ensure the space is safe and accessible to everyone. That can mean having grab bars, shower seating, and convenient storage accessories installed within your shower.

A Team You Can Trust When You Need an Easy Access Shower

The good news is that Wisconsin and Minnesota residents don’t need to look far for answers about easy access showers. Tundraland is a team committed to providing homeowners with safe and accessible showers, and our walk-in systems are customizable. This means that you can outfit your new space to create the easy access and safe showering experience that you and/or your loved one(s) need.

To get started on your walk-in shower project, reach out to Tundraland today.