How To Successfully DIY A Walk-In Shower

If your dream bathroom includes a walk-in shower, then it’s time to check this DIY project off your renovations checklist. Though it may sound like quite the endeavor, with the right tools, vision, and some professional support, you can successfully DIY this home improvement project. Keep reading for tips on how to build a walk-in shower yourself.

1.Grab some inspiration.

You already know your dream bathroom includes a walk-in shower, but what else? Browse Pinterest or your favorote home magazines to settle on what styles you like. Take note of the overarching themes (is the bathroom you love traditional or modern?) and colors (do you like light and bright neutrals or vibrant hues?). Pay attention to what other elements stand out to you. Is it the wood-look tile flooring? Is it the white Shaker style bathroom vanity? Once you know what your goal is, it will be easier to make decisions along the way.

2. Look into prefab shower kits.

Depending on your DIY skill level, your best bet in building a walk-in shower is probably going to be a prefab shower kit. Since these kits come in standard sizes, you’ll want to take these measurements into account when planning your build. A good rule of thumb is that you should leave 32 inches between your shower and other fixtures in the room. When measuring out your space, also keep in mind that your shower door will likely hinge outward. You definitely don’t want accessibility to be an issue with your new shower.

White and gray calcutta marble bathroom design3. Sort out your plumbing.

Before starting any home improvement project, you need to check for any plumbing or electrical issues. In this case, your plumbing pipes may be standing in the way of your dream bathroom. If building a walk-in shower might require any plumbing work, you’ll want to consult a professional to estimate the costs of changes beforehand.

4. Create a concrete plan.

Now is not the time to still be working off your vision board. Before executing any item on your home renovations checklist, you need a plan. From the exact layout to what backsplash tile you want to use, every detail should be finalized before lifting a finger. At this stage you shouldn’t be thinking “I want a rainfall shower head” — you should know exactly which model you’re buying.

7-17-20 RTA3-Carrara White 2_ Hexagon Polished Pattern Tile 25. Calculate your costs.

When DIY-ing a walk-in shower, you need to know how to tile a bathroom and what type of wall tile you want to use. Figure out the cost of everything you will need including materials, tools, tile, and fixtures. It’s important to have a budget in mind to help drive decisions, so that you don’t end up spending more than you want. With any DIY project, you have to wear multiple hats, but it’s worth it when you complete the project yourself and do so at a much more affordable price.

6. Get any necessary permits.

Once you know exactly what your project will entail, you’ll need to check with your HOA and/or local building department to see if any permits are required. Oftentimes, small projects do not require permits, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

When you shop The RTA Store, you can check off items on your DIY renovations checklist and save money in the process. We also offer a free room design service that includes a custom layout with 3D renderings, and an itemized list of what you need and what it will cost, to help bring your dream bathroom to life!

 

At The RTA Store, we help make your dream home a reality with RTA (ready to assemble) and pre-assembled cabinets and accessories. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home office, home bar, or TV room, we offer the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store, but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call, and let us make your dreams come true with the help of our free room design service.