Types of Showers: Which Style Is Right for Your Bathroom Remodel?

August 26, 2025

A Spokane & North Idaho Guide to Modern Shower Options, Costs & Considerations


If you’re remodeling your bathroom, the shower isn’t just a utility — it’s one of the most important design and comfort decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re going for a luxurious spa feel or a low-maintenance, space-saving solution, the type of shower you choose will shape the function and feel of your entire bathroom.


At The Building Company, we’ve helped homeowners from Spokane to Sandpoint create everything from simple, elegant replacements to fully custom wet rooms. Here’s what you should know about today’s most popular shower styles.

🚿 1. Prefabricated Shower Units

Best for: Budget-conscious remodels, guest bathrooms, or quick turnarounds.

These are factory-made shower stalls (usually fiberglass or acrylic) that come in one or more pieces. They’re available at big box stores and are relatively easy to install.

Pros:

● Affordable

● Fast installation

● Easy to clean


Cons:

● Limited customization

● Lower-end appearance

● Can yellow or crack over time


Price Range: $1,200–$3,000 (installed, depending on size and enclosure)

🧱 2. Custom Tiled Showers

Best for: Primary bathrooms, higher-end remodels, long-term value.

Tiled showers allow for custom sizes, shapes, niches, benches, and more. You can create a truly one-of-a-kind experience with materials like ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone.

Pros:

● Fully customizable

● Adds long-term value to the home

● Durable and stylish

● Works well with heated floors and curbless entry


Cons:

● Higher cost

● Requires skilled installation

● More grout maintenance over time


Price Range: $6,000–$15,000+ (depending on size, materials, waterproofing method, and enclosure)

🧼 3. Walk-In & Curbless Showers

Best for: Accessibility, aging in place, spa-style bathrooms

Walk-in showers remove the step-over curb, creating a seamless transition from the bathroom floor. These often require special floor framing and waterproofing but are increasingly popular.

Pros:

● Accessible for all ages

● Clean, modern aesthetic

● Pairs well with large format tile or linear drains
 

Cons:

● May require floor height adjustments

● Higher upfront cost

● Must be perfectly waterproofed to avoid leaks


Price Range: $8,000–$18,000+ (depending on size and scope)

🛁 4. Shower-Tub Combos

Best for: Family bathrooms, resale appeal, space-saving needs

The classic tub/shower combo is still the most versatile option for households with young kids or resale in mind.

Pros:

● Multi-purpose

● Often easier to permit

● Great for families and guests
 

Cons:

● Less luxurious than a separate shower/tub setup

● May limit layout flexibility

Price Range: $3,500–$7,500 (depending on materials and layout)

🧽 5. Wet Rooms

Best for: High-end designs, luxury remodels, minimalist lovers

Wet rooms are fully waterproofed spaces where the shower isn’t enclosed at all. The entire bathroom floor is sloped and drains together, often featuring large tile, linear drains, and floating vanities.

Pros:

● Ultra-modern, open feel

● Great for small bathrooms or barrier-free design

● High wow-factor


Cons:

● Most expensive to build and waterproof

● Not ideal for every layout

● Moisture management must be spot-on


Price Range: $15,000–$25,000+ (depends on size, tile, drainage systems)

🎯 What Shower Type Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why our process at The Building Company includes:

● Preconstruction planning to explore layout options

● Real conversations about how you use your bathroom

● Collaboration with trusted tile, plumbing, and design professionals

● Transparent pricing tied to real material choices — not guesswork

Whether you're in Liberty Lake, Hayden, Deer Park, or right in Spokane proper, we’ll help you choose a shower that makes sense for your space, style, and budget.

Let’s Bring Your Dream Shower to Life

Thinking about remodeling your bathroom? We’ll guide you through the right shower options — and help you avoid expensive mistakes.

📱 Call or text:509-890-0222

 📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com

 🔗 www.pnwbuild.com/contact


The Building Company is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). That means we build to national standards — and we care about the details that matter in your home.

Bright white kitchen with a large island, granite countertop, stainless steel appliances.

Do I Need Permits for My Remodel?

August 26, 2025
At The Building Company, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through this process across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding areas.
Modern kitchen with white countertops, stainless steel hood, and vase of flowers.

How Do I Make Sure My Remodel Stays on Schedule?

August 19, 2025
A Spokane & North Idaho Homeowner’s Guide to Staying on Track (and Sane) During a Remodel Let’s be honest: remodels have a reputation for taking longer than expected. And in some cases, that reputation is well-earned. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island.

How Our Process Protects You During a Remodel — Even When Things Don’t Go as Planned

August 19, 2025
Why a Strong System Beats Hope Every Time Let’s be real: no matter how talented your builder is or how carefully you’ve planned, remodels are complex. Things don’t always go perfectly. Products show up late. Framing reveals surprises. Schedules shift.
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, granite island, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lights.

What Are the Different Types of Countertops — and How Much Do They Cost?

August 19, 2025
Choosing countertops is one of the biggest style and budget decisions you’ll make during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. And with so many options — from affordable laminates to high-end natural stone — it can be hard to know what’s worth it and what’s not.
Spacious entryway with dark wood floor, white paneled walls, and a chandelier.

Flooring Options for Your Remodel: What Spokane & North Idaho Homeowners Need to Know

August 19, 2025
When you’re remodeling your home, few choices impact the look, feel, and functionality of a space more than the flooring beneath your feet. At The Building Company, we walk Spokane and North Idaho homeowners through flooring options every day — helping them balance aesthetics, durability, budget, and lifestyle. Here's
Kitchen with dark cabinets, island, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors.

If They Use All Subcontractors, Why Do I Need a General Contractor?

August 19, 2025
One of the most common questions we get during initial remodel consultations is: “If a general contractor hires out all the work to subcontractors, can’t I just manage the project myself?”.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, and an island with bar stools.

How Do I Phase a Remodel Over Time Without Wasting Money?

August 14, 2025
Not every remodeling project has to be all-or-nothing. In fact, many of our clients across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and North Idaho choose to remodel in phases — whether it’s due to budget, time, or life circumstances.
Two-story house with tan siding, brick accents, porch, and arched windows.

How Accurate Are Online Remodel Cost Estimators?

August 14, 2025
You’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen or adding a bathroom, and you punch a few numbers into an online cost estimator.
Houses covered in snow along a street under a cloudy winter sky.

What Should I Expect During the Design Phase of a Remodel?

August 13, 2025
When homeowners in Spokane or North Idaho start planning a remodel, one of the biggest surprises is how important — and detailed — the design phase really is. Before we swing a single hammer or order any materials, your project needs to be fully thought through on paper (or more likely, on a screen).
Two-story gray house with a porch, aqua door, and snow on the ground in front.

What’s the Difference Between a Renovation and a Remodel?

August 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about updating your home — whether it’s a dated kitchen, a cramped bath, or a whole floorplan rework — you’ve probably seen the terms “renovation” and “remodel” thrown around like they’re interchangeable.