Custom Walk-In Showers Built for How You Actually Live

A walk-in shower isn't just an upgrade — it's one of the most-used spaces in your home. At Banah Home Services, we build walk-in showers in Tacoma that combine clean design, durable materials, and real craftsmanship from a local team that documents every step with daily photos.

Why Tacoma Homeowners Are Choosing Walk-In Showers

The shift away from tub-shower combos is accelerating across Tacoma's older housing stock. Many homes built before 1980 have cramped, poorly tiled shower enclosures that are difficult to clean, prone to moisture intrusion behind aging grout, and simply don't reflect how the space gets used today.

 

Walk-in showers offer a practical improvement across several dimensions:

 

  • More usable floor space and easier entry than traditional tub-shower combos
  • Fewer grout lines and no curtain track means significantly easier cleaning
  • Barrier-free and low-threshold designs work for all ages and mobility levels
  • Modern tile, glass, and fixture options that hold up to the PNW's humidity and hard water
  • Higher perceived value and buyer appeal when the home eventually sells

What Goes Into a Walk-In Shower Build

Every walk-in shower we build starts with a proper substrate — not just tile over drywall. Tacoma's moisture levels demand waterproofing that goes beyond the visible surface, and we treat it that way from the first day of demo.

 

A complete walk-in shower installation from Banah typically includes:

 

  • Full demo of the existing tub or shower enclosure
  • Waterproof membrane installation behind tile (Schluter, RedGard, or equivalent)
  • Cement board or tile-backer substrate throughout the wet zone
  • Tile selection, layout planning, and installation — floor, walls, and niche
  • Frameless or semi-frameless glass door or panel installation
  • Shower pan or linear drain configuration
  • Fixture rough-in coordination and finish trim (showerhead, controls, hand shower)
  • Final waterproofing inspection before grouting

 

We photograph every stage through CompanyCam so you can follow the build in real time, even if you're not on-site.

Tile, Glass, and Finish Options We Work With

Material choices shape both how a walk-in shower looks and how it holds up over time. We work with a wide range of tile formats — large-format porcelain, subway tile, natural stone, and mosaic accents — and help you land on a combination that fits your bathroom's footprint and your budget.

 

For glass, frameless panels deliver the cleanest look and are easier to keep spotless. Semi-frameless options offer a middle ground between aesthetics and cost. We source glass through local suppliers and coordinate templating and installation as part of the project scope — no subcontractor handoffs for you to manage.

 

Finish hardware (shower valve, trim, drain cover) is selected to coordinate across the full bathroom. If you're remodeling the broader bathroom at the same time, we align fixture finishes across the vanity, shower, and accessories so the room reads as a cohesive design rather than assembled parts.

Walk-In Showers and Accessibility

A well-designed walk-in shower is also one of the most effective aging-in-place modifications a homeowner can make. Zero-threshold entry, built-in benches, grab bar blocking in the walls, and handheld showerheads are features we incorporate into standard builds — not add-ons that require a separate conversation.


For homeowners who qualify through DSHS or a Medicaid waiver program, some walk-in shower modifications may be covered under Washington State's home modification funding. Banah is a DSHS-authorized provider, which means we can work directly within that program rather than leaving you to navigate it alone.

Our Process for Walk-In Shower Projects

We don't send a salesperson to your home. The person who walks your bathroom and builds your estimate is the same team that shows up to do the work.

 

Step 1: In-Home Consultation

 

We measure the space, assess the existing plumbing and substrate condition, and talk through your priorities — layout, tile direction, glass style, budget range. You get a clear written estimate before anything is scheduled.

 

Step 2: Material Selection

 

We help you choose tile, glass, and fixtures that work together and fit your timeline. No showroom commissions, no upsells on materials you don't need.

 

Step 3: Demolition and Waterproofing

 

The existing enclosure comes out, the substrate goes in correctly, and the waterproofing membrane is installed and inspected before tile ever touches the wall.

 

Step 4: Tile, Glass, and Finish Installation

 

Tile is set, grouted, and sealed. Glass is templated and installed. Fixtures are trimmed out. We clean up daily and document progress with photos throughout.

Common Questions About Walk-In Showers in Tacoma

  • How long does a walk-in shower installation take?

    Most walk-in shower builds run 5 to 10 business days from demo to final trim-out, depending on tile complexity, glass lead time, and whether any plumbing relocation is involved. We give you a project timeline in writing before work begins so you know what to expect.

  • Can I convert my existing tub-shower combo into a walk-in shower?

    Yes — tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most common projects we complete. We remove the tub, rebuild the shower pan and substrate from scratch, and install the new enclosure. The footprint typically stays the same, though we can discuss layout adjustments if the space allows.

  • What does a walk-in shower cost in Tacoma?

    Walk-in shower installations in the Tacoma area generally range from $6,000 to $18,000 depending on size, tile selection, glass type, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated. We provide detailed written estimates so you know exactly what you're paying for before the project starts.

  • Do you handle the permits for a walk-in shower remodel?

    Permit requirements depend on whether the project involves plumbing relocation or structural changes. We assess permit needs during the consultation and handle the application process if one is required. You won't need to navigate the City of Tacoma permitting office on your own.

Veteran-Owned, Tacoma-Based, and Built to Last

Banah Home Services is a veteran-owned contractor serving Tacoma and the surrounding South Sound communities. We bring the same attention to detail and accountability to every walk-in shower project that we apply across all of our remodeling work — daily photo documentation, a written estimate you can hold us to, and a local team that shows up and finishes what it starts.

 

Military families and veterans receive a discount on all projects. If you're near JBLM or based in Lakewood, University Place, or Fircrest, we serve your area and understand the specific housing stock and timelines that come with military life in the South Sound.