Built-In Shower Features That Are Actually Worth It
In this modern age, we’re constantly told about the newest, best, most innovative ways to upgrade our showers, but those recommendations often are not backed by real installation experience. At Arizona New Bath, we specialize in shower remodeling in Arizona, and we know which features genuinely make an upgrade worthwhile and which cause more headaches than they’re worth. Many of these features, if not installed correctly, can lead to water escaping, leaks, and lasting damage.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are the top five built-in shower features we recommend most, plus a few we’d tell you to think twice about.
Recessed Shower Niches: The Upgrade Everyone Uses
Storage is the one thing every client needs more of in their shower. No one likes a bulky metal wire rack or products strewn around the shower floor. Luckily, there’s a solution.
A recessed shower niche creates a cleaner, more custom appearance while keeping your products organized and visible. And with fully customizable options — single vs. double niches, vertical vs horizontal layouts, accent tile opportunities — you can make this feature uniquely yours. However, one thing to keep in mind is that, because a niche is built directly into the wall, proper waterproofing is everything. At Arizona New Bath, we guarantee to do it right the first time, as this is the upgrade you’ll use every day without thinking twice.
Built-In Shower Benches: More Than Just Seating
Talk about luxury! A built-in shower bench does more than what meets the eye. Beyond elevating the look of your bathroom, a bench provides stability, comfort, and even extra storage. It’s also one of the smartest choices for anyone who wants a bathroom that transitions through life’s phases, making it easier to age in place without a future remodel. We offer a range of bench styles, locations, and materials, so you never have to compromise between your space and your comfort.
Curbless Shower Entries
One of the biggest trends in accessible shower remodeling right now is the curbless entry, and for a good reason. It has a sleek, modern appearance, makes your bathroom feel larger, improves accessibility for those with physical disabilities, and is easier to clean. This is the feature that makes your bathroom feel like a true walk-in spa.
That said, curbless entries come with real drainage and installation considerations. Without the proper slope and waterproofing, water can end up where it shouldn’t. Our team at Arizona New Bath addresses every one of these concerns during design and installation, so you can step into your new shower with complete peace of mind.
Handheld Shower Heads
There are many shower heads to choose from, but a handheld is always the way to go. Its versatility makes cleaning the shower itself easier, and it simplifies bathing children, pets, or any loved one who needs extra assistance. With multiple spray modes, adjustable mounting options, and simple installation, this is the feature we recommend to anyone wanting an immediate, affordable upgrade.
Built-In Grab Bars That Blend Into the Design
Contrary to popular belief, grab bars aren’t just for seniors. They add stability on wet surfaces, which can be lifesaving for anyone, at any age. And as demand has grown, so have the design options: today’s grab bars come in materials and finishes that blend beautifully into your shower, so you never have to sacrifice appearance for safety. If you’re remodeling anyway, building them in now means you’re planning for every stage of life, not just where you are today.
Features That Often Sound Better Than They Perform
Honesty matters to us, so here’s the other side: some popular features are more appealing as an idea than in execution.
Oversized rain shower heads add a modern, upscale look, but on their own, they make it hard to direct water where you need it. Pairing one with a handheld gives you the rainfall effect and a thorough rinse, creating an ideal shower experience.
Multiple body sprays promise a luxury feel but often create more issues than they solve. They typically require restructured plumbing and significantly more water pressure and volume, making them far less universally useful than a niche or a bench.
Which Shower Features Add the Most Long-Term Value?
At Arizona New Bath, we design each remodel with long-term value in mind. Recessed niches, built-in benches, curbless entry, handheld showerheads, and integrated grab bars all share the same qualities: they reduce clutter, increase comfort and safety, and create a shower to build to grow with you, not around you.
Final Thoughts
The right built-in features can transform your shower from a daily routine into a space you look forward to. But here’s the thing everyone of these upgrades has in common: they’re only as good as their installation. Niches, benches, and curbless entries all involve cutting into walls and floors, and when waterproofing or drainage isn’t done correctly, even the most beautiful remodels can lead to leaks and costly damage down the road.
That is where we come in. If you’re ready to start your accessible shower remodeling project in Arizona, the team at Arizona New Bath will listen to exactly what you want, recommend what actually works, and build it right the first time.
Contact us today for a consultation. Your dream shower is closer than you think!