What is a roll-in shower?

A roll-in shower is a barrier-free shower designed so that a wheelchair can roll directly into the shower space without any threshold, curb, or step to navigate.

Unlike a standard shower with a curb or even a low-threshold walk-in shower, a roll-in shower has a completely flush floor transition from the bathroom floor into the shower area. The floor slopes gently toward the drain to direct water flow, and the entire space is open — typically without a door, or with a wide opening and a curtain. This makes it the gold standard for wheelchair users and people with significant mobility challenges.

Key design features of a roll-in shower include a minimum interior size (larger than a standard shower to allow maneuvering room for a wheelchair), a linear or centre drain with a gradual slope, non-slip tile flooring, and often a fold-down teak or tiled bench for transfers. Grab bars are almost always incorporated, and a handheld showerhead on an adjustable slide bar is essential so the user can control water direction from a seated position.

In Ottawa, roll-in shower installations typically fall in the $8,000 - $15,000+ range, depending on the size of the conversion, waterproofing requirements, tile selection, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated. Basement bathrooms or tight spaces may cost more due to the structural work involved in lowering the drain. Permits are generally required when plumbing is modified.

From a practical standpoint, waterproofing is critical in a roll-in shower because there's no curb to contain water — the entire wet area must be properly membraned to protect your subfloor and structure. A licensed contractor will use a certified waterproofing system like Schluter Kerdi or similar before any tile goes down.

If you or a family member is planning for aging-in-place or has accessibility needs, a roll-in shower is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. For a free consultation on converting your existing shower or bathroom, reach out to Ottawa Bathrooms — we specialize in accessibility upgrades throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area.