Frameless glass enclosures, custom tile work, built-in niches, and bench seating — designed for daily luxury and built to withstand Florida's humidity for the long term.
The most common question we get about walk-in showers is about tile selection. The most important conversation is about waterproofing — because that's where Sarasota bathrooms actually fail.
Tile grout is not waterproof. The paper-and-felt moisture barriers used in bathrooms built before 2000 degrade and fail. When the waterproofing fails, water infiltrates the wall and subfloor assembly silently — and by the time you see mold, feel soft spots, or notice efflorescence bleeding through grout lines, the structural damage is significant.
We use Schluter Kerdi or RedGard membrane waterproofing on every shower we build. This adds cost and installation time. It's also the only way we're comfortable standing behind the work for more than five years.
What we find in most Sarasota shower demos: Failed original waterproofing (paper and tar), mold in the wall cavity behind the tile, water-damaged cement board or standard drywall, and corroded supply valves. We assess before we price and build contingency into every estimate.
3/8" and 1/2" tempered safety glass with minimal hardware. We work with local glass fabricators for custom sizes — no standard-fit compromises. Hinged, pivot, and sliding configurations available.
Mud-set mortar bed (traditional, fully custom slope), prefab acrylic or fiberglass (faster, cost-effective), or tile-over foam systems like Schluter Kerdi-Shower. Each has specific applications we'll guide you through.
Recessed wall niches for shampoo and soap — waterproofed and tiled to match the surround. We frame, waterproof, and tile niches as part of the shower installation, not as an add-on.
Concrete board framed benches tiled to match the surround, or floating teak benches for a spa aesthetic. Structural attachment to wall framing — not just the tile surface.
Curbless shower entry with linear drain allows fully tiled floors at a consistent slope — accessible, contemporary, and easier to clean than center drains with four-way slopes.
Rain heads, body sprays, and handheld configurations. We coordinate with licensed plumbers on the same schedule — proper volume and pressure assessment before specifying the system.
| Tile Type | Slip Resistance | Maintenance | Cost | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain (Matte) | Excellent | Low | $$ | Shower floors — ideal |
| Porcelain (Polished) | Poor | Medium | $$ | Walls only |
| Natural Marble | Fair | High | $$$$ | Walls, with sealing program |
| Penny Mosaic | Excellent | Medium | $$$ | Shower floors — classic |
| Large Format (24x24+) | Varies | Low | $$$ | Walls — requires flat substrate |
| Subway Tile | Good | Low | $ | Walls — timeless, cost-effective |
How long does walk-in shower installation take?
A standard walk-in shower replacement runs 2–3 weeks from demo to glass installation. The timeline is driven by: demo and inspection (2 days), waterproofing and mud-set cure time (3–5 days), tile installation (3–5 days), grout and seal (2 days), and glass installation (1 day). Larger or more complex showers with multiple heads or full wet rooms run 4–5 weeks.
Can I convert my tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes — it's one of the most popular bathroom renovations in Sarasota. The main considerations are drain location (existing tub drain can often be adapted), floor structure (we assess for any leveling needed), and whether the opening size works for a curbless entry. We assess all of this at the site walk before pricing.
Do I need a permit for a shower renovation?
If you're relocating the drain or adding plumbing fixtures, yes. A like-for-like replacement (same drain location, same fixture count) typically does not require a permit in Sarasota County. We advise specifically at the site walk based on your scope.
Schedule a free site walk with Michael Greig. Honest scope, real pricing, no obligation.
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