Shower Types for Boise Bathroom Remodels
The shower is the centerpiece of modern bathroom design. Your choice of shower type affects daily function, accessibility, long-term comfort, budget, and resale value. This guide compares the four most popular shower configurations for Boise-area homes — with honest pricing, pros and cons, and Idaho-specific recommendations.
Whether you are replacing a worn-out tub/shower combo, building a luxury master suite, or planning an aging-in-place renovation, the shower you choose defines the bathroom experience. In Boise, shower selection is influenced by factors unique to Idaho — hard water that affects glass maintenance, cold winters that make steam showers especially appealing, and a growing population of homeowners over 65 who need accessible, curbless designs.
At Iron Crest Remodel, we install every type of shower configuration in homes across the Treasure Valley. Below, we break down each option with real pricing, sizing guidance, feature lists, and the local context you need to make a confident decision.
The walk-in shower is the single most popular upgrade in Boise bathroom remodels. It replaces an outdated tub/shower combo with a dedicated, open-entry shower enclosure — typically featuring a glass panel or door, tiled walls and floor, and a linear or center drain. Walk-in showers transform a cramped bathroom into a modern, spa-inspired space and are the number-one feature Boise homeowners request when updating a primary bathroom.
Sizing & Dimensions
The minimum functional size for a walk-in shower is 36″ × 48″. For comfort and accessibility, we recommend 48″ × 60″ or larger. Larger footprints allow built-in niches, bench seating, and dual showerheads without feeling crowded. In Boise homes built before 2000, converting from a standard tub alcove to a walk-in typically requires removing the tub and expanding the footprint by 6–12 inches — a straightforward modification in most floor plans.
Key Features & Options
- Frameless, semi-frameless, or framed glass enclosure options
- Custom tile walls — porcelain, natural stone, or glass mosaic accents
- Linear drain for a clean, modern look and efficient water flow
- Built-in niches for shampoo, soap, and accessories
- Optional bench seat in solid surface, tile, or teak
- Rain showerhead, handheld wand, or multi-head body spray systems
Boise Insight: Walk-in showers are especially popular in Boise's North End, Southeast Boise, and Harris Ranch neighborhoods where homeowners are upgrading 1990s and 2000s-era bathrooms. Idaho's hard water makes frameless glass a maintenance consideration — we recommend applying a protective coating (like EnduroShield or Diamon-Fusion) to minimize water spot buildup and reduce cleaning frequency.
The tub/shower combo remains the standard configuration in most Boise homes. It combines a bathtub with a wall-mounted showerhead and a curtain or sliding glass door. While it lacks the visual impact of a walk-in shower, the tub/shower combo serves an essential purpose: it retains bathtub functionality for families with young children and satisfies the real estate industry's strong recommendation to keep at least one bathtub in every home for resale value.
Sizing & Dimensions
Standard tub/shower combos fit a 60″ × 30–32″ alcove — the most common tub opening in Boise homes. This makes replacement straightforward with minimal plumbing modification. Deep soaking tub options are available for homeowners who want a more luxurious bathing experience within the same footprint.
Key Features & Options
- Acrylic, fiberglass, or cast-iron tub base options
- Surround choices: acrylic panels, tile, or solid surface
- Sliding glass door or curtain rod enclosure
- Single-handle or thermostatic valve with diverter
- Optional tile accent wall for a custom look on a budget
- ADA-compliant grab bar mounting points for future-proofing
Boise Insight: In the Boise resale market, homes without at least one bathtub can sit longer and sell for less. If you are converting your only tub to a walk-in shower, consider keeping a tub/shower combo in a secondary bathroom. For families in growing Boise suburbs like Meridian, Star, and Kuna, the tub/shower combo in the kids' bathroom is a practical necessity that balances budget with daily function.
A curbless shower eliminates the raised threshold entirely, creating a continuous floor plane from the bathroom into the shower. The floor slopes gently toward the drain at a precise 1/4″ per foot grade. This design is essential for wheelchair accessibility and ADA compliance, but it has also become a sought-after design feature in high-end Boise bathroom remodels — prized for its clean, European aesthetic and seamless visual flow.
Sizing & Dimensions
Curbless showers require a minimum of 36″ × 60″ to allow proper floor slope and prevent water from escaping the shower area. Larger is better — 48″ × 72″ or larger allows a comfortable wheelchair turning radius and room for a caregiver if needed. The entire bathroom floor must slope toward the shower drain, which typically means replacing the subfloor in the shower zone and transitioning the floor height across the room.
Key Features & Options
- Continuous floor plane — no step, lip, or curb to trip over
- Precise 1/4″ per foot slope to linear or trench drain
- Large-format tile for fewer grout lines and better water shedding
- Glass panel or open entry — no door required
- Wheelchair accessible when built to ADA specifications
- Compatible with in-floor radiant heating systems
Boise Insight: Demand for curbless showers is growing rapidly in the Boise metro area as the population ages. Idaho's 65+ demographic is the fastest-growing age group in the Treasure Valley, and many long-time Boise homeowners are remodeling to stay in their homes rather than move. A curbless shower is the single most impactful aging-in-place modification you can make to a bathroom. It also adds significant resale value as buyers increasingly seek accessible features.
A steam shower is a fully enclosed shower with a dedicated steam generator that fills the space with therapeutic steam. It transforms a standard shower into a private spa experience. The enclosure must be completely sealed — ceiling to floor — with a vapor barrier behind all surfaces, a sloped ceiling to prevent condensation dripping, and a sealed glass door. Steam showers are the ultimate luxury bathroom upgrade and are increasingly requested in Boise master suite remodels.
Sizing & Dimensions
Steam showers should be as compact as practical to minimize the generator size and heat-up time. A 36″ × 48″ to 48″ × 60″ footprint is ideal. Larger enclosures require a more powerful (and more expensive) generator. Ceiling height should not exceed 8 feet for residential steam showers — higher ceilings dramatically increase steam generation demands and operating cost.
Key Features & Options
- Steam generator (typically 7–12 kW for residential use)
- Sealed enclosure with vapor barrier on all six surfaces
- Sloped ceiling (minimum 1″ per foot) to direct condensation to walls
- Digital control panel with temperature and timer settings
- Aromatherapy and chromatherapy options available
- Porcelain or natural stone tile — no moisture-sensitive materials
Boise Insight: Boise's cold, dry winters make steam showers an especially appealing luxury feature. The warm, humid air provides relief from the dry indoor conditions that Idaho homes experience from November through March. Installation requires a dedicated 240V electrical circuit and a cold water supply line to the generator location. We typically mount the generator in an adjacent closet, vanity cabinet, or attic space within 25 feet of the shower enclosure.
The following table reflects installed costs for shower projects in the Boise metro area as of 2026. Pricing includes demolition, waterproofing, tile, glass, fixtures, and labor. Material upgrades, structural modifications, and plumbing relocation can push costs toward the higher end of each range.
| Shower Type | Cost Range | Typical Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tub/Shower Combo | $3,000 – $8,000 | 3 – 5 days | Families, guest baths, resale |
| Walk-In (Standard) | $5,000 – $12,000 | 5 – 8 days | Primary baths, couples, modern aesthetic |
| Walk-In (Custom) | $10,000 – $20,000 | 8 – 14 days | Luxury primary suites, custom tile |
| Curbless / Zero-Entry | $8,000 – $20,000 | 7 – 12 days | Aging-in-place, ADA, accessible design |
| Steam Shower | $10,000 – $25,000+ | 10 – 18 days | Spa experience, luxury master baths |
All costs are estimates based on Iron Crest Remodel's 2026 project data for the Boise metro area. Actual pricing depends on bathroom size, material selections, plumbing scope, and site conditions. Request a free estimate for a detailed quote tailored to your project.
Every shower type involves trade-offs. The right choice depends on who uses the bathroom, your budget, your accessibility needs, and how long you plan to stay in your Boise home.
Walk-In Shower
Advantages
- Opens up visual space and makes the bathroom feel larger
- Easier to clean than a tub/shower combo
- Customizable with tile, glass, fixtures, and layout
- Strong resale appeal in Boise's competitive housing market
Considerations
- Eliminates bathtub function — not ideal as the only bathing option
- Glass enclosures require regular cleaning in Boise's hard water
- Custom tile work increases cost compared to prefab options
Tub/Shower Combo
Advantages
- Retains bathtub for children, soaking, and resale value
- Most affordable shower option for Boise bathroom remodels
- Fits standard 60″ alcove — minimal structural modification
- Wide range of surround options from budget to premium
Considerations
- Less visually impactful than a walk-in or curbless shower
- Stepping over the tub wall is a fall risk for older adults
- Limited customization compared to walk-in configurations
Curbless Shower
Advantages
- Full wheelchair and walker accessibility
- Sleek, modern aesthetic with continuous floor plane
- Eliminates the leading cause of bathroom falls — the tub/shower step
- Increases home value as accessible features become standard
Considerations
- Requires precise floor slope — installation is more complex
- Higher cost due to subfloor modification and waterproofing
- Water containment depends entirely on proper slope and drain placement
Steam Shower
Advantages
- Spa-quality therapeutic experience at home
- Relief from dry Idaho winter air and sinus congestion
- Premium luxury feature that differentiates your home
- Compact footprint — does not require a large bathroom
Considerations
- Highest cost of all shower types
- Requires dedicated electrical circuit and generator placement
- Ongoing maintenance for the steam generator unit
- Complete enclosure means the shower cannot serve double duty as open bathing
Waterproofing is the most critical — and most invisible — component of any shower installation. Once tile is set, the waterproofing membrane behind it is inaccessible. A failure means mold growth, structural rot, and a costly tear-out. In Idaho's dry climate, moisture that penetrates behind tile dries extremely slowly, making a reliable membrane system non-negotiable for every shower type.
Schluter Kerdi Membrane
A polyethylene sheet membrane bonded to the substrate with unmodified thinset. Kerdi is the gold standard for shower waterproofing — it creates a continuous, crack-bridging barrier with integrated components for corners, seams, niches, and drains. No cure time is required before tiling, which reduces project duration.
- Industry-leading warranty when installed as a complete Schluter system
- Integrated drain, corner, and seam components eliminate weak points
- No cure time — tile can be set the same day
- Our preferred system for walk-in, curbless, and steam showers in Boise
RedGard Liquid Membrane
A liquid-applied waterproofing membrane rolled or sprayed onto cement backer board in two coats. RedGard changes color from pink to red when properly cured, providing a visual indicator of coverage thickness. It is a reliable, budget-friendly option that is widely accepted by Ada County inspectors.
- Lower material cost than sheet membranes
- Easy to apply on irregular surfaces and complex geometries
- Color-change indicator confirms proper application thickness
- Available at every building supply store in the Boise metro area
Substrate: Cement Board vs. Foam Board
The substrate is the surface behind the tile that the waterproofing membrane bonds to. Two options dominate residential shower construction in Boise:
Cement Backer Board
Durock, HardieBacker, or similar cement-based panels. Screwed to studs and taped at seams. Requires a separate waterproofing membrane (Kerdi or RedGard) applied over the surface. The traditional substrate for tile showers — proven, affordable, and accepted by all Boise-area inspectors.
Foam Board (Kerdi-Board / GoBoard)
Extruded polystyrene panels with a fleece coating. Lightweight, waterproof by nature, and can be used as both substrate and waterproofing in one step. Excellent for shower niches, benches, and curbs. Increasingly popular in Boise for its ease of installation and integrated waterproofing properties.
Proper slope is critical for every shower floor — a minimum of 1/4″ per foot toward the drain. For curbless showers, the slope must extend across the entire shower zone and transition smoothly to the bathroom floor. Iron Crest Remodel verifies slope with a level at multiple points before any waterproofing or tile is installed.
Common questions about shower types, costs, and installation for Boise bathroom remodels.
What is the most popular shower type in Boise bathroom remodels?
The walk-in shower is by far the most popular choice in Boise bathroom remodels. Homeowners are consistently converting outdated tub/shower combos into spacious walk-in showers with frameless glass, custom tile, and modern fixtures. Walk-in showers open up visual space, feel more luxurious, and have strong resale appeal in the Boise housing market. For primary bathrooms, the walk-in shower has become the expected standard in updated homes.
Should I keep a bathtub somewhere in my Boise home?
Yes. Real estate professionals in the Boise market consistently recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home. Families with young children need a tub, and buyers without children still perceive a tub as a standard feature. If you are converting your primary bathroom tub to a walk-in shower, keep a tub/shower combo in a secondary or guest bathroom. This gives you the best of both worlds: a modern primary suite and a functional tub for daily use and resale.
How much does a curbless shower cost in Boise?
A curbless (zero-entry) shower in Boise typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on size, tile selection, and complexity. The higher cost compared to a standard walk-in shower reflects the additional work required: modifying the subfloor to create a precise slope, installing a waterproof membrane across the entire shower zone, and carefully transitioning the floor plane from the bathroom into the shower. The investment is worthwhile for accessibility, aging-in-place planning, and the premium aesthetic it delivers.
Is a steam shower worth the investment in Boise?
A steam shower is a luxury feature that appeals to a specific buyer. If you use your shower as a daily wellness ritual and value the spa experience, a steam shower delivers measurable quality-of-life improvement — especially during Boise's cold, dry winters when indoor humidity drops below 20%. The $10,000–$25,000+ investment is best suited for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term. For resale, steam showers add value in the luxury segment but are not expected in mid-range Boise homes.
What waterproofing is required for a new shower in Boise?
Every new shower installation in Boise requires a code-compliant waterproofing membrane behind the tile. We primarily use Schluter Kerdi sheet membrane or RedGard liquid-applied membrane, depending on the project scope and budget. Curbless showers require the most extensive waterproofing because the entire shower floor and transition zone must be sealed. Idaho's dry climate means moisture trapped behind improperly waterproofed tile dries very slowly, making a reliable membrane system essential rather than optional.
Your shower type works in concert with the rest of your bathroom design. Explore these companion guides to plan every element of your remodel.
Explore our shower and bathroom services, cost guides, and how to get started with your project.
Shower Remodeling
Our full shower remodeling service overview
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Convert your bathtub to a walk-in shower
Accessible Walk-In Showers
ADA-compliant and aging-in-place shower design
Bathroom Remodel Cost
Full cost breakdown for Boise bathroom projects
Bathroom Materials Guide
Tile, vanity, countertop, and fixture options
Get a Free Estimate
Request your personalized shower project quote
The following government agencies, industry organizations, and official resources provide additional information relevant to your remodeling project.
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