The walk-in shower has become the gold standard in bathroom renovations. It appeals for its sleek design, ease of use, and the added value it brings to resale. In Toulouse, more and more homeowners are taking the plunge. However, this type of project requires genuine technical expertise. Here’s everything you need to know before starting your walk-in shower project in Toulouse.
Why Choose a Walk-In Shower?
Immediate Savings in Space and Natural Light
The walk-in shower eliminates high walls and bulky shower pans. It visually opens up the room and makes it easier to move around. In Toulouse apartments, where bathrooms are often compact, this effect is particularly welcome.
In addition, accessibility is a major selling point. The level entry is suitable for people with limited mobility and prepares for aging in place. Thus, a single renovation project meets several needs at once.
Real Added Value for Resale
Homebuyers in Toulouse are looking for modern bathrooms. A well-designed walk-in shower boosts the property’s appeal. It demonstrates a serious and meticulous renovation. It’s a concrete selling point, especially in a market as dynamic as Toulouse’s.
See our article on bathroom renovation here.
Simplified Daily Maintenance
Unlike a traditional shower pan, an extra-flat shower tray or tiled floor does not trap limescale deposits in hard-to-reach corners. As a result, cleaning takes less time and is more effective.
Key Steps for Installing a Walk-In Shower
Installing a walk-in shower cannot be done on a whim. Each step determines the durability and watertightness of the final result.
1. The preliminary assessment
First and foremost, the contractor evaluates the technical feasibility. They check the available height under the slab to create the drainage slope, the location of the existing drain, and the general condition of the floor. In Toulouse, older buildings in the city center sometimes present specific challenges: wooden floors, low ceilings, or drains that are difficult to relocate.
OVA Rénov performs this assessment free of charge before providing any estimate. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises during the project.
2. Removal and Preparation of the Floor
The contractor first removes the old shower pan or bathtub. Next, they prepare the subfloor: leveling the floor, creating the slope (minimum 1 to 2% toward the drain), and installing a waterproofing membrane. This step is crucial. A faulty waterproofing system leads to leaks, water damage, and repair costs far exceeding the initial cost.
3. Selecting and installing the drain
The drain is the technical heart of the system. Several options are available: a center drain, a linear drain (or shower channel), or a wall-mounted drain. The linear drain offers a particularly elegant look and makes it easier to align the tile lines. It also simplifies the creation of the slope, which is concentrated on a single side.
4. Tiling and Finishes
The tiling for a walk-in shower must meet specific criteria. A minimum R10 slip-resistance rating is mandatory for wet areas. Large-format tiles (60×60 or 60×120) create a contemporary look and minimize grout lines. However, smaller formats such as zellige or mosaic tiles make it easier to create slopes. OVA Rénov guides each client in choosing the material based on their preferences and technical constraints.
Tiles are laid following the direction of the slope. Each row is adjusted to ensure perfect drainage toward the drain. Finally, the grout must be water-resistant in the shower area.
5. The Shower Enclosure
The walk-in shower is available without an enclosure (walk-in style), with a simple fixed panel, or with a pivoting or sliding door. The choice depends on the room’s layout and aesthetic preferences. In Toulouse, the walk-in style is particularly well-suited to small spaces because it eliminates bulky frames.
How much does a walk-in shower cost in Toulouse?
The cost varies depending on several factors: the shower’s size, the materials chosen, the complexity of the drainage system, and the level of finish. Here are realistic price ranges for Toulouse in 2025.
Standard walk-in shower (80×120 cm, standard tiles): From €2,500 to €4,500, including installation and materials.
Walk-in shower with linear drain and large-format tiles: From €4,500 to €7,000.
Complete bathroom renovation with walk-in shower: From €6,000 to €15,000 depending on the size and scope of work.
These prices include removal of existing fixtures, waterproofing, plumbing, tiling, and finishing touches. However, they do not include any major plumbing work (such as relocating the main drain or building a partition wall).
OVA Rénov always provides a detailed, free, line-by-line estimate. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Underestimating waterproofing
This is the number one cause of damage after installing a walk-in shower. Sloppy or incomplete waterproofing causes invisible leaks for months, leading to significant damage. In Toulouse, industry standards require a waterproofing membrane compliant with DTU 52.2 and 64.1. Only a qualified professional can ensure proper installation.
Neglecting the slope
An insufficient slope creates areas where water pools. This promotes the growth of mold and limescale. The minimum slope of 1.5% must be consistent and directed toward the drain. Achieving this requires careful preparation of the substrate.
Choosing unsuitable tiles
Smooth tiles in the shower area pose a real slip hazard. Similarly, large-format tiles improperly installed on an uneven surface will quickly become loose. OVA Rénov selects only materials suitable for the intended use and compliant with current standards.
Hiring an unqualified contractor
A walk-in shower involves plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling. These three trades must work together seamlessly. A single contractor may not always have expertise across the entire process. As a result, defects often arise at the interface between two different tasks.
Current Trends in Walk-In Showers in Toulouse
Polished Concrete and Microcement
These materials offer a raw, modern look that is highly sought after. They allow for the creation of seamless, continuous floors and walls. However, their installation requires a high level of skill and rigorous waterproofing.
Zellige and handmade ceramic tiles
In contrast to minimalism, zellige is experiencing a strong resurgence in popularity. It brings warmth and character. In Toulouse, it pairs well with Mediterranean or bohemian interiors.
Wood in the Bathroom
Wood species treated for moisture resistance (teak, composite bamboo) add a warm touch. Combined with a sleek walk-in shower, the result is pleasantly surprising.
The Extra-Flat Shower Pan as an Alternative
For layouts where installing a subfloor is not possible (wooden floors, upper-floor apartments), the built-in extra-flat shower pan offers an attractive compromise. It provides a look similar to a walk-in shower, at a lower cost and with less technical complexity.
How to plan your project with OVA Rénov?
OOVA Rénov supports Toulouse homeowners at every step. The process begins with a free on-site visit. The team assesses feasibility, proposes solutions tailored to the layout and budget, and then provides a detailed estimate.
Next, OVA Rénov coordinates all trades: plumber, tiler, and electrician if necessary. A single point of contact manages the project from start to finish. This ensures consistency in the work and prevents delays caused by poorly coordinated sequential tasks.
The ten-year warranty covers all completed work. The work complies with current DTU standards. This way, homeowners protect their investment in the long term.
Are you considering a walk-in shower in Toulouse? Contact OVA Rénov to get your free quote.