Douche 27 Apr, 2026

How to Make an Italian Shower: Complete Guide 2026

L'Entrepôt de la Réno Published on April 27, 2026

7 min read

Comment faire une douche Italienne : guide complet 2026

Dreaming of an Italian shower in your bathroom? This threshold-free shower style adds a modern touch and eases access.

This article details the steps to build an Italian shower, the necessary materials, and pitfalls to avoid for a lasting result.

Key points to remember

An Italian shower requires a slope of 1 to 2% to ensure water drainage
The waterproofing membrane is the most critical element to prevent leaks
The drain must be positioned at the lowest point of the shower
The PVC shower walls offer faster installation than traditional ceramic
An Italian shower project requires 3 to 7 days of work depending on complexity

What is an Italian shower

An Italian shower is a walk-in shower, without a curb or threshold. Water flows directly to a drain embedded in the floor thanks to a slight slope.

An Italian shower requires careful floor preparation. The structure must support the weight, allow drain installation, and ensure perfect waterproofing.

The concept comes from Europe where open bathrooms are common. In Quebec, this style is gaining popularity for its clean aesthetic and universal accessibility.

Essential materials for an Italian shower

Each material plays a role in the success of the project.

The waterproofing membrane forms the barrier against leaks. A faulty membrane can cause major damage. The drain is installed at the lowest point. The self-leveling underlayment creates the necessary slope toward the drain.

The shower walls can be ceramic or PVC panels. Our PVC shower walls reduce installation time to a few hours and offer superior waterproofing. The fixed shower glass panel in 10 mm glass completes the installation.

Our preformed SMC bases eliminate complications related to mortar pouring and guarantee an optimal slope right out of the box. Our PVC wall panels perfectly mimic ceramic without requiring grout, significantly speeding up the project. The fixed shower glass panels in tempered glass install with chrome or matte black profiles that suit all styles. This complete range allows planning the entire project in a single visit and ensures compatibility between all components.

Walk-in shower installation tips

For a simplified installation of a walk-in shower, we recommend using our SMC shower bases. With the installation of a heated floor in the room as well as the laying of floor tiles, you will reach the same height as the SMC base, creating a shower level with your bathroom floor.

For the installation of our SMC shower bases, we strongly recommend that they be installed using our tile flanges for SMC bases. The tile flange acts as a waterproof barrier between the SMC base and the shower walls, preventing water infiltration and ensuring a clean, durable, and professional finish.

When installing the SMC base, we recommend that it be installed by a certified plumber to ensure the slope and drain are suitable for this type of product. We invite you to follow the installation recommendations via the manual available on the product page.

Before installing the walls of the walk-in shower using ceramic tiles or PVC panels, it is always best to protect the SMC base and prepare the walls with a waterproofing membrane. For a lasting result, we recommend the application of the HPG shower membrane by Mapei, combined with reinforcement strips in the corners and appropriate areas. This method ensures optimal protection against moisture and cracks over time. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing this waterproofing membrane.

Once the walls are prepared, you can proceed with installing ceramic tiles or shower walls and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the Italian shower glass.

Mistakes to avoid during installation

Some mistakes compromise waterproofing.

Neglecting the waterproof membrane causes leaks.

Repairs cost a fortune. The waterproof membrane is the first line of defense against water damage. Omitting it or installing it poorly allows moisture to seep into walls and floors, causing mold and wood rot. These structural damages often require completely dismantling the shower to access affected areas. Investing a few extra hours to install this membrane correctly avoids repair bills that easily run into thousands of dollars.

An insufficient slope of the SMC base causes water to stagnate. A slope that is too steep makes the shower uncomfortable.

The ideal slope is between 1% and 2%, about 1 cm drop per meter. Below this threshold, water pools form, promoting bacterial growth and leaving stubborn lime scale stains. Conversely, a slope over 3% creates an unpleasant inclined surface underfoot and makes balance difficult. Check the slope with a level during base installation and adjust the mortar as needed to achieve the optimal angle.

An inappropriate drain causes overflows.

The drain must match the water flow of the showerhead while fitting the thickness of the base. An undersized model cannot drain water quickly enough, especially with rain-effect showerheads. This poor drainage causes accumulations that overflow from the tray and seep into the joints. Choose a drain with a minimum diameter of 50 mm and check its compatibility with your existing plumbing system before purchase.

And finally, skipping the waterproofing test before the final covering prevents detecting leaks.

Italian shower: ceramic or PVC panels?

The choice of covering affects the budget and installation time.

Traditional ceramics offer complete customization. Installation takes 3 to 5 days and requires a tiler. The grout needs regular maintenance.

The PVC wall panels replicate the look of tile or marble. Installation takes a few hours. Our 48 in x 96 in panels quickly cover large areas.

For a bathroom floor, tile remains the best choice for durability and aesthetics.

A well-planned budget, a successful project

A walk-in shower transforms your bathroom by adding style and functionality. Success relies on careful preparation, quality materials, and following the steps. Plan each stage and never compromise on waterproofing. A well-made walk-in shower lasts for decades.

Need help with your walk-in shower project?

Still unsure between a traditional or walk-in shower? Our team can advise you on materials suited to your project and help you choose solutions that fit your budget.

Contact us before starting your work for answers to your questions.

Can a walk-in shower be installed in an existing home?

Yes, but structural work is often necessary to create the drain space and slope. You may need to lower the floor or raise the rest of the bathroom. A contractor will assess feasibility based on your structure.

What is the minimum size for a walk-in shower?

The minimum size is 36 in x 36 in, but 48 in x 36 in offers more comfort. Larger showers create a more spacious experience in the bathroom.

How long does it take to install a walk-in shower?

With PVC wall panels, expect an average of 3 to 4 days including preparation, membrane, and covering. With traditional tile, plan for at least 5 to 7 days due to drying time of mortar and grout between steps.

Is a walk-in shower harder to heat?

No, if the bathroom is well insulated. You can install an electric heated floor under the tile for optimal comfort. Programmable thermostats allow you to preheat the floor before the morning shower to eliminate the cold sensation.

Is it mandatory to install a shower glass panel?

A fixed glass panel is highly recommended to contain splashes. Without a glass panel, water spreads throughout the bathroom, requiring an additional floor drain and much more daily maintenance.