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What Is the Difference Between a Roll-In Shower and a Walk-In Shower?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary7
  1. Roll-In Showers Use a Barrier-Free Base
  2. Walk-In Showers Use a Step-In Threshold
  3. Keeping Water in a Roll-In Shower
  4. What Both Kinds of Shower Need
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions

The difference is the threshold at the entry. A roll-in shower uses a barrier-free, curb-less base with no lip to step or roll over, so a wheelchair can roll straight in, while a walk-in shower has a raised entry, such as a step-in threshold, that the bather steps over. Ella's Bubbles makes both kinds of base, and the full line of bases, walls and matching pieces is in Shower Bases, Walls, and Filler Pieces.

Roll-In Showers Use a Barrier-Free Base

Ella's wheelchair accessible roll-in base comes in three standard sizes, 30 by 60, 32 by 60 and 36 by 60 inches, and all three are ADA curb-less pans. The 32 by 60 inch barrier-free base is available in left and right side configurations and is ready to ship. Drain placement is specified when you order, and left-hand and center-drain bases are among those the team has supplied, so tell the team where the existing drain line sits in the floor. Sizes outside the standard three can be made to order. ADA standards generally limit the threshold in a roll-in shower compartment to a maximum of 1/2 inch, which is why a roll-in base is the choice when a wheelchair user, an accessibility code or an inspector requires a roll-in compartment. Sizes, drain positions and what is sold separately are in Wheelchair Accessible Shower Base Sizes, Drain Positions, and What Is Sold Separately.

Walk-In Showers Use a Step-In Threshold

For customers who prefer a slightly raised entry instead of a barrier-free design, Ella offers a three-inch step-in threshold. The Accessible Caregiver Shower Base sits between the two, with a low 3/4-inch threshold built for home care. That height suits many residential projects, but it is above the 1/2 inch ADA figure for roll-in compartments, so it is normally not the right choice where a commercial or public project must meet the roll-in requirement. Check the threshold figure on the spec sheet before ordering rather than judging from a product photo, since a low step and a flush floor can look similar online. Ella does not offer a floor insert or riser that raises the interior of a stepped base, so if a project turns out to require a roll-in threshold, the answer is a different base, not an add-on.

Keeping Water in a Roll-In Shower

Without a curb, the flexible Ella shower dam keeps water in the stall. It is made for exclusive use with a barrier-free wheelchair accessible base, and the video shows how it works and how it is installed. The wheels of a wheelchair roll over the compressible waterproof material on the way in and out, the dam returns to its original shape, and the water stays inside. Installation starts with precise measuring and cleaning every surface with denatured alcohol, then a tape guide line, cutting the dam to length, inserting the end caps, pressing the dam snugly against the wall and floor as the tape backing is pulled away, and finishing with a thin bead of silicone along the lower edge on both sides and at both end caps.

What Both Kinds of Shower Need

Shower products are sold per item rather than as a single bundle, so a complete shower is put together from the base in your size and drain position, a wall system sized to the base, such as the plain white acrylic three-piece panel kit, a CNC engraved pattern in acrylic or a marble-look three-piece panel kit, and accessories such as grab bars or a shower door. Before you specify, ask your local building department which accessibility standard applies and what maximum threshold height and edge profile it enforces, because state and local codes decide what passes inspection. Then choose the base, note the drain position the plumbing requires, and request the spec sheet from your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Introducing The Ella Shower Dam The Ella flexible shower dam is presented, highlighting its use for wheelchair users to easily roll into and out of a barrier-free shower base.
  2. 0:28 Installing The Shower Dam The installation process begins with measuring, cleaning surfaces, and applying the shower dam to the shower wall and floor.
  3. 1:25 Sealing The Shower Dam Painter's tape is applied, and a thin bead of silicone is used to seal the lower edge and end caps of the shower dam.
  4. 1:44 Final Result And Effectiveness The video shows the final appearance of the installed shower dam and demonstrates its effectiveness in containing water within the shower stall.

Watch: The Ella Shower Dam, Keep Water In, Roll In With Ease | Ella's Bubbles with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower The video provides visual guidance for installing a barrier-free five-piece shower, emphasizing the importance of inspecting the unit upon arrival and noting any damage.
  2. 1:32 Dry Assembling Your Modular Shower The installer dry assembles the modular shower in an open space to ensure correct panels, drain location, and proper alignment before moving it to the bathroom.
  3. 3:04 Preparing the Framing Pocket and Subfloor The installer checks the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level, making necessary adjustments and inspecting the subfloor for integrity.
  4. 4:05 Installing the Shower Pan and Drain The installer cleans the pocket, dry fits and levels the pan, installs the drain body, and adheres the pan to the subfloor using silicone adhesive and bracing.
  5. 7:40 Assembling and Securing Shower Panels The installer places protection on the floor, caulks the pan ledge, and installs the lower and upper back panels, securing them to the studs.
  6. 8:31 Installing the Valve Wall and Plumbing The installer caulks the pan ledge and vertical back wall seam, sets the panel, drills holes for the valve and supply outlet, and connects the PEX supply lines.
  7. 11:05 Adding Accessories and Finishing Touches The installer marks, drills, and caulks around pilot holes for accessories, then caulks all seams and the front edge of the threshold, recommending a water retainer and shower curtain.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower This chapter explains how to receive and inspect your shower unit upon arrival, including what to do if there is damage.
  2. 1:17 Dry Assembling Your Shower This chapter demonstrates how to dry assemble your modular shower to ensure all panels and the drain are correct and undamaged.
  3. 2:49 Preparing the Framing Pocket This chapter shows how to check and adjust the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level.
  4. 5:02 Installing the Drain Body This chapter guides you through installing the drain body and preparing the drain to meet local plumbing codes.
  5. 5:44 Permanently Installing the Base This chapter details how to permanently install the shower base, ensuring it is level and properly supported.
  6. 8:12 Installing the Wall Panels This chapter demonstrates installing the wall panels using the pin and slot system, starting with the wall opposite the valve.
  7. 9:13 Installing the Valve and Wall This chapter shows how to install the valve and then the valve wall panel, including connecting the water supply lines.
  8. 11:13 Finishing and Sealing the Shower This chapter covers installing surface mount accessories, caulking all seams, and the option of adding a flange trim molding kit.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Introduction to Low-Threshold Shower Installation This video provides visual guidance for installing a low-threshold 3-piece shower, emphasizing the importance of referring to the installation manual.
  2. 0:24 Dry Assembly and Pre-Installation Checks The installer dry assembles the modular shower to ensure correct panels, drain location, and proper alignment before moving it into the bathroom space.
  3. 1:54 Preparing the Framing Pocket and Subfloor The installer checks the framing pocket for proper sizing, square, plumb, and level, making necessary adjustments and inspecting the subfloor for integrity.
  4. 4:07 Installing the Drain Body and Base Support The installer installs the drain body, prepares the drain to meet local plumbing codes, and applies silicone adhesive for proper support and adhesion of the base.
  5. 5:53 Permanently Installing and Securing the Base The installer permanently positions and levels the shower base, securing it to all available studs and cutting the drain pipe even with the rubber gasket.
  6. 7:22 Installing the Wall Panels and Valve The installer installs the wall panels using a pin and slot system, then installs the valve, connecting the hot and cold water supply lines.
  7. 10:19 Finishing Touches and Accessories The installer caulks all seams, recommends client involvement for accessory placement, and suggests an optional flange trim molding kit for a seamless transition.

Common Questions

Is a 3/4-inch shower threshold ADA compliant for a roll-in shower?
ADA standards generally limit the threshold in a roll-in shower compartment to a maximum of 1/2 inch, and the Accessible Caregiver Shower Base is listed with a 3/4-inch threshold. For a commercial or public roll-in requirement, look at the barrier-free line instead, as explained in Is a 3/4-Inch Shower Base Threshold ADA Compliant for a Commercial Building?. Confirm every requirement with your local building department.
What sizes does the roll-in shower base come in?
The three standard sizes are 30 by 60, 32 by 60 and 36 by 60 inches, all curb-less roll-in pans. The 32 by 60 inch base is available in left and right configurations and is ready to ship. Custom sizes can be made when a standard size will not fit.
How does water stay in a roll-in shower without a curb?
The flexible Ella shower dam is made for exclusive use with a barrier-free wheelchair accessible base. Wheels roll over the compressible material and it returns to its original shape, so the water stays in the shower stall. It is bonded to the floor and sealed with silicone at both edges and both end caps.
Can I raise the floor of a step-in base to make it roll-in?
No. Ella's Bubbles does not offer a floor insert or riser that raises the interior of a stepped base to bring its drop within an accessibility limit. If a roll-in threshold is required, the answer is a different base.
Does the roll-in shower base come with walls and a door?
No. The base is sold on its own, and shower products are sold per item. A complete roll-in shower is assembled from the base, a wall system sized to the base, and accessories such as grab bars or a shower door.
How do I specify the drain position on a roll-in base?
Drain placement is specified at the time of order. Tell the team where your existing drain line sits in the floor and it confirms which drain position matches your size. Left-hand and center-drain bases are among those the team has supplied.

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