Domakihub How to Install a Walk-In Shower: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to plan, waterproof, and tile a curbless walk-in shower — and when to call a licensed professional.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
A walk-in shower transforms any bathroom — from a cramped city apartment in Athens to a holiday villa in Crete or a boutique hotel suite — into a space that feels both modern and genuinely functional. The video above walks through the shower pan installation process in detail; this article builds on that foundation by giving you the full sequence from demo to finished tile, with clear guidance on where licensed tradespeople and building permits are required in Greece. Whether you are tackling this yourself or briefing a contractor, understanding every stage helps you get the result you want on budget and without water damage surprises two years later.
Why Walk-In Showers Suit Greek Properties
Open, curbless showers match the Mediterranean preference for clean, airy bathrooms and are far safer for elderly guests or family members than a traditional tub-over step. They also photograph better for short-term rental listings, which matters when you are competing on platforms like Airbnb across the Greek islands.
In dense urban apartments — where bathrooms are often only 3–4 m² — eliminating a bathtub and installing a walk-in shower can reclaim significant usable floor area. The same conversion on a rental property can meaningfully raise the nightly rate and reduce negative reviews linked to dated bathrooms.
Permits and Licensed Professionals: What Greek Law Requires
In Greece, structural alterations — including moving a load-bearing wall, relocating drainage stacks, or changing the position of the main water inlet — require a licensed civil or structural engineer to issue a permit through the local municipality or the relevant Digital Building Permit System (e-Άδειες). Attempting structural work without a permit risks both fines and complications when selling or insuring the property.
Plumbing rough-in and electrical work inside the shower zone (lighting, extractor fans, heated floor wiring) must be carried out by licensed plumbers and electricians who issue the necessary compliance certificates (βεβαίωση καλής εκτέλεσης). Waterproofing and tile work can legally be DIY but is commonly contracted to a specialist tiler (πλακάς) for quality assurance. If you are converting a bathroom in a multi-unit block (πολυκατοικία), check that your building's strata rules do not require approval from the homeowners' association before starting demolition.
How to Install a Walk-In Shower: 5 Key Steps
- 1
Demo and Subfloor Preparation
Remove the existing tub, surround tiles, and backer board down to the subfloor or concrete slab. Inspect the subfloor carefully: any rot, flex, or cracked concrete must be repaired before you proceed — waterproofing applied over a weak substrate will eventually crack and leak. In Greek construction, floors are typically concrete, which is an excellent base; but check that the existing floor drain is in a usable position or budget for a licensed plumber to relocate it before any waterproofing begins.
- 2
Install the Shower Pan or Slope the Mortar Bed
A prefabricated foam shower pan (such as those from Wedi or KBRS) gives you a factory-confirmed slope toward the drain and a built-in waterproof layer. Alternatively, a traditional mortar (τσιμεντοκονίαμα) bed is mixed at a ratio of roughly 4:1 sand to Portland cement, packed and floated to achieve a consistent 1–2% slope toward the drain. Both methods work on concrete slabs; the foam pan saves time and is more forgiving for DIYers. Set the drain body level with the finished tile surface so water does not pool at the edges.
- 3
Waterproof Every Surface
This is the most critical stage and the one that is most often done poorly. Apply a sheet membrane (CPE or EPDM) or a liquid-applied membrane (such as Schluter Kerdi, WEDI joint sealant, or a cementitious tanking slurry) to the floor, all four walls up to at least 200 mm above the shower head height, and into every internal corner. Pay particular attention to the joint where the wall meets the floor — embed fabric reinforcing tape in the liquid membrane at this corner. In Greece's warm climate, bathrooms with poor ventilation are especially prone to mould behind tiles; a continuous, hole-free waterproof layer is non-negotiable. Allow the membrane to cure fully per the manufacturer's data sheet before tiling.
- 4
Tile the Walls and Floor
Use a grey or white polymer-modified tile adhesive (C2 classification per EN 12004) rated for wet areas. For the floor, choose tiles with a minimum R10 slip resistance rating — R11 if the shower will be used by elderly residents or guests. Lay floor tiles from the drain outward, maintaining the pre-set slope. On walls, start from a level datum line and work upward; use spacers to keep grout joints consistent. Once adhesive has cured (typically 24 hours), apply a flexible, waterproof epoxy or cement-based grout. Tool grout joints firmly to avoid voids where moisture can penetrate. Seal the junction between wall and floor tiles with a flexible silicone sealant (not grout), as these planes move independently with temperature changes.
- 5
Install the Drain, Screen, and Fixtures
Fit the final drain cover — linear channel drains are popular for their sleek look in open showers. Install the shower screen or frameless glass panel (if used); most screens arrive with a template for wall anchor positions and require stainless or brass anchors set into tiles with a correctly sized diamond drill bit. Fit the thermostatic or pressure-balanced shower valve at a height between 900 mm and 1,050 mm from the floor, with the showerhead at 2,000–2,100 mm. A thermostatic valve (with separate volume and temperature controls) is strongly recommended for properties used by varying guests to prevent scalding. Run the water and check every joint for leaks before grouting or sealing the screen base. Leave the shower unused for 48 hours after final silicone application before first use.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted renovation pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Do I need a building permit to install a walk-in shower in Greece?
- If you are replacing a shower or bathtub in the same position without moving walls, drainage stacks, or electrical circuits, a permit is generally not required. However, if you relocate the drain, remove a partition wall, or change the bathroom footprint, you will need a permit from your local authority via the e-Adeia digital system. Always verify with a licensed engineer before beginning structural or drainage work.
- How long does a walk-in shower installation take from start to finish?
- A straightforward tub-to-shower conversion — demo, pan installation, waterproofing, tiling, and fitting — typically takes 5 to 8 working days for an experienced team of two tradespeople. Allow extra time for waterproof membrane curing (24–48 hours between coats) and for tile adhesive to set before grouting. DIY projects often take two to three weekends. Budget at least 4 days of dry-in time before you can use the shower for the first time.
- What is the most common cause of walk-in shower leaks, and how do I prevent it?
- The most common cause is failed or incomplete waterproofing at the floor-to-wall junction and around the drain. Prevention comes down to three things: using a continuous, unbroken membrane (not just tiles), embedding reinforcing fabric tape in all internal corners, and sealing the base of the shower screen or glass panel with fresh, flexible silicone (never grout). Inspect and renew the silicone bead every 3–5 years as part of routine maintenance.