Special Requirements for Walk-In Showers
“Walk-in showers with a curbless design for seamless entry require precise floor sloping towards the drain to ensure water doesn’t spill into other areas of the bathroom.”
Planning a Walk-In Shower in Auckland? Here’s What You Must Know
Walk-in showers are popular for their clean design and accessibility — but many projects fail to meet the NZ Building Code, resulting in leaks, poor drainage, or non-compliant waterproofing.
This guide breaks down the key requirements for walk-in showers in New Zealand, including size, slope, waterproofing, barriers, and more — all based on NZBC E3/AS1.
Whether you're building new or renovating, this article will help you:
Understand the legal requirements
Avoid common design mistakes
Plan a compliant, beautiful, and durable walk-in shower
✅ TL;DR: Key Walk-In Shower Requirements (NZ E3/AS1)
| ✅ Requirement | NZ Standard (E3/AS1) |
|---|---|
| Minimum shower size | At least 900 mm x 900 mm (internal clear space) |
| Drain slope | ≥ 1:50 fall to floor waste |
| Waterproofing | Required on floors and up walls (150–180 mm) |
| Wall/floor junctions | Must be waterproofed & sealed |
| Barrier or screen | Must stop water escaping to dry areas |
📞 Need help planning or waterproofing your walk-in shower? Contact Cozy Tiling — we work Auckland-wide.
📐 1. Minimum Size and Access Requirements
According to NZBC E3/AS1, walk-in showers must:
Be at least 900 mm x 900 mm in internal dimension
Provide unobstructed access to the shower area
Include a floor fall to the waste to prevent pooling
If the shower is fully open (no door), consider widening it to 1000–1200 mm for better splash control and comfort.
🛠️ 2. Floor Slope and Drainage
The shower floor must slope at a minimum of 1:50 toward the floor waste. For tiled floors, this slope is created using:
Screed with a fall
Pre-formed shower trays (in some cases)
Incorrect slope is one of the top causes of water pooling, tile failure, and rework. Cozy Tiling always checks slope with a laser level during prep.
💧 3. Waterproofing Requirements
All walk-in showers in New Zealand must be waterproofed. This includes:
Entire shower floor
Shower walls must be waterproofed to at least 1.8 metres above the floor. Outside the shower, wall/floor junctions require a waterproof upturn of at least 150 mm.
Wall upturns to 150–180 mm, higher behind fixtures
We recommend using a membrane system compliant with AS/NZS 4858 — such as Ardex WPM 155.
🧱 Not sure if your bathroom needs full waterproofing? Talk to our local tilers — we’ll assess it for free.
🧼 4. Barriers, Screens & Water Retention
Walk-in showers must include some form of water barrier to:
Prevent splashing outside the wet zone
Protect nearby flooring, cabinetry, or doors
This can be:
A glass panel (framed or frameless)
A tile upstand or hob
A shower curtain (in limited use cases)
Open-plan showers without barriers are visually appealing but must still meet drainage and water containment standards.
🧱 5. Wall Junctions, Niches & Mitred Corners
All wall/floor junctions and corners must be:
Properly sealed
Waterproofed with an approved system
Carefully detailed (especially niches)
We always recommend mitred corners for clean finishes, particularly around shower niches and external corners.
📸 BONUS TIP: Add These to Your Design Checklist
✔️ Add a linear drain for modern look
✔️ Use large-format tiles for fewer grout lines
✔️ Slope niche base to drain toward the shower
✔️ Use epoxy grout in high-splash areas
💬 Ready to Start Your Walk-In Shower Project?
Cozy Tiling offers professional tiling and waterproofing services across Auckland. We handle both new builds and bathroom renovations — with experience in walk-in shower compliance, slope prep, membrane installation, and flawless finishes.
👉 Get a free quote now
📞 Or call us directly for fast advice
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Walk-In Shower Requirements (NZ)
What is the minimum size for a walk-in shower in NZ?
The internal space must be at least 900 mm x 900 mm. For open showers, 1000+ mm width is often preferred to reduce splashing.
Does a walk-in shower need waterproofing?
Yes — waterproofing is required by NZBC E3/AS1 for all shower floors and wet walls. A certified membrane system must be used and applied by trained professionals.
What slope is required for a walk-in shower floor?
The shower floor must slope at least 1:50 toward the floor waste. Poor slope leads to water pooling and is a common cause of failure.
Can I have a walk-in shower without a glass screen?
You can, but there must still be a barrier to contain water — such as a tiled hob or slope. Open showers are beautiful but must meet the water containment requirement.
Who can install a compliant walk-in shower in Auckland?
You should choose a licensed waterproofing and tiling specialist who understands NZ standards. Cozy Tiling offers full service including waterproofing certification and slope testing.
📍 Serving North Shore, West Auckland, Central Auckland, East Auckland & South Auckland
📞 Call Cozy Tiling or Request a Quote Today
