What Is a Curbless Shower and Are They Worth It?

If you’ve ever visited a spa or stayed at a high-end hotel, you may have experienced the luxury of a curbless shower. This type of shower runs level with the floor, with no barriers to step over, giving the space an open feel and making it accessible to everyone. 

If you’re renovating your existing shower or converting your tub to a walk-in shower, it may be worth considering a curbless shower, depending on the style of the bathroom and the people who will use it. But while there are many advantages to installing one, there are a few downsides as well.

What Is a Curbless Shower?

A curbless shower is integrated directly into the floor of the bathroom, so there is no curb or threshold to step over. This also means that there are likely no doors or a shower curtain, though both can be added to define the shower space and set it apart from the rest of the room. Curbless showers aid in creating a universal bathroom design that anyone can use and may be a good bathroom remodel idea to consider.

Benefits of Curbless Showers

Curbless showers offer a number of benefits for those with accessibility issues, they make cleaning easier, and increase the design flexibility of the bathroom.

Accessibility

The number one benefit of curbless showers is that anyone can access them easily. Whether designing an accessible bathroom for older adults, a small child, or a wheelchair user, the barrier-free design is functional for everyone. It is a popular option for homeowners who are seeking to add elements of universal bathroom design to their homes that will be functional for years to come. 

Easy Cleaning

There are few household tasks less enjoyable than leaning over a bathtub to scrub off grime. Curbless showers are typically made from ceramic tile, which naturally resists bacteria and mildew. And because there is no barrier to maneuver around, cleaning the shower can be done more quickly and easily. 

Design Flexibility

Because curbless showers don’t have the footprint of an attached bathtub, they can be installed in nearly any space. From a large wall unit to a small corner spot, these showers allow for more bathroom design flexibility than traditional units. You can also add spa-like features such as heated floors or benches.

Ditch the Doors and Curtains

Curbless showers are open-concept, and don’t need to be enclosed with a shower curtain or door. Part of their appeal is the ability to showcase the beautiful tile patterns you have carefully selected. And since they don’t have any visual barriers, bathrooms with curbless showers will often feel larger.

Yes, you can convert your outdated bathtub into a modern walk-in shower using DIY skills and these six steps.

Disadvantages of Curbless Showers

Curbless showers come with many advantages, but as with most things, they also come with some disadvantages. Weighing these will help you decide if this is the right choice for your bathroom.

Water Everywhere

The open-concept design does have drawbacks, particularly if you have a little one who loves to splash. The curved center area directs water toward the drain, keeping most of it in, but the lack of an elevated curb takes some adjustment. 

Price Considerations

A traditional, curbed walk-in shower costs about $2,500 to $5,000, which can significantly increase the cost of a bathroom remodel.

Installing a curbless shower will add another $500 to $700 or more, depending on the tile choices, shower size, and any additional shower waterproofing that is needed.

Zero Privacy

If you value the respite of a quiet shower alone, the openness of a curbless shower may not be ideal. Some homeowners opt to add on a partial glass block wall or a decorative screen to create some privacy in the space.

Chilly Mornings

While having no curbs, curtains, or doors adds to the open-concept feel, it also lets all the warm air out of the shower. If you live in a cooler climate, or prefer to stay toasty warm while washing your hair, a curbless shower may give you a cold wake-up.

Curbless Shower vs. Walk-In Shower 

A curbless shower is a type of walk-in shower. The difference between a curbless and a curbed shower is the entryway. Curbed showers have a curb that you step over to enter the shower, while curbless showers do not.

Installing a curbless shower requires more planning because you’ll need proper drainage. If you want to install one in an existing bathroom, you’ll need a pro to install new flooring with the correct slope, drain, and waterproofing materials. On the other hand, you can convert a tub-shower combo into a walk-in shower much more easily since you can use the existing drain.

What to Consider When Installing a Curbless Shower 

Installing a curbless shower isn’t as easy as removing your old shower and installing a new one. It takes some work to reconfigure the space to integrate a curbless shower and ensure proper drainage. Here are a few other things to take into consideration.

Drainage 

Proper drainage, including sloping the bathroom floor to ensure no water pools on the shower floor, is essential to installing a curbless shower. There’s not necessarily a best drain for a curbless shower. It comes down to personal preference and the desired style of the shower. For modern showers, infinity or linear shower drains provide a minimalist, streamlined drain system that can be nearly hidden from view. You can also choose from traditional drains with a center or side placement. 

Moisture

Moisture buildup can be an issue with curbless showers and can lead to mold and mildew if not controlled. Because there is no shower pan to contain the water, proper tile installation and waterproofing methods are essential to ensuring moisture drains and the area dries out between uses. Investing in a higher-quality exhaust fan and wiping the area down can help control the moisture.

Waterproofing

In standard bathrooms, the water from the shower is confined to the shower pan, but curbless showers are often installed as part of a wet room. In this case, the entire bathroom should be waterproofed, so it’s able to handle the water that may run from the curbless shower to other areas of the floor. 

Shower 

In any shower, the showerhead itself is the most important feature, that’s why you’re in there after all. If you’re looking for tub to shower conversion ideas, consider installing multiple showerheads, a rain shower, or a shower bench to enhance the experience. 

Tiles

Tile is the typical choice for curbless shower walls and floors, though it is possible to use vinyl or concrete. Tiles installed as the shower floor should be properly sloped so water can drain and allow the floor to dry out between uses.

Tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Choosing the right shower tiles can elevate the shower and create the perfect ambiance for a relaxing experience. Bathroom tiles can capture the serenity of a spa with stacked stone, bring the seaside to you with coastal fish scale tiles, or elevate the space with spacious marble tiles.

Glass 

While many curbless showers forego any kind of barrier, including curtains or glass enclosures, it’s not uncommon to see the actual shower area enclosed by glass. This can help to set the shower areas apart from the rest of the bathroom without making it feel tight or closed in.

Is a Curbless Shower Right for You?

If you are hoping for a bathroom redesign that offers the perfect combination of visually stunning and highly accessible, a curbless shower might be an ideal solution. 

Because a curbless shower that is installed incorrectly can lead to a host of problems, you will need to review your options with a licensed shower installer in your area. It’s essential to have an experienced professional completing the work, in order to avoid issues with drainage and poor sloping.

Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons and consider what type of long-term functionality your home will need before deciding to install a curbless shower.