Curbless showers, also known as no-barrier showers, or walk-in showers, are an increasingly popular option for homeowners.
There are several reasons why homeowners might opt for a curbless shower instead of a traditional bathtub, or even a normal shower enclosure.
Why Install a Curbless Shower?
There are a few different reasons why you might consider a curbless walk-in shower. Some homeowners want to age in place, and having a walk-in shower makes it easier to avoid tripping and falling. Also, a curbless shower allows someone to roll a wheelchair directly into the shower area.
Accessibility is not the only reason for installing a no barrier shower. Younger families may like the aesthetics and look of a curbless shower. Eliminating the bottom of the shower enclosure also makes it easier to clean, as it is only the shower walls and the floor that needs to be cleaned. This brings us to some other big considerations that come along with a walk-in shower.
Considerations for No-Barrier Curbless Showers
The biggest thing to know about a curbless shower is that your entire bathroom floor will need to be waterproofed. The floor in the shower is one with the floor outside the shower, and most curbless shower bathrooms have special waterproof tiling installed. This may also include waterproof membranes for areas difficult to cover with conventional tile.
Another thing that must be done in a curbless shower bathroom is to create a level floor with slopes that angle downward towards the drain area, so water can properly drain.
There are a few ways this can be done, and depending on the type of drain you opt for, the appropriate solution can be designed and constructed.
Left, Right, or Center Drain?
Depending on which configuration you decide to go with, you can either use your existing plumbing (left or right configuration) or you will need to figure in extra cost for redoing the plumbing (center drain configuration).
Accessories
Walk-in showers can also be fitted with useful accessories such as body jets, which help you shower your entire body efficiently, or a shower seat, which allows you to sit down when you take a shower. Both options can help make it easier for family members with mobility issues.
Do You Plan on Selling Your Home Soon?
Many home buyers look for a house with a tub, especially if they have children. If you have multiple bathrooms, or if you plan on staying in your home for a long time, moving forwards with a curbless shower makes practical sense.
Do You Need More Space?
The typical tub takes up about 15 square feet and a curbless shower takes up about 12 square feet.of floor space. In a small bathroom, this can help provide more space and make it less cluttered. The open floor also makes it seem like the bathroom is more spacious.
Who Will Use the Shower?
Most often, homeowners consider a curbless shower for an older adult family member, a family member with mobility issues, or for themselves if they are a busy younger couple.
Entering the shower without having to step over a curb is convenient, and not having to clean a shower base and the curb of the shower door is also a plus.
Now, let’s look at some of the upsides and downsides of choosing a curbless shower.
Advantages and Benefits of Curbless Showers
Accessibility
A curbless shower allows you to roll a wheelchair directly into the shower. If you don’t use a wheelchair, you do not have to step over a curb to enter the shower, making it easier to avoid trips and falls. The shower handle, grab bars and plumbing fixtures can be placed on a lower level to make them easy to reach.
Visually Appealing
Many people who have no mobility issues like the clean, modern look of a no-barrier shower. It makes the bathroom look more open, and makes the bathroom closely resemble a wet room.
Easy to Clean
All you must clean are the shower doors and floor, no hidden spaces that collect mildew and mold as is common with a traditional shower enclosure.
Extra Features
Many useful accessories and features can be built into the shower, including full body massage water jets, seating, and grip bars.
Disadvantages of No Barrier Showers
There are numerous advantages to a curbless shower, but here are some of the downsides you should also consider before making a renovation decision.
Water Can Spread with a Bad Install
It’s important to hire an expert tile specialist and bathroom remodeler for a curbless shower install so that water drains properly.
Here are other best practices to keep in mind.
- The shower floor should slope away from the bathroom entrance for water to drain correctly.
- Rain shower heads will keep the water within the shower enclosure better than a traditional shower head.
Less Privacy
With no door or curtain for the shower, people who walk in the bathroom can see you.
More Expensive than Traditional Shower Install
The curbless shower installation can cost more than a regular shower to install, depending on what features and configuration you choose. The drain pan needs to be lower than the adjacent floor, so some construction nay be necessary.
Need a Curbless Shower in the Sacramento / Roseville Area?
Now that you’ve read all the pros and cons of a curbless shower, don’t hesitate to ask us follow-up questions if you have any. If you are interested in a zero-barrier shower, call Sacramento Remodeling Group at (916) 862-1444 or get a free no-obligation estimate on your bathroom remodeling project. Our team of home remodeling experts can help get you a new bathroom at a reasonable price, on-time and on-budget.
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