Is a Curbless Shower Design a Good or Bad Idea?

Curbless shower design is a growing trend. Read on to see if it's the right choice for your bathroom remodeling project.

We've all seen the home improvement shows that tout the benefits of open-concept living. They typically focus on the kitchen, living, and dining room. We see few examples in the one room in the house where space is at a premium – the bathroom! An open-concept bathroom can help to make a small space feel big. So, how can you convert your current bathroom into a more open-concept space? Start with the shower.

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The curbless shower concept has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its many benefits. The curbless shower offers easier accessibility for older people or those with mobility issues and provides flexibility in design. When you remove the barriers to the shower and replace them with a wall of glass, it creates a seamless look that can make a small bathroom feel much more open.

Like every home improvement project, a curbless shower design has benefits and potential drawbacks. Read our list of pros and cons to help you decide if a curbless shower design is right for you.

What is a Curbless Shower?

A curbless or barrier-free shower is one in which the bathroom floor is continuous to the shower with no curb or any other elevated separation. The shower floor is designed with a slight pitch to help direct the water to a drain. But there is no barrier to entry, making a curbless shower design perfect for older homeowners or those with mobility issues.

Along with functionality, a curbless shower with its seamless floor design offers a contemporary aesthetic that can make a small bathroom feel larger. While there are plenty of benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of including a curbless shower design in your next bathroom project.

The Pros and Cons of A Curbless Shower Design

Are you looking for a design that will provide excellent functionality and showcase your love for contemporary style? A curbless shower is the ticket. It is an aesthetically appealing alternative to standard bathtubs and shower stalls. The curbless shower design features a floor that merges seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom, providing a practical and safe solution for homeowners with mobility issues or those choosing to stay in their homes as they age.

This option offers fuss-free maintenance and easy cleaning compared to a traditional bathroom design. Here are some of the benefits of a curbless shower design.

The Pros

Easy Access and Universal Design Principals

Whether you're aging in place, have older parents or relatives who visit, or are looking to boost your home's value when it's time to sell, a curbless shower can enhance your home's appeal to buyers. Universal design principles used in curbless shower installations equip everyone in the house to enjoy a comfortable shower, especially if you choose a design with a built-in bench. No threshold means easy access and exit for wheelchairs and walkers, eliminating obstacles for anyone with mobility issues for extra safety. This option not only helps you stay in your home as you age, but it can also make your home compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design.

Aging in Place Friendly

If you are considering staying in your home as you age, installing fixtures and features that can help you manage changing mobility issues as you age is a wise decision. A curbless shower completely removes the traditional tub or shower curb from the equation. It reduces physical strain and effort and lowers fall risks caused by high curbs or tub edges. This helps you maintain autonomy as you age. The open design means you can still access the shower if you need to use a walker or wheelchair later in life.

Safety and Reduced Accident Risk

Bathrooms are often a source of slip-and-fall injuries in older people. A zero-entry shower makes your home safer and allows you to move confidently around the space. Use a non-slip tile for a seamless transition between your bathroom floor and shower for even more protection.

An Aesthetic Appeal and a Modern Design Sense

A curbless shower design is a striking balance between style and functionality. Its minimal aesthetic can redefine your bathroom and offer a sleek sophistication you won't find in a more traditional design. Adding a frameless glass wall can make your bathroom feel larger. Endless tile and fixture options allow you to choose exactly how your new shower will look. Choose a substantial monochromatic tile for an ultra-chic contemporary vibe or a marble mosaic option for a more upscale design. That's the beauty of a curbless shower. It allows you to create the perfect personal sanctuary that matches your style and enhances the functionality of your home.

Add a Built-In Bench for Comfort

Want a comfortable spot to sit, relax, and unwind under a relaxing stream of water after a long day? Add a built-in bench to your design. It provides you with an accessible, tranquil haven. A zero-entry shower with a built-in bench also works if you have trouble standing for extended periods, simplifying routine hygiene tasks for an improved quality of life as you age. Remember, a bench will never compromise style for functionality – a professional designer can customize your bench to perfectly match the shower's aesthetics.

Easy to Clean with Minimal Maintenance

Finally, a curbless shower allows you to maintain a pristine environment. In a traditional shower, water, and debris can collect around curbs. Without nooks and crannies where bacteria, mold, and mildew can hide, a zero-entry shower design enables fuss-free cleaning. The uniform floor level enhances drainage, making your bathroom less conducive to bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. This makes daily maintenance easier and keeps your weekly shower clean-ups easier.

The Cons

A zero-entry shower does offer plenty of benefits. It's highly functional, stylish, and easily accessible. However, there are some issues you need to consider before signing a contract. The biggest is that these benefits come at a price. Water containment can be tricky. Installation costs are typically higher than a traditional bathroom, and you may need to make structural accommodations that can take the price higher. Here are some specifics.

Water Containment

Without the physical barriers that a traditional stall and tub provide, water can escape the shower area. To prevent this, the rest of the bathroom can require additional waterproofing, including specially designed slopes to direct water to the drain. Waterproofing membranes beneath the tile can prevent unwanted leaks and maintain the structural integrity of the bathroom.

Higher Installation Costs

Compared to a more traditional shower, a curbless shower design typically requires additional labor and materials. Plumbers who have experience in curbless shower installations understand the more intricate process and may choose to potentially lower the existing bathroom floors and alter the structural support under the shower for a flush fit and seamless transition. Factors like the higher costs associated with custom-made products and higher quality materials for curbless installations (like linear or specialty drainage systems) can affect price.

Structural Challenges

A curbless shower requires consistent floor height, so some bathrooms may present structural challenges. To address these potential issues, installers may need to alter the floor joists, which can include cutting and reinforcing them. This level of construction contributes to the added expense of a zero-entry shower.

Is A Curbless Shower Design Right For You?

With their modern look, enhanced accessibility, and easy maintenance, curbless showers offer homeowners an interesting option. The minimalist look can make a small bathroom appear more open, and they work for every family member, from kids to seniors. However, there are some challenges to consider. Their initial cost and the precision needed for proper installation mean you need top-notch professionals to design and install your shower.

If you plan on remaining in your home and aging in place or looking to create a modern open-concept bathroom, a curbless shower design might be right for you.

Are you planning a bathroom remodeling project? Let us show you how to create a new look and how a curbless shower design can meet your needs! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.