How is a curbless shower different from a regular shower?

1.  Recess the shower floor

A recessed shower floor allows for the installation of a sloped mortar bed or a prefabricated shower tray that is flush with the rest of the bathroom floor. Schluter Systems offers six sizes of prefabricated curbless shower pans or trays featuring thin perimeter heights that simplify the construction of curbless showers.

There are a few ways you can recess the shower floor. In all circumstances, it is important to note that the recessing must be done in a way that preserves the structural integrity and safety of the construction. This may require the services of a qualified design professional (e.g., architect, engineer, etc.).

To learn how to recess a shower floor for dimensional lumber assemblies, watch: How to Recess a Floor for Curbless Showers.

2.  Use a prefabricated shower tray and ramp

When recessing the shower floor is not an option, you can use a prefabricated shower tray and ramp to facilitate the seamless transition between the shower and bathroom floors. KERDI-SHOWER trays feature integrated waterproofing and are available in a variety of sizes, as well as options for center and off-center drain placements. The KERDI-SHOWER-R ramp is made of lightweight, expanded polystyrene with integrated waterproofing and adheres to the slope ratio required by the ADA. The ramp can also be cut as required to achieve desired height.

3.  Raise the bathroom floor

If you cannot or don’t want to recess the floor (e.g. post-tension concrete) or use a ramp, the use of additional materials to raise the bathroom floor is another option. With the KERDI-SHOWER-TT thin shower tray on a wood subfloor, you can build up the rest of the bathroom floor by installing either a 5/8" or 3/4" plywood/OSB panel on top of the wood subfloor along with Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT or DITRA-XL. Over a concrete subfloor, use a mortar bed of appropriate thickness along with a Schluter uncoupling membrane to build up the rest of the bathroom floor. Note that in this curbless shower option, a threshold will be needed at the bathroom entry to compensate for the raised floor.

Because wet areas and dry areas are not clearly defined in curbless showers, the bathroom must be sufficiently protected against water and moisture as whole. Schluter®-Systems offers a complete line of products with options that integrate to form a fully bonded, watertight assembly—both in and out of the shower.

No more tripping! Or toe stubbing.

Bathrooms can be slippery when wet. Why have an extra impediment such as a curb?

Easier to clean

Think about running a mop from the bathroom floor right into the shower—without a curb, there are no extra corners and crevices to contend with. As many walk-in curbless shower designs incorporate single glass panels as opposed to shower doors, there can be even less to clean. What a time- (and back-) saver!

Maximize space

You don’t need to have a sprawling bathroom to have a curbless shower. Curbless showers are perfectly suited for small spaces as the absence of the curb acts as an absence of a room divider. Plus, the use of the same tile throughout the bathroom creates a continuous flow and the impression of a much bigger space.

Accessibility

Curbless showers are appreciated at any stage of life but are especially useful for those who wish to age in place or those who have mobility constraints. Eliminating the curb ensures a smooth and safe transition into the shower area, for everyone. If the curbless shower entrance is at least 36 inches by 36 inches, it can also create easy access for those using mobility aids or wheelchairs and contribute to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Save money

You may be surprised to learn that curbless showers require less labor, less waterproofing, and less tile, therefore causing you to spend less money. With one flat threshold, there is no need to fit and set a curb, waterproof the curb seams, or measure and cut tile to the curb. You’re welcome.