Curbless Shower Design: Everything You Need to Know

With clean lines and seamless integration, curbless showers offer a modern twist on traditional bathroom designs that more and more homeowners are opting for. Out goes traditional shower design like a curb–this look embraces a smooth transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area. The result is a sleek, streamlined look that enhances the overall openness and fluidity of the space.

Curbless showers, of course, aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re a practical choice for families, individuals with mobility issues, and anyone looking to add a touch of modern luxury to their home. The barrier-free entrance reduces the risk of trips and falls, making entering and exiting the shower effortless.

If you’re considering updating your bathroom with a curbless shower, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re discussing the pros and cons of this design, alongside plenty of gorgeous real-life examples.

What is a Curbless Shower?

A curbless shower, as the name suggests, lacks the traditional raised threshold that one might expect at the entrance of a shower. This seamless entry not only enhances the visual expansiveness of the bathroom but also eliminates the physical barrier that can pose challenges to accessibility.

The design requires careful attention to detail. It requires the floor to be sloped just so and typically uses a linear drain in order to ensure effective water drainage. This drain, along with the properly sloped shower floor, ensures that water stays within the shower area without the risk of flooding the broader bathroom space.

The installation of a curbless shower includes incorporating a waterproofing membrane beneath the bathroom floor, adding backer boards, and ensuring that the entire area is well-sealed to prevent leakage. Despite the particulars of installation, designers and homeowners are increasingly favoring these types of showers due to their modern look and the way they make a small space feel larger and more open.

The Benefits of Going Curbless

The advantages of installing a curbless shower extend far beyond its visual appeal. For one, these showers offer unmatched accessibility. The risk of tripping is greatly reduced without a curb, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or elderly members–or families who want to grow in their homes through every stage of life.

Curbless showers are also a breeze to clean compared to their traditional counterparts thanks to their open concept. The ease of cleaning is significantly improved when you aren’t contending with the nooks and crannies that curbs often create.

Designer Amber Lestrange, who recently incorporated the curbless shower below into her midcentury modern home, remarks on the aesthetic and functional benefits: "The design brief for this bathroom was chic/upscale/modern meets wabi-sabi. I felt a curbless shower supported the feeling of open space I was looking for and allowed the fun pattern on the floor tile to feel streamlined."

In terms of aesthetic flexibility, curbless showers are second to none. Fireclay offers a range of tile options that are not only waterproof but can also be customized to fit any design scheme, suitable for shower walls and floors. "The floor tile brought in the 'wabi-sabi' part of the design brief. I wanted a tile that complimented the 1x6 tile on the walls and had a difference in shape, color and texture," Amber explains of her primary bathroom. "I love the half-moon pattern that I got to play with. It brought an aliveness and spontaneity to the space!"

Considering the Cons

For all their benefits, curbless showers do come with considerations that need to be addressed. The complexity of their construction is not to be underestimated. Building a curbless shower requires precise sloping of the floor to ensure proper water drainage, which can add to the overall cost of installation.

Amber notes the challenge of ensuring proper water management: "We had to be very sure to float the floor on the right angle that encouraged the water to flow towards the drain without feeling like you were standing on a slant."

As long as the floor and drain are properly installed, water shouldn’t be an issue with a curbless design. However, if your curbless shower is also doorless, it is likely that you’ll see some wetness on the floor around your shower from splashing.

Privacy can be a concern, as curbless showers are typically open concept. The open design also does little to contain steam and warmth, potentially leading to colder showers. One solution to this issue is heated floors. Our tile is easily and beautifully installed with radiant floors, a simple but impactful upgrade that makes your entire bathroom a spa-worthy experience.

Making the Right Choice

Curbless showers represent a significant investment in both design and installation, but the payoff in terms of style, accessibility, and ease of use is immense. For those considering this elegant upgrade, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose high-quality materials and a proficient installer that will ensure the longevity and functionality of the design.

Amber Lestrange’s experience underscores the importance of attention to detail and expert installation: "We also had to have a technician who thrived with details to be sure the tile was cut perfectly to fit the linear drain so the floor pattern felt neat and flowing!"