To understand the concept of curbless shower design in detail, I contacted Chuck Winkles, president of New Life Bath & Kitchen, New Life Painting, and New Life Restoration, a professional bathroom renovation contractor.
As a professional bath & kitchen remodeling company, we often get inquiries regarding safe bathing solutions for the elderly and suggestions for alternative options to threshold showers.
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One of the more popular options is a curbless design. These types of bathroom designs have been gaining popularity over the years. In this article, I will discuss the benefits, types, costs, and other options when installing one in your bathroom.
What is a Zero Threshold Shower?
Also known as a curbless or no-threshold shower, this is a walk-in shower in which the bathroom floor and shower floor are flush, with no shower curb. Instead of a curb, a trench drain or center drain contains all the water within the area. There is no sill to step over or shower door to open, making it accessible for a wheelchair to roll right into the space.
Benefits of Barrier-Free Design
Safety Benefits
The beauty of a no-threshold shower is it allows people to “age in place” safely and with dignity. As people age and lose mobility, routine things like showering become less accessible and more challenging.
Lifting a leg over a shower curb or navigating through a shower door to get into the space can be difficult for someone to do alone. A no-threshold shower allows a person to bathe on their own without help.
Aesthetic Benefits
Many custom and luxury bathrooms these days install a no-threshold shower, not only because they’re safer, but because they look great too.
Personally, I absolutely love the look of a no-threshold shower, much more than the old-school tub and shower combo or the shower units with a lip/step.
Dimensions
While no standard dimensions exist for a no-threshold shower, the space should be large enough for a wheelchair to pass through easily. This means it should be at least 60 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair turning.
The depth can vary. A depth of at least 42 to 48 inches is common, providing enough room for movement and water containment. The base must be sloped towards the drain for proper drainage. A slope of 1/4 inch per foot is considered standard.
Drains should be properly positioned and sized to handle the water flow. Linear drains are popular in curbless designs because they can be placed at the back of the shower, away from the entrance, and work well with the slope.
Styles
Styles range from basic and functional to elaborate designs, such as a curbless steam shower. Because you can create one from scratch, they don’t have to look institutional; a homeowner’s taste can determine the style and options.
You could include a glass partition to control water and keep the temperature inside warmer. Or you can dispense with the glass and create a completely open area, which gives the bathroom a cleaner design aesthetic. Whatever you decide to create, the benefits can be enormous for the entire family.
Price
Just like any remodeling project, the cost of a no-threshold shower can vary depending on options and what needs to be done. For example, it may need to be placed on a slab foundation, meaning some of the original base would have to be demolished before a pan could be installed.
A trench drain is effective at handling large volumes of water and can be a good choice for an open area with no shower door.
A base for a no-threshold shower is more expensive than a standard base, as without a shower curb, it needs to be designed for slope, drain, and waterproofing.
Different drainage systems are available to waterproof the area. When using a center drain, the base must be sloped towards it from all directions. Linear, point, and wall drains are also options. Each type has its advantages, including cleaning, installation requirements, compatibility with floor materials, and overall aesthetics.
In general, you should expect to spend between $15,000 and $18,000.
Should You Hire a Contractor or DIY?
DIY projects are great for fixing minor plumbing problems. Or for painting your living room. But you should leave this kind of major bathroom installation to a professional.
For starters, the drainage needs to function properly, and that’s no simple task. Whether you opt for a trench drain or another system, the technical complexity and potential risks are daunting.
Adjustments to the bathroom’s subfloor might be needed to accommodate the flush design. The slope in the floor must be subtle and integrated into the design to maintain the flush appearance.
In addition, the floors and walls will need to be waterproofed correctly. You don’t want to risk the shower failing, because that could damage other parts of your home and create expensive repairs.
Tile Options
You do need to keep two things in mind:
- The tile should allow for a slightly pitched slope.
- Your tile choice should be slip-resistant.
Choose smaller tiles for slip resistance. The trend for wall designs has been larger tiles that minimize grout joints.
You can also use other varieties of materials for the walls and ceilings, like acrylic, stone, and composite. But floors have fewer options, as small tile best conforms to the slightly pitched slope.
When choosing materials for your ceiling, consider ease of installation, grout joints, and aesthetics. Ceiling materials can include tile, stone, acrylic, composition, drywall, and plaster.
Converting a Traditional Shower/Tub Layout
If you decide to create a curbless layout from a traditional shower/tub setup, keep a few things in mind. The process usually takes about two to three weeks, so hire a contractor you like to be around.
First, the tub/shower will have to be demolished. The system must be watertight, from drains to benches to pipe seals. You may decide on using either a curtain or a stationary piece of glass to shield all the water. Or you can keep everything open.
Look at magazines and websites for inspiration. Visit showrooms and consider options to make your life easier for aging in place. The designs are stylish, attractive, and perfect for everyone in the family — whether you intend to age in place or just want a spa-like update in your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Curbless Showers a Good Idea?
They are ideal for people with mobility issues, as there is no curb to navigate. This makes the design compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, suitable for aging in place, and accessible for everyone in the family.
They can be customized in numerous ways in terms of size, materials, and finishes, fitting any bathroom style from modern to traditional. Without a curb, cleaning the area can be simpler, as there are fewer corners and edges in the flooring and walls where dirt and grime can accumulate.
What is a Walk-In Shower with No Threshold?
A walk-in shower with no curb is a type of design that eliminates the raised barrier or step at the entrance. This design feature allows for continuous bathroom flooring.
The area usually has a slightly pitched slope towards the center drain, preventing spillage into the rest of the bathroom floor.
Areas with no curb can be designed in various styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional. They can be customized with different flooring, wall tiles, fixtures, and shower heads.
What is a Shower Threshold?
This is the raised barrier or edge at the entrance to the shower area. The main function of the design is to prevent water from spilling out into the rest of the bathroom floor. It acts as a barrier containing all the water.
Conclusion
Curbless shower designs represent a significant shift away from threshold showers in modern bathroom aesthetics and functionality.
By eliminating the traditional step into the shower, these installations offer many benefits for individuals with mobility challenges or those planning on aging in place. The sleek designs also create a spacious look giving the room a contemporary and elegant feel.
Chuck Winkles is the president of New Life Bath & Kitchen, New Life Painting, and New Life Restoration. Chuck was born in Southern California and currently resides in Santa Maria. He’s been married to his wife Shelley for thirty-eight years and has two sons, Nathan and Noah.
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