Curbless Showers: Pros, Cons and What It Takes to Build One

A curbless shower, also called a zero-threshold, zero-entry or barrier-free shower, has no step or curb at the entrance. The bathroom floor flows straight into the shower.

It is one of the most requested upgrades in the shower remodels we do across Allen, McKinney, Plano and the rest of Collin County. It is also one of the most technical, because the work happens under the floor.

The pros of a curbless shower

• Easy, safe access. No step to trip over. This matters for older homeowners, anyone recovering from surgery, anyone using a walker or wheelchair, and anyone planning to stay in their home long term.
• A bigger, more open look. With no curb breaking up the floor, the bathroom looks larger and more modern.
• Easier cleaning. No curb corners or caulk lines for grime and hard-water buildup to collect in.
• Future-proof. A curbless shower works for every stage of life, which is why it is a key part of aging-in-place bathroom design.

The cons of a curbless shower

• More work under the floor. Water still has to run to the drain, so the shower floor must slope while the bathroom floor stays level. That usually means recessing the shower area into the floor.
• Splash control needs planning. Without a curb, the glass, the drain location and the slope do all the work of keeping water inside.
• Not every floor allows it. On a concrete slab, which is how most Collin County homes are built, recessing the floor means cutting into the slab. On a second floor, the framing has to allow it.
• The waterproofing must be perfect. There is no curb as a second line of defense.

How a curbless shower is built

1. Plan the drain. A linear drain along the back wall or at the entry is the most common choice, because it lets the floor slope in one direction.
2. Recess the floor so the shower can slope toward the drain while the rest of the room stays flat.
3. Waterproof the entire wet area, usually extending a little beyond the glass. See why waterproofing matters more than tile.
4. Tile the floor continuously from the bathroom into the shower for a seamless look. Choose a floor tile with good slip resistance. More in our guide to the best shower tile.
5. Install glass that stops just above the floor. A fixed panel works best. See how to choose shower glass.

Low-threshold: the practical alternative

If a fully curbless shower is not possible in your home, a low-threshold curb of about an inch keeps water in and is still easy to step over. Combined with a built-in bench, a handheld shower on a slide bar and grab bars, it delivers most of the same benefits with less work under the floor.

What affects the cost of a curbless shower

We quote every shower after an in-home visit. The main factors are:

• Slab work: how much concrete needs to be cut and recessed.
• The drain: a linear drain versus a standard center drain, and whether it moves.
• Shower size and how far the waterproofing extends.
• Tile and glass choices.

Compared to a standard shower with a curb, a curbless shower adds labor under the floor. A low-threshold curb is often the budget-friendly middle ground. Read more about what drives bathroom remodel costs.

How long it takes

Most shower remodels take about 1 to 2 weeks. A curbless shower as part of a full master bathroom remodel usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you build a curbless shower on a concrete slab?

Yes. The shower area is recessed into the slab so the floor can slope to the drain while the rest of the bathroom stays level. It adds work, but it is very common in Collin County homes.

Does water leak out of a curbless shower?

Not when it is built correctly. The slope, a linear drain and the right glass keep water inside. The waterproofing also extends beyond the shower area as a safety margin.

Is a curbless shower good for aging in place?

Yes. It is one of the most useful upgrades for aging in place, especially combined with a bench, a handheld shower and grab bars.

What is the difference between a curbless and a low-threshold shower?

A curbless shower has no step at all. A low-threshold shower has a small curb, about an inch tall, that is easy to step over and simpler to build.

Is a curbless shower right for your bathroom?

It depends on your floor, your layout and who uses the bathroom. We remodel bathrooms in Allen, McKinney, Plano, Fairview and across Collin County. Book a free in-home visit and we will tell you honestly whether a curbless shower works in your home.