A zero-entry shower is a shower that does not have a wall or barrier to step over. Also referred to as a curbless shower or a low-threshold shower, this easily accessible bathing solution is ideal for seniors, people who have limited mobility, or individuals who use a wheelchair or need to be seated when showering.
Con: Water Can Get Everywhere
Installed properly, you'll be fine – but if you don't plan it well, you could have some pretty big problems with water and your curbless shower. Without a curb, the shower water isn't contained in the tub area and can get EVERYWHERE.
For people planning to house family members of multiple generations in the same home, a curbless shower is definitely worth it. The accessibility makes aging in place more feasible, and the entire family can benefit from easy entry and exit. However, curbless showers are only as good as their design and drainage.
A curbless shower, or “zero-entry” shower, has no shower pan. There is no elevated curb, lip, or step that separates the shower entrance from the floor. Often, these showers have no door, but a shower curtain can be used to create some privacy.
The Bottom Line. Zero-entry showers look very nice and are a great option when planning your remodel to age in place. If the look or universal design is more important than the cons of a zero-entry shower, then a zero-entry shower is for you!
Are Curbless showers more expensive? Generally speaking, yes. Curbless showers are more expensive for a variety of reasons. First, curbless showers require either a linear drain or a lowered floor which both add cost over a traditional curbed shower.
A traditional, curbed walk-in shower costs about $2,500 to $5,000. Installing a curbless shower will add on another $500 to $700 or more, depending on the tile choices, shower size, and any additional shower waterproofing that is needed.
Higher Costs
Curbless showers typically cost more than traditional showers because they require specialized materials and installation techniques. But we'll talk about costs and what you have to keep in mind before jumping into a bathroom remodeling project later on.
Linear drains are usually placed along the shower entrance or along one of the shower walls. This requires the floor to only be pitched in one direction towards the linear drain system. For tips on a true wall-to-wall linear drain placement, please view our installation guide here.
Install a Shower Splash Guard
They're typically glued in place or attached with self-adhesive strips and can stop water from leaking out the corners of the shower. Weighted shower curtains have magnets sewn along the bottom edge that helps keep them in place so that water can't seep out from underneath.
The short answer is no. If you have a proper shower design and installation, you shouldn't have any problems. A properly installed curb-less shower will have a floor slope of about 1½ to 2”. This prevents the water from spilling out all across the bathroom and is essential for draining.
In general, removing a tub and installing a well-appointed walk-in shower also increases the value of a home. That being said, if you have to choose between a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and most of us do, it's important to consider if you have another tub.
Curbless Shower Cost
Curbless showers are shower stalls without a lip on the floor. These can make your home look ultra-modern and offer more accessibility. These conversions are often the most expensive, costing $6,000–$10,000. Most of the increased cost is from redesigning the floor to make it drain properly.
For most dwelling units, an adequate shower can be designed within the 36-inch to 48-inch width. However, there are people who prefer larger shower areas and others for who need assistance while bathing. A shower 5 feet by 5 feet allows enough space for a person in a shower wheelchair and an aide.
Install Shower Curtain Splash Guards: This type of splash guard gets attached to the shower curtain's hooks or rings and is designed to hold the shower curtain more flush against the wall in order to help prevent water from escaping out from between the end of the shower curtain and the wall.
Curbless showers are a safer option for aging individuals, young children, and those with mobility issues. Can Be Used in Big or Small Spaces: Curbless showers are specially designed to fit unique spaces, like corners and tight areas. Hello curbless shower small bathroom charm!
Firstly, if you don't know what a curbless shower is, it's a shower that has no tiled 'bumper' or threshold around the shower pan. Instead, the shower floor looks level with the rest of the bathroom, separated by a glass panel with or without a shower door.
The choice between linear and square drain will highly depend on your application. As mentioned, if you are remodeling to create a wet room or a curbless shower, a linear drain is the right choice. Linear drains are the ideal solution for creating ADA-compliant showers and wet spaces that are universally accessible.
Shower size and type
A small walk-in prefabricated shower will be far less expensive to replace than a large walk-in or bathtub/shower combo that includes tile and trendy black shower doors. A simple replacement will require less demolition, little movement of essential plumbing and no tile work.
Opt for a standard size prefabricated shower rather than a custom one. Acrylic and cultured marble are usually the most cost-effective prefab materials. If you're set on a custom shower, keep it simple. White porcelain subway tile will be less expensive than natural stone (but nearly as durable).
Acrylic panels
Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping.
Wet rooms typically consist of a freestanding tub and shower space divided from the rest of the bathroom with a pane of glass. Curbless showers, on the other hand, look like traditional showers but they have no threshold and typically feature a clear glass wall and door.
Read more in Bills
But you generally pay a lower unit rate for electricity used between 10pm and 8am. Off-peak hours for Economy 10 customers vary as well so it's worth checking with your supplier what they would be.
Less Expensive: This may seem counterintuitive, but it costs less to install a tub versus a walk-in shower. On average, bathtubs cost approximately 3,000 dollars to install, while walk-in showers require at least 6,000!