Why are curbless showers so expensive?

Author: Aric Rowe III  |  Last update: Sunday, March 9, 2025

In addition to the cost of materials, you'll also need to factor in the cost of labor. Installing a curbless shower is generally more time-consuming and therefore more expensive than installing a traditional shower. Another cost to consider is the cost of permits.

What is the downside to curbless showers?

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.

How much does it cost to put in a curbless shower?

Price Considerations

A traditional, curbed walk-in shower costs about $2,500 to $5,000 which can significantly add to the bathroom remodel cost. 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.

Do curbless showers meet code?

If attention is paid to a few critical details, curbless showers will meet building codes, are highly usable by most people, present few if any installa tion difficulties, and do not leak or present maintenance problems.

How does water stay in a curbless shower?

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.

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Why does a curbless shower cost more?

In addition to the cost of materials, you'll also need to factor in the cost of labor. Installing a curbless shower is generally more time-consuming and therefore more expensive than installing a traditional shower. Another cost to consider is the cost of permits.

Do zero entry showers leak?

If designed and installed correctly, water shouldn't be a problem. But it is easy to splash and spill water throughout the bathroom with a doorless, curbless shower. Be mindful to prevent clogs and slips.

Where does the drain go in a curbless shower?

Curbless showers with linear drains provide an expansive canvas for design creativity. The linear drain can be positioned in various locations — against a wall, at the entrance of the shower, or anywhere in between — providing you with the flexibility to tailor the shower layout according to your preferences.

Can you hot mop a curbless shower?

How do I make sure my curbless shower pan will not leak? There is only one method that will not leak – a properly applied hot mop. Hot-mop shower pans have been used for more than 60 years. They have proven to be dependable and durable throughout the country.

Can you have a sliding shower door with a curbless shower?

For curbless showers, the drain position is incredibly important. For most showers, this means placing it on the opposite side from the shower door to keep the water as far away from the rest of the bathroom as possible. A linear shower drain is a popular choice for curbless sliding shower door enclosures.

What is the average cost of a Kohler walk-in shower?

KOHLER offers the LuxStone shower as another safe and beautiful walk-in solution for those who have mobility challenges or are not ready to purchase a walk-in tub. You can expect to pay between $5,000 to $30,000+ for a roll-in or walk-in shower without installation.

Why is walk in shower more expensive?

Initial Investment: Walk-in showers often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional showers. This is due to factors like the cost of materials (such as high-quality tiles or glass panels) and the complexity of the design and installation.

What is the difference between a wet room and a curbless shower?

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.

Does a walk-in shower devalue your home?

Walk-in showers can increase home value and are particularly attractive to buyers looking for modern design and accessibility, offering a potential return of $1.71 for every dollar spent, while also presenting challenges, such as the risk of alienating buyers who prefer bathtubs.

Are doorless showers a good idea?

Doorless showers offer several benefits that make them a smart choice for many homeowners. One of the main advantages of a doorless shower is its accessibility. With no threshold or glass barrier, these showers are easy to enter and exit, making them ideal for homeowners of all ages and mobility levels.

What is the safest shower floor?

Safety: Slip Resistant Tiles

Shower tiles such as pebbles, mosaics, and rough stones provide constant grip. Lowering the possibilities of slip and accident falls in bathroom floors make sure a safe showering experience for everyone from kids to adults.

Are curbless showers worth it?

A curbless shower offers improved accessibility to everyone from the very young to the very old. A main floor bathroom with a curbless shower offers a lot of advantages to homeowners who have trouble making the step into the tub or shower as they slow down with age.

How deep should a curbless shower be?

The standard measurement that you will need at a minimum is 30 inches deep and 60 inches long. We recommend that 36 inches should really be considered the minimum depth for any curbless shower.

How do I keep my walk-in shower floor clean?

The easiest way to do this is to make it part of your shower routine. By using mild cleaning products such as limescale remover after each use, as well as wiping down the surfaces, your walk-in shower will always remain clean. In turn, you can avoid the arduous task of scrubbing down the whole facility.

Does water leak out of a curbless shower?

Curbless showers shouldn't leak especially if a flood test was conducted when it was being built. However, there are scenarios that make it more likely that water can escape past the entrance.

Does a curbless shower need a linear drain?

Complete water evacuation: Linear drains can also extend the shower floor's full length, thus promoting complete water evacuation in a curbless enclosure. Consequently, there is less chance of water pooling and running out into the bathroom. Shower floors without enough pitch usually puddle and hold water.

How do you slope a curbless shower floor?

Its single slope (1⁄4 in. per ft.) allows the use of large-format tile. Any areas not covered by the tray are filled using offcuts that are set in thinset and taped with Schluter Kerdi-Band.

Where is the most common place for a shower to leak?

The most common cause of leaking showers is building movement, causing the weakening and cracking of grout, and damaging the waterproof membrane under the tiles. This usually occurs between the floor and wall joints of the shower recess.

What is another name for a curbless shower?

Also called an open-concept shower, a curbless shower is a type of walk-in shower that relies on a gradually sloping floor to move water toward the drain. The shower floor and the bathroom floor are often made of the same materials, usually ceramic, porcelain tile, or natural stone.

Can a curbless shower have a door?

A curbless walk-in shower has a flexible design that accommodates a door without taking up much space.

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