Planning a Curbless Shower: What to Know First

A curbless shower has no step to cross, so the floor flows straight into the shower. It looks clean and open, and it’s easy to walk into at any age. That simple look takes careful planning.

Plan it early

Without a curb to hold water back, the floor itself has to do the work. It needs a precise slope to the drain, which can mean changes to the floor underneath. In a new home, that’s easiest to plan before the floor is finished. In a remodel, the first step is seeing what’s under the existing floor.

Choose the drain

Many curbless showers use a linear drain, a long, narrow drain along one edge. The floor can then slope in one direction, which works well with large tile.

Keep the water in the shower

Slope, drain placement and glass all work together to keep water where it belongs. These are worth settling together before the first tile goes down.

Pick tile for the floor

Wet floors need good footing. Your tile choice should look right and feel secure underfoot.

Thinking about one?

See our curbless shower page, or tell us about your project.