Bathroom term

Curbless Shower

DefinitionA curbless shower is a shower with no raised curb or threshold at the entry, so the bathroom floor continues level into the shower and a sloped floor carries water to the drain.

Water is kept in the shower area by sloping the floor toward a drain.

Why it matters for Maryland homeowners

Without a curb to step over, a curbless shower is easier for people with limited mobility and for anyone using a walker or wheelchair. That makes it popular for Aging in Place and accessible remodels. It also gives a clean, open look that can make a small bathroom feel larger.

In many Maryland homes, bathrooms sit above finished rooms. A curbless shower has to be planned and waterproofed carefully, because a leak can damage the ceiling below.

How a curbless shower works

Making a curbless shower usually involves:

  • Recessing or lowering the shower floor area so it can slope to the drain while the entry stays level
  • Sloping the floor toward the drain, commonly about a quarter inch per foot
  • Using a linear drain or a center drain, often a linear drain at the back wall or entrance
  • Waterproofing the shower floor and walls, and often extending the waterproofing past the shower area

Depending on the framing, lowering the floor can require structural work, so it is assessed early in design.

Good and poor examples

A good curbless shower:

  • Keeps water in the shower area with proper slope, drain placement and often a glass panel
  • Uses slip-resistant tile
  • Includes a waterproofing system across the whole wet area
  • Has a handheld showerhead and room for a seat if needed

Common problems:

  • Water running out onto the bathroom floor because of poor slope or drain placement
  • Slippery tile in the shower area
  • Joists that cannot be lowered, which can limit the design

Planning tips

Talk about the shower early in the design process, because floor structure, drain type and waterproofing all need to be decided before construction starts. Think about whether you want a fixed glass panel, a door or an open entry, and where the showerhead and controls should be placed so you can turn on the water without getting wet. If accessibility is a goal, plan for a bench or fold-down seat, a handheld showerhead on a slide bar and blocking in the walls for grab bars, even if you add the bars later.

Frequently asked questions

Does water leak out of a curbless shower?

When designed properly with the right slope, drain and glass placement, water stays in the shower. Poor planning can let water spread.

Can a curbless shower be installed on a second floor?

Often, yes, but it may require changes to the floor framing. A contractor needs to check the structure first.

Is a curbless shower the same as a wet room?

Not exactly. A curbless shower has a defined shower area. A wet room treats the whole bathroom as a waterproofed wet area.

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