The Curb-Crushing Bathroom Trend You Need to Know About

Are you tired of stubbing your toes on that pesky shower curb every time you step in? Or maybe you’re frustrated by the extra effort it takes to mop around that annoying barrier. Well, my friend, the solution to your bathroom woes is here – the curbless shower.

What is a Curbless Shower?

A curbless shower is a shower design that eliminates the need for a raised curb or threshold. Instead, the shower floor seamlessly blends into the rest of the bathroom floor, creating a clean, uninterrupted look. These showers often feature a simple glass panel or no door at all, giving the space an open, airy feel.

But don’t let the sleek aesthetics fool you – curbless showers offer way more than just good looks. In fact, there are several practical benefits that make this design a game-changer for your bathroom.

No More Tripping Hazards

Remember that time you were rushing to get ready in the morning and nearly took a tumble over the shower curb? Yeah, me too. With a curbless shower, those days are behind you. The flush transition between the shower and bathroom floors eliminates potential tripping hazards, making for a safer bathing experience. [1]

Easier Cleaning

Cleaning a bathroom can feel like a never-ending chore, but a curbless shower can actually make the task a bit more manageable. Without a curb to contend with, you can simply push the mop straight from the bathroom floor into the shower area, cutting down on time and effort. And since many curbless showers opt for a single glass panel instead of traditional doors, there’s even less to clean. [1]

Maximized Space

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a massive bathroom to enjoy the benefits of a curbless shower. In fact, this design can be a game-changer for small spaces. By eliminating the physical barrier of a curb, the room feels more open and airy, creating the illusion of a larger, more spacious area. [1]

Accessibility for All

Curbless showers aren’t just a stylish trend – they’re also a practical solution for those with mobility challenges. The seamless transition into the shower makes it easier for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers to enter and exit the space safely. In fact, if the curbless shower entrance measures at least 36 inches by 36 inches, it can even meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). [1]

Save Money, Save Time

Believe it or not, curbless showers can actually save you money in the long run. With no need to install, waterproof, and tile a separate curb, the overall installation process requires less labor and materials. Plus, the versatile drain placement options offered by brands like Schluter allow for even more cost savings. [1]

Designing the Perfect Curbless Shower

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits, you’re probably wondering, “How do I make this curbless shower magic happen in my own bathroom?” Well, there are a few different approaches you can take:

Option 1: Recessed Shower Floor

One way to achieve a curbless look is by recessing the shower floor, creating a flush transition with the rest of the bathroom. This can be done by installing a sloped mortar bed or using a prefabricated shower tray with a thin perimeter height. [1]

Option 2: Prefab Shower Tray and Ramp

If recessing the floor isn’t an option, you can use a prefabricated shower tray and ramp to facilitate the seamless transition. Brands like Schluter offer integrated waterproofing and ADA-compliant ramp solutions to make this process a breeze. [1]

Option 3: Raised Bathroom Floor

In some cases, raising the entire bathroom floor may be the best solution. This can be done by installing additional materials like plywood or a mortar bed on top of the subfloor, along with an uncoupling membrane like Schluter’s DITRA-HEAT. Just be sure to include a threshold at the bathroom entry to compensate for the raised floor. [1]

No matter which approach you choose, it’s important to consult with a professional to ensure the structural integrity and safety of your curbless shower. They’ll be able to evaluate your space and guide you towards the best solution.

Elevating Your Curbless Shower

Once you’ve conquered the technical aspects of your curbless shower, it’s time to have some fun with the design. Consider adding a few finishing touches to really make the space shine:

• Recessed niches for convenient soap and shampoo storage
• Built-in benches for comfortable shaving or relaxation
• Trim profiles to accentuate the sleek, seamless look
• DITRA-HEAT floor warming for added luxury [1]

And don’t forget to check out our Inspiration Gallery for even more curbless shower ideas to spark your creativity. [1]

So, there you have it – the lowdown on the curbless shower trend that’s taking bathrooms by storm. Say goodbye to those pesky curbs and hello to a seamless, functional, and oh-so-stylish bathing experience. Your toes (and your back) will thank you.

[1] Schluter Systems. (n.d.). The Benefits of a Curbless Shower. Retrieved from https://www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/blog-the-benefits-of-a-curbless-shower?language=en_US

[2] Infinity Drain. (n.d.). What to Consider When Installing a Curbless Shower. Retrieved from https://infinitydrain.com/what-to-consider-when-installing-a-curbless-shower/

[3] The Price of Business. (n.d.). Curbless Showers: The Stylish and Practical Choice for Contemporary Bathroom Transformations. Retrieved from https://priceofbusiness.com/curbless-showers-the-stylish-and-practical-choice-for-contemporary-bathroom-transformations/

[4] Reddit. (2021). Curbless shower: Good idea or bad idea? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/lfqqq3/curbless_shower_good_idea_or_bad_idea/

[5] Boss Design Center. (n.d.). Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Curbless Shower. Retrieved from https://bossdesigncenter.com/exploring-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-curbless-shower/

[6] Superior Stone & Cabinet. (2023). 2023 Home Remodel Design Trends: Innovative Ideas for Your Next Project. Retrieved from https://www.superiorstoneandcabinet.com/blog/2023-home-remodel-design-trends-innovative-ideas-for-your-next-project

[7] Renovate Happy. (2023). Bathroom Remodeling: Curbless Shower Pros and Cons. Retrieved from https://www.renovatehappy.com/2023/03/16/bathroom-remodeling-curbless-shower-pros-and-cons/

[8] Lifestage Home Designs. (n.d.). Curbless Showers: When Great Universal Design Meets Growing Overall Demand. Retrieved from https://www.lifestagehomedesigns.com/blog/universal-design/curbless-showers-when-great-universal-design-meets-growing-overall-demand