Is a curbless shower a good idea?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We are remodelling the master bath in our new home and my husband and I really want a curbless shower. We don't need it to be open and would be very happy with frameless glass. However our architect is telling us this is challenging to create in a remodel and is better done in a brand new build. He says the whole floor would need to be raised in order to have the appropriate slope in the curbless shower.

Does anyone know if there is an easy way to do this? Should we give up on the curbless shower?

We are also curious about a steam shower.

Featured Answer

PRO

50sqre

6 years ago

Anything is possible if you really want it, however every solution has a cost and without knowing you full circumstance its hard to tell. So heres a few examples of typical fixes to discuss with your designer:

With the right 'scabble' (breaking of concrete) you can create a setdown deep enough to 'screed' (thin layer of concrete applied to the new void) to get the falls required for a kerbless shower but this will depend on the current total cover of concrete (if you break out too much it can compromise the structure).

If your home is on a 'joist and bearer system' (timber or steel frame) you could 'comp up' (increase the strength) of the supporting 'members' (frame structure) to reduce their depth which will give you a lowered floor area, then a 'topping compound' (similar to screed) could be applied to the new set down to create the falls.

Likewise changing the placement of the joists from 'stacked' to 'inline' could provide the same outcome without the need of comping up.

We manage teams of consultants (architects, engineers, etc) and builders every day on projects in the interest of our Clients and find it pretty common theres a single solution focus.

Remember you have engaged them to design your dream not the other way around! Always get what you pay for.

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Comments (8)

Neryl Hollingsworth
6 years ago
Never give up on the curbless shower! Great idea. I hope you can get confirmation it will work.
PRO
Marlene Hudson Design
6 years ago
Hi, it sounds like you want a level entry shower. If your foundation is concrete this will mean the builder needs to lower the shower area and the damp me,brace under your concrete slab will need a patch between the lowered shower area and current pad. It will be easier to adjust the shower height if you are on piles with a sub floor. The joists in the shower area need adjustments

Both can be done, but your architect will need to provide details to the builder and local council

Raising the entire floor is also possible. It would mean a floor height transition between the bathroom and corresponding room

With a level entry shower and glass door any bath mat you plan to use would need to be placed on the floor after the door was opened, otherwise when the door opens outwards on a level shower base it sweeps the bath mat away

Ask your architect for some options and ideas on cost - this will help you decide how important it is to achieve

Best of luck, Marlene Hudson Design
Tash P thanked Marlene Hudson Design
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kiwikaryn
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In regards to the bathmat issue, I have seen glass doors that open both ways, this is an option if your shower is big enough for you to open the door inwards and step in.
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Marlene Hudson Design
6 years ago
Yes, with a frameless shower door it will open both inwards and outwards. Depending on the overall size of the shower and where the water source is located it may be possible to open the door inwards when you have finished showering which won't disturb the bath mat. M
Caroline
6 years ago
Hi, I’ve just done entry level shower and no shower door. Best idea for a bathroom.
macyjean
6 years ago
Slab or timber floor?
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Beach Bathrooms
6 years ago
Tash

Architect stated challenging, to have a ( curbless ) shower you need to stepdown approx 10 mm, meaning you need to step up at your bathroom entrance to maintain floor gradients to floor wastes, your architect will not ever compromise your existing floor slab.

Is a curbless shower a good idea?

50sqre

Comments (8)

Neryl Hollingsworth

Marlene Hudson Design

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