Anytime you’re designing or remodeling a bathroom with a walk-in shower, one question is bound to come up: Do you go with a curb or curbless shower? Each type offers distinct advantages that make it ideal for some applications. How do you know which one is right for you?
To help answer that question, here’s a look at curbless vs. curb shower designs and what they offer.
What Is a Curbless Shower?
A curbless shower is exactly what it sounds like: a walk-in shower without any sort of bump or barrier at its entrance. In other words, rather than requiring you to step over something to enter, a curbless shower flows seamlessly from the rest of your bathroom floor. Typically, these types of showers do not have doors or curtains, but they may have a half wall or other barrier around a portion of the shower.
In order to achieve this look, the shower’s floor must be installed on a slope, slightly lower than the floor surrounding the shower; this ensures that falling water from the shower stays where it should, rather than filling the rest of the bathroom space.
So, if you’re thinking about going with this minimal, modern shower style, what should you keep in mind? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of curbless showers:
PROS
- Easier accessibility, with no barriers into the shower
- A more open, spacious feel for the bathroom
- Improved functionality for aging in place
- More convenient cleaning with easy-to-access spaces
- No shower door costs
CONS
- Water is less contained, so proper sloping is vital
- Less privacy without a curtain or door
What Is a Curb Shower?
In contrast to the curbless shower, the curb design includes a raised barrier separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom. Note that this is still a type of walk-in shower — not a tub shower — but the floor of the shower does not flow into the floor of the bathroom.
While this option can still provide an open, spacious feel, it typically has a built-in divider or door that defines the shower area, making it harder for water to escape into the rest of the bathroom. Curb showers are more traditional, and they come in a variety of designs.
Here are the pros and cons of this option:
PROS
- Easier to keep water confined to the shower area
- Lots of versatility in design options
CONS
- Can be harder to clean because of decreased accessibility
- Limits use to those who are able to step over the curb
Overall, if you’re looking for a highly functional, easy-to-clean, minimalist shower space, the curbless shower is the way to go. Keep in mind, however, that proper drainage design will make all the difference between a shower that fits your needs and one that becomes a major hassle to maintain. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a broader range of design options, you may prefer to stick with a curb shower.
Whichever design you choose, Modern Bathroom is your online resource for finding the perfect components for your bathroom. We make it easy to transform your space into the bathroom sanctuary you’ve always wanted.
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