bathroom ZONE
A Helpful Checklist is key to defining your scope of work and knowing who will be doing what for your project. Each of these below areas makes up a basic kitchen remodel project budget.
Curbless Shower: Pros and Cons
Curbless showers do have a few drawbacks, including their initial expense.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages curbless showers bring to your bathrooms to better inform your decision-making process when you’re ready to talk to Boss Design Center about remodeling your space.
Modern curbless shower offers an aesthetically appealing alternative to standard bathtubs and shower stalls. The attractive designs merge seamlessly with the floor, providing a practical solution for those with mobility challenges or creating a plan for aging in place.
The Drawbacks of Installing a Zero-Entry Shower
While highly aesthetic and accessible, a zero entry shower does present certain issues that you should consider before scheduling an installation. These modern fixtures enhance functionality and style at a price — water containment sometimes proves challenging, installation costs run high, and accommodations for structural requirements may even drive prices higher.
Let’s look at the specifics of these drawbacks so you have a more complete picture of what it takes to integrate a curbless shower into your bathroom.
Water Containment Challenges
Since curbless showers lack the physical barriers used by traditional stalls and tubs, water may escape the shower area. Preventing damage to the bathroom due to this issue may require additional waterproofing measures, including specially designed slopes that direct water toward the drain. Waterproofing membranes beneath the tiles also prevent leaks and help maintain the structural integrity of bathrooms with a zero entry shower.
Higher Installation Costs
A curbless shower installation usually requires additional labor and materials compared to a standard tub or shower setup. Plumbing professionals who specialize in zero entry showers usually have experience with the more intricate construction, including potentially lowering existing bathroom floors and altering structural support under the shower for a flush fit and seamless transition.
Other factors that may force installation costs higher include the need for custom-made products and high-quality materials made specifically for curbless shower installations, such as specialty drain systems.
Expense of Underlayment Membrane
When you want a curbless shower, premium underlayment products from a top-notch manufacturer such as Schluter Systems are a must. These premium waterproofing products may be more expensive, but they typically provide exceptional structural integrity and leak protection.
Keep in mind that while known for their reliability, these membranes often allow replacement with alternative waterproofing products from less expensive brands that still meet industry standards for homeowners on tighter budgets.
While still higher than materials for a standard installation, these cost-effective products may help you get the curbless shower you need without breaking the bank.
Structural Challenges
A curbless shower requires consistent floor height, so some bathrooms may present unique structural challenges. To counter these issues, installers may need to make adjustments to the joists beneath the flooring, including cutting and reinforcing them. This level of construction, however, often makes installing a zero entry shower an expensive endeavor.
