A curbless (zero-threshold) shower has no step at the entry. The bathroom floor runs straight into the shower. It’s safer, works for wheelchairs and walkers, and looks clean and modern. It also takes more planning than a standard shower. Here’s how we build them in Palm Beach County homes and condos.
Water has to drain without a curb to hold it in. That means the shower floor must sit lower than the bathroom floor, or the bathroom floor must be built up, so the shower area slopes toward a drain, usually a long linear drain at the back wall or the entry.
| Home type | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Single-family on a concrete slab | Recess the slab in the shower area, which may need structural review, or build up the bathroom floor slightly |
| Condo | Slab recessing is often not allowed; building up the floor with a sloped system is common, and association approval is required |
| Raised wood floors | Lower the joists or framing in the shower area |
Curbless showers add framing and drainage work compared with a standard pan, so they usually land in the upper half of our ranges: $23,000 to $45,000 for a primary bath remodel, and more for luxury suites. See bathroom remodel cost in Palm Beach County.
If you plan to stay in your home long term, or anyone in the house uses a mobility aid, it’s worth it. It’s most practical during a full-gut remodel. See aging-in-place remodeling and the aging-in-place bathroom checklist.
Often, by building up the bathroom floor with a sloped system rather than cutting the slab. The association must approve the plan.
Not when built correctly. The waterproofing extends beyond the shower, the floor slopes to a properly sized linear drain, and glass is placed to contain spray.
It adds framing and drainage work, so it usually lands in the upper half of a primary bath remodel range of $23,000 to $45,000.
Written by the North2South Renovations team, led by Colby Matheny, Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC1269429, based in Delray Beach. Questions about your project? Call (561) 664-3256 or request a free estimate.