When planning a bathroom remodel, one of the most impactful design decisions you’ll make is the style of your shower. Do you go for a curbless shower that flows seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom floor or stick with a more traditional curbed shower with a raised edge?
At CRD Design Build, we’ve helped countless Seattle homeowners navigate this choice—and it’s not just about aesthetics. Your shower design impacts accessibility, cost, drainage, cleaning and even resale value. In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each option so you can choose the shower style that fits your vision, lifestyle and long-term needs! Let’s dive in.
Curbless vs. Curbed Showers: Which One Is Right for Your Bathroom Remodel?
What Is a Curbless Shower?
In recent years, this style of shower has grown in popularity, so first let’s define what exactly it is. A curbless shower, sometimes called a walk-in or zero-threshold shower, is a shower that has no raised edge or barrier separating it from the rest of the bathroom floor. The floor is sloped subtly toward the drain to prevent water from spilling out and typically the tile is the same as the rest of the bathroom.
Why they’re trending:
Curbless showers have become increasingly popular in modern and spa-inspired bathroom remodels. They offer a sleek, seamless look and are often used in universal design for aging in place.
What Is a Curbed Shower?
On the other hand, a curbed shower includes a small raised barrier—typically 3 to 6 inches high—at the entrance to the shower. The curb keeps water inside the shower and separates wet and dry zones more distinctly.
Why they’re still widely used:
Curbed showers are tried and true, work well with shower curtains or doors and are easier to build without significant changes to floor structure or plumbing.
See also: 10 Essential Bathroom Floor Plans | Plus Bathroom Design Rules
The Benefits of a Curbless Shower
A Modern, Open Look
Curbless showers visually open up the space, making your bathroom feel larger, airier and more high-end. They work especially well in smaller bathrooms or those with minimalist or contemporary design aesthetics.
Accessibility-Friendly
No step or threshold makes this shower style ideal for people with mobility challenges or those planning to age in place. They’re also more wheelchair accessible, which can future-proof your bathroom and make it more inclusive.
Easier to Clean
With fewer nooks and crannies (like a curb to clean around), curbless showers can be lower-maintenance over time. Their open design also improves airflow, helping prevent mold and mildew buildup.
See also: How to Clean Glass Shower Doors and Enclosures
Customizable Layouts
Curbless showers can be fully open or enclosed with frameless glass. You have greater flexibility in size and shape, which is especially useful for custom remodels.
The Drawbacks of a Curbless Shower
More Complex Drainage Requirements
A curbless shower requires precise sloping and often a linear or trench drain to prevent water from escaping into the rest of the bathroom. Improper planning can lead to drainage issues.
Water Containment Concerns
Because there’s no curb, water can splash or flow into adjacent areas. A properly installed shower pan and glass enclosure help—but the design must be precise. You could also embrace the wet bathroom style to alleviate this concern.
Higher Installation Cost
Creating a curbless entry typically involves more structural work, especially in homes with wood subfloors. It may require lowering part of the floor or installing a special shower base. There are also membranes that can be installed which offer a more streamlined approach to waterproofing.
The Benefits of a Curbed Shower
Proven Water Containment
The raised curb naturally keeps water inside the shower area, making this a practical choice for families or homes where daily functionality is key.
It Works with a Variety of Doors and Curtains
You have more flexibility in using standard shower doors or a shower curtain, which may be more cost-effective than custom glass panels.
Simpler Installation Process
Curbed showers don’t typically require extensive structural changes, making them easier and faster to install, especially in second-floor bathrooms or remodels with existing plumbing layouts.
A More Traditional Aesthetic
For homeowners who prefer classic bathroom styles, a curbed shower can feel more familiar and comforting.
The Drawbacks of a Curbed Shower
Less Accessible
The raised curb can be a barrier for people with limited mobility, making it less ideal for long-term aging in place.
Smaller Visual Impact
Compared to a curbless shower, the curb can break up the space visually and make the bathroom feel more segmented.
Can Be Trickier to Clean
The curb and door tracks can collect soap scum and grime over time, requiring a bit more attention during cleaning.
Design Considerations for Your Bathroom Remodel
Whether you choose a curbed or curbless shower, the right design team will help ensure your shower is functional, beautiful and aligned with your goals. Here are a few additional factors to think about:
- Bathroom Size: Curbless showers can open up tight quarters visually.
- Aesthetic Preference: Do you love the sleek, modern look or prefer something more traditional?
- Budget: Curbed showers are generally more budget-friendly.
- Plumbing Location: The existing drain placement may determine what’s feasible without significant changes.
- Lifestyle: Think about who uses the bathroom now—and who might use it in 10 years.
Which Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision between curbless and curbed often comes down to key considerations like your aesthetic goals, mobility considerations and budget.
At CRD Design Build, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Our design-build team will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and create a bathroom that suits your lifestyle, timeline, budget and taste. We’ll work with you to evaluate your existing layout, discuss your long-term needs and craft a custom shower design that’s as practical as it is beautiful—whether you’re drawn to the sleek minimalism of curbless or the classic feel of a traditional curb. Let’s talk about your vision—and the shower that fits it best. Contact us to schedule your discovery call!
