The future of bathrooms is bright, and with the introduction of an open concept, bathrooms should not only be more flexible but also easily accessible and practical. We have come a long way from the traditional medieval water closet, and a curbless shower is one of the many new additions to arguably the most crucial living space in a home.
Whether you are looking for the opportunity to remodel your bathroom or are simply looking for a practical solution to your space problems, consider installing a curbless shower. Curbless showers offer homeowners the opportunity to incorporate modern living in their bathrooms and are an inexpensive way of improving the value of your property.
While it might sound like a perfect addition to your bathroom, there is no “one size fits all” approach for curbless showers. In some rare cases, they might do more harm than good, especially to the floor, walls, and paneling of the rest of the building (due to water damage).
If you are still unsure whether a curbless shower is a good investment, read on for comprehensive insight on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly for everything curbless showers.
What is a Curbless Shower?
As the name suggests, a curbless shower is a walk-in shower that lacks a divider between the shower region and the rest of the bathroom. For many walk-in showers, there is usually an area of elevation (the curb) that functions as the divider.
Curbless showers typically have an open design, but some homeowners prefer a more personal approach and install enclosures of different materials to serve as the bathroom wall.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Curbless Shower
From our experience, curbless bathrooms usually have a polarizing effect on different homeowners. However, this is primarily credited to homeowners’ diverse needs and preferences. Similar to the difference in preferences when choosing a type of roofing material, curbless showers are only for some.
Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of curbless showers as described by homeowners that have had them for an extended period:
Advantages of Curbless Showers
Curbless showers have won the hearts of homeowners worldwide for obvious reasons. You might have seen them in an HGTV commercial, or they might have taken your breath away when you walked into a bathroom in a luxury hotel. Regardless of where you might have come across them, here are a few advantages of curbless showers:
Practicality and Accessibility
If your household consists of individuals on the extreme ends of the age spectrum, you will love curbless showers. Because of the absence of a physical barrier in the bathroom, the young and old can easily access the walk-in shower area without assistance (or fear of tripping).
A curbless shower allows those using wheelchairs or other walking aids to enter the bathroom quickly.
The practicality of a curbless shower is also evident in the clever use of space. If you have reduced square footage in your bathroom and are still considering light fixtures, art pieces, or decorative furniture, then a curbless shower might be the answer.
Easy to Clean Surfaces
You might have chosen to invest in quality ceramic tiles for your bathroom, and as much as they are exquisite, they require occasional maintenance to stay in tip-top shape.
However, with a curbless shower, there is reduced opportunity for accumulation of dirt and grime from the bathroom over time since the wastewater and its contents are directed towards a center or linear drain.
If you’ve ever had to sweep dust from corners, you might have an idea of how cumbersome cleaning curbs can be. To avoid this complication, you should consider installing a curbless shower in your bathroom.
Aesthetic Appeal
You can do a lot to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your home, but only a few of it can fall within a budget as comfortably as installing a curbless shower. This is especially true for new installations, as the floor can be angled to meet the specifications of a curbless shower with ease and without extensive need for restructuring.
With the help of a professional contractor, you can have your bathroom looking more modern by simply installing a curbless shower. If you pair the bathroom with an enclosure, you can make the most of both options and walk into a modern and visually pleasing bathroom.
Disadvantages of a Curbless Shower
There are several drawbacks to removing the divider from your bathroom. This is more pronounced in homes that have smaller bathrooms. Below are some of the disadvantages of a curbless shower.
Cost of Installation
If your home is under insurance, you might have reservations about doing a “major” renovation, such as installing a curbless shower. The installation process might attract a high cost for services and materials, especially if you have an old bathroom.
However, a simple solution is to seek the services of a contractor that can help you with your insurance claim, such as A to Z Construction.
Reduced Privacy
If you are in a crowded household that requires an added amount of privacy when using the bathroom, then the open concept associated with curbless showers might not suit you.
You may work around this by installing frosted glass or a shower curtain, but these often ruin the bathroom’s appearance.
Cold Showers
While traditional shower walls may not be as aesthetically pleasing as curbless showers, they often contribute to containing the heat during a hot shower.
Consequently, curbless showers tend to offer a colder shower experience. To overcome this issue, install heated floors or adjust the water temperature accordingly.
Wet Bathrooms
Another disadvantage of curbless showers is that they tend to handle splash water and drain it less effectively than conventional walk-in shower areas. This is because of the absence of a physical barrier to contain the splash and direct water toward the drain.
As a result, the rest of the bathroom may remain wet for longer than expected, or water may reach previously dry areas. Because of this, it’s important to consider a proper drain setup when installing a curbless shower to ensure efficient water management and prevent any potential water damage.
Should You Get a Curbless Shower?
There are several reasons why you should get a curbless shower. From the increased ease of cleaning the bathroom to the improved aesthetic appearance of the bathroom, curbless showers have a positive impact on the general practicality of your bathroom.
However, it is imperative that you assess your personal needs and preferences with a qualified contractor to accurately assess the applicability of a curbless shower in your home. Contact A to Z Construction to learn more about curbless showers.
