Pros and Cons of a Curbless Shower: Costs, Risks, and Design Alternatives
- Ирина Колб
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Curbless showers are everywhere — in designer projects, on Pinterest boards, and in modern bathroom remodels. They look sleek: the floor flows seamlessly without thresholds or steps, instantly making the bathroom feel larger. But like any design trend, a curbless shower comes with both big advantages and hidden downsides. Let’s take a closer look — is it really worth it?
Why Homeowners Love a Curbless Shower
A seamless floor effect. When the tile runs continuously without breaks, the space feels bigger than it actually is. A great trick for small bathrooms.
Accessibility. Stepping into the shower is effortless — no curb to climb over. That’s a huge plus for seniors, kids, or anyone planning for an age-in-place bathroom. Still, in practice, water can sometimes splash outside the shower zone, so most homeowners add a long glass panel to help keep the bathroom floor dry.
A designer touch. Linear drains and minimalist layouts give the bathroom a high-end “spa” look, more like a luxury hotel than an everyday home.
It’s easy to see why many homeowners search for curbless shower pros and cons before making a decision — the design looks fantastic, but the details matter.
Where the Challenges Begin
Here’s the flip side:
The slope has to be perfect. The shower floor needs a slope of about 1/4 inch per foot. Even a tiny mistake can cause water to pool or spread across the bathroom.
Waterproofing is critical. Since there’s no curb, water touches a larger floor area. That means you need continuous waterproofing under every inch of tile. Any failure = leaks and costly repairs. And remember: if something goes wrong, the damage affects not only your bathroom but also the ceilings or floors below — especially in apartments or multi-story homes.
The price tag. Curbless showers are almost always more expensive. Expect $5,000–7,000 on the low end, $8,000–12,000 for mid-range builds, and $15,000+ for premium custom designs. By comparison, a traditional shower with a curb can cost 30–50% less. The final cost also depends on your home’s existing floor structure. In some multi-family buildings, curbless showers may not even be allowed due to local building codes.
Maintenance. Linear drains look sleek but quickly clog with hair and soap scum. They need more frequent cleaning than standard drains.
An Alternative: Tiled Shower Pan
If you want a modern look but with fewer risks, consider a low-profile tiled shower pan.
It’s finished with the same tile as the bathroom floor, so the design still looks seamless.
The slope for drainage is created within the shower pan, so you don’t have to change the structure of the entire bathroom floor. This makes installation easier and often less expensive.
It’s especially practical for small bathrooms, where a fully curbless shower can be complicated and costly.
This option gives you much of the same modern style but with simpler construction and a more budget-friendly approach.
Curbless Shower Pros and Cons: Final Thoughts
In short: curbless shower pros and cons come down to this — they’re beautiful, practical, and modern, but they cost more and demand flawless installation. If you’re ready to invest in top-quality waterproofing and hire an experienced tile installer, you’ll love the results for years to come. If you prefer simplicity and lower maintenance, a traditional curb or a tiled shower pan might be the smarter choice.
Bottom line for homeowners: a curbless shower isn’t just a design choice — it’s an engineering project. The beauty comes with complexity. That’s why the real key is a skilled contractor and high-quality materials. If you’re considering a curbless shower, our team specializes in tile installation and shower remodeling in Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs — we’ll help you build it right, without costly mistakes. Request a free estimate to get a clear idea of your project’s cost.
