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Curbless Shower Remodels: A Safer Bathroom for Every Stage of Life

PHRS Remodeling Team
Oct 13
3 min read

Modern curbless shower with continuous tile flooring, glass panel, built-in bench, grab bar, and walk-in entry.


A curbless shower can make a bathroom feel more open, modern, and accessible. Sometimes called a zero-entry or barrier-free shower, this design eliminates the traditional raised curb, creating a smoother transition from the bathroom floor into the shower.


For homeowners in San Antonio, a curbless shower can be an excellent option for improving everyday convenience while planning for changing needs over time. Whether you’re remodeling for comfort, accessibility, or aging in place, proper design and construction are essential to achieving a beautiful and functional result.



Benefits of a Curbless Shower for Everyday Living


  • Eliminates the raised shower curb, reducing one common tripping obstacle and potentially improving access for people with mobility challenges


  • Makes small bathrooms feel larger with continuous tile


  • Fewer curb corners and edges to clean.


  • Ages with you — a smart choice if you plan to stay in your home long-term


Still deciding whether a curbless shower is right for your bathroom? Explore our comparison of curbless and curbed showers to better understand the differences.



How a Curbless Shower is Built


One common misconception about curbless showers is that the entire shower floor is completely level. While the shower entrance can be flush with the surrounding bathroom floor, the shower floor must still have a properly designed slope toward the drain to allow water to flow away efficiently.


Creating this smooth transition while maintaining proper drainage requires careful planning and construction. Depending on the existing floor structure, this may involve:


  • Recessing the subfloor or lowering the shower area so it can be sloped


  • Properly positioned shower drains, including linear or traditional point drains, depending on the shower layout and required floor slope.


  • Full waterproofing across the shower and often extending into the bathroom floor


  • Carefully selected slip-resistant tile and a layout that accommodates the shower's drainage slope.


On slab foundations, which are common in San Antonio, the slab may need to be cut and

recessed. On raised floors, the framing may need modification. This is why curbless showers

need careful planning.



Design Touches


  • A built-in bench and niche


  • Grab bars that look like towel bars


  • A handheld shower on a slide bar


  • A fixed glass panel instead of a full enclosure


  • Slip-resistant tile



Planning a Curbless Shower for Aging in Place


A bathroom remodel is an opportunity to plan for both your current needs and your future comfort. Even if accessibility isn’t an immediate concern, incorporating thoughtful design features today can help your bathroom remain functional for years to come.


Some features worth considering include:


  • Reinforced walls for grab bars: Installing appropriate backing during remodeling allows grab bars to be securely mounted now or in the future.


  • Comfortable shower seating: A built-in bench or properly selected shower seat can make bathing more convenient.


  • Handheld shower fixtures: An adjustable handheld showerhead provides additional flexibility for bathing while seated or standing.


  • Slip-resistant flooring: Choosing tile with suitable wet-area slip resistance helps reduce the risk of slipping.


  • Adequate entry space: Planning the shower opening and surrounding clearances can improve accessibility for different mobility needs.


Not every bathroom can accommodate the same features. The available space, existing plumbing, and floor structure all influence what’s possible.


At PHRS Remodeling, we evaluate these conditions before recommending a shower layout that balances appearance, functionality, and long-term comfort.


If you're considering replacing an existing bathtub, you may also find our article on walk-in showers versus traditional tubs helpful when planning your bathroom remodel.



Ready to Explore a Curbless Shower for Your Bathroom?


Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel for modern style, improved accessibility, or long-term comfort, PHRS Remodeling can help you explore your options.


With over 25 years of hands-on remodeling experience, our family-owned company understands the importance of proper planning, quality craftsmanship, and clear communication.


We’ll evaluate your existing bathroom, discuss your goals, and help determine whether a curbless shower is the right fit for your home.


Contact PHRS Remodeling today to schedule an in-home consultation!


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