European Style Curbless Showers – Why and How
A common feature associated with European bath design is the curbless, tiled, step-in shower. We like this design style for a couple reasons. First, it’s great for small areas. Curbless showers help small baths feel open and spacious with a continuous flow of tile and no tub or shower wall to obstruct the space.
Second, it is a great design idea for seniors and accessibility. Curbless showers are a necessity for wheelchair access and generally easier to ensure a safe bathing environment for seniors. Tubs pose a greater risk for slipping or tripping and navigating tub walls and curbs is a cumbersome task, everyday, just to bathe.
It is a relatively simple piece of design to execute and there is one all important key to success – Preventing water and moisture leakage through the floor. The product lines that Schluter have developed for this type of shower are quite effective. The also have a great short video series that walk through how the installation goes. The video demo includes installation of a curb however it is not obligatory.
The component parts of this shower design are pretty basic:
drain
polyethylene waterproofing membrane
optional shower trays
mortar
tile
The key product to guarantee against water damage is the orange polyethylene waterproofing fabric you’ll see being laid across the floor, walls and corners. This barrier prevents moisture and vapor from penetrating through the mortar and into the floor.
If you’re considering options for a small bath, universal bath or bath for a senior, a European style curbless shower can be a great option…as long as the installation is done right.
Contact us if you want to learn more or are ready to start a project.
