Curbless Showers and Walk-In Tubs
Zero-threshold shower entries and walk-in tub options that reduce fall risk and make bathing easier. Each has advantages and drawbacks.
A curbless shower and a walk-in tub are two of the most popular options for making bathing safer. They are very different products, and the right choice depends on your needs, your bathroom layout, and your preferences. A curbless shower eliminates the step over the tub edge entirely — you walk or roll straight in. A walk-in tub has a door that seals closed, allowing you to step in at a low height and sit while the tub fills.
Problems This Service Addresses
- —Difficulty stepping over a high tub edge
- —Fear of slipping in the shower or tub
- —Inability to stand safely for the duration of a shower
- —Need for seated bathing
- —Access for a wheelchair or shower chair
Who This Is For
- —Curbless showers are ideal for people who can stand or transfer to a shower seat and want the easiest entry and exit
- —Walk-in tubs can be a good option for people who prefer soaking and want to sit while bathing
- —Both are for homeowners planning long-term accessibility improvements
- —People whose current shower or tub has a high step-over threshold
Who This May Not Be For
- —Curbless showers may not be ideal for people who need full-body soaking and prefer a tub
- —Walk-in tubs may not be ideal for people who find it uncomfortable to sit while the tub fills and drains (which can take 10-15 minutes)
- —Walk-in tubs may not be suitable for people who need rapid entry and exit
- —Both require adequate bathroom space and may not fit in very small bathrooms
Available Approaches
- —Curbless shower with linear drain and zero threshold
- —Low-threshold shower (a small step instead of a curb)
- —Walk-in tub with door and built-in seat
- —Walk-in tub with hydrotherapy jets
- —Shower with fold-down or built-in seat and grab bars
Advantages
- —Curbless showers: Easiest entry and exit, can accommodate a wheelchair or shower chair, does not look institutional, faster to use than a walk-in tub
- —Walk-in tubs: Allow seated soaking, can include hydrotherapy, provide a sense of security for people who fear falling
- —Both significantly reduce fall risk compared to a traditional tub with a high step-over
Disadvantages
- —Curbless showers: Require the bathroom floor to be sloped toward the drain, which may require floor work; water can escape if the shower is not properly designed
- —Walk-in tubs: Filling and draining takes time (the door must be closed and sealed before filling, and you must wait for the tub to drain before opening the door); can be expensive; may not fit in all bathrooms
- —Both require professional installation with proper waterproofing and permits
- —Both are significant investments compared to a standard shower or tub replacement
Cost Factors
- —Curbless shower: Floor slope work, linear drain installation, waterproofing, tile, glass enclosure, shower fixtures
- —Walk-in tub: The tub unit itself (varies widely by brand and features), plumbing connections, electrical for hydrotherapy (if applicable), removal of existing tub
- —Both: Permits, waterproofing, possible plumbing relocation, tile work, grab bars
- —Walk-in tub cost is heavily influenced by brand and features (basic models vs. premium models with jets, heated seats, etc.)
Questions to Ask a Contractor
- —Is my bathroom large enough for a curbless shower or walk-in tub?
- —Does my floor need to be built up or sloped for a curbless shower?
- —How long does the walk-in tub take to fill and drain?
- —What happens if the walk-in tub door seal fails?
- —Is the walk-in tub covered by a warranty?
- —Can I try a walk-in tub before committing to one?
- —What waterproofing system do you use for the curbless shower?
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