Curbless Showers:

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, or Ahwatukee, you’ve likely seen curbless showers in design magazines and home improvement shows. But are they worth the investment?

Curbless showers offer a sleek, modern look with significant practical benefits—but they require proper planning, precise installation, and complete waterproofing to perform correctly. Understanding what goes into a successful curbless shower helps you make an informed decision for your home.

Ready to get started? View our complete curbless shower installation process and pricing.

Watch: Curbless Shower Project Before & After Video

Here’s a look at a curbless project in Ahwatukee Arizona:

What Is a Curbless Shower?

A curbless shower—also called a walk-in shower, barrier-free shower, or zero-entry shower—is a shower design without a raised threshold or curb. The shower floor transitions seamlessly with the bathroom floor, creating an open, modern look.

This design requires precise floor modifications, slope calculations, and waterproofing to ensure water drains properly without spilling into the rest of the bathroom. When done correctly, curbless showers combine style, functionality, and accessibility. The conditions must be right for a curbless shower.

Benefits of Curbless Showers

Modern, Open Design

Curbless showers create a clean, minimalist aesthetic that makes bathrooms feel larger and more open. Without the visual barrier of a traditional shower curb, the entire space flows together, which is especially valuable in smaller East Valley bathrooms common in Gilbert and Chandler homes.

Improved Accessibility and Aging in Place

Curbless showers eliminate tripping hazards and allow easy wheelchair or walker access. For homeowners planning to age in place, a curbless shower is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. This feature also benefits families with young children or anyone with mobility challenges.

Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

Without a shower curb to collect soap scum and grime, curbless showers are easier to clean. The continuous floor makes wiping down the entire shower area quick and straightforward.

Increased Home Value

Curbless showers are a sought-after feature for modern home buyers. A well-executed curbless shower can increase your home’s resale appeal, particularly in competitive East Valley markets like Scottsdale and Tempe.

Challenges of Curbless Showers (What You Need to Know)

Floor Modification Requirements

Creating a curbless shower requires modifying the floor structure to accommodate proper drainage slope. In homes with slab foundations—common throughout Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler—this often means recessing the shower pan into the slab or raising the entire bathroom floor.

However, post-tension slabs cannot be safely cut for curbless shower installation. Many East Valley homes built after the mid-1990s use post-tension construction, which contains high-strength steel cables under tension. Cutting these cables compromises structural integrity and creates serious safety concerns.

Similarly, upstairs bathrooms with engineered floor trusses often cannot accommodate the floor modifications required for curbless showers without compromising structural integrity.

This structural work adds complexity and time to the project compared to standard shower installations, and requires careful evaluation during the consultation phase.

Waterproofing Is Critical

Without a curb to contain water, waterproofing becomes even more important. Improper waterproofing can lead to water migration into adjacent rooms, subfloor damage, and costly repairs.

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we use our S.W.A.N. Plan (Sleep Well At Night) waterproofing system on every curbless shower. This includes full-system waterproofing with Laticrete Hydro Ban, proper surface preparation, and industry best practices to ensure long-term durability and zero leaks.

Precise Slope Work

Curbless showers require precise slope calculations to ensure water drains properly. The shower floor must slope toward the drain at the correct gradient—enough to prevent water pooling, but gradual enough to remain safe and comfortable underfoot.

This precision work takes time and expertise, which is why curbless showers typically cost more than traditional curbed showers.

Potential for Water Migration

Without a physical barrier, water can potentially spread beyond the shower area if not designed correctly. Proper slope work, adequate drainage capacity, and strategic placement of glass panels or splash guards help contain water within the shower zone.

Watch: Curbless Shower Project Before & After Video

Here’s another curbless shower project in Tempe, AZ:

How Much Does a Curbless Shower Cost in the East Valley?

Curbless shower installations typically cost more than traditional curbed showers due to additional structural work, waterproofing requirements, and precision installation. Costs vary based on:

• Floor modification complexity (slab vs. raised foundation)
• Size of the shower area
• Tile selection and design
• Glass panel style and size
• Drainage system type

For detailed pricing guidance on bathroom remodels including curbless showers, visit our bathroom remodeling costs guide.

How Long Does a Curbless Shower Installation Take?

Curbless shower installations typically take 3–4+ weeks, depending on floor modification requirements, material selections, and the complexity of your project. Homes with slab foundations require additional time for cutting and recessing the shower pan.

The installation process includes:

• Week 1: Demolition of shower, jackhammer concrete slab, Plumbing rough-in completed.
• Week 2: Shower pan installation and slope work. Full waterproofing system applied, start Tile
• Week 3+: Tile installation with precise slope work. Glass measurements taken. Fixtures installed
• Week 5: Glass installation and final walkthrough.

For more information on bathroom remodel timelines, visit our timeline guide.

Our S.W.A.N. Plan: Sleep Well At Night Waterproofing

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, curbless showers receive our full S.W.A.N. Plan (Sleep Well At Night) waterproofing treatment. This comprehensive system is our promise that your shower is built to last, fully waterproofed, and protected from leaks, mold, and structural damage.

Our S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing system includes:

• Laticrete Hydro Ban Liquid-Applied Waterproofing: Industry-leading waterproofing membrane applied to all shower surfaces—not just seams
• Hydro Ban Board or Cement Board Substrate: Professional-grade backing that provides structural support and moisture resistance
• Crack-Isolation Membranes: Protection against movement and settling in Arizona’s challenging foundation conditions
• Complete Coverage: Walls, floor, transitions, corners, niches, benches, and drainage areas fully waterproofed
• Full Seam Sealing: Every joint and penetration sealed and reinforced
• Proper Curing Time: 24–48 hours before tile installation to ensure complete adhesion and performance
• Professional Tile Leveling Systems: Ensures proper drainage slope and prevents water pooling
• Quality Testing: Thorough inspection before proceeding to tile work

This is the biggest difference between a Mustache Approved curbless shower and basic installations that cut corners on waterproofing. Many contractors only waterproof seams or use thin, rushed applications that fail within years. Our full-system approach ensures your curbless shower performs flawlessly for decades.

For a complete breakdown of our waterproofing process, visit our dedicated S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing guide.

Design Considerations for Curbless Showers

Glass Panel Placement

While curbless showers don’t have a curb, most designs include a glass panel to contain water spray. Strategic placement of this panel—along with proper shower head positioning—helps keep water within the shower zone while maintaining the open, airy feel.

Drainage System Selection

Curbless showers can use traditional center drains or modern linear drains. Linear drains positioned at the shower entry provide excellent drainage performance and allow for simpler slope work across the shower floor.

Tile Selection and Layout

Smaller tiles (2×2 or mosaic patterns) allow for better slope transitions and improved slip resistance. Larger format tiles can work but require more precise slope calculations. Non-slip tile finishes are essential for safety in curbless designs.

Bathroom Floor Continuity

For the most seamless look, many homeowners extend the same tile from the bathroom floor into the curbless shower. This creates visual continuity and makes the space feel larger. However, ensure the shower tile has adequate slip resistance even when wet.

Are Curbless Showers Worth It? The Bottom Line

Curbless showers are worth it if:

• You value modern, open design aesthetics
• Accessibility is important for current or future needs
• You’re willing to invest in proper structural work and waterproofing
• You work with a contractor who has experience with curbless installations
• Your home’s foundation and floor structure can accommodate the necessary modifications

Curbless showers may not be the best choice if:

• Your budget is extremely tight
• Floor modification isn’t feasible in your home
• You prefer maximum water containment without glass panels
• Your home has post-tension slabs or engineered floor trusses (see below)

When designed and installed correctly with proper waterproofing, curbless showers provide lasting value, improved functionality, and a high-end aesthetic that appeals to modern homeowners.

Important: When Curbless Showers Aren’t Recommended

Post-Tension Slab Foundations

If your home has a post-tension slab foundation, we typically do not recommend curbless showers. Post-tension slabs contain high-strength steel cables under tension that run throughout the concrete. Cutting into a post-tension slab to recess a shower pan can damage these cables, compromise structural integrity, and create serious liability issues.

Many homes built in Gilbert, Chandler, and throughout the East Valley after the mid-1990s use post-tension slab construction. During your consultation, we’ll inspect your foundation and determine whether curbless construction is safe and feasible.

If you have a post-tension slab, we can still create beautiful, accessible walk-in showers with low-profile curbs that minimize the barrier while maintaining structural safety.

Upstairs Bathrooms with Engineered Floor Trusses

Many upstairs bathrooms in East Valley homes use engineered floor trusses or I-joist systems that cannot be cut or modified without compromising structural integrity. These systems are designed with precise load calculations, and cutting into them can create dangerous structural failures.

For upstairs bathrooms, we evaluate the existing floor structure during consultation. If modification isn’t feasible, we can design low-threshold showers or raised bathroom floors that achieve similar accessibility benefits without structural risk.

Our Commitment to Structural Safety

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we never compromise structural safety for aesthetics. If a curbless shower isn’t advisable for your home’s specific conditions, we’ll explain why and present alternative solutions that deliver the function and style you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do curbless showers leak more than regular showers?

No—when properly waterproofed and installed with correct slope work, curbless showers are just as watertight as traditional curbed showers. The key is complete waterproofing coverage and working with an experienced contractor.

Can you install a curbless shower on a slab foundation?

Yes, but it requires additional work. The shower pan must be recessed into the slab to create proper drainage slope, which involves cutting into the concrete. This adds complexity and cost but is commonly done throughout the East Valley.

How do you keep water from going everywhere in a curbless shower?

Proper slope work ensures water drains toward the shower drain rather than spreading into the bathroom. Strategic placement of glass panels and correct shower head positioning also help contain water within the shower zone.

Are curbless showers good for resale?

Yes. Curbless showers are a desirable feature for modern home buyers, particularly those seeking accessible design or contemporary aesthetics. A well-executed curbless shower can increase your home’s appeal in the East Valley market.

What is the S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing?

Our S.W.A.N. Plan stands for Sleep Well At Night. It’s our premium waterproofing standard using Laticrete Hydro Ban systems with complete surface coverage, proper preparation, and industry best practices. This ensures your curbless shower is protected against leaks and water damage for the long term. Learn more on our Bathroom FAQs page or read our detailed S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing guide.

Can you install a curbless shower if my home has a post-tension slab?

We typically do not recommend curbless showers for homes with post-tension slab foundations. Cutting into post-tension slabs can damage the tensioned cables and compromise structural integrity. During your consultation, we’ll inspect your foundation and discuss alternative options like low-profile curb showers that provide similar accessibility benefits without structural risk.

Ready to Discuss Your Curbless Shower Project?

If you’re considering a curbless shower for your East Valley bathroom remodel, Mustache Approved Remodeling is here to help. Our team specializes in curbless shower installations with complete waterproofing, precise slope work, and durable construction.

We follow our proven 6-Step Remodeling Process to ensure quality results, clear communication, and zero surprises. We’ll evaluate your space, discuss design options, and provide a clear plan for bringing your vision to life.

View our bathroom project gallery or contact Mustache Approved Remodeling to schedule a consultation today.

Mustache Approved Remodeling
ROC #309760 | Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale & Ahwatukee

Last Updated: January 18, 2026