No Curb, No Problem? Breaking Down the Real Cost Difference
Are you trying to figure out if a curbless shower is worth the extra cost, or if a traditional shower makes more sense for your bathroom? Are you wondering why the price gap between these two options can swing by thousands?
In this guide, you’ll learn the real curbless shower cost vs. regular shower cost, including price ranges, what drives those costs, and how each option impacts your bathroom remodels.
By the end, you’ll know which option is the right choice for your shower remodel.
What Is a Curbless Shower?
A curbless shower removes the raised threshold, allowing a seamless walk-in design that creates an open, modern look. It requires a sloped floor, recessed base, and full waterproofing to control water flow across the space. Installation often involves subfloor or concrete modifications, which can increase project cost.
Curbless Shower Cost vs. Regular Shower Cost
Curbless showers cost $16,000 to $35,000 and higher, depending mainly on the quality of the remodel.
Traditional showers range from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on customization, though prefab options can cost $3,000 to $6,000 installed.
Northbuilt Construction regularly crafts high-end showers as part of our shower remodeling service, with prices ranging from $16,000 to $25,000 and higher.
Cost Additions Compared to Standard Showers
A curbless shower almost always costs more than a traditional shower.
Typical additional costs include:
- A couple of thousand for minor adjustments in simpler builds.
- Several thousand for full structural and drainage work.
That added cost comes from the need to modify the shower floor, install linear drains, and extend waterproofing across the entire bathroom floor.
What does a full bathroom remodel cost?
Key Cost Drivers
Several factors push the curbless shower cost higher:
- Floor structure changes to allow proper slope.
- Specialized drainage systems, such as linear drains.
- Expanded waterproofing to prevent water damage.
- More complex tile installation across a larger shower zone.
- Custom glass panels or doors to control splash.
Northbuilt Construction specializes in bathroom remodels, which allows us to handle these details efficiently—but the complexity still impacts overall cost. Check out this bathroom remodel with curbless shower in Denver that we did.
Cost of a Regular (Curbed) Shower
Basic and Prefabricated Curbed Shower Cost
Prefabricated shower systems typically cost between $3,000 and $6,000 installed, while a basic curbed shower can fall closer to $2,500–$5,000.
These options rely on simpler construction methods and don’t require major modifications to your bathroom floor, which helps keep both labor and material costs down.
Mid-Range Custom Curbed Shower Cost
You can expect costs between $6,000 and $11,000, which usually includes tile work, a properly installed shower pan, waterproofing, and standard plumbing.
At this level, you can still achieve a clean, modern look—it just includes a visible shower curb rather than a flush, zero-entry design.
High-End Custom Curbed Shower Cost
High-end custom showers typically range from $14,000 to $50,000+, depending on layout changes, premium tile, glass features, and upgraded fixtures.
At this level, the gap between a curbed shower and a curbless shower starts to narrow, but the added complexity of a curbless design still keeps it on the higher end.
Contact us about your shower remodel.
Shower Installation Cost Differences
Labor Complexity
A curbless shower takes significantly more labor than a traditional shower.
Why?
- The slope must be precise so water drains correctly.
- Waterproofing must cover a larger area.
- Tile installation must be perfectly aligned across the entire space.
A standard shower uses simpler construction, making it faster and less expensive to install.
Structural Modifications
This is the biggest cost difference.
Curbless showers often require:
- Lowering the shower floor.
- Adjusting joists or subfloor.
- Reworking drainage and plumbing.
Curbed showers, on the other hand, typically sit on top of the existing floor with a raised threshold, avoiding these costly changes.
Waterproofing Requirements
With a curbless design, waterproofing extends beyond the shower area into the entire bathroom. That means more materials and labor, and a higher risk if done incorrectly.
Poor waterproofing can lead to costly repairs from water damage, which is why precision matters here.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Curbless Shower?
A professional should be able to install a curbless shower in 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity and scope.
Curbless showers involve:
- Floor structure modifications.
- Drainage planning and slope testing.
- More detailed waterproofing.
Northbuilt Construction can do full shower remodels in 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the scope of the project.
Factors That Affect Both Curbless and Regular Shower Costs
Shower Size
Larger shower spaces require more tile, more labor, and more time to install, which drives up the overall price.
With a curbless shower, this effect is even more noticeable because a bigger footprint means more of the bathroom floor may need to be waterproofed, not just the shower area.
Materials and Finishes
Upgrading from standard tile to natural stone, choosing frameless glass panels instead of a simple shower curtain, or selecting higher-end fixtures can quickly push your project into the $20,000+ range.
Plumbing and Layout Changes
Any time you move plumbing, your cost increases—sometimes significantly.
Relocating the shower drain, adjusting water lines, or reconfiguring fixtures requires additional labor and planning.
These changes are common in bathroom remodels, and they’re one of the fastest ways to increase your total investment.
Design Complexity
The more custom your shower design is, the more time and labor it takes to build.
Features like built-in benches, grab bars, multi-head shower systems, and detailed tile layouts all add complexity.
While these upgrades can improve comfort and functionality, they also increase both the cost and the time required to complete your project.
Bathroom shower ideas you’ll need to have.
Northbuilt Construction completes all material selections and project planning before construction begins, so you know exactly how design choices like benches, tile layouts, and upgraded fixtures affect your final cost.
When Each Option Makes Sense
A traditional curb is the better option if:
- You want a lower cost.
- You prefer simpler construction.
- Your floor structure can’t easily be modified.
A curbless shower makes sense if:
- You want improved accessibility and universal design.
- You’re building a modern, open bathroom.
- You’re already planning a full remodel of the entire bathroom.
For many homeowners, the decision comes down to balancing budget with style and long-term functionality—especially when considering a curbless layout that transforms the entire room.
Step Over the Curb—or Skip It Entirely—with Northbuilt Construction
When you’re weighing a curbless shower vs. a traditional shower, the decision comes down to balancing cost, complexity, and the kind of space you want to live in every day.
Northbuilt Construction can guide you through that process with a clear plan, accurate pricing, and a bathroom remodel designed around your goals and layout.
Let’s talk through your project and help you decide whether a curbless or curbed shower is the right fit for your home.
Fill out our contact form today or give us a call.
