5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Curbless Showers (Before You Jump In)

Luxury Curbless Shower Remodels in Edmonds

Thinking about a curbless shower? Discover 5 must-know tips for luxury bathroom remodels in Edmonds, Snohomish & Mill Creek. Plan smart, remodel better.

Curbless showers are one of those design elements that feel both modern and timeless. They’re sleek, they’re spa-like, and they instantly elevate a bathroom from “nice” to “luxury.”

But here’s the truth: a curbless shower isn’t just about ripping out the curb and calling it good. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes planning (and math) that goes into making it work and making it look flawless. If you’re in Edmonds, Snohomish, Mill Creek, or Woodway and thinking about adding one, here are the five things you need to know.

1. They Look Effortless - But Take a Lot of Math

From the outside, a curbless shower looks simple. No threshold, no awkward transitions, just a clean flow from your bathroom floor straight into your shower. But behind the scenes, it’s all about slope, tile thickness, floor leveling, and drain placement.

You can’t just “eyeball it” trust me. If your floor is even slightly out of level (and most are), you could end up with water flowing in places it definitely doesn’t belong. Getting that seamless look requires planning every layer: subfloor, self-leveler, uncoupling membrane, tile, thinset… all the way down to the 1/16th of an inch.

This is why curbless showers are best left to pros who geek out over laser levels, slope math, and joist modifications. (Yes, I’m raising my hand here.)

2. Luxury Design Meets Accessibility

A curbless shower started as an aging-in-place idea - no step means easier access for anyone with mobility concerns. But it quickly became a luxury design trend because of how clean and open it looks.

💡 Pro Tip: Think About Aging in Place

Even if you’re not planning for accessibility today, it’s worth considering. A curbless shower not only gives your bathroom a modern, spa-like feel, but it can also make your home more marketable and comfortable as you (and your guests) age. In Edmonds and Snohomish, we’re seeing more homeowners combine luxury upgrades with long-term practicality.

In the Edmonds and Snohomish area, more homeowners are looking to stay in their homes long term, which makes these showers a smart investment. They check both boxes: function (safe, accessible, ADA-friendly) and form (modern, spa-like, and high-end).

It’s one of those rare upgrades that feels like a design splurge while also being practical.

3. Picking the Right Materials is Key

Not all shower systems are created equal. For curbless showers, the prefab pans and waterproofing systems you choose will make or break your project.

• Schluter: Known for their KERDI pans and DITRA membranes, they offer reliable systems specifically designed for curbless installs.

• Hydro Block: A favorite in the Pacific Northwest, with low-profile pans that simplify height transitions.

Tile choice matters, too. Large-format porcelain can look sleek, while 2x2 mosaics offer more grip and flexibility in slope. And don’t forget: natural stone often needs extra support underneath to prevent cracking.

Bottom line: you want materials that are engineered for this type of project, not whatever happens to be on sale at the big box store.

4. Mistakes Here = Expensive Fixes Later

Here’s where I get blunt: a poorly done curbless shower is a nightmare.

Cutting into floor joists is the wrong way? You’re risking structural issues. Forgetting to calculate slope properly? You’re inviting water damage. Slapping in a transition strip instead of solving the height differences? You’ve just killed the luxury look you were after.

🚫 Homeowner Mistake to Avoid: Picking the Wrong Contractor

A curbless shower isn’t a beginner-level project. If your contractor hasn’t done one before, you don’t want to be their first test run. Ask to see examples of past projects. Ask how they handle slope math and waterproofing systems. A true pro will light up talking about details most homeowners never think about, and that’s exactly who you want in your corner.

I’ve seen too many projects where homeowners (or inexperienced contractors) tried to shortcut the process, only to end up spending double to fix it later. If you’re investing in a high-end bathroom remodel, this is one area where you want experience on your side.

5. It’s Worth It - With the Right Team

When it’s done right, a curbless shower transforms your bathroom into something special. It feels bigger, more open, and instantly more luxurious. It adds value to your home. And most importantly, it makes your daily routine feel like stepping into a spa.

Yes, it takes planning. Yes, it takes math. But if you’ve been dreaming of a seamless, modern, spa-like bathroom, a curbless shower is absolutely worth it.

Ready to Talk About Your Remodel?

If you’re in Edmonds, Snohomish, Mill Creek, or Woodway and thinking about upgrading your bathroom, especially if you’ve got your heart set on a curbless shower, let’s talk.

We don’t do cookie-cutter remodels. We focus on luxury design with intention. Book a design consultation with Plumb Perfect Builders and let’s map out your vision (math included).