Let's face it: We spend a lot of time in our showers. Whether you're a night shower person who likes to get fresh for bed and relax a bit before lights out, or a morning shower person who likes to wake up briskly and get ready for the day (or even if you're a shower escapist, seeking refuge from the world in a warm private space); one thing is sure: you're probably in the shower every single day of your life.
Walk-In, Curbless or Italian: What's The Difference?
Walk-in showers, curbless showers, and Italian showers are all terms that can be used to describe a type of shower that does not have a traditional bathtub-style basin and instead has a flat, minimally sloped floor that allows for easy access. While these terms can be used interchangeably to some extent, there are some subtle differences in their meaning:
Walk-in Shower: This is a general term that can refer to any shower that has an entryway that you can simply walk into, as opposed to needing to step up and over a traditional bathtub-style basin. Walk-in showers can be any size or shape, and may or may not have any kind of curb or lip at the entrance.
Curbless Shower: This term specifically refers to a shower that has a completely flat, level floor with no curb or lip at the entrance. This allows for easy access and eliminates any tripping hazard or barrier to entry, making it a popular choice for people with mobility issues or those who simply prefer the aesthetics of a flat floor.
Italian Shower: This term is often used in Europe to describe a type of shower that is similar to a curbless shower, but with some additional design features. Italian showers often have a sleek, minimalist design and may incorporate elements like a frameless glass enclosure, a rain showerhead, or other high-end features.
While these terms may be used to describe slightly different variations on the same basic idea, they all share the same basic features of a shower that is designed for easy access and a modern, streamlined look.
Regular Shower vs Curbless Shower: What's The Difference?
As I touched on in my outline above, regular shower typically has a raised threshold or curb at the base to contain the water within the shower area. In most homes, the standard shower is actually a shower in a bathtub.
In contrast, a curbless shower has no raised threshold or curb, and the floor of the shower is flush with the bathroom floor.
Benefits Of Curbless Shower?
One advantage of a curbless shower is that it can be easier to access for people with mobility issues, such as those who use wheelchairs or walkers. It also has a more streamlined and modern appearance.
Drawbacks Of Curbless Shower?
However, curbless showers require careful waterproofing and sloping of the floor to ensure that water drains properly, and they may require a more expensive drain system to prevent water from seeping outside the shower area.
Do Curbless Showers Cost More Than Traditional Showers?
In terms of cost, a curbless shower can be more expensive to install than a regular shower because it requires additional labor and materials for proper waterproofing and sloping of the shower floor. Additionally, a more advanced drain system may be necessary to accommodate the larger volume of water that can accumulate in a curbless shower. However, the exact cost difference will depend on factors such as the size and complexity of the shower.
If you have any questions about which shower might be best for your bathroom, or to find out what it might cost to renovate your shower, do not hesitate to reach out to me, as it would be my pleasure to help you.
Montreal Contractors is a qualified company, holding an active bonded license as a General Contractor and Specialized Contractor with the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ License: 5767-5480-01), ASP Health & Safety Certification and a $2M liability policy. Our employees have all passed background checks, are registered with CNESST and have their ASP Health and Safety certification.