Shower WITH or WITHOUT retaining threshold
Before deciding whether to keep it or eliminate it, let’s first understand the definition of a shower threshold. Also called a curb, it’s the junction between the shower floor and the bathroom floor.
Its main role is to contain water inside the shower, preventing it from flowing onto the bathroom floor. It’s usually installed on this threshold, ensuring a good seal.
In other words, the shower threshold acts as a small barrier to keep water where it belongs. Whether or not you include it in your renovation project will depend on your design preferences, but also on the functionality you’re looking for.
The shower threshold and drain
Shower Threshold: Dimensions and Options
The shower threshold generally has a minimum dimension of approximately 3 inches high by 4 inches wide. It is usually covered with ceramic, granite, marble, or quartz, for a finish that matches the style of the bathroom.
With a threshold, you can choose to install the shower with two different types of drains: the standard drain or the linear drain.
Standard Drain vs. Linear Drain
Standard Drain
Drainage: The standard drain is the most economical. It is generally placed in the center of the shower and requires four slopes for water to flow towards it.
Tiling: Due to these four slopes, mosaic or small-format tiles must be used so that the covering can fit the floor.
Linear Drain
Design: The linear drain is a more modern and aesthetic option. It is most often installed along a wall, which allows for a single slope for water drainage.
Tiling: With a single slope, you can install large ceramic tiles, ideally the same as those used in the rest of the bathroom. This creates a clean look and visual continuity that expands the space.
Cost: Note that linear drains are more expensive. You must allow for an additional cost, depending on their length.
Italian shower without retaining threshold
The Italian Shower: A Threshold-Free Aesthetic
A walk-in shower is a shower that has no threshold to retain water. The question that often arises is: how can you ensure that water doesn’t spill onto the rest of the floor?
To achieve this, sophisticated drainage systems are used, often with a linear drain like the one seen in the photos. This type of drain allows for a single, one-way flow slope. This technique not only ensures efficient drainage, but also maintains the visual continuity of the floor by using large tiles that extend from the bathroom to the shower.
Installation Options
To install a threshold-free shower, you must always create a sufficient flow slope towards the drain. There are two main options for this:
Recessed into the structure: The floor joists can be notched and reinforced to accommodate the shower base. This method is ideal for new construction.
Raising the Floor:
Another option is to raise the entire bathroom floor around the shower to create the necessary slope.It’s important to note that this type of shower, while very aesthetic, is more expensive. The additional materials and labor required result in additional costs compared to a shower with a curb.
Waterproofing: A Top Priority
The waterproofing of a curbless shower is crucial. We therefore recommend working with an integrated and certified system. We exclusively use Schluter System products. Their shower bases, membranes, and drains are designed to work together to provide a perfect, guaranteed waterproof seal.
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