Shower Curb, Threshold, or No Threshold: Which One Is Right for Your Bathroom Remodel?

When planning a bathroom remodel, the shower design always takes center stage. Tile, fixtures, and glass get all the glory—but the small detail that makes a huge difference is the shower entry.

Should you go with a traditional curb, a low threshold, or go fully curbless?
Each option impacts your bathroom’s style, function, and budget in different ways. Let’s pull back the curtain and break it down.

Key Takeaways

• Curb: Most affordable, reliable for water control, fits standard doors, but adds a step and extra cleaning.

• Low Threshold: Easier entry, good splash protection, sleek look, but not fully wheelchair accessible.

• Curbless: Seamless, modern, and ADA-friendly—but higher cost and requires precise slope and waterproofing.

• Budget tiers: Curb = lowest cost, Threshold = mid-range, Curbless = highest due to drainage work.

• For Rossmoor or aging-in-place remodels, curbless and low-threshold showers are safest and often easiest to approve.

• This no-threshold shower blends seamlessly into the bathroom floor, creating a clean, modern look. Paired with a freestanding tub, it’s both stylish and practical, making the space feel larger and more accessible.
  
  Shower Curb: The Classic Choice

  A shower curb is the raised edge—usually 3 to 6 inches tall—at the shower entrance. It’s the most common setup, especially in older East Bay homes.

  If you’ve read our Complete Bathroom Remodel Guide for Bay Area Homes, you know curbed showers dominated for decades—but modern options are quickly catching up.

  Pros

  • Keeps water neatly inside the shower.

  • Works with almost all glass enclosures.

  • Budget-friendly and simple to install.

  Cons

  • Can be a tripping hazard for kids, older adults, or anyone with mobility challenges.

  • Collects soap scum along edges and grout lines.

  • Lacks the sleek look of a curbless design.

  Best for: Homeowners who want a tried-and-true layout that balances cost, simplicity, and reliability.

  ???? Pro Tip: Combine your curb shower with timeless details—like Subway Tile – The Classic Choice—to blend traditional style with easy maintenance.A standard shower curb is the classic choice for most bathrooms. It provides a clear boundary between the shower and bathroom floor, helping to keep water contained. This remodel features marble tile and a frameless glass enclosure, combining traditional function with modern style. 

  Low Threshold: The In-Between Option

  A low threshold sits just an inch or two above the floor—low enough for easier entry, but still tall enough to keep water in.

  This style fits beautifully in modern bathrooms that pair minimalist tile with upgraded Bathroom Mirrors and Lighting.

  Pros

  • Easier to step over than a standard curb.

  • Keeps most water contained.

  • Works with sliding or hinged glass panels.

  Cons

  • Still a small barrier for wheelchairs or walkers.

  • Not as seamless as a full curbless entry.

  Best for: Families who want a modern, safe, and affordable update with subtle accessibility benefits.

•  Inspiration: This low-threshold shower keeps a streamlined look with pebble tile flooring for traction, paired with a frameless glass enclosure for a clean, open feel.This low-threshold shower keeps a modern, streamlined feel while offering just a subtle step up from the bathroom floor. The pebble tile adds natural texture and slip resistance, while the frameless glass enclosure and built-in bench make the space feel both elegant and functional. 

  Curbless Shower: Sleek, Seamless, and Accessible

  Also called zero-threshold, this design removes the step entirely. The bathroom floor flows right into the shower, with a subtle slope toward a linear drain.

  Curbless showers are increasingly popular in both luxury and accessibility remodels across the Bay Area—especially for homeowners in Rossmoor planning to age in place.

  Pros

  • Clean, modern, and spa-like design.

  • Fully accessible for all mobility levels.

  • Makes small bathrooms feel larger and more open.

  • Adds long-term resale value.

  Cons

  • Requires expert planning and waterproofing.

  • More expensive due to labor and drainage system design.

  • Needs precise slope and may require a linear drain.

  Best for: Homeowners who want a high-end, accessible shower that feels open and luxurious.

  ✨ Design Note: A curbless shower with Epoxy Grout and large-format tile minimizes grout lines and maximizes water resistance.A curbless shower isn’t just sleek—it’s designed with accessibility in mind. This walk-in shower combines decorative tile insets with ADA-compliant grab bars, proving that function and style can work hand in hand. 

  How to Decide: Key Factors to Weigh

  1. Budget

     • Curb: Most affordable.

     • Threshold: Mid-range.

     • Curbless: Highest cost, but delivers accessibility and long-term value.

  2. Accessibility

     • Curbless or low-threshold showers are ideal for Rossmoor remodels or aging-in-place plans.

     • Learn more in Bath Tub Basics: Finding the Perfect Tub for Your Home.

  3. Maintenance

     • Curbs = more corners to clean.

     • Thresholds = simpler upkeep.

     • Curbless = easiest to maintain, provided drainage is well-designed.

  4. Resale Value

     • Modern buyers love curbless showers—they signal style, accessibility, and thoughtful design.

     • The same appeal as Smart Bathroom Technology: innovation that adds comfort and value.

  Real-World Example: A Rossmoor Remodel

  We recently helped a Rossmoor homeowner replace an outdated, high-curb shower that had become unsafe. Our team installed a curbless entry with a linear drain and oversized porcelain tiles for a seamless, slip-resistant surface.

  The result? A space that feels twice as large, safer for daily use, and easier to maintain.

  ???? “It’s these little design decisions—like your shower entry—that turn a remodel from good to great.”

  Visualizing the Difference

  Type	Entry Height	Water Control	Accessibility	Cost	Maintenance
  Curb	3–6 in.	Excellent	Low	$	Harder to clean
  Low Threshold	1–2 in.	Good	Moderate	$$	Easier
  Curbless	0 in.	Requires precise slope	High	$$$	Easiest

  Permits & Planning in Rossmoor and Walnut Creek

  ✨ Pro Tip: If you live in Rossmoor, remember you’ll need approval from both the City of Walnut Creek and your Mutual. Accessibility upgrades like curbless showers are encouraged, but paperwork and inspection timing can extend your timeline.

  Toupin Construction manages the entire process—from slope feasibility to permit submittals—so you can focus on design decisions instead of red tape.This close-up view shows the smooth, barrier-free transition of a no-threshold shower. The seamless tile layout flows directly from the bathroom floor into the shower, creating a clean, modern look while improving accessibility and safety. 

  FAQ

  Q: How much does each option cost?
  Curb = lowest cost. Low threshold = mid-range. Curbless = highest due to floor slope and waterproofing. Request a detailed estimate including drain type and tile labor.

  Q: Do I need permits in Rossmoor or Walnut Creek for a curbless shower?
  Yes. Both require city and HOA approvals. Accessibility upgrades are encouraged, but start early to avoid delays.

  Q: What’s the best drainage for a curbless shower?
  A linear drain near the wall or entry with a consistent slope to the drain. Always include a full waterproofing system and flood test.

  Q: Will a curbless shower improve resale value?
  Yes. Buyers increasingly view curbless designs as luxury and safety upgrades—similar to smart mirrors or heated floors.

  Q: Can I use a shower door with each type?
  Curb: any door style. Low threshold: sliding or hinged glass panels. Curbless: fixed panels, open design, or minimal splash glass.

  Final Thoughts

  No matter which shower entry you choose, this detail shapes your bathroom’s comfort, maintenance, and long-term safety.

  At Toupin Construction, we’ve helped East Bay homeowners create hundreds of functional, beautiful bathrooms—from traditional curbs to fully curbless spa showers. We’ll guide you through every choice to make sure your remodel fits your lifestyle and future.

  ???? Ready to start your bathroom remodel?
  Contact Toupin Construction for a consultation. We’ll help you pick the right shower design for your space, budget, and goals.