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celestesloane

Curbless Shower Expansion on Post-Tension Slab

last month
last modified: last month

Dimensions & Existing Conditions:

This is a new-build home and we’re planning a primary bath remodel.The primary bath has 10 ft ceilings and overall dimensions of 13'7" x 16'0". The existing shower is already curbless, measuring 4'1" x 5'8". The home is on a post-tension slab, and we are intentionally avoiding any slab disturbance.

Layout Concepts Under Consideration:

-Enclosing the existing tub and curbless shower within a floor-to-ceiling glass envelope to create a unified wet room, or

-Removing the tub (rarely used) and converting that footprint into an expanded / secondary shower zone

We are currently leaning toward a center-placed glass door with fixed panels and minimal framing, but are open to more refined solutions.

Design Priorities:

Maintain a true curbless shower (aging-in-place focused)

Floor-to-ceiling glazing to take advantage of the 10 ft ceiling height

Relocate shower controls to a centered location on the exterior wall, accessible to both zones

Clean sightlines, minimal visual interruption, and long-term functionality

Primary Question:

Given post-tension slab constraints, which layout strategy is the most appropriate from a design, constructability, and longevity standpoint?


Comments (10)

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    A curbless shower isn't just a shower without a curb. The entire area has to be excavated so it can be built back up to slope properly to a drain. You cannot excavate in a cost effective manner on a post tensioned slab. So, this is not going to happen. Not without X-raying the slab Before, During, During, During, and After, so you can excavate the whole enire shower area to have proper slope to the drain. Add 40K to your 100K project, mimum.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    If your shower is curbless on a slab, then I would assume they did something similar to our shower construction on a slab. You would need to excavate the slab to increase the shower size.

    We don't know your needs or budget, it might be worth it or it might not.

    See the two "holes" in the slab with red arrows? The shower areas are framed out so you have them end up around 5" below the main slab floor when the cement is poured. When the shower is finished it is curb free and level with the rest of the floor.

    In the photo they have water in them due to rain during construction.


  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Rambling thoughts:

    - You'll find that this board is rather universally against wet rooms; the reality doesn't live up to the hype.

    - If you're not tub users, that's a lot of space you can use for something else.

    - You're talking about a lot of shower glass to keep clean. Do consider that lots of glass means that all your stuff is on display -- your ugly shampoo bottles, wet wash cloths, etc.

    - Do consider niches or a ledge to store this stuff.

    - Don't discount the idea of a shower curtain instead of all that glass. A floor-to-ceiling shower curtain looks nothing like its 72x72 Walmart counterparts, and it is highly functional -- allows a large entry area and lets you reach towels from either side of the shower.

    - On that subject, we've seen too many showers on this board with hinged doors that "cover up" the towel bars /prevent users from reaching the dry towel.

    - A curbless shower requires quite a bit of space /engineering, and many plumbers aren't up to the task. We've seldom on this board read about a curbless shower that met expectations. Consider instead a minimal curb -- that's only 2".

    - Consider moving the shower to the toilet in a closet's current location -- the shower doesn't need a window anyway.

    - Toilets in closets are dark, unwelcoming and can be difficult for aging-in-place.

    - Consider a Toto Washlet (or similar product). Assuming reduced mobility in future years -- sorry, I'm being disgusting here -- it'll make wiping easier. This will require an electrical outlet behind your toilet.

    - Consider that you will likely need a bit of storage next to the toilet. My grandparents, then my stepfather did, and that's quite common: medicines, a mirror and hooks for a colostomy bag, possibly adult diapers (maybe even just for going out -- but they'll require space and space at the toilet will be more convenient for you). I don't know what medical issues will befall you as you age, but I am sure storage at the toilet will be helpful for many different issues.

    - Duplicate sinks are not really a plus. Consider, instead, one nicely-appointed sink + a large bank of drawers for each spouse.

    - Will you have a hamper in this bathroom? Where's your trash can?

    - Standard things you want to consider for aging-in-place: Go ahead and place grab bars now /before you need them. Consider sheet vinyl instead of tile -- it's softer underfoot and more friendly if you should fall; it's also more waterproof than tile, as it has no grout. Consider a full body dryer -- it might not replace towels, but it will make drying off easier. Think about a night-light that'll let you avoid turning on the main light during the night.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Count me among those who, having experienced a wet room in the wild, would not want one in their home.

    "Do consider that lots of glass means that all your stuff is on display -- your ugly shampoo bottles, wet wash cloths, etc."

    On display to whom? Who is wandering into someone else's primary bathroom, and why would anyone care whether or not they see a shampoo bottle, a bar of soap, or a back scrubber? Do these phantom people not wash themselves at home? Would they be horrified to know you use a washcloth? If you don't like the bottle your shampoo comes in, you can decant it into a bottle that meets your standards of beauty for shower products.

    Now, keeping glass sparking clean takes a bit of work, and that is worth considering. Planning ahead can help reduce the amount of work it will take to keep soap scum at bay, but it's unlikely to eliminate the work altogether.

    I keep a squeegee in my shower, along with my hideous shampoo, conditioner, and bath soap, my revolting razor, and my repellent back scrubber. So far my dog still likes me. But then, she doesn't judge things on appearances. We could all learn from her.

    I would love to have had a shower curtain instead of glass, but that would have turned my bathroom into a wet room whether I liked it or not. I do use a curtain in the tub-shower combo in my guest bathroom.

  • PRO
    last month

    I wouldn't dream of touching this project. There is far too much risk and cost. No contractor can charge enough to assume that risk. And no homeowner would pay it.

  • 29 days ago

    On display to whom?

    On display to me, myself. I don't want to spend $$$$$ on a lovely bathroom, then have a purple squirt-top shampoo bottle junking it up.

    Yes, decanting products is an option -- if you're the person who will actually do that.

  • 29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago

    I designed the showers in my house so I don't see the bath products, scrub brush, squeegee, etc. They are hidden behind a wing or pony wall. Love that all I see when I look into my showers is the pretty tile, I spent lots of time picking out, behind the glass panels/doors!

    Has nothing to do with judging on appearance ... just individual preference on how we like a space to look and feel .

  • 29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago

    My bath products are in a niche in the wall opposite the shower-head. Most of the time I don't see them unless I'm actually in the shower. I, too, see the the pretty tile that I spent lots of time picking out. And if I do notice my bath products? Well, I don't happen to think they're ugly. But we each have our own tolerance for visual clutter. Mine is fairly low, though apparently not as low as Theresa's (or Patricia Colwell's, if I recall correctly). À chacun son goût.

    None of this helps celestesloane with her original query, alas. Sorry, Celeste!

  • 29 days ago

    Thanks everyone for the responses. Seems like I'll need to rethink the project. Appreciate the information...always learning something.

  • 29 days ago

    Best of luck!

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