Zero-threshold showers built with Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, linear drains, and precision slope work. Dedicated crew from start to finish. Done right.
A curbless shower, also called a zero-threshold, barrier-free, or zero-entry shower, is a walk-in shower with no raised lip or curb at the entrance. The bathroom floor transitions seamlessly into the shower area, with a gentle slope directing water toward a linear or point drain.
Unlike a standard curbed shower where a 3- to 6-inch raised edge separates the wet and dry zones, a curbless design eliminates that barrier entirely. The result is a cleaner visual line, a more spacious feel, and a shower that is accessible to everyone, from young families to homeowners planning to age in place.
Curbless showers have become one of the most requested features in Toronto bathroom renovations, and for good reason. They combine the open, spa-like aesthetic that homeowners want with the accessibility and low-maintenance practicality that makes long-term sense. But they also demand a higher standard of construction, particularly when it comes to waterproofing and drainage. That is exactly where the quality of the installation matters most.
Our commitment to you: Every curbless shower we build uses the full Schluter Kerdi waterproofing system: bonded membrane, sealed corners, linear drain integration, and flood-tested before a single tile goes down. This is our standard on every project, not an optional upgrade.
The most practical reason to go curbless is access. A zero-threshold entry means no step to navigate. This matters if you have limited mobility, use a walker or wheelchair, or simply want a shower that works safely for every member of your household. Many of our clients in Etobicoke and Toronto are renovating main-floor bathrooms specifically to create barrier-free spaces for aging in place.
Removing the curb eliminates one of the strongest visual dividers in a bathroom. When the floor tile runs continuously from the vanity area right into the shower, the entire room reads as one uninterrupted space. A 5x8 bathroom can feel noticeably more open.
Curbless showers pair naturally with the finishes that define modern bathroom aesthetics: large-format porcelain tile, frameless glass panels, linear drains with tile-insert covers, recessed niches with LED lighting, and wall-mounted fixtures. The absence of a curb lets these details speak for themselves.
Without a curb to collect soap residue or trap moisture in corners, the shower floor is easier to keep clean. Water flows in one direction toward the drain, and the open design improves airflow, reducing the conditions that lead to mould and mildew.
Waterproofing is the foundation of every curbless shower we build. Without a curb to act as a physical water barrier, the slope, drain, and waterproofing system carry the full responsibility of containing water within the shower area. When these elements are executed with precision, a curbless shower performs flawlessly for decades. When they are not, moisture finds its way into the subfloor and framing long before it becomes visible.
We use the Schluter Kerdi system on every curbless shower installation: a fully bonded waterproofing membrane applied to all walls and the shower floor, Kerdi-Band sealed at every seam, corner, and pipe penetration, and an integrated linear drain connection. Before any tile is installed, we flood-test the completed assembly to confirm the waterproofing holds without any loss. This is our process on every project.
Applied to all shower walls and the bathroom floor, the Kerdi membrane creates a continuous, bonded waterproof barrier. Every seam is overlapped and sealed with Kerdi-Band, including corners and pipe penetrations. The result is a fully closed system with no pathways for moisture to reach the structure beneath.
The shower floor is formed with a precise slope, minimum 1/4" per foot, directing all water toward the drain. For curbless designs, the shower footprint is recessed below the surrounding floor so the transition remains flush. The Schluter shower tray provides a code-compliant, pre-sloped base that integrates directly with the Kerdi membrane.
Linear drains allow a single-plane slope, resulting in cleaner tile layouts, the ability to use large-format tiles on the shower floor, and a more refined finished look. We position the drain at the wall or threshold line for maximum water capture and a seamless aesthetic.
Outside the shower area, the bathroom floor is protected with Schluter DITRA, a waterproof uncoupling membrane that prevents cracked tile and grout over time. In a curbless bathroom where the floor transitions directly from wet to dry zones, this protection extends the life of the entire floor installation.
Before any tile goes down, we plug the drain, fill the shower pan with water, and verify that the waterproofing assembly holds without loss over a set period. If it does not pass, we fix it and test again. Tiling begins only after the system is confirmed watertight. This step is built into every project we complete.
This photo shows the full waterproofing system in progress: Schluter DITRA on the floor, DensShield tile backer on the walls, Kerdi-Band sealing all seams, bench framing, and the linear drain channel in place. Everything you see here is what guarantees the finished shower performs the way it should for years to come.
Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers the waterproofing system. If anything fails due to how the work was done, we come back and make it right. That is the confidence we have in the process and the system we use.
A curbless shower demands more precision than a standard curbed build. Removing the curb means every other element, slope, waterproofing, drainage, and glass alignment, has to be executed with greater care. Here is how we approach it, step by step.
We assess your bathroom layout, discuss your design preferences, review any accessibility requirements, and take precise measurements. You receive a fixed-price quote with no surprises during the project.
The old bathroom is carefully removed. For curbless showers, the subfloor in the shower area is recessed between joists to accommodate the slope and waterproofing assembly while keeping the finished floor flush with the rest of the bathroom.
The linear drain is positioned and plumbing connections are made. Drain location is planned based on shower size, glass placement, and slope direction to ensure optimal water capture.
The shower pan is sloped at the required minimum of 1/4" per foot toward the drain. The Schluter Kerdi membrane, Kerdi-Band, and corner seals are applied to create a continuous, bonded waterproof assembly. DITRA is installed on the bathroom floor outside the shower.
The completed waterproofing assembly is flood-tested before any tile is installed. We do not proceed until the system holds without water loss.
Wall tile, shower floor tile, and bathroom floor tile are installed with precision cuts, Schluter edge trim, and consistent grout joints. Large-format tiles are used where the single-plane slope allows; mosaics are used where four-way slopes require them.
Frameless or semi-frameless glass is fitted, fixtures are installed, and silicone sealant is applied at all glass-to-tile junctions. Final cleaning, walkthrough, and handoff with your 2-year workmanship warranty.
These are real projects completed by our in-house team. Every element from demolition through final walkthrough was handled by the same dedicated crew.
Curbless entry with frameless glass, zero trip hazards
Schluter DITRA membrane + linear drain
Full waterproofing system, walls and floor
Linear drain with non-slip hex mosaic floor
Small bathroom, curbless opens the space
Built-in bench for comfort and safety
Black-frame glass enclosure with curbless entry
Full bathroom transformation, before and after
Bathroom falls are one of the leading causes of injury at home, especially for adults over 65. Every curbless shower we install is designed to reduce that risk, not just today but for the life of the bathroom.
No curb to step over means no tripping hazard at the shower entrance. The floor transitions seamlessly, making the shower accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, and anyone with balance concerns.
We use mosaic and textured porcelain on shower floors that meet slip-resistance standards. The grout lines in mosaic tile add natural traction underfoot. Function and design working together.
Tiled benches provide a place to sit while showering and can support grab bars. We build them into the waterproofing system so they are structurally sound, not afterthought accessories bolted to tile.
Proper slope and drain placement prevent water from pooling on the bathroom floor. Our flood-tested installations ensure water goes where it should, every time, without fail.
We install blocking behind tile walls during construction so grab bars can be added now or later without tearing into finished walls. Planning ahead costs almost nothing; retrofitting costs plenty.
Mould and mildew behind walls are invisible hazards. The Kerdi membrane system creates a bonded waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the structure, protecting both your home and your health.
Not every bathroom needs, or should have, a curbless shower. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide which approach makes sense for your situation.
You want barrier-free accessibility for aging in place or mobility needs. You want the bathroom to feel as open and spacious as possible. You prefer a modern, seamless design with large-format tile or continuous flooring. You are doing a full bathroom renovation and the budget supports the additional precision work involved.
You need straightforward water containment, especially in a family bathroom with young children. Your subfloor structure makes recessing difficult or cost-prohibitive. You want to keep costs lower on the shower component and invest more in other areas of the renovation. You are converting a tub alcove and want to maintain the existing plumbing footprint with minimal structural changes.
Our recommendation: If you are renovating the entire bathroom and plan to stay in your home long-term, a curbless shower is almost always worth the investment. It future-proofs the space, increases perceived value, and creates a more functional bathroom for every stage of life. If you are doing a targeted tub-to-shower conversion with a tighter budget, a low-profile curbed shower with proper Schluter Kerdi waterproofing is equally well-built and built to last.
This is a question we get often, and we want to be straightforward: in most Toronto condos, a true curbless shower is not possible. The reason comes down to the building structure itself.
Condo buildings use concrete slab floors. To create a curbless shower, you need to recess the shower footprint below the surrounding floor level so the slope and drain assembly sit flush. In a house with a wood-framed floor, this means modifying the subfloor between joists, which is manageable with the right crew. In a condo, it would mean chipping into the concrete slab, which raises serious structural liability concerns. Most condo boards explicitly prohibit this, because the slab is a shared structural element that affects the unit below.
That does not mean you are stuck with a dated bathroom. For condo renovations, we build walk-in showers with a low-profile curb (as low as 2 inches) combined with full Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, quality tile, and frameless glass. The result still looks modern and feels open. If you are planning a condo bathroom renovation, we can walk you through what is realistically achievable in your building during a consultation.
Curbless shower installations in Toronto typically start at $13,000 and can range up to $22,000 or more depending on shower size, tile selection, drain type, glass enclosure, and the extent of subfloor modifications required. The additional cost over a standard curbed shower comes from the precision slope work, linear drain, and expanded waterproofing coverage needed for a zero-threshold design. We provide a fixed-price quote during your in-home consultation so there are no surprises.
Yes. Most Toronto homes have wood-framed floors, and curbless showers can be successfully installed by recessing the shower footprint between joists to accommodate the slope and waterproofing assembly. Systems like the Schluter Kerdi shower tray simplify this process with pre-sloped, code-compliant bases that integrate directly with the waterproofing membrane.
Not when installed correctly. Proper floor slope (minimum 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain), a correctly positioned linear drain, and appropriate glass enclosure placement all work together to contain water within the shower area. The precision of the slope-forming and waterproofing stage is what makes the difference, which is why we flood-test every installation before tiling begins.
Linear drains (such as the Schluter Kerdi-LINE) are the preferred choice for curbless showers. They allow the floor to slope in a single direction rather than four directions toward a centre point, which simplifies the tile layout, enables the use of large-format tiles, and creates a cleaner finished look. Point drains work well with mosaic tiles but require a four-way slope that can limit your tile size options.
In most Toronto condos, a true curbless shower is not feasible. Condo buildings use concrete slab floors, and creating a zero-threshold shower requires recessing the shower footprint into the slab, which most condo boards prohibit due to structural liability concerns affecting the unit below. Instead, we build modern walk-in showers with a low-profile curb (as low as 2 inches), full Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, and frameless glass, achieving a similar open, contemporary feel without compromising the building structure.
A complete curbless shower installation typically takes 7 to 14 working days from demolition to final walkthrough. The timeline includes demolition, plumbing rough-in, subfloor modification, waterproofing and flood testing, tile installation, glass enclosure fitting, and fixture installation. Our dedicated in-house crew stays with your project from start to finish, so there are no delays from juggling multiple jobs.
Book a free in-home consultation. We will assess your bathroom, discuss your design goals, and provide a fixed-price quote with no obligation.
Get a Free Estimate or call 416-220-6423