Shower Curbs

A shower curb creates a raised transition between the tiled shower floor and the surrounding bathroom area. It provides a tileable entrance structure and forms part of the shower's wet-area boundary. The curb must be properly integrated with the shower floor, waterproofing, walls, and finished tile assembly.

A tileable shower curb is a preformed or constructed shower entrance designed to receive tile as part of the finished shower assembly. Depending on the product, additional waterproofing or surface preparation can be required before tile installation. Curbs are available in foam and other compatible constructions.

Foam shower curbs are lightweight preformed components designed for compatible tiled shower systems. They provide the structure for a raised shower entrance without requiring a conventional site-built curb. Installation, waterproofing, bonding materials, modification options, and finished tile requirements depend on the specific curb system.

Many foam and other preformed shower curbs can be trimmed to accommodate particular shower openings, but modification requirements vary by manufacturer. Verify where and how the curb can be cut before altering it, particularly when dimensions, waterproofing surfaces, or connections to other shower components could be affected.

Shower curbs must be properly integrated with the waterproofing system used throughout the shower assembly. Some curb materials can be inherently waterproof, while other products require a compatible membrane or additional treatment. Seams, corners, transitions, and penetrations should be treated according to the waterproofing system requirements.

The finished curb surface should provide the drainage characteristics required by the shower system and applicable installation requirements. Depending on the curb, the required geometry can be incorporated into the product or established during installation. Follow the curb, waterproofing, and tile system specifications for the completed surface.

A low-profile shower curb creates a defined raised entrance while using less height than some conventional curb designs. It can provide an alternative when a lower shower transition is desired without creating a fully curbless entrance. Actual finished height depends on the entire floor and tile assembly.

Start with the shower opening, shower base or floor design, and desired finished entrance height. Compare curb dimensions, construction, waterproofing compatibility, tile requirements, and connections to surrounding components. If the curb must be trimmed, verify the manufacturer's permitted modification method before selecting the product.