A curbless (barrier-free) shower has no threshold or step to navigate—the floor transitions seamlessly from bathroom to shower. On Vancouver Island, curbless shower conversions cost $6,000–$12,000 installed, depending on tile selection and drain complexity. RAHA covers up to $20,000 for eligible homeowners. The key to a designer result: linear drains, large-format tile, and coordinated fixtures.
Source: Vancouver Island contractor pricing, 2026.
01 — The Basics
What is a curbless shower?
A curbless shower has zero threshold. The floor is continuous from bathroom to shower, with a gentle slope toward the drain. No step to lift your foot over. No curb to trip on. No barrier between wet and dry zones.
Why it matters for accessibility
- No step to navigate with limited mobility
- Wheelchair and walker accessible
- Eliminates the #1 bathroom fall location (tub edge)
- Easier to clean—no grout lines in curb corners
Why it matters for design
- Spa/hotel aesthetic (not institutional)
- Makes small bathrooms feel larger
- Works with glass panels or open concept
- Increases home resale value as market ages
The spa standard
Every high-end hotel bathroom you've admired probably had a curbless shower. It's not an accessibility accommodation—it's the design standard for luxury bathrooms. You're not compromising aesthetics; you're upgrading to them.
02 — Investment
Vancouver Island costs.
Curbless shower conversions on Vancouver Island range from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on tile selection, drain type, and existing conditions. Here's what drives cost:
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demo & prep | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 |
| Shower pan/base | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Linear drain | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Tile (material) | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Tile installation | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Plumbing | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Grab bars (2-3) | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Bench/seat | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Glass panel/door | $600 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Total | $5,450 | $8,500 | $13,300 |
RAHA Coverage
03 — Components
What makes it work.
A curbless shower isn't just a shower without a curb. The floor structure, waterproofing, and drainage are all different. Here's what you need:
Pre-Sloped Shower Pan
The shower floor must slope toward the drain without creating a step. Pre-sloped foam pans (like Schluter Kerdi or Laticrete Hydro Ban) create a consistent gradient while staying level at the bathroom transition.
Designer choice
Schluter Kerdi-Shower-ST (tileable surface)
Budget option
Mud-set mortar bed (requires skilled installer)
Linear Drain
Linear drains run along one wall instead of center-floor. This allows the floor to slope in only one direction (toward the wall), which is simpler and allows for large-format tile. The spa aesthetic comes from the drain, not the tile.
Designer choice
Infinity Drain (tile-insert, nearly invisible)
Budget option
Oatey Designline (stainless, visible grate)
Large-Format Tile
Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines. Fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning and a more seamless look. 12×24" or 24×24" tiles are standard for curbless showers. Ensure they have adequate slip resistance (coefficient of friction ≥0.42 wet).
Designer choice
24×48" porcelain slab (minimal grout)
Budget option
12×24" matte porcelain (textured surface)
Glass Panel vs. Curtain
Curbless showers don't need enclosures—water management comes from the slope and drain. But a fixed glass panel contains splash without the barrier of a swinging door. The absence of a door track on the floor reinforces the zero-threshold design.
Designer choice
Fixed frameless glass panel (no door)
Budget option
Ceiling-mounted curtain rod (no floor track)
04 — Specifications
Products we recommend.
These are the specific products our contractors use for designer-quality curbless showers:
Schluter Kerdi-Line
$400–$600
Linear drain with tileable cover plate. The grate virtually disappears into the tile. Available in multiple lengths and finishes. Our top recommendation for designer projects.
Infinity Drain Site Sizeable
$600–$1,000
Cut-to-length linear drain for custom sizes. Tile-insert option for seamless appearance. Premium choice for high-end bathrooms.
Moen Home Care Grab Bars
$150–$300 each
Grab bars in designer finishes (brushed nickel, matte black, brushed gold). ADA-compliant 300 lb rating. Look like towel bars, function like grab bars.
Teakworks4u Teak Bench
$400–$800
Solid teak fold-down or freestanding benches. The spa standard—warm wood tone, naturally water-resistant, ages beautifully. Far superior to plastic alternatives.
Hansgrohe Raindance Hand Shower
$200–$400
Hand-held shower head on adjustable slide bar. Essential for seated showering. Quality feel, multiple spray patterns, matching finishes available.
05 — Funding
RAHA requirements for curbless showers.
Curbless showers are among the most commonly approved RAHA modifications. Here's what BC Housing needs:
OT assessment recommended (not always required)
For projects under $10,000, a doctor's note may suffice. For larger bathroom renovations, get an OT assessment—it strengthens your application and RAHA rebates up to $300.
Two itemized contractor quotes
Quotes must break down labour and materials with PST/GST. Include grab bars and seating in the quote—they're all eligible.
Before and after photos required
Take photos of the existing bathroom before work begins. You'll need these plus completion photos for your rebate submission.
Apply before starting work
Do not sign contracts or begin work before receiving your RAHA approval letter. This is the most common rejection reason.
Designer finishes and RAHA
06 — FAQ
Common questions.
Will water leak into my bathroom?
No, if installed correctly. The floor slopes toward the drain (typically 2% grade), and the linear drain captures water before it reaches the bathroom floor. Fixed glass panels contain splash. Good contractors waterproof well beyond the shower area for extra protection.
Can any bathroom be converted?
Most can. The main constraint is floor depth—you need 2-3" below the subfloor for drain slope. Concrete slab floors (common in older Victoria homes) require cutting into the slab. Wood-frame floors usually have adequate depth. Your contractor assesses this at the quote stage.
How long does installation take?
Typically 3-5 days for a tub-to-shower conversion. Day 1: demo and plumbing rough-in. Day 2-3: waterproofing and pan installation. Day 4-5: tile and fixtures. Add a day if the floor structure needs modification.
Is a curbless shower harder to keep clean?
Actually easier. No curb corners to scrub, no shower door track to clean, and large-format tiles mean less grout. The linear drain collects debris in one place. Most people find curbless showers simpler to maintain than traditional tub/showers.
Do I lose my bathtub?
Yes, if you're converting a tub space. Some homes have two bathrooms—keep the tub in one for resale value if desired. But the accessibility benefits of a curbless shower typically outweigh the occasional desire for a soak. You can also install a Japanese-style soaking tub elsewhere.
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