AN INSTALLATION GUIDE

Curbless Showers

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

ContentsINTRODUCTION

CONTROLLING WATER 3 Overall Shower Unit Size

Placement of Fixed and Hand-held Showers

FLUSH ENTRANCE 5

Custom-built Showers

Prefabricated Shower Units

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO CONTROL WATER 10

Shower Curtains and Doors

Secondary Drains

Flexible and Removable Dams

REINFORCING FOR GRAB BARS AND WALL-HUNG SEATS 12

SHOWER PERSPECTIVES 14Custom-built Shower

Prefabricated Shower

Universal Bathing Area

Credits

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©2003 THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN, College of Design, NC State UniversityMajor funding provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education

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Leslie C. Young, Rex J. Pace

Rex J. Pace

Rick Millard, Richard Duncan

Shravan Rajagopal, Mara C. Whitney

Rex J. Pace, Mara C. Whitney, Robert B. Graham

CURBLESS SHOWERS: AN INSTALLATION GUIDEProduced byThe Center for Universal DesignCollege of Design, North Carolina State University

For theNorth Carolina Department of Health and Human ServicesDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

AUTHORSHIP:

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ANDCONCEPTUAL ILLUSTRATIONS:

REVIEWERS:

GRAPHIC DESIGN ANDPRODUCTION:

ILLUSTRATION:

Curbless Showers:An Installation Guide

Traditionally, many dwellings have had a combinationtub/shower bathing unit that gives the user the option ofstanding to shower or sitting in the bathtub. However,climbing in and out of a bathtub can be difficult andeven dangerous for people whose balance, strength, ormobility may be limited. Some people who use awheelchair find bathtubs and showers unusable. Peoplerecuperating from an accident or illness, may suddenlyfind themselves unable to use a fixture to which theyhave been accustomed. Others may just become unableto bathe as they once did due to a subtle and gradualloss of mobility, agility, or strength.

WhyCURBLESS SHOWERS?

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in adwelling due to the hard, slippery-when-wet surfaces.Bathrooms typically have few handholds or other grip-ping surfaces useful for support. With the growingnumber of people with disabilities and the aging of oursociety, we have come to recognize that to be able tobathe safely and independently, people must be given avariety of bathing options. Traditional fixtures often donot meet the variety of individual needs.

A relatively new fixture design, the curbless shower,is extremely versatile and can be considered “universal”.These showers feature a very low or no threshold at allso users may easily walk or roll into the unit. Curblessshowers also may have a built-in seat, a hand-held

This booklet is intended to assist architects, builders, remodelers, installers and

carpenters better understand the critical design and construction issues involved

in installing curbless or “roll-in” showers. The term “curbless” is used throughout

this booklet since “roll-in” generally suggests that such a shower is beneficial only

to people who use wheelchairs. In fact, curbless showers offer benefits to many

people who do not use wheelchairs, and are usable by almost everyone.

Introduction

Curbless showers provide enough space for people in wheelchairs to maneuver and enough space to have an attendant assist if necessary.

Curbless showers can be used to stand and bathein a conventional manner.

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Both the NC State Accessibility Code and the ADAStandards for Accessible Design prohibit thresholds at curb-less (or roll-in) showers. Thus, containing water so itdoes not seep into the subfloor or splash out of the unitis the key design challenge.

The remainder of this booklet shows how the size ofthe unit and other design details can be incorporated tosuccessfully control water and prevent damage caused bywater infiltration. If attention is paid to a few criticaldetails, curbless showers will meet building codes, arehighly usable by most people, present few if any installa-tion difficulties, and do not leak or present maintenanceproblems. It is hoped that the information provided inthis booklet will increase both the quantity and qualityof curbless showers available so more people may inde-pendently and safely bathe and remain in their residenceof choice for as long as they wish.

shower, and appropriately placed grab bars for support,though can still be used in a traditional manner wherethe bather stands to shower. The only bathing optionthat a curbless shower does not offer is the opportunityto soak. However, in many dwellings today there oftenis a second bathing fixture–which could be a bathtub.

INSTALLATION ISSUES The designs presented in this booklet meet both the NCState Accessibility Code as well as the ADA Standards forAccessible Design. In single-family housing, with a fewexceptions, bathrooms are not required to meet thedesign requirements of these documents. However, inoccupancies which require a specific number of “fullyaccessible” units, such as multifamily housing, if curblessshowers are installed they must comply with the designrequirements.

Introduction

Portable seats can be placed in a curbless shower forwalking people who prefer to sit while showering.

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Curbless showers can be used by others for special purposes.

Controlling Water

Two seemingly contradictory factors, a “no-threshold”entrance and adequate water control, can be providedin the same shower unit. Interrelated design elementsand details are presented to help you install showersso water problems are avoided.

OVERALL SHOWER UNIT SIZE

The length and depth of the shower are critical. If thedepth (from the entry to the back wall) is shallow, it ismuch more difficult to control water. Since the floorat the entry of the shower must be flush with the roomfloor, the larger the shower, the easier it is to graduallyslope the shower floor to the drain and still containwater. The large size makes it easier to eliminateuneven, warped surfaces so all four wheels of a person’sshower wheelchair stay in contact with the floor. Thus,the user is able to maintain better traction and controlwhen maneuvering into and out of the stall.

A minimum floor area in which to maneuver bothoutside the stall as well as inside is necessary for peopleusing shower wheelchairs. In a narrow stall enclosed bya flexible shower curtain the bather’s small incrementalmovements to adjust position and reach the controlsare likely to dislodge the curtain, causing water to runout onto the bathroom floor.

The NC State Accessibility Code and most nationalaccessibility standards permit curbless (“roll-in”) showerinteriors to be as shallow as 30 inches deep and 60inches long, but 36 inches should be considered the mini-mum depth for any curbless shower. Recently, The NCHousing Finance Agency has started to offer bonuspoints for more fully accessible rental units with a 36-inch by 60-inch or deeper curbless shower. Even at 36inches, very careful attention must be paid to the floor

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3

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60”

min

.

27”

max. for controls/hand-held shower-head mounted onback wall

60”

min

.

27”

max. for controls/hand-held shower-head mounted onback wall

30”permitted

36” min.recommended

30”permitted

36” min.recommended

48” ideal

shower curtain

sideba

ckba

ck

even a 36”depth isvery narrow

Minimum shower size

Recommended shower sizes

side

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4

a 5’x 5’ curbless shower providesspace so an attendant can assistwith bathing and allows a wheelchairuser to turn around within the shower

transition and other water retention strategies. Adepth of 42 inches is a significant improvement and48 inches is even better.

For most dwelling units, an adequate shower canbe designed within the 36-inch to 48-inch width.However, there are people who prefer larger showerareas and others for who need assistance whilebathing. A shower 5 feet by 5 feet allows enoughspace for a person in a shower wheelchair and anaide. Specific knowledge of a particular housingdevelopment’s program will influence the numberand size of curbless showers to be installed.

PLACEMENT OF FIXED AND HAND-HELDSHOWERHEADS

Showerhead type and location are important details.When considered in relation to the overall size andshape of the stall, they can dramatically aid the con-trol of water and overspray. The preferred locationof a fixed showerhead is on a sidewall since it can beaimed away from the shower entry. A hand-held

Controlling Water: Unit Size and Shower Heads

Larger showers for assistancewith bathing

Hand-held showerhead on flexible hose

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5’-0”

5’-0

”

side

side

back

showerhead on a flexible hose, mounted on the back (or rear wall),allows a seated user to reach the showerhead and controls easily.

The NC Accessibility Code permits mounting a hand-held shower-head on either the back or side wall, but in very specific locations.Although the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and several othernational accessibility guidelines permit either location for mountinghand-held showers, the illustrations in these documents show onlythe back wall location. However, hand-held showerheads may bemounted on the back and/or side walls.

One highly usable and flexible configuration is to install a fixedshowerhead in the conventional location on the sidewall and add asecond hand-held showerhead on the back wall with a diverter valveor additional control valve. (It may be easier and more cost-effectiveto plumb a second control valve rather than the diverter valve.)NOTE: When it is critical to meet accessibility codes and standards,the hand-held showerhead must be installed so it can be adjustedeasily in height, i.e. be on a slide mount.

flush transition

slope directlyto drain

shower

room floor

flush transition

showerroom floor

1/2”

max

.be

vele

dtr

ansi

tion

flush transition

shower

room floor

1/4”

max

.ve

rtic

alri

se1:2slope max.

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FLUSH ENTRANCE

The NC Accessibility Code and most national accessibility standards prohibitany threshold or curb at the entry of curbless showers. Flush transitionsbetween room and shower floor generally dictate that the shower be recessedinto the floor of the bathroom. The shower floor must be sloped sufficientlyso water will flow toward the drain and away from the entry.

Controlling Water: Flush Entrance

FLUSH TRANSITION BETWEEN ROOM FLOOR AND SHOWER

Preferred profileworks best for large showerswhere water containment iseasier to manage

Good compromisegood detail for narrow showerwhere water containment is amajor concern

Least preferredacceptable but some peoplewill have difficulty rolling overany abrupt vertical transition

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There are two basic methods to create a recessedshower floor. The first, and preferred, is to dropthe floor under the shower below the adjacentfloor level. The second is to set the shower directlyon the subfloor and build up the finished floor ofthe room. This second method usually creates anundesirable level change at the door into the bath-room or in hallways that must be later beveled orramped. Either approach has construction impli-cations and, regardless of the method chosen, care-ful coordination is necessary between the differentbuilding trades.

A shower designed to exacting dimensions andconfigurations provides both water control andgreater usability. A custom-built accessible showeris not necessarily more expensive than an equiva-lent prefabricated unit. However custom units dorequire more careful detailing and good super-vision during construction. The following sectionsdiscuss how the floor construction (either rein-forced concrete slab or wood joist framing) andthe shower unit type influence “no-threshold”flush shower entrances.

> Custom-built ShowersCustom-built units must be recessed into the floorsystem to create an accessible entry. The floorstructure must be reengineered to accommodate a“dropped” floor.

In the case of wood framing, the subfloor islowered and supporting joists are either droppedor resized and spaced to adequately support thefloor. Additional framing members should

surround the floor recess as necessary for support.A setting or mortar bed is recommended underthe entire shower area and must be sufficientlydeep so it may be sloped to the drain. Usually,this requires that the floor be recessed between1-1/2 to 2 inches and possibly even more for largeshowers. The top of the drain must be set belowthe subfloor of the room.

For concrete slab floor construction, the slabmust be poured initially with a recess to accept theshower. This will change the structural dynamicsof the slab under the shower and the slab mustaccommodate any necessary additional reinforcingand joint requirements.

In both wood frame and concrete slab con-struction, a waterproof membrane should be usedto form the bottom of the shower “pan” andshould extend up into the surrounding walls andout into the floor area adjacent to the shower. Theinstallation of “two-stage” or similar drains withweep holes is recommended to allow any wateradsorbed by the setting bed to seep into the drain.

Another option is to purchase a prefabricatedshower base and apply the surrounding wall surfaces.This method does not offer the flexibility of atruly custom-built shower but it does offer theprecision of a manufactured level floor transition.Attention must be paid to waterproofing anddetailing as this combination of custom-built andprefabricated components lacks the integral water-proof benefits of a totally prefabricated showerunit.

Controlling Water: Flush Entrance

6

trackless shower door or curtain

recommended extension ofwaterproof membrane

ceramic tile floor

recess slab at shower pan

full mortar bed in shower area

two-stage floor drain with weep holes

concrete slab

top of waterproof mem-brane at threshold must beabove top of floor drain

continuous waterproof membrane

top of waterproofmembrane behind wall

room floor

tile floor slope:1/8” to 3/16”per foot

tile setting bed

top of drain

1/2”

orm

ore

two-stage floor drainwith weep holes setbelow subfloor

Controlling Water

7

Wood frame construction

Slab on grade construction

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SHOWER FLOOR DETAILS AT CUSTOM-BUILT UNITS

tile floor slope:1/8” to 3/16”per foot

top of waterproof membranebehind wall

>Prefabricated Shower UnitsPrefabricated curbless shower units, which generallyrequire less on-site preparation time for installation,are now being offered by a variety of manufacturers.Since prefabricated showers are usually a singleintegrated unit, some of the waterproofing issuesassociated with custom-built showers are eliminated.However, the same water control issues at the jointbetween the room floor and the shower floor mustbe addressed.

Typically, prefabricated showers are best ifrecessed into the floor system in the same manneras custom-built showers. However, they need notbe recessed as deeply as custom-built showers;some models, because of the design of their base,offer the option of raising the level of the roomfloor instead of recessing the shower.

However, care must be exercised when selectingprefabricated models advertised as “accessible.”Despite the fact that they may be set directly onthe subfloor, many of these “accessible” units stillhave a low threshold or curb to retain water.“Roll-in” showers with even a 1/2-inch thresholdshould only be installed in specific retrofit situa-tions for a particular individual or when code com-pliance is not required.

The base of prefabricated fixtures must beshallow to achieve a level transition between theshower floor and the room floor. Many of these

shallow units do not have the structural integrity ofunits with large curbs and deep floor basins. It isimportant to select units where the base has been“thickened” or reinforced around the entry and/orthe units have been fabricated using a honeycombcell construction that provides more overall struc-tural integrity.

Most manufacturers recommend a beddingcompound thickness based on the space beneaththe shower floor to give additional rigidity andextra structural support. When recessing prefabri-cated units, it is critical that the depth of the recessmatch exactly the requirements for the base of the spe-cific unit. If the recess is too shallow or too deep,it will be extremely difficulty to achieve a water-proof seal between the unit and the finished floor.For units where the recess is too deep, it is possibleto “shim up” the unit to match the floor level.

Raising the finished floor to create a flush tran-sition is sometimes necessary. While this approachavoids modifying the floor joist system, it stillrequires the addition of another layer of subflooror shim strips below the room’s finished flooring.Unless other portions of the finished floor are ele-vated, small level changes will occur and beveledthresholds must be provided.

Controlling Water: Flush Entrance

8

cutout or recess sodrain is below floorlevel and additional

slope is provided

top of finished floor flush with shower entry

bedding compound

additional subfloor

floor construction

floor construction

area stiffened for addi-tional support

top of finished floor flush with shower entry

bedding compound

step floor construction to match unit

finished floor surface cutout or recess sodrain is below floorlevel and additional

slope is provided

bedding compound

floor construction

1/2” max. rise withbevel (1:2 max slope)

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Controlling Water: Flush Entrance

SHOWER FLOOR DETAILS AT PREFABRICATED UNITS

Unit with raised finished floor>Complies with most codes and standards.

Recessed unit>Complies with most codes and standards.

Unit set on floor (not recessed)Complies with most codes and standardsonly if the interior of the shower area is 5feet by 5 feet or greater.

If a flush entry is not possible, in showers between 36” and60”deep, this configuration is best used only in alterationswhere strict code compliance is not required. However, precau-tions should be taken so no threshold or curb prevents orcomplicates entry, maneuvering, and exit by a wheelchair user.

Note:

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Controlling Water: Additional Measures

Trench draineliminates the need for a dam orany change in floor level

stainless steel grate atsame level as tile floor

concrete channelwith drain

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> Shower Curtains and DoorsThe methods used to enclose the shower are criticalfor water control. Since there is no curb, whatevermethod is chosen should provide a good “seal”around the unit opening. Shower curtains are eco-nomical and do not interfere with approach andmaneuvering by a person using a mobility device.To effectively achieve a water seal, the curtain mustbe sized to fit the shower opening and be in con-tact with the shower floor just inside the entry.Curtains with small weights sewn into the lowerseam help maintain an adequate seal.

Shower doors with a rubber flange at the bot-tom can provide a better seal than curtains buttheir size and rigidity also can restrict maneuvering.The “trackless” variety is the only viable optionsince there is no frame to be stepped or rolled over.Selecting doors that swing or fold out of themaneuvering space is important.

The NC Accessibility Code and several nationalaccessibility standards require that the full width ofthe shower opening be available for entry. If doorsare provided, this requires the installation of a pairof folding or swinging doors to create a full-width

entry. However, if the shower area is at least 5 feetby 5 feet, then it has sufficient room for a person ina wheelchair to turn around. The entryway intothe shower can be reduced to the size of an accessi-ble door, i.e. 32 inches clear; however, 36 inchesis easier to make turns into and is preferred.

> Secondary Drains

It is recommended that an additional drain beinstalled outside the shower to catch any wateroverflow, especially if the shower is narrow. Caremust be taken to avoid an institutional look andminimize the degree and angle of floor slope insideand outside the shower.

Another option is the installation of a trench ortrough drain as the primary or secondary drainalong the shower opening. Water will drain intothe trench before reaching the floor of the bath-room. This is a very effective solution for watercontrol that can result in a truly flush entry. Thisdrain type has been installed in some special useoccupancies in the US for many years. Today thereare a few prefabricated shower units available withthis feature built in. In other countries around theworld, the trench drain is a feature integrated aes-thetically into the bathing area.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO CONTROL WATER

>Flexible and Removable Dams Flexible dams that deflect when rolled over andremovable dams, which can be left in place untila flush transition is needed, are useful options.Several manufacturers offer these dams as part oftheir product line.

The installation of these optional featuresmust be carefully considered with regard to whowill be using the shower and how regularly. Inresidences or facilities where a person’s needschange over time or the user of a particularshower changes periodically, temporary damsmay be an appropriate solution. Flexible andremovable dams also can be helpful in retrofitsituations where floor space for the shower islimited, but they should always be consideredbackup solutions and not the primary methodof water control.

Flexible dams are made of rubber or other syn-thetic materials that allow the dam to deflect whenrolled over by a person in a wheelchair. Over timethese will deteriorate and must be replaced. It isimportant to note that some people using wheel-chairs may have difficulty rolling over this low damand other people will not be able to step over ormaneuver walkers around it.

Semi-permanent removable dams are higher andcan be installed to retain water like a permanentintegral curb. These are usually set in place andcaulked with a silicon sealant and later “knocked”out when a smooth transition is needed. These

removable dams look very permanent, thereforemaking it important that the resident and facilitymanager be informed that the dam is removable.

Flexible water retainers and semi-permanentdams are not allowable when strict compliance withthe NC Accessibility Code is required. Such showersshould be installed in full compliance with theflush or no threshold entry. However, if a potentialtenant does not need the curbless entry, theoptional dam may be installed provided both thetenant and the manager of the property know itcan be removed when requested to provide a com-plying flush or no threshold entry.

Flexible dams or water retainers

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fiberglass or acrylic “dam”

sealant

flexible/collapsible dam

adherent

Controlling Water: Additional Measures

Semi-permanent or removable dam

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Reinforcing for Grab Bars & Wall-Hung Seats

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Whole wall reinforcing

The addition of grab bars in bathrooms greatlyincreases safety for everyone. All walls aroundbathing fixtures should be reinforced to supportmounting grab bars. When reinforcing is providedduring initial construction, grab bars can be securelymounted later at any time without removing theexisting shower wall surface.

Whole wall areas of reinforcing––not just theminimums specified in many “accessibility” standards––are recommended. This enlarged area of reinforcingallows more choices for grab bar placement and atheights and configurations that best suit individualneeds. This is particularly helpful for many olderadults who desire vertical or angled grab bars tosteady themselves when getting in to and out ofbathing fixtures.

Some people prefer to sit while bathing yet wouldrather not sit on the floor of a bathtub. Portable orpermanently-mounted shower seats are often addedin curbless showers. If a seat is mounted directly tothe wall it is more stable and less prone to tippingthan a free-standing shower chair. Folding styles canbe installed that rest against the wall when not needed.To support the seat, the person and the forces exertedwhen getting on and off, adequate reinforcing mustbe provided. Here, too, larger expanses of reinforcingare recommended so the seat can be mounted withfull confidence that it will be secure. If compliancewith the requirements for a Type A "fully accessible"dwelling unit as found in the NC State AccessibilityCode or other accessibility standards is a considera-tion, reinforcing to adequately support a shower seatis required.

sheetrock orother wallboard

plywood reinforcing(min. 3/4” thick)

fold-upshower seat

grab bars in a varietyof shapes and sizescan be mounted inlocations to best suituser needs andpreferences

REINFORCING FOR PREFABRICATED FIXTURES

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Reinforcing for Grab Bars and Wall Hung Seats

For custom-built showers, plywood or other woodblocking can be “let in” between framing membersor sheets of reinforcing can be applied over studs toachieve whole wall reinforcing. In contrast, provid-ing on site reinforcing for prefabricated bathing fix-tures can be a challenge. Most older and currentresidential prefabricated models were never engi-neered to have reinforcing added. The backs ofmany molded fixtures have uneven and angled sur-faces that make it hard to evenly apply reinforcing.Additionally, there may be large voids between thefixture itself and the surrounding wall framing,making it difficult to get reinforcing to fit snuglybetween the shower wall and the studs.

It is best to select newer models designed withflat walls because they can accept encapsulatedwood reinforcing installed at the factory. Manymanufacturers will install broad panels of reinforc-ing on “qualified” prefabricated units if requested.

When field-installed accessories such as grabbars are mounted, it is essential to use rust-resistantstainless steel screws or fasteners. To prevent thescrew from cracking the finish, create a shallowpilot hole with a larger drill bit. Always seal all fas-tener hardware penetrations through the showerunit surface with silicone caulk to prevent moisturefrom rotting the wood reinforcing.

studs

plywood reinforcingmolded directly into unit

grab bar

studs

grab bar

additional shapedblocking to fill gap

blocking

Integral or factory-installed blockingSite-installed blocking

FEATURES OF A CUSTOM-BUILT TILE CURBLESS SHOWER(Wood-framed Construction)

Custom-Built Tile Shower Perspective

14fixed showerhead inconventional location

weighted shower curtain or tracklessshower door

whole wall reinforcingallows grab bars to bemounted verticallyand in a variety ofother locations

control valve offsettoward shower opening (anti-scaldrecommended)

flush threshold

hand-held showerhead on slide mount

continuous orequivalent separatehorizontal grabbars at code com-plying locations

60” min. long hose(72” recommended)

drain with weep holes

waterproof membraneextends under finishedfloor

diverter valve oradditional control valvefor hand-held shower

recessed soap traysand ledges do notobstruct grab bars

whole wall plywoodreinforcing

waterproof membrane extendsup wall

smaller-sized non-slipfloor tiles for bettertraction

mortar setting bed

dropped subfloor

dropped and/orresized floor joists

consider using marine grade plywoodand/or cementitious backer board tofurther protect the building structurefrom water infiltration

FEATURES OF A PREFABRICATED CURBLESS SHOWER(Concrete Slab Construction)

Prefabricated Shower Perspective

15fixed showerhead inconventional location

weighted showercurtain or tracklessshower door

control valve offsettoward showeropening (anti-scaldrecommended)

flush threshold

soap trays/storageshelves do notobstruct grab bars

diverter valve oradditional controlvalve for hand-heldshower

hand-held showerhead on slide mount

continuous or equiva-lent separate horizontalgrab bars at code complying locations

60” min. long hose(72” recommended)

integral whole wallreinforcing forgrab bars

setting bed

recessed slab area

caulking sealant

whole wall reinforcingallows grab bars to bemounted verticallyand in a variety ofother locations

although generally not specified bymost manufacturers, considerinstalling a waterproof membrane asshown in the custom-built unit

16The universal or three-way bathing area, with severalbathing fixtures combined into a single small space, isanother recently developed concept. Such bathingareas are being increasingly installed due to the addedsafety and convenience they offer. They are truly uni-versal in that they can be used by just about everyone.

The floor space devoted to the approach to thebathtub doubles as a curbless shower. The shower hastwo drains, a trench drain at the entry and a secondarydrain in the center of the shower area. Note, however,that two drains are not required for this design to besuccessful. A soaking tub is added, along with a benchseat that runs along the back of the shower andextends behind the head of the bathtub.

Some of the possible bathing options include:> standing to shower> sitting in a portable chair or in a shower

wheelchair > transferring onto the seat at the back of

the tub before entering the water > soaking in the tub> using a portable shower chair in the tub> sitting on the shower bench

When designing a universal bathing area and wherestrict code compliance is required, the shower benchto the side of the bathtub should be removable or liftup so a person using a wheelchair can position them-selves close to the head of the tub to make a safe trans-fer onto the seat. Reinforcing should be included inall walls in the bathing area so grab bars can bemounted securely, as shown in the NC StateAccessibility Code and national accessibility standards.Whole wall reinforcing is preferred so it is possible tomount grab bars where they offer the greatest securityfor the user.

Curbless shower

Soaking tub

Shower bench

Universal Bathing Area

fold-up orremovable bench

trench drain

5’ turning circle

175’ x 5’ curbless showerdoubles as the clear floorarea for approach to tuband shower seat

trench drain atflush entrance

fixed showerhead

hand-held showerhead can be usedwhile sitting on benchor standing in shower

open space under bench giveswheelchair user more maneu-vering area, making it easier toapproach and use controls

UNIVERSAL OR THREE-WAY BATHING AREAcombines fixed features in a small space to offer users a variety of choices

vertical bar for additionalsecurity when getting inand out of tub

control valve offsetto outside of tub

Universal Bathing Area Perspective

Box 8613Raleigh, NC 27695-8613919.515.3082 (V/TTY)919.515.7330 (FAX)800.647.6777 (V/TTY Info Request Line)cud@ncsu.eduhttp://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud

Curbless ShowersAN INSTALLATION GUIDE

THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN NC STATE UNIVERSITY College of Design

2,500 copies of this booklet were printed at a cost of $2449 or $.98 per copy (6/2003)

Molded reinforced fiberglass curbless shower stalls are available from a wide variety of companies. Units are available with a range of options and sizes. Most companies offer the 36-inch by 60-inch size. Some have larger units such as the 48-inch by 60-inch and the 60-inch by 60-inch. All units must be carefully selected and installed so neither curbs nor thresholds interfere with a smooth, level transition.

This list is provided for information purposes and is only a sampling of available companies. Neither the authors of this booklet nor NC State University endorse these companies.

Disclaimer:The statements and conclusions contained in this booklet are those of the Center for Universal Design. This document is intended to serve as a guide to design professionals and those involved in specifying and installing bathing fixtures as the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services promotes the concept of increased independence in housing for all the people it serves. The Center for Universal Design has made every effort to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of this booklet’s content so it may be regarded as an accurate resource document. Yet, the information is advisory and the guidance provided is not legally binding. Readers are advised to refer to specific codes, regulations, and requirements within their jurisdictions and to remember that no guarantee is offered or implied for the completeness of the information provided.

Aqua Bath Company, Inc.921 Cherokee Ave. Nashville, TN 37207Phone: 1-800-232-2284www.aquabath.com aquabath@bellsouth.net

Aqua Glass Corporation320 Industrial Park DriveAdamsville, TN 38310Phone: 1-800-435-7875www.aquaglass.com techservice@aquaglass.com

Best Bath Systems4545 EnterpriseBoise, Idaho 83705Phone: 1-800-727-9907www.best-bath.com sales@best-bath.com

Comfort DesignsP.O. Box 34279Richmond, Virginia 23234Phone: 1-800-801-2820comfortdesigns@aol.com