Linear drain or center drain
Linear drains let the floor slope in one direction, which is easier to roll over and works with large tiles.
Wheelchair accessible showers
Curbless and roll-in showers for wheelchairs and walkers
Quick answer
A curbless shower, also called a zero-entry, roll-in or barrier-free shower, has no curb or step: the bathroom floor flows straight into the shower and slopes gently to the drain. It lets someone roll in on a shower chair or wheelchair, or walk in with a walker, without lifting a foot. HandyMangum builds curbless showers in Central Florida homes, including slab work, waterproofing and a linear or center drain, and fits the seat, grab bars and handheld shower to the person.
How a curbless shower works
With no curb to hold water in, the shower floor has to slope to the drain, and the whole floor has to be waterproofed. On the slab-on-grade homes common in Central Florida, that usually means cutting and lowering a section of the concrete so the shower floor can sit below the bathroom floor. A linear (trench) drain along the back or the entry is often used so the floor can slope one way.
It is real remodeling work, not a weekend fix, but done right it is the most accessible shower there is.
Who it helps
- Wheelchair users and people who use a shower chair
- People with walkers or rollators
- Anyone who cannot lift a foot over even a low curb
- Caregivers who need room to help
- Homeowners planning for the long term
- Anyone who wants a clean, open, modern bathroom
What the job involves
Assessment
We check the slab, the drain location, the bathroom door width and the turning space.
Slab and drain
Concrete recessed and the drain moved or replaced, with any permitted plumbing done by licensed professionals.
Waterproof and tile
Sloped pan, full waterproofing membrane, then slip-resistant floor tile and wall tile.
Fit-out
Seat, grab bars, handheld on a slide bar, and a curtain or glass that does not block the entry.
Design choices
Shower size
Following ADA guidelines, a roll-in shower is at least 30 by 60 inches; 36 by 60 or larger is easier with a helper.
Floor tile
Small mosaic tiles or textured porcelain give more grip underfoot.
Anti-slip floorsSeat
A fold-down seat keeps the floor clear for a wheelchair.
Shower seatsCurtain or glass
A weighted curtain is the most flexible; fixed glass panels keep water in without a door to swing.
Door to the bathroom
A wheelchair has to get into the bathroom first. Widen the door at the same time if needed.
Door wideningGood to know
- ADA guidelines limit thresholds at roll-in showers to ½ inch and floor slopes to about 2 percent (¼ inch per foot). We build to those numbers.
- Curbless showers usually need a permit for the plumbing and drain work. If any part of the job needs a permit or a state-licensed trade, such as new plumbing lines or new wiring, we tell you during the quote and that part is handled by properly licensed professionals.
- Water management outside the shower matters too: we look at the bathroom floor slope and finish.
- The ADA Standards for Accessible Design apply to businesses and public places, not private homes. They are still a well-tested reference for heights and clearances, so we use them as our starting point at home and adjust to the person who will use it.
Curbless & Roll-In Showers FAQs
What is a curbless shower?
A shower with no curb or step at the entry. The floor slopes to the drain so water stays in, and a wheelchair, shower chair or walker can go straight in.
Is a roll-in shower the same as a curbless shower?
Yes, mostly. "Roll-in" describes a curbless shower large enough for a wheelchair or shower chair. "Zero-entry" and "barrier-free" mean the same thing.
Can you build a curbless shower on a concrete slab?
Yes. It usually means cutting and recessing the slab under the shower so the floor can slope to the drain. Most Central Florida homes are slab-on-grade, so this is a normal part of the job.
Does water get out of a curbless shower?
Not when it is built right. The floor slopes to the drain, a linear drain catches water at the entry or back wall, and the waterproofing extends past the shower.
How much more does a curbless shower cost than a regular walk-in shower?
More, because of the slab and drain work. We quote both side by side if you are deciding.
How long does it take?
Longer than a standard walk-in shower, because of the slab and drain work and the permit inspections. You get a schedule with the written quote.
Does Medicare or insurance pay for this?
We cannot promise that any plan will pay, so please check before the work starts. Original Medicare generally does not pay for grab bars, bath seats, raised toilet seats or home changes like these; CMS treats them as convenience items rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waiver programs and veterans' programs do help with home modifications, so ask your plan directly. We give you a written, itemized quote and invoice you can share with them.
Planning a roll-in shower?
Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. Estimates are free on every job.