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Cost to Install a Curbless Zero-Entry Shower

A curbless zero-entry shower creates a flush transition into the shower by recessing the subfloor and setting a shower pan that aligns with the drain. It is a hard renovation because floor joists may need reinforcement or trimming, and the pan, backer board, waterproof membrane, tile, and grout must form a fully waterproof system.

Estimated cost
Install a curbless zero-entry shower
$4,462
$4,000–$4,923
Labor
Materials
Materials & supplies
  • Dimensional lumber66 linear foot @ $3
    $165
  • Shower Mixing Valve Assembly1.1 each @ $130
    $143
  • Subfloor plywood44 sq ft @ $2
    $88
  • Supplies subtotal
    $286–$633
  • Labor
    $2,080–$3,840
  • Permits & fees
    $450

Based on 1 shower (typical size). Figures are ballparks — get a contractor quote to confirm.

Common reasons homeowners do this job

  • A bathroom upgrade that replaces a conventional shower entry with a flush entry
  • A need to recess or lower the subfloor for a zero-entry shower layout
  • A shower remodel that requires a new pan and drain alignment
  • Worn or damaged shower materials being replaced during a larger bathroom update
  • A desire to retile the shower floor and walls

DIY or call a pro?

A licensed professional should install a curbless zero-entry shower. Altering floor joists can compromise the home’s structural integrity, while incomplete waterproofing can cause water damage and mold growth. The work also requires correctly planning drainage, recessing the subfloor, and installing the shower pan so it aligns with the drain. Check with your local building department whether this work needs a permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a curbless zero-entry shower myself?
Hire a licensed professional. This project involves structural floor modifications and critical waterproofing. Cutting the subfloor, reinforcing or trimming joists, and creating a waterproof shower assembly are decisions that need to work together.
What can make curbless shower installation more expensive?
The price can rise with the size of the shower, labor time, and the selected materials, including the shower pan kit, waterproof membrane, backer board, tile, grout, thin-set mortar, and structural lumber. Removing old shower materials can also add haul-away or disposal work.
What should be checked before choosing a curbless shower pan?
Confirm the shower layout and drainage requirements first, then check whether the floor is level enough for proper drainage and whether the subfloor must be recessed or lowered for a flush entry. The shower pan system needs to be compatible with those conditions and align with the drain.
Why is waterproofing so important in a zero-entry shower?
Waterproofing must cover the shower floor and walls and extend beyond the shower edges before tile is installed. Improper waterproofing can lead to significant water damage and mold growth.

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