Curbless Shower Pan
A curbless shower pan remodel will require extensive preparation. The amount of work contained in the preparation varies. These variations depend on, in part, whether the shower pan is on a slab of concrete, or a wooden sub-floor. Working with concrete is a more labor intense endeavor. Lumber is, in general, a more user friendly material.
Concrete slab
Bathroom Demolition
This image shows a bathroom remodel during the demolition phase. The shower area had been enclosed by a third and fourth wall. The tub had been “dropped in” to a framed pedestal. Consequently, these sections had a closed off feel.
Concrete shower pan demolition
This image shows the same bathroom after the concrete had been removed from the shower pan area. The dirt is removed to an appropriate depth. Some of the plumbing is relocated. A moisture barrier is installed. Rebar is pinned into the existing concrete slab. Subsequently, a new concrete slab is poured. As a result, the new section of concrete is recessed from the existing slab. The recessed slab is then coated with a waterproofed surface.
Shower pan remodel
This image shows the completed project. The tile in the shower pan is flush with the tile on the rest of the bathroom floor. Also, the tub and filler stand alone without the need for support. A beautiful job if I do say so myself.
Curbless shower pan, linear drain
This image shows a curbless shower pan with a linear shower drain. This recessed shower pan was installed upstairs, on a wooden sub-floor. I don’t have any photos of that work in progress, therefore, you’ll have to take my word for it. The framing needs to be recessed. Likewise to the concrete version.
Stainless steel linear shower drain
This image shows a different view of the same curbless shower remodel. In addition, this shower pan has a stainless steel linear drain. This design has no barrier to step over. For this reason, this design is ideal for people with mobility issues.
Installation details, Wood and Concrete
Here is a link to a very informative guide on building recessed shower pans.
https://projects.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/pubs_p/docs/Curbless.pdf
This guide discusses the differences in building with concrete slabs and wooden sub-floors. Page 7 of the guide shows diagrams of each option. In addition, page 10 shows a recommended method to install a linear drain. The pages in this guide are some of the most detailed and useful information I have found on this topic. This guide is easy to download for yourself. In conclusion, recessed shower pans are a smart and useful addition to a bathroom remodel.