It is always important that you get the right threshold for your shower. This is because such a height has to be within the design compliance codes set for buildings. Well, if the building has to be inspected for meeting the design codes and standards, it is always better to have met such conditions. In this guide, we will consider how you are supposed to set up your show and the shower-pan at the right height. Also, we see why this is important.
So, what is a shower threshold?
This is simply the edge in front of the shower that you have to step over so as to enter the shower.
As you can see, this height threshold needs to be within the right range so that you can find it easy to get in and out of your shower.
Depending on the desired design, it is possible to end up with different types of thresholds. Such include traditional, curbed, and beveled.
The shower dimensions go a long way to help with ending up with the right threshold height. Remember that the shower threshold height is not just for looks, but it has to provide you with the best functionality too.
Difference between a threshold and a curb
It is common to find people confusing between the two. For a curb, it is simply a step-in into the shower. The work of a curb is to keep the water from getting out of the shower or pan. The curb height is determined by measuring vertically from the bottom to the top where the flooring material is located. Measure it on the outside of the shower. An example is when you have a 4” curb, then the user will have to lift the feet over 4” to clear the curb and enter the shower easily.
As for the threshold, it is measured from the top of the flooring material up to the top of the installed threshold. If it is a beveled threshold, then you measured to the part before the angles. You can see it is a bit different from the curb design.
Is it important?
Well, if you want your home to be up to the required standards, then you have to follow the compliance codes as suggested. In most cases, the bathroom flooring set up outside the shower will determine how the shower fits and functions. As a result, any user is supposed to keep the threshold not to go beyond ¼” than the existing tile outside the shower. Consider this information when ordering your shower so that it can also work with your threshold.
It is worth noting that the measurements are likely to vary depending on the surface where you have to set up your project. Also, how you the threshold or curb interacts with the outside surface can have an influence on the project.
Types of shower thresholds
- Beveled – just as the name suggests, this one will have a slope at different angles depending on the manufacturer. The sloped entrance is seen as good for ease of access as compared to the traditional type. It is also good for those who have walkers or wheelchairs.
- Traditional – for this type, it is simply a barrier-free option. Depending on the type of flooring material, sometimes you will find it being called a bull-nose threshold.
- Curbed – this is the most common type of threshold seen in many residential settings. It is simply a barrier to keep the water in the shower pan.
On overall, threshold heights can start from ½” to 2” depending on the shower design. It is therefore important to get the right threshold height depending on your shower or pan size.