Curbless Walk-In Shower Conversion With Linear Drain

The project converted the old tub and shower combination into a curbless walk-in shower with a relocated linear drain, reinforced grab bars, pebble floor tile for traction, a floating bench, custom 3/8-inch fixed glass, lighted mirrors, semi-custom shaker vanities, and a brighter vanity area.

This page supports the main Las Vegas bathroom remodel services page by showing one completed project in detail instead of repeating a broad bathroom remodeling service page.

The Client Goal: Remove The Trip Hazard And Make The Shower Easier To Use

The homeowners were an elderly couple who wanted to make their bathroom safer and easier to use every day. The original setup required stepping over the side of the tub to enter the shower. That step-over had become a trip hazard.

Their top priority was a curbless shower entry. They did not want a traditional shower curb, and they did not want a door that would make the space feel tight. The new shower needed to be easier to enter, easier to stand in, and easier to bathe in with a handheld wand, bench, grab bars, and a floor surface with more traction underfoot.

The Challenge: A True Curbless Shower On A Post-Tension Slab

A curbless shower is not just a design choice. The floor height, drain location, shower pan slope, waterproofing transitions, glass layout, and surrounding bathroom floor all have to work together. In this home, the work was more technical because the bathroom sits on a post-tension concrete slab.

To create the curbless transition, Big Horn Remodeling scanned the slab before concrete work, then demoed the slab down approximately 2.5 inches and built the shower pan back up correctly. That created room for the drainage slope while keeping the shower entry flush with the bathroom floor.

The Plan: Safer Entry, Better Drainage, More Traction, And Cleaner Storage

The new shower was designed around daily usability. The curb was eliminated, the tub was removed, and the shower became an open walk-in area with a fixed glass panel. Marble-look porcelain tile kept the shower bright, while pebble floor tile added extra grout lines and traction.

Technical Scope Of Work

The technical scope included demolition, slab scanning, slab lowering, drain relocation, shower pan construction, waterproofing, tile, glass, lighting, and vanity upgrades. The project required plumbing and electrical permits because the work changed hidden systems, not just finish materials.

For homeowners comparing similar scopes, the tub-to-shower conversion cost guide explains why custom tile, drain relocation, waterproofing, and slab conditions can change the scope.

Why The Linear Drain Was Moved

The drain location was planned around comfort, not just plumbing convenience. A drain placed in the wrong spot can be something the homeowner steps on every time they shower. On this project, the linear drain was relocated so the standing area felt more comfortable.

The drain also included a hair catcher, which makes routine cleaning easier and helps protect drainage performance over time.

Why Pebble Tile Was Used On The Shower Floor

The homeowners wanted traction. A large-format shower floor can look clean, but it has fewer grout joints. For this project, small pebble tile was chosen because it creates more grout lines underfoot. That texture and grout pattern helped support the accessibility goal of reducing slip risk in a wet shower area.

For more design planning around benches, handheld wands, grab-bar backing, niches, waterproofing, and glass, see the walk-in shower planning guide.

Accessibility And Aging-In-Place Details

• Curbless entry so the homeowners no longer had to step over a tub or shower curb.
• No shower door, keeping the entry open and easier to navigate.
• Pebble shower floor selected for additional grout lines and traction.
• Grab bars installed with wood reinforcement behind the tile.
• Floating bench mounted with metal brackets into studs.
• Bench corners softened to avoid sharp edges in the shower.
• Handheld shower wand for easier bathing and rinsing.
• Relocated linear drain to keep the standing area more comfortable.
• Additional lighting and lighted mirrors to make the bathroom brighter.
• Towel hooks added for convenient access after showering.

Materials And Finish Selections

The finish package balanced safety, cleaning, storage, and a bright visual direction. The shower used marble-look porcelain walls, pebble tile flooring, AquaDefense and Kerdi waterproofing details, a relocated linear drain, custom fixed glass, a floating bench, reinforced grab bars, and a brighter vanity area.

Timeline: Approx. 20 Days Of Active Construction

The project took approximately 20 days of active construction. The schedule included demolition, slab scanning, concrete work, plumbing relocation, electrical updates, shower pan work, waterproofing, tile installation, vanity/countertop installation, glass coordination, mirror installation, finish trim, and punch-list completion.

For broader planning around bathroom remodel budgets and schedule expectations, use the bathroom remodel cost guide.

Finished Result: Brighter, Safer, More Open, And Easier To Use

The finished bathroom is brighter, safer, more open, and more modern. The homeowners especially loved the bench and the curbless shower. The new layout removed the tub step-over and shower curb, added better lighting, increased storage, and gave the room a cleaner custom look while still focusing on practical day-to-day safety.

The project now gives the homeowners a shower that is easier to enter, easier to use, and easier to maintain. The fixed glass panel keeps the shower open visually, the pebble floor supports traction, the handheld wand improves usability, and the reinforced grab bars provide support where it matters.

Project Location Map

This project was completed in the Lone Mountain area of Las Vegas. The exact address is withheld for client privacy.