Custom Shower Design in Boise, Idaho
Walk-in showers, curbless designs, steam showers, and luxury multi-head configurations — built right the first time
The standard builder-grade tub-shower combo that comes in most Boise homes is functional — but it is rarely the bathroom experience homeowners actually want. A custom shower transforms a basic bathroom into a space designed around how you actually use it: more room to move, water where you want it, accessibility that makes sense for every stage of life, and materials that hold up for decades instead of years.
Boise's real estate market consistently rewards bathroom upgrades, and the shower is the centerpiece. According to the National Association of Realtors' Remodeling Impact Report, a bathroom remodel recovers 71% of its cost at resale — and a well-designed custom shower is the most visible component of that upgrade. Buyers in the Treasure Valley specifically look for walk-in showers, frameless glass, and modern tile work when evaluating homes.
Beyond resale value, a custom shower is a daily quality-of-life upgrade. Boise residents who are active in the Foothills, on the Boise River, or at Bogus Basin come home wanting a shower that feels like more than an afterthought. A properly designed custom shower delivers that — with better water coverage, comfortable bench seating, built-in storage niches, and materials chosen for durability in Idaho's hard water conditions.
Accessibility is another major driver. Boise's aging-in-place movement is growing, and a curbless walk-in shower with grab bars, a built-in bench, and a handheld shower head eliminates the number-one fall risk in the home — stepping over a tub wall. Building these features into a custom shower from the start costs far less than retrofitting later.
Iron Crest Remodel designs and builds custom showers throughout the Treasure Valley. Every project includes full waterproofing, code-compliant plumbing, and a 5-year workmanship warranty. We handle the entire process from design through final glass installation.
Custom showers are not one-size-fits-all. The right configuration depends on your bathroom footprint, how many people use the shower, accessibility needs, and the experience you want. Here are the most popular configurations we build in Boise:
Walk-In Shower with Frameless Glass
The most requested custom shower configuration in Boise. A walk-in shower replaces the standard tub-shower combo with a dedicated shower space enclosed by frameless glass panels. The open sightlines make the bathroom feel larger, and the absence of a shower curtain or framed door gives the space a clean, modern appearance. Walk-in showers typically feature a low curb (2–4 inches) or curbless entry, a fixed rain shower head, and one or two recessed niches for shampoo and soap storage. This is the sweet spot for most Boise homeowners — visually striking, highly functional, and achievable in most bathroom layouts.
Typical cost: $10,000–$18,000
Curbless / Zero-Threshold Shower
A curbless shower eliminates the raised entry lip entirely, creating a seamless floor transition from the bathroom into the shower. The shower floor is pitched toward a linear drain or center drain, and the entire wet area is waterproofed as a continuous membrane system. Curbless showers are essential for wheelchair accessibility and aging-in-place design, but they are also increasingly popular in Boise for their modern, spa-like aesthetic. The key to a successful curbless shower is precise floor slope engineering and flawless waterproofing — there is no curb to act as a backup barrier if the membrane fails.
Typical cost: $14,000–$24,000
Steam Shower
A steam shower adds a steam generator to a fully enclosed shower space, transforming it into a personal steam room. The enclosure must be completely sealed — walls, ceiling, and a floor-to-ceiling glass door — with a vapor barrier behind the tile on all surfaces. The steam generator is typically a compact unit installed in an adjacent closet, vanity cabinet, or attic space, connected to a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Steam showers are popular with Boise homeowners who want a spa-like recovery experience after skiing, hiking, or mountain biking in Idaho's backcountry. The ceiling must be sloped (minimum 1 inch per foot) to direct condensation toward the walls rather than dripping on bathers.
Typical cost: $18,000–$35,000+
Dual-Head and Rain Shower
Multiple shower heads provide a more immersive experience. The most common configuration is a large overhead rain shower head (10–16 inch diameter) combined with a wall-mounted handheld on a slide bar. More elaborate setups add body sprays — horizontal jets mounted at chest and hip height on one or both walls. A thermostatic mixing valve is essential for multi-head systems to maintain consistent temperature regardless of how many heads are active. Dual-head configurations require larger supply lines (3/4-inch minimum) and adequate water pressure to deliver satisfying flow to all outlets simultaneously.
Typical cost: $12,000–$22,000
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Converting an existing bathtub alcove into a dedicated walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in Boise. The standard 60-inch tub alcove provides a good starting footprint for a custom shower, and the existing drain and supply lines reduce plumbing costs. Many homeowners expand the footprint beyond the original tub alcove when possible — even 6–12 additional inches of width makes a significant difference in the shower experience. This conversion is especially common in primary bathrooms where the soaking tub is rarely used and the homeowners prefer a larger, more functional shower.
Typical cost: $8,000–$16,000
Shower size has a direct impact on comfort, functionality, and cost. Building codes set minimums, but a custom shower should be designed for how you actually use the space — not just to meet the minimum. Here is how the most common sizes compare:
36 x 60 inches (3 x 5 feet) — Minimum Comfortable
Code MinimumThis is the size of a standard tub alcove and the minimum footprint for a comfortable custom shower. It accommodates one person with a fixed shower head and one niche. Room for a small corner seat or fold-down bench. Works well for secondary bathrooms and tub-to-shower conversions where the footprint cannot be expanded.
48 x 72 inches (4 x 6 feet) — Comfortable Standard
Most PopularThe most popular size for primary bathroom custom showers in Boise. Enough room for a built-in bench, two niches, and a rain head plus handheld combination. Allows comfortable movement without feeling cramped. This size works with both curbed and curbless configurations and accommodates frameless glass panels without dominating the bathroom.
60 x 96 inches (5 x 8 feet) — Luxury
PremiumLarge enough for dual shower heads on opposite walls, a full-length bench, body sprays, and doorless (open) entry. This size is common in primary suite remodels in Eagle, North End Boise, and custom homes. Doorless entry requires a minimum 36-inch entry path with angled walls or a return wall to contain water splash.
Linear Layout
The shower runs along one wall with glass on the opposite side. This is the most common layout for tub-to-shower conversions and rectangular bathrooms. The linear drain runs parallel to the entry wall, directing water away from the door or opening.
Corner Entry
Two walls of the shower are structural (tile), and two glass panels form the enclosure with the door at the corner. This layout maximizes floor space in smaller bathrooms and works well in square or near-square footprints. The corner entry creates a generous opening without a large door swing.
Doorless / Open Entry
No glass door at all — the shower entry is an open passage with a return wall or angled wall to block water splash. Requires a minimum 60-inch walk-in path and careful slope engineering to keep water contained. Creates a spa-like, barrier-free experience. Best suited for larger shower footprints (5x8 feet or more).
Square Layout
Equal-dimension shower (4x4, 5x5, or 6x6 feet) with a center drain. Works well for rain head configurations where the overhead shower head is centered. Can be enclosed with a single glass panel and door or designed as a doorless walk-in with a return wall. Common in Boise primary bathrooms with ample floor space.
The tile and surface materials you choose define the look, maintenance requirements, and longevity of your custom shower. Every surface in a shower is exposed to constant moisture, temperature changes, and Boise's hard water — material selection matters more here than in almost any other area of your home.
Porcelain Tile
Best for: Walls, floors, and benches — the workhorse of custom shower tile
Porcelain is dense, non-porous (less than 0.5% water absorption rate), and available in virtually unlimited colors, patterns, and textures — including convincing natural stone, wood, and concrete looks. Large-format porcelain tiles (12x24, 24x48) minimize grout lines, creating a cleaner look and reducing maintenance. For shower floors, smaller porcelain mosaics (2x2 inch or penny rounds) provide the grout joints needed for traction and proper slope to the drain. Porcelain handles Boise's hard water better than natural stone because it does not absorb minerals.
Material cost: $4–$15 per sq ft
Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Slate)
Best for: Premium custom showers where aesthetics are the priority
Natural stone brings unmatched depth, variation, and warmth to a custom shower. Marble (Carrara, Calacatta) creates a classic, elegant look. Travertine provides warm earth tones with a textured surface. Slate offers deep, layered colors with excellent slip resistance. All natural stone requires sealing — initial application during installation and resealing every 12–18 months. In Boise's hard water conditions, natural stone shows mineral buildup more visibly than porcelain and requires more diligent cleaning.
Material cost: $10–$40+ per sq ft
Large-Format Tile (24x48 and Larger)
Best for: Modern, minimalist shower designs with fewer grout lines
Large-format tiles (sometimes called slab-look tiles) cover more area per piece, dramatically reducing the number of grout joints. Fewer grout lines means less maintenance, easier cleaning, and a more seamless visual effect. These tiles require perfectly flat wall surfaces and experienced installation — any substrate imperfections telegraph through the large tile face. Popular choices include polished porcelain, matte concrete-look, and veined marble-look panels.
Material cost: $6–$20 per sq ft
Mosaic Accent Tiles
Best for: Niche interiors, accent bands, shower floors, and decorative borders
Mosaic tiles (glass, natural stone, or porcelain mounted on mesh sheets) add visual interest and texture to specific areas of the shower without overwhelming the design. A mosaic accent strip at eye level, inside a recessed niche, or as a shower floor provides a focal point that contrasts with larger field tiles. Glass mosaics reflect light beautifully in a shower, and their non-porous surface resists staining and hard water deposits.
Material cost: $8–$35 per sq ft
Solid Surface Panels (Corian, Cultured Marble)
Best for: Low-maintenance showers, rental properties, and quick remodels
Solid surface panels are fabricated sheets installed over the shower substrate with virtually no grout joints. This makes them the lowest-maintenance option available — no grout to seal, no tiles to re-caulk, and simple wipe-down cleaning. They are available in a range of colors and patterns, including marble and stone looks. While they lack the depth and character of real tile or stone, they are practical, durable, and significantly faster to install.
Material cost: $15–$40 per sq ft (installed panels)
Waterproofing is not optional, and it is not a place to cut corners. A custom shower directs hundreds of gallons of water per week against the walls and floor of your home. If the waterproofing membrane fails — or was never installed correctly — water migrates behind the tile into the wall framing, subfloor, and adjacent rooms. The result is mold, rot, structural damage, and a complete tear-out far more expensive than the original shower build.
This is why we consider waterproofing the single most important phase of any custom shower installation. The tile you see is decorative — the waterproofing behind it is what actually protects your home. Here are the systems we use and trust:
Schluter KERDI Membrane System
Our primary waterproofing system. KERDI is a pliable, sheet-applied polyethylene membrane bonded directly to cement board substrate with unmodified thin-set mortar. It creates a continuous waterproof barrier behind every tile surface — walls, ceiling, curbs, benches, and niches. All seams are overlapped and sealed with KERDI-BAND. The KERDI-DRAIN integrates directly with the membrane at the shower floor for a watertight drain connection. When installed per Schluter's specifications, the system carries a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Industry standard — our recommended system
Liquid-Applied Membranes (RedGard, Hydroban)
Liquid waterproofing membranes are roller- or trowel-applied directly to cement board. They cure into a flexible, waterproof film. RedGard (Custom Building Products) and Hydroban (Laticrete) are the most common brands. Liquid membranes are effective when applied in two coats at the correct thickness (measured in mils), with reinforcing fabric tape at all seams and corners. They are a good option for complex geometries where sheet membranes are difficult to conform. The key risk is inconsistent application thickness — too thin and the membrane does not provide adequate waterproofing.
Good option for complex areas — requires precise application
Pre-Formed Shower Pans (KERDI-SHOWER-ST, Wedi Fundo)
Pre-formed foam shower pans with factory-integrated slope and drain connections eliminate the need for a traditional mortar bed (mud bed) on the shower floor. The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-ST and Wedi Fundo Primo are the most commonly used products. They are lightweight, dimensionally stable, and provide a guaranteed slope to the drain. The pan surface is bonded directly to the sheet membrane on the walls, creating a continuous waterproof envelope. These pans significantly reduce installation time and eliminate the inconsistency of hand-formed mud beds.
Fastest, most reliable shower floor waterproofing
We test every waterproof membrane installation with a flood test before tile installation begins. The shower pan is filled with water and held for 24 hours. If the water level drops, we find and fix the leak before any tile goes down. This simple step prevents the most expensive failure mode in bathroom remodeling.
The glass enclosure is the most visible element of a custom shower — it defines the style and determines how the shower interacts with the rest of the bathroom. Here are the options we install most frequently in Boise homes:
Frameless Glass
$1,500–$3,500Frameless enclosures use 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass panels with minimal hardware — typically stainless steel or brushed nickel clamps and hinges. No metal frame surrounds the glass, creating clean sightlines and a modern, open feel. Frameless glass is the standard for custom showers in Boise's primary bathroom remodels. Panels are custom-templated after tile installation for a precise fit. Available in clear, ultra-clear (low-iron), and frosted finishes. Glass coatings like EnduroShield reduce water spot buildup from Boise's hard water.
Semi-Frameless Glass
$800–$1,800Semi-frameless enclosures have a metal channel on the top and bottom of the glass panels but no frame around the door or fixed panel edges. This provides more structural rigidity than fully frameless designs at a lower cost. The top and bottom channels are available in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze to match your shower fixtures. Semi-frameless is a good choice for budget-conscious projects that still want a cleaner look than traditional framed enclosures.
Fixed Glass Panel (No Door)
$600–$1,200A single fixed glass panel (typically 30–36 inches wide) provides a splash barrier without a door. This works for walk-in showers with a wide entry where water containment is managed by shower head placement and floor slope rather than a sealed enclosure. The simplest, most affordable glass option and the easiest to clean — no tracks, hinges, or seals. Popular with curbless shower designs and open-concept bathrooms.
No Glass / Doorless Entry
$0 (glass cost)Doorless showers use architectural elements — return walls, angled entries, or half-walls — to contain water instead of glass. No glass means no glass to clean, no hardware to maintain, and a completely open, spa-like feel. The trade-off is that doorless showers require a larger footprint (minimum 5x8 feet recommended), cannot be used for steam showers, and may allow some water splash onto the bathroom floor. Effective in primary suites with radiant-heated bathroom floors where occasional splash is not a concern.
Fixtures and hardware determine how your custom shower performs day-to-day. The right valve system, shower heads, and built-in features turn a tiled box into a shower you actually enjoy using. Here is what to consider for each component:
Thermostatic Mixing Valves
A thermostatic valve maintains a constant water temperature regardless of changes in hot or cold water pressure elsewhere in the house. This is essential for multi-head shower systems — without a thermostatic valve, flushing a toilet or running the dishwasher can cause a sudden temperature spike in the shower. Brands like Delta, Kohler, and Hansgrohe offer thermostatic valve systems that control temperature and volume independently. Required for any shower with more than two outlets.
Rain Shower Heads
Overhead rain heads (10–16 inch diameter) mounted flush to the ceiling or on a ceiling-mount arm deliver a wide, gentle water cascade. The experience is fundamentally different from a wall-mounted head — the water falls straight down, covering your entire body evenly. Ceiling-mount rain heads require supply line routing through the ceiling framing, which is easiest to plan during new construction or a full-gut remodel.
Body Sprays
Body sprays are horizontal jets mounted on the shower wall at chest and hip height — typically 2–4 sprays per side, positioned at different heights. They provide a massaging, full-body water experience. Body sprays require a 3/4-inch supply line and a thermostatic valve system to maintain consistent temperature and pressure across all outlets. Water heater capacity must be verified — a 6-spray system can flow 4+ gallons per minute.
Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld shower head on a slide bar is one of the most practical additions to any custom shower. It provides flexibility for rinsing hair, cleaning the shower, bathing children or pets, and seated showering. The slide bar allows height adjustment for different users. We recommend including a handheld in every custom shower regardless of other fixture choices — it is the most-used feature after the primary shower head.
Recessed Niches
Built-in recessed niches provide storage for shampoo, conditioner, soap, and razors without taking up floor or bench space. Standard niche sizes are 12x24 or 12x36 inches, positioned between wall studs. We waterproof every niche as carefully as the shower walls — the niche is a penetration in the waterproof membrane and must be sealed completely. Tiled niche interiors with a contrasting mosaic accent tile add a custom design element.
Built-In Benches
A built-in shower bench provides seating for shaving, relaxing under the water, or aging-in-place accessibility. Benches are framed with 2x4 lumber, wrapped in cement board, waterproofed with membrane, and tiled to match the shower walls. The bench top should be sloped slightly (1/4 inch per foot) toward the shower floor to prevent water pooling. Standard bench height is 17–19 inches — ADA-compliant height that is comfortable for most adults. Floating (cantilevered) bench designs create a lighter visual profile.
Boise's municipal water supply contains elevated levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium — minerals that leave white, chalky deposits (limescale) on every surface in your shower. If you have ever seen white buildup on a showerhead or cloudy spots on glass doors, that is hard water at work. For a custom shower that costs $10,000–$30,000+, planning for hard water is not optional — it directly affects material choices, fixture selection, and long-term maintenance.
Fixture Selection
Polished chrome shows every water spot and mineral deposit. For Boise homes without a water softener, we recommend brushed nickel, matte black, or satin brass finishes — these finishes camouflage water spots far better than mirror-polished surfaces. Choose shower heads with silicone nozzles that allow you to wipe away mineral buildup with a finger, rather than fixed nozzles that clog over time.
Glass Coatings
Nano-coatings like EnduroShield, Diamon-Fusion, or ShowerGuard create an invisible, hydrophobic layer on frameless glass that causes water to bead and sheet off rather than dry in place. This dramatically reduces the rate of mineral deposit buildup and makes cleaning faster and less frequent. We recommend glass coating for every frameless shower enclosure in the Treasure Valley — the coating pays for itself in reduced cleaning effort within the first year.
Tile Color and Material Strategy
Dark-colored tiles (charcoal, black, dark blue) show hard water deposits most visibly. If you prefer dark tile in your custom shower and do not plan to install a water softener, plan for more frequent cleaning or use dark tile selectively (accent band, niche interior) rather than as full-wall field tile. Light-colored porcelain tile with minimal texture is the most forgiving choice for Boise's water conditions.
Whole-House Water Softener
The most effective long-term solution for hard water in Boise is a whole-house water softener installed on the main supply line. A softener removes calcium and magnesium before the water reaches your shower, virtually eliminating mineral deposits on glass, tile, and fixtures. Softener installation typically costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on capacity and brand. If you are investing $15,000+ in a custom shower, the softener is one of the best complementary investments you can make.
Custom shower costs vary widely depending on size, materials, fixture count, and structural complexity. Here is a detailed breakdown of what Boise homeowners can expect to invest at each level:
Typical range: $8,000 – $35,000+
Most popular projects (walk-in with frameless glass): $12,000 – $18,000
Standard Walk-In Shower
$8,000–$14,0003x5 to 4x5 foot footprint. Porcelain tile on walls and floor. Single shower head (wall-mount or rain head). One recessed niche. Frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosure. Standard thermostatic valve. Full KERDI waterproofing system. Includes demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tile, glass, fixtures, and labor.
Mid-Range Custom Shower
$14,000–$22,0004x6 foot footprint. Upgraded porcelain or natural stone tile with mosaic accents. Rain head plus handheld combo. Two recessed niches. Built-in bench. Frameless glass enclosure with EnduroShield coating. Thermostatic valve with diverter. Linear drain. This is the sweet spot for most Boise primary bathroom remodels.
Luxury / Spa Custom Shower
$22,000–$35,000+5x8 foot or larger footprint. Premium natural stone or large-format porcelain slab tile. Multiple shower heads (rain, handheld, 4–6 body sprays). Steam generator with digital controls. Curbless entry with linear drain. Built-in bench and multiple niches. Frameless glass enclosure with coated glass. Radiant floor heating in the shower. LED accent lighting. Upgraded thermostatic valve system with multiple zone controls.
Additional costs may include: plumbing rerouting ($500–$2,500), structural modifications ($1,000–$4,000), water heater upgrade for multi-head systems ($800–$2,500), whole-house water softener ($1,500–$3,500), electrical for steam generator ($400–$800), and radiant floor heating ($600–$1,500).
Building a custom shower correctly requires a specific sequence of steps. Each phase must be completed properly before the next begins — there are no shortcuts that do not create problems downstream. Here is exactly how we build custom showers in Boise:
Design Consultation and Planning
We visit your home to assess the existing bathroom layout, measure the available space, evaluate plumbing access, and discuss your goals. We review shower configuration options, tile materials, fixture selections, and glass enclosure types. You receive a detailed proposal with a floor plan, material specifications, fixture selections, and a fixed-price quote before any work begins.
Demolition and Rough Framing
Existing shower or tub is demolished and removed. Walls are opened to access plumbing supply and drain lines. New framing is built for shower walls, niches, benches, and curbs. Any structural modifications (wall relocation, floor reinforcement) are completed during this phase. We protect all adjacent surfaces and contain dust with plastic barriers and negative air pressure.
Plumbing Rough-In
New supply lines, mixing valve, shower head drops, body spray connections, and drain assembly are installed per the design plan. All plumbing is pressure-tested before closing walls. If a building permit was required, the plumbing rough-in is inspected by the City of Boise before proceeding. This is also when the steam generator connection (if applicable) and dedicated electrical circuit are roughed in.
Cement Board and Substrate
Cement board (HardieBacker or similar) is installed over all shower wall framing, the ceiling (for steam showers), and the bench structure. All seams are taped and mudded. The shower floor receives either a pre-formed foam pan (KERDI-SHOWER-ST) or a hand-formed mortar bed sloped to the drain. Every surface must be flat and plumb — the quality of the tile work depends on the quality of the substrate.
Waterproofing
The KERDI membrane (or liquid-applied membrane) is installed on every surface — walls, floor, ceiling, curb, bench, and niches. All seams are sealed with KERDI-BAND. The drain connection is integrated into the membrane system. After the waterproofing is complete, we perform a 24-hour flood test on the shower pan to verify zero water loss before tile installation begins. This is the most critical quality control step in the entire project.
Tile Installation, Grouting, and Sealing
Field tile, accent tile, and floor tile are installed according to the design plan. All tiles are set with modified thin-set mortar appropriate for the tile type and substrate. Spacers ensure consistent grout joints. After the tile sets (24 hours minimum), grout is applied, cleaned, and cured. Grout and natural stone surfaces are sealed with a penetrating sealer. Fixtures — shower heads, handles, drain cover — are installed after tile and grout are complete.
Glass Installation and Final Walkthrough
After tile is complete, we template the glass enclosure for custom fabrication. Frameless glass panels are manufactured to the exact measurements of the finished tile opening (2–3 week lead time). Glass is installed, hardware is adjusted, and silicone seals are applied. We conduct a final walkthrough with you to test every fixture, verify water temperature control, check for any tile or grout imperfections, and confirm the project meets your expectations. Your 5-year workmanship warranty begins at final approval.
How much does a custom shower cost in Boise?
Custom shower costs in Boise range from $8,000 to $35,000+ depending on size, materials, and features. A basic walk-in shower with porcelain tile and frameless glass runs $8,000–$14,000. Mid-range projects with natural stone, a built-in bench, and multiple shower heads average $14,000–$22,000. Luxury builds with steam capability, body sprays, curbless entry, and premium stone can reach $25,000–$35,000+. These ranges include demolition, waterproofing, tile, glass, fixtures, and labor.
What is the best tile for a custom shower in Boise?
Large-format porcelain tile (12x24 or larger) is the most popular choice for Boise custom showers — it minimizes grout lines, resists staining, and handles Boise's hard water well. For shower floors, smaller mosaic tiles (2x2 or penny rounds) provide the traction and slope needed for proper drainage. Natural stone like marble or travertine looks stunning but requires annual sealing. We recommend porcelain that mimics natural stone for the best balance of beauty and low maintenance.
How long does it take to build a custom shower in Boise?
A typical custom shower installation takes 2–4 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. The waterproofing membrane requires 24–48 hours to cure before tile installation begins, and grout needs 72 hours before sealing. Frameless glass enclosures are templated after tile is complete and require 2–3 weeks for fabrication. Total timeline including glass is typically 4–6 weeks. We provide a detailed project schedule before work begins.
Do I need a permit to remodel my shower in Boise?
Yes. Any project that involves plumbing modifications (moving drain location, adding shower heads, relocating supply lines) requires a plumbing permit through Boise's Planning and Development Services. If you are converting a tub to a shower or changing the footprint of the wet area, a building permit is also required. Cosmetic-only upgrades like retiling over existing waterproofing without moving plumbing may not require a permit, but most custom shower projects involve enough modification to trigger permit requirements.
What is a curbless shower and is it right for my Boise home?
A curbless (zero-threshold) shower eliminates the raised lip at the shower entry, creating a seamless transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor. The entire shower area is sloped toward the drain using a pre-formed foam pan or a custom mud bed. Curbless showers are ideal for aging-in-place accessibility, wheelchair access, and modern open-concept bathroom designs. They work in most Boise homes, but the bathroom floor must be level enough to accommodate the slope, and proper waterproofing is absolutely critical to prevent water migration.
Can I add a steam shower to my existing bathroom?
Yes, in most cases. A steam shower requires a fully enclosed space (ceiling, walls, and a sealed glass door), a steam generator (typically installed in an adjacent closet, vanity cabinet, or attic space), and a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit. The enclosure must be completely waterproofed with a vapor barrier, and the ceiling should be sloped to prevent condensation drips. Most Boise bathrooms can accommodate a steam shower as long as there is space for the generator and electrical capacity for the dedicated circuit.
How does Boise's hard water affect custom showers?
Boise's water supply contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, which leave white mineral deposits (limescale) on glass, fixtures, and dark-colored tile. For custom showers, we recommend EnduroShield or similar nano-coatings on frameless glass to reduce buildup, brushed or matte-finish fixtures that hide water spots better than polished chrome, and lighter tile colors that make mineral deposits less visible. A whole-house water softener is the most effective long-term solution and also extends the life of your fixtures and plumbing.
What waterproofing system do you use for custom showers?
We primarily use the Schluter KERDI membrane system — a polyethylene waterproofing membrane that is bonded directly to the cement board substrate before tile installation. KERDI is the industry standard for tile shower waterproofing, providing a continuous waterproof barrier behind the tile on walls, ceiling, curbs, and niches. For shower floors, we use KERDI-DRAIN and pre-formed shower trays or KERDI-SHOWER-ST foam pans with integrated slope. All seams, corners, and penetrations are sealed with KERDI-BAND. This system carries a lifetime warranty from Schluter when installed per their specifications.
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