Walk In and Zero Entry Showers: Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Brevard County - 4 November 2026

Every morning starts the same way in a lot of Brevard County homes: you step over the edge of an old tub, pull a shower curtain that never quite stays put, and try not to slip on the way out. If that routine sounds familiar, you have probably wondered whether a walk in shower or a zero entry shower would make more sense for your home.

Both options are among the most requested bathroom upgrades we see, and for good reason. They open up the room, make daily routines easier, and can help you stay comfortable in your home for years to come. But the finished look hides a lot of planning. Drainage, floor slope, waterproofing, and tile selection all determine whether your new shower performs well or causes headaches down the road.

This guide walks through the differences between walk in and zero entry showers, what happens behind the tile, the design choices that matter most, and the mistakes homeowners should avoid.

Walk In vs Zero Entry: What Is the Difference?

The terms often get used interchangeably, but they describe two different builds.

A walk in shower usually has a low curb at the entrance, just a few inches tall, that you step over. The curb helps contain water, and the shower may have a glass panel, a door, or an open entry.

A zero entry shower, also called a curbless or barrier free shower, has no threshold at all. The bathroom floor flows directly into the shower area, so you can walk, roll a wheelchair, or push a shower chair straight in.

FeatureWalk In with Low CurbZero Entry (Curbless)EntrySmall step over a curbCompletely levelConstructionSimpler, works with most floorsFloor often needs to be recessedWater containmentCurb holds water inRelies on slope and drain placementAccessibilityGood for most peopleBest for wheelchairs and limited mobilityLookClean and modernSeamless, open, spa style

Neither choice is automatically better. The right one depends on who uses the bathroom, how your home is built, and your long term plans.

Why So Many Homeowners Are Making the Switch

Safety and aging in place

Bathrooms are one of the most common places in the home for slips and falls. According to the CDC, over 14 million, or 1 in 4, older adults report falling every year, and falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older. (CDC Older Adult Falls Data) cdc

Removing the tub wall or curb eliminates one of the biggest trip points in the house. Even if you have no mobility concerns today, a zero entry shower is an investment in being able to stay in your home comfortably as your needs change.

More open space

Swapping a bulky tub and shower combination for a glass enclosed shower can make a small bathroom feel dramatically larger. Without a curb or a solid wall breaking up the floor, the eye travels across the whole room.

Easier cleaning

No tub ledge, fewer corners, and no shower curtain mean fewer places for soap scum and mildew to collect, which matters in a Florida climate where humidity is a constant factor.

The Hidden Work Behind a Great Shower

The difference between a beautiful shower and a problem shower usually comes down to work you never see once the tile goes down.

Floor slope and drainage

Every shower floor must slope toward the drain. With a curb, the slope stays contained inside the shower. Without one, the slope has to be planned carefully so water heads to the drain and not across your bathroom floor.

This is why many zero entry showers use a linear drain, a long, narrow channel installed along a wall or at the entrance. A linear drain allows the floor to slope in one direction, which works well with large format tile and helps keep water inside the wet area.

Recessing the floor

To create a truly level entry, the shower floor usually needs to sit lower than the rest of the bathroom. In homes built on a concrete slab, which describes many houses in Brevard County, that can mean cutting and recessing a section of the slab. On a second floor with wood framing, the floor structure may need to be adjusted.

This is the main reason curbless showers involve more labor than curbed showers. It is also why an in person evaluation matters before anyone gives you a firm plan.

Waterproofing

Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. A proper waterproofing membrane under the tile is what actually protects your home. With a curbless design, we extend that waterproofing beyond the shower footprint, because water can travel farther without a curb to stop it.

Design Choices That Make the Biggest Difference

Floor tile

Choose a floor tile with good slip resistance and a matte or textured finish. Smaller tiles on the shower floor create more grout lines, which add grip and make it easier to follow the slope. Larger tiles look beautiful on walls and work well on floors with a linear drain.

Glass or no glass

A fixed glass panel gives you an open look without a swinging door. A fully open shower with no glass needs enough depth so water stays where it belongs. Glass height and placement should be planned around where the showerhead sprays.

Built in seating and storage

A bench gives you a place to sit, shave, or rest, and a recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor. Both are much easier to include during construction than to add later.

Grab bar backing

Even if you do not want grab bars today, ask your contractor to add solid wood blocking inside the walls during framing. If you ever need grab bars, they can be mounted securely without opening the wall.

Valve and showerhead placement

Place the shower controls where you can reach them without stepping into cold water. A handheld shower on a slide bar works well for everyone, from kids to older adults.

Ventilation

A properly sized exhaust fan is essential in Florida. Steam that lingers leads to mold and mildew, especially in an open shower design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing polished floor tile. It may look great in the showroom, but it gets slick when wet.
2. Skipping wall blocking. Adding grab bars later without it means opening finished walls.
3. Undersizing the glass. A panel that is too short or too narrow lets water splash onto the bathroom floor.
4. Ignoring the floor structure. A curbless shower planned without checking the slab or framing can lead to costly surprises.
5. Poor drain placement. The drain location affects the slope, the tile layout, and how well the shower performs.
6. Forgetting about entry width. If accessibility is the goal, the shower opening and bathroom door both need to be wide enough.

Florida Considerations to Keep in Mind

Our humid climate puts extra demands on bathrooms. Moisture resistant materials, quality waterproofing, and strong ventilation all help prevent long term damage. Remodels that move plumbing or change framing generally require a permit, so working with a licensed contractor who handles permitting keeps your project on track and up to code.

How East Coast Construction SD Approaches Shower Remodels

Our design and build process means one team handles your project from the first conversation through final walkthrough. We evaluate your floor structure, plan the slope and drainage, and help you choose materials that fit your style and Florida’s climate.

With free 3D renderings, you can see your new shower layout before construction begins. You can also visit our Cocoa Beach showroom to compare tile, fixtures, and finishes in person. Browse our product selections, explore completed projects in our photo galleries, or learn more about our residential remodeling services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a zero entry shower more expensive than a walk in shower?
Usually, yes. A curbless shower often requires recessing the floor and more detailed drainage and waterproofing work. The exact difference depends on your home’s construction, which is why we evaluate each bathroom in person.

Can I install a curbless shower in a home built on a concrete slab?
In many cases, yes. The slab may need to be cut and recessed in the shower area to create a level entry. We assess the slab and plumbing layout during your estimate.

Does a walk in shower need a door?
Not always. Many walk in showers use a fixed glass panel or an open entry. The shower needs enough depth and proper glass placement to keep water contained.

Will removing my only bathtub affect resale value?
It can matter to buyers with young children, so many homeowners keep at least one tub elsewhere in the house. If the shower replaces your only tub, it is worth discussing your long term plans before deciding.

What is the best floor tile for a walk in shower?
Look for slip resistant tile with a matte or textured finish. Smaller tiles add grip through extra grout lines, while larger tiles pair well with a linear drain.

Do I need a permit to remodel my shower?
Remodels that relocate plumbing or change framing generally require a permit in Brevard County. A licensed contractor can handle the permitting process for you.

Ready to Plan Your New Shower?

A walk in or zero entry shower can make your bathroom safer, more open, and easier to maintain, but the results depend on careful planning behind the tile. From floor slope to waterproofing to the finishes you choose, every detail matters.

East Coast Construction SD provides bathroom remodeling and design and build services throughout Brevard County. Call our team at 321 676 8972 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate, and stop by our Cocoa Beach showroom at 819 N Atlantic Ave to explore tile, fixtures, and design ideas in person.