July 21, 2026 — 7 min read
Drain type sets the tile layout
A centre point drain slopes the floor from four directions, which suits small-format tile or mosaic. A linear drain at one wall slopes in a single direction, which allows large-format tile or stone slabs on the floor. Choosing the stone first and the drain second is the common sequence, and it is backwards.
Curb or curbless is a structural question
A curbless shower needs the floor structure recessed so the waterproofing and slope fit below the finished floor line. On a concrete slab that can mean cutting; on a joisted floor it means framing changes. Both are routine when planned, and both are disruptive when discovered mid-project.
Entry width and the wet zone
A fixed panel with an open entry is quieter visually than a hinged door, but the open span has to be wide enough to pass through comfortably and narrow enough to keep water inside. Where the showerhead points, how far the opening sits from it, and whether there is a handheld all determine that balance.
- Aim the fixed head away from the opening, not across it
- Keep the bench out of the direct spray line
- Plan a handheld position that can be reached from the entry
Niches belong in the framing conversation
A niche has to land between studs and clear of plumbing and any exterior wall insulation. Its height should be set against how the wall tile courses, so the opening lines up with a grout joint rather than cutting through the middle of a tile. That coordination happens before the walls close.
Glass is heavier than it looks
Frameless panels need blocking in the wall to anchor to. Long spans may need a support bar, which is a visible element and should be decided as part of the design rather than added at the end by the glass installer.
Ventilation is part of the shower
An enclosed shower with a soaked ceiling and an undersized fan will show it within a couple of years. Fan capacity, duct run and where the air is actually drawn from matter more to the long-term look of the room than any finish choice.