Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Barrier-Free Shower Pan
Barrier-free and low-threshold showers are one of the best upgrades you can make for comfort, independence, and easier caregiving. At Showers4Less.com, we help seniors, people with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, caregivers, contractors, and plumbers pick the right shower system the first time. This guide walks through each step — from measuring your space to choosing drain locations, thresholds, accessories, and installation options.
This article is written for homeowners, adult children helping parents, hospice and home-care teams, and trade professionals. If you need a shower that works for today and the future, this guide is for you.
Step 1 – Understand What “Barrier-Free” Really Means
A barrier-free shower pan is designed with little to no step at the entrance. Many models have thresholds as low as 1/2" to 3/4", and some are true roll-in pans with no curbs at all when installed correctly. The goal is simple. Make it easier to walk or roll into the shower without big floor height changes.
Showers4Less offers:
- True barrier-free roll-in pans
- Low-threshold pans in multiple heights
- 4" curbed pans for traditional step-in showers
- Barrier-free pans that can accept a removable 2" curb
Think past today. Many customers choose a pan that can be barrier-free now, or later, without replacing the entire shower. Semi-permanent curbs are a smart way to plan for future wheelchair or walker use.
Step 2 – Measure the Existing Space and Wet Area
Proper measurements are the foundation of the whole project. Take your time here. A few extra minutes with a tape measure can save hours of frustration later.
Key measurements to capture
- Width from stud-to-stud or finished wall-to-wall
- Depth from back wall to the front of the shower opening
- Ceiling height
- Doorway width and hallway clearances leading to the bathroom
- Existing drain position from the back wall and one side wall
Draw a simple sketch of the bathroom and write your measurements directly on the page. Include obstacles such as baseboard heaters, windows, and radiators that might affect layout.
For seniors, wheelchair users, and caregivers, it is also helpful to note how much turning space is available just outside the shower. This makes it easier to position wheelchairs, walkers, and transfer equipment.
Step 3 – Choose the Drain Location: Left, Right, Center, or Trench
Your existing plumbing often decides which drain location will be the easiest and most cost-effective. But function also matters. For example, a caregiver might prefer the drain under the seat or closer to the valve wall for easier cleaning.
Most common drain options
- Left drain: centered along the left wall
- Right drain: centered along the right wall
- Center drain: in the middle of the pan
- Linear or trench drain: long, narrow drain across one side
Showers4Less carries barrier-free pans in all of these configurations, including specialty sizes like 48" x 48", 60" x 32", and larger bariatric pans that provide more turning space.
Matching the drain location to your existing drain line often reduces labor costs. Moving a drain can be done, but it usually requires more demolition and plumbing work.
Use this visual as a reference when you sketch your bathroom. Mark which drain location lines up best with your existing plumbing.
Step 4 – Pick the Threshold Height
Threshold height is one of the most important decisions you will make. It affects safety, ease of use, water control, and future accessibility.
Showers4Less offers low-profile and curbed options in common heights such as:
- 1/2" (very low, popular for roll-in)
- 3/4"
- 1"
- 1 1/4"
- 1 1/2"
- 1 3/4"
- 2"
- 4" traditional curbed showers
Lower thresholds are easier for walkers and wheelchairs. Slightly higher thresholds provide extra water control and can still be easier to step over than a standard tub wall. The right choice depends on who will use the shower now and later.
Barrier-Free Pans with Removable 2" Curbs
Some barrier-free pans can accept a semi-permanent 2" curb. This lets you start with a low step-in shower and transition to full roll-in access later without changing the pan.
If you are not ready for a full roll-in yet, a barrier-free pan plus a removable curb offers flexibility. When mobility changes, you can remove the curb and convert the shower rather than renovate again.
Step 5 – Choose the Pan Size and Shape
Once you understand your measurements, drain location, and threshold preferences, it is time to match a pan size to your bathroom and lifestyle.
Common layouts include:
- Rectangular pans like 60" x 32" that replace standard tubs
- Square pans like 48" x 48" that add turning space
- Large bariatric pans such as 72" x 48" for extra freedom of movement
- Corner entry pans that save space in smaller bathrooms
If a wheelchair, shower chair, or caregiver will be in the shower, consider a larger pan. Extra turning space can make transfers, positioning, and hygiene much easier.
Step 6 – Select Your Accessories and Safety Features
The right accessories can transform a basic shower into a secure and comfortable bathing environment for years to come. It is almost always cheaper to add these items during the initial project instead of trying to retrofit later.
Popular accessories from Showers4Less
- Padded fold-up seats
- Teak-style or phenolic seats
- Handheld shower wands (often 5-foot hoses or longer)
- Adjustable slide bars for easy shower head height changes
- Grab bars in various lengths and finishes
- Pressure-balanced or thermostatic valves
- Corner shelves and soap dishes
- Foot rests for leg shaving and caregiver support
If a caregiver assists with bathing, plan grab bar locations and seat placement so both the user and helper have space and stable points to hold. A well-placed vertical grab bar near the entry can make transfers much easier.
Think Through Real-Life Use
Ask a few simple questions:
- Will someone need to sit for most of the shower?
- Does the user have stronger grip on one side?
- Is a handheld shower head needed for seated rinsing?
- Will a wheelchair need to roll into the shower?
Many homeowners wish they had ordered extra blocking in the walls for future grab bars. Even if you do not install them today, planning backing locations during the remodel can make future upgrades easier.
Step 7 – Walls, Surrounds and Finishes
The shower pan is the foundation. The wall system completes the look and protects your home. Showers4Less works with a variety of wall surround options, depending on your installer and design preferences.
Common choices include:
- Waterproof wall systems designed to match the pan
- Fiberglass or acrylic surrounds
- Solid-surface panels with stone-like appearance
- Tile over approved backer board, installed by a qualified tile setter
Always follow manufacturer instructions on backer, sealants, and transitions. Proper waterproofing behind the walls is just as important as the pan itself.
Step 8 – Decide Who Will Install the Shower
Once you select the pan and accessories, the next big decision is installation. You have options.
- Your own contractor or plumber: Many homeowners work with a local pro they already know.
- Turnkey installation from Showers4Less partners: In many areas, we can coordinate 1–2 day installations with experienced crews.
- Hybrid approach: A general contractor handles demo and framing. A plumber sets the pan and valve. A tile or wall-panel installer finishes the surround.
Ask your installer to outline the sequence: demo, plumbing, pan set, wall work, trim, and caulking. Clear steps keep the project moving and help you plan around bathroom downtime.
Step 9 – Prepare the Home and Users for the Change
A new barrier-free shower can change daily routines in a big way. A little planning makes the transition smoother.
- Plan a temporary bathing solution while work is in progress.
- Decide where caregivers will stand or sit during assisted showers.
- Review how wheelchairs, walkers, and lift equipment will move in and out.
- Talk with family members and care teams about new safety practices.
If the person using the new shower is anxious about change, walk them through the space before the first use. Show where grab bars are, how the seat works, and how to adjust the handheld shower. Calm and familiarity go a long way.
Step 10 – Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Once your barrier-free shower is installed, a simple maintenance routine keeps it looking good and performing well.
- Use non-abrasive cleaners recommended for your pan and wall material.
- Rinse soap and shampoo residue after each use to reduce buildup.
- Check caulk lines and seals every few months.
- Inspect grab bars and seats to confirm they remain tight.
- Follow any manufacturer care instructions for teak or padded seats.
A quick rinse and wipe-down after each shower often prevents heavy scrubbing later. Many caregivers combine this with end-of-day routines to keep the space fresh.
Why Showers4Less.com Is a Smart Partner for Barrier-Free Showers
Showers4Less focuses on barrier-free and low-threshold shower pans every day. We work with homeowners across the country, as well as contractors, health-care facilities, and senior housing communities. Our role is simple. Help you find the right pan, in the right size, with the right drain and threshold, and back it with strong product support.
Many of our pans are made in the USA and built with long-term durability in mind. When you pair a quality pan with solid installation and thoughtful accessories, you get a shower that supports independence and caregiving for many years.
Grab your tape measure, sketch your bathroom, and list your must-have features. Then explore barrier-free and low-threshold options at Showers4Less.com. If you have questions about size, drain locations, thresholds, or accessories, reach out for friendly, pressure-free help.