How to Recess a Shower Floor in 3 Easy Steps (Curbless Shower Guide)

Curbless showers are on the upswing in bathroom design, leaving installers with the challenge of creating a level, code-approved shower for zero-entry spaces.

The Traditional Way (And Why It Slows You Down)

For many installers, curbless showers seem to require major structural work...

  • Cutting joists and reinforcing them
  • Installing ledger boards + blocking
  • Sistering joists to create support

These methods can work, but they come with some downsides:

  • Higher labor costs
  • Higher risk for structural damage
  • Requires a structural engineer

👉 On remodel jobs, especially, this adds unnecessary complexity.

The Easiest Way: Use a Recess Bracket System

Rather than modifying the structure, a curbless bracket kit allows you to lower the wooden subfloor in 3 easy steps. No cutting joists needed.


Why installers prefer this method:

  • Works with existing joists
  • Reduces labor time significantly
  • Creates a consistent, repeatable setup

This approach is especially valuable when:

  • Plumbing is set
  • You’re working on tight timelines
  • You need reliable results on the job

How It Works (Simple 3-Step Process)

  1. Expose the joists
  2.  Remove the subfloor in the shower area
  3. Install the bracket system
  4.  Secure brackets to create a recessed cavity
  5. Lower the subfloor
  6.  Reinstall the subfloor at the new height

That’s it, no structural modification required.

Curbless Shower Floor with Recess Bracket Kit

Shop Recess Bracket Kits for Easy Curbless Showers

Common Issues With Curbless Showers (and how to avoid them)

Even experienced installers can encounter challenges when building curbless showers:

  • Insufficient slope toward the drain

  • Improper waterproofing at transitions

  • Subfloor deflection or movement

With a bracket kit + prefabricated shower pan system: The pan drops into the recessed space with code-approved pre-slope & watertight pre-attached membrane.


Installation is faster, more predictable, and the risk of errors and callbacks is significantly reduced

Final Thoughts


Recessing a shower floor doesn’t have to add stress and worry to your bathroom build. 

With the right system, you can:

Simplify the process

Reduce risk

Deliver better results, faster

And in a market where curbless showers are becoming the standard, that efficiency matters more than you may think.



Frequently Asked Questions

What types of floor joists can the lowering kit be used with?

The Curbless Recess Bracket Kit works with wooden subfloors and can be used with different types, widths, and orientations of floor joists, whether they are parallel or perpendicular to the shower entry.

How much depth does the Curbless Bracket Kit create?

Floor height within the lowered area is recessed by 11/16″ inch

Is the Curbless Bracket Kit code approved?

Yes, it fully complies with ICC standards and codes.

Do I still need a shower pan with this system?

Yes. The bracket kit creates the recessed space, but you still need a shower base or pan to provide proper slope and waterproofing.

Many installers pair it with a prefabricated shower pan for a more predictable and efficient installation.

What is the best location for a linear drain in a curbless shower?

A linear drain should be placed at the entrance of a curbless shower to allow water to flow away efficiently while maintaining a flush, barrier-free design.

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