Common Problems with Tile Showers: Curbed vs Curbless Showers in Fort Wayne, Indiana (2026)

Common Problems with Tile Showers: Curbed vs Curbless Showers in Fort Wayne, Indiana (2026)

Tile showers are one of the most popular upgrades in bathroom remodeling.

They offer:

• Luxury appearance
• Premium feel
• Strong durability
• Long-term value

But despite all their benefits, tile showers aren’t perfect.

Like any product, there are potential downsides homeowners should understand before investing.

At Faze Construction, we believe the best remodel decisions happen when homeowners fully understand both the benefits and the challenges of each product.

For this article, we’ll use a common shower size as our example:

3x5 shower remodel

This applies to both:

• Curbed walk-in showers
• Curbless walk-in showers

Let’s talk about the most common problems with tile showers.

Problem #1: Poor Grout Can Fail Over Time

One of the biggest failure points in tile showers is grout.

If low-quality grout is used, over time it can:

• Crack
• Chip
• Fade
• Stain
• Deteriorate

Once grout begins to fail, water infiltration becomes a major concern.

Water can seep into weak points and eventually create:

• Moisture damage
• Mold
• Waterproofing failures
• Structural issues

This is one of the biggest reasons some tile showers fail prematurely.

At Faze Construction, this is why we require epoxy grout as a standard procedure.

Epoxy grout offers major advantages:

• Superior strength
• Excellent stain resistance
• No fading
• Better moisture protection
• Longer lifespan

It costs more upfront.

But it dramatically improves long-term performance.

This is one reason our tile showers cost more than many competitors.

We prioritize long-term durability over short-term savings.

Problem #2: Curbless Showers Have More Water Control Challenges

Curbless showers are one of the most requested upgrades in bathroom remodeling.

They offer:

• High-end appearance
• Modern design
• Better accessibility
• Aging-in-place functionality

But curbless showers do come with added complexity.

The biggest challenge?

Water control.

A curbed shower naturally helps contain water inside the shower area.

That makes water management easier.

A curbless shower relies entirely on:

• Proper floor slope
• Drain placement
• Waterproofing
• Installation precision

If any of these are done incorrectly, water control issues can occur.

Problem #3: Curbless Showers Cost More on Concrete Foundations

This is something many homeowners don’t realize.

If your home has a concrete slab foundation, building a curbless shower becomes more complex.

Why?

Because the shower floor must be recessed lower than the surrounding floor to allow water to flow properly toward the drain.

That often requires:

• Concrete cutting
• Additional prep work
• Floor modifications
• Drain adjustments

This increases both labor and project cost.

Curbless showers are not always the most practical option for every home.

Problem #4: Tile Showers Are a Premium Investment

Tile showers are built for homeowners who want long-term quality.

They are not typically the best fit for:

• Rental properties
• Quick flips
• Short-term ownership

Why?

Because tile showers are premium investments.

A properly built tile shower can realistically last decades—often 50 to 70 years or more.

That makes them ideal for:

• Forever homes
• High-value properties
• Long-term homeowners

If you’re planning to move soon or want a lower-cost solution, other shower options may make more sense.

Problem #5: Tile Showers Cost More Upfront

This is the obvious one.

Tile showers cost more than fiberglass or acrylic systems.

Why?

Because they require:

• Demolition
• Waterproofing
• Shower pan systems
• Tile installation
• Grout systems
• Precision labor

Custom upgrades like:

• Benches
• Niches
• Premium tile
• Glass packages

increase cost further.

The result is a premium product—but at a premium price.

Curbed vs Curbless: Which Is Better?

The answer depends on your goals.

Choose a Curbed Shower If You Want:

• Better water control
• Lower project cost
• Easier installation
• Strong long-term performance

Curbed showers are often the best balance of luxury and practicality.

Choose a Curbless Shower If You Want:

• Luxury design
• Accessibility
• Modern aesthetics
• Aging-in-place functionality

Curbless showers offer incredible design and functionality—but require more planning and investment.

Who Is a Tile Shower Best For?

Tile showers are best for homeowners who value:

• Longevity
• Luxury
• Customization
• Premium finishes
• Long-term ROI

They are not always the best fit for everyone.

The best bathroom remodel depends on:

• Budget
• Lifestyle
• Home value
• Long-term plans

That’s why product selection matters.

Choosing the Right Shower Matters

At Faze Construction, our goal isn’t to sell every homeowner the most expensive option.

Our goal is to help homeowners choose the right solution for their needs.

Sometimes that’s a fiberglass shower.

Sometimes it’s a premium curbed tile shower.

Sometimes it’s a fully custom curbless luxury shower.

It all depends on what fits your home and goals.

Schedule a Bathroom Consultation with Faze Construction

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in Fort Wayne, Indiana, our team can help you compare your options.

We provide:

• Bathroom remodeling consultations
• Shower design planning
• Tub-to-shower conversions
• Curbed and curbless shower installations

Contact Faze Construction today to schedule your bathroom consultation and find the shower system that’s right for you.