Is a curbless shower realistic in a second-floor bathroom in a Fredericton bungalow with low floor joists?

A curbless shower in a second-floor bathroom with low floor joists is challenging but potentially doable — it depends on your specific joist depth, existing plumbing layout, and how much structural modification you're willing to undertake.

The main obstacle is drainage slope. Curbless showers require a minimum 1/4" per foot slope to the drain, ideally 1/2" per foot for reliable drainage. In a typical 1960s-1980s Fredericton bungalow with 2x8 or 2x10 floor joists, you're working with limited depth — especially if there's a finished ceiling below that you want to preserve.

Your best bet is positioning the drain strategically. If you can locate the shower drain near an exterior wall where the floor slopes toward the foundation, you'll need less built-up slope. Some contractors create a "sunken" shower pan by lowering the subfloor between joists, but this requires careful engineering to maintain structural integrity. You'll definitely need a building permit from the City of Fredericton Development Services (506-460-2020) for any joist modifications.

Plumbing complexity adds cost and complications. The drain line needs to connect to your existing waste stack, which may require rerouting pipes through or around floor joists. A licensed plumber (TIS-licensed) will need to obtain permits and handle the rough-in work. If your existing bathroom is directly above the main floor bathroom, the plumbing routing is usually more straightforward.

Consider a low-profile shower base instead. Modern acrylic or solid-surface bases can be as low as 1.5-2 inches high while still providing proper drainage. This gives you most of the accessibility benefits without the structural headaches of true curbless installation.

Professional assessment is essential here. Have a licensed contractor evaluate your joist span, existing plumbing, and ceiling situation below. They can determine if your floor structure can handle the modifications or if you'd be better served with alternative low-threshold solutions. The structural work, plumbing permits, and waterproofing requirements make this a job for experienced professionals rather than a DIY project.

Budget $8,000-$15,000+ for a proper curbless conversion in this situation, with the higher end reflecting extensive structural modifications and plumbing rerouting.

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