Installing a level-entry shower shouldn’t feel like a construction nightmare. Yet traditional curbless shower installation methods often require extensive floor modifications, costly structural work, and days of disruption. That’s exactly why VIM Products revolutionized the industry with the world’s first level-entry shower pan system: a solution that makes professional-quality shower installation accessible to contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Structural Integrity
Our shower pan is a mere 7/8″ thick which allows it to be installed without cutting, notching, or lowering any of the supports below the shower. Regardless if your home is constructed using I-Joists, Engineered Trusses or Traditional Joists or on a concrete slab, the VIM Level Entry Shower System™ is the best choice for the job
Ways to INstall our Shower
WOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION
Whether you’re remodeling or building new, a typical shower installation on a wood floor only requires the shower floor area to be recessed ¾”. The final drain connection seal is made from the top side so there’s no need to open the ceiling below the shower area.
CONCRETE FLOOR INSTALLATION
On an existing concrete flooor, a typical 5’x4’ shower installation on an existing concrete floor will only require a cut depth of approx. 1.1/4”. On a new concrete floor, a 5’x4′ installation will only require a stamp-out depth of approx. 1″ in the shower area. In both cases, the final neoprene drain connection seal is made from the top side.
REASONS THE VIM SHOWER is Superior
Anti-Fracture Waterproofing
The liquid waterproofing supplied with our shower system is applied in conjunction with our isolation fabric to create a high-quality, anti-fracture membrane that will give years of trouble free showering.
Durable Shower Pan
The pre-sloped VIM Shower Pan is constructed from recycled ABS plastic, so it's resistant to expansion and contraction. Our 60" x 48" pan is fully customizable and can be field-cut to fit smaller showers, or it can be extended using quick-drying patch compound to fit larger showers.
Superior Drain System
Our drain system is engineered with a series of weep holes to allow any water that penetrates the shower floor tile to quickly drain back into the waste system. This small but effective feature greatly diminishes the opportunity for mold and mildew to form under your tile.
Center Drain Location
Our system accommodates a center drain rather than linear drain location.
Why VIM's Level Shower Installation Sets the Standard
What makes our system truly groundbreaking? It’s simple: we’ve eliminated the headaches that plague conventional curbless shower install methods. At just 7/8″ thick, our pre-sloped shower pan installs without cutting joists, notching supports, or compromising your home’s structural integrity. Whether you’re working with I-joists, engineered trusses, traditional joists, or concrete slabs, our system adapts seamlessly to your existing structure.
The VIM Advantage:
- Minimal floor modification: Wood floors need only a ¾” recess; concrete floors require just 1¼” cutting depth
- Top-side drain connection: No need to access the ceiling below or coordinate complex plumbing from underneath
- Universal compatibility: Works with virtually any floor system or construction type
- Customizable sizing: Field-cut for smaller showers or extend with patch compound for larger installations
- Eco-conscious construction: Made from 100% recycled ABS plastic
Your Complete Curbless Shower Installation Guide
Following our shower installation guide is straightforward, even if you’re tackling your first barrier-free shower project. The system arrives with everything you need: a pre-sloped shower pan, professional-grade liquid waterproofing, isolation fabric, and our innovative drain assembly with integrated weep holes.
Wood Floor Installation
On wood subfloors, you’ll create a shallow ¾” recess in the shower area—that’s it. Our ultra-slim profile means you’re not wrestling with complex framing modifications or worried about weakening floor joists. The drain seals from above, so you can forget about cutting access holes in the ceiling below.
Concrete Floor Installation
Working with concrete? A typical 5’x4′ shower requires only 1¼” of cutting on existing slabs, or a 1″ stamp-out on new pours. Again, the neoprene drain seal installs from the top side, streamlining the entire process.
Built-In Features That Outperform Traditional Systems
Understanding how to install a curbless shower properly means recognizing that the shower pan itself is only as good as its drainage and waterproofing. Our system includes:
- Superior Moisture Management: Strategically placed weep holes channel water that penetrates tile grout directly back into the waste system. This engineering detail dramatically reduces mold and mildew formation—a common failure point in traditional installations.
- Anti-Fracture Waterproofing: Our included liquid waterproofing system works with isolation fabric to create a flexible, crack-resistant membrane. Unlike rigid waterproofing that can fail when buildings settle, our membrane moves with your structure.
- Expansion-Resistant Materials: Recycled ABS plastic construction resists the expansion and contraction that causes many shower pans to crack over time.
- Flexible Drain Placement: While linear drains dominate the curbless market, our system accommodates center drain locations—giving you more design flexibility and often better drainage patterns.
Learn more about our installation process or explore our complete product line.
VIM LEvel Entry SHOWER System
FAQs
Do I need special tools or skills for installation?
No specialized equipment required. If you can work with standard tile-setting tools and follow our step-by-step guide, you can install our system successfully.
Will this work with my existing floor structure?
Yes! Our 7/8″ profile is specifically engineered to install without modifying floor joists, trusses, or structural supports in nearly all residential and commercial applications.
How long does a typical installation take?
Most contractors complete the pan installation in a single day. Total project time depends on your tile work and finishing, but our system eliminates days of prep work required by traditional methods.
Can I customize the shower size?
Absolutely. Our 60″x48″ pan can be trimmed for smaller showers or extended using quick-drying patch compound for larger custom installations.
Ready to Simplify Your Next Shower Project?
Stop fighting with complicated installation procedures and structural modifications. The VIM Level Entry Shower System delivers professional results without the professional headaches. Whether you’re a contractor managing multiple projects or a homeowner planning a bathroom renovation, our system saves time, reduces costs, and ensures lasting quality.
View our Level Entry Shower System products and discover why professionals across the country are making the switch to VIM.