Introduction

Are you struggling with water spilling onto your bathroom floor? Let’s explore how shower kerbs enhance safety and convenience in your daily routine. Today, we are diving deep into a crucial element of bathroom design that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in function and appearance – the shower kerb.

In this article, we’ll define what a shower kerb is, explore its functions, discuss its classifications, and take a look at the common models and types of shower kerbs used in Singapore homes. So, whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation or simply curious about the latest design trends in Singapore, this article is for you.

Understanding the Shower Kerb

A shower kerb, also known as a shower curb or threshold, is a raised, narrow edge or protective barrier that runs along the perimeter of a shower enclosure. Its primary function is to contain water within the wet area, preventing it from flowing out onto the bathroom floor. But why do you need one?

Functions of a Shower Kerb

• Helps contain water: The main purpose of a shower kerb is to prevent water from flowing from the wet area pan to the rest of the flooring ensuring that it remains dry.
• Safety: Shower kerbs act as a border, reducing the risk of slipping accidents by containing water and providing a visual and physical indicator at the entrance of the shower.
• Support: This not only helps in maintaining a dry and safe bathroom but also aids in the efficient drainage of water. Additionally, having a curb in place puts people at ease because the area outside the shower isn’t continuously flooded with water causing irreparable damage that may result in thousands of dollars in costly repairs.
• Many people worry about mold buildup so having this additional protection that separates the water from their restroom flooring enables them to address this concern. It can also act as a foundation for mounting brackets for a shower door enabling the installation of a sliding door for entry. Therefore, it can provide support to individuals with disabilities.
• Aesthetics: A shower kerb can help elevate bathroom design by enhancing the overall look. For example, you can create a more contemporary look by including a low-profile shower kerb in your bathroom.

Classifications of Shower Kerbs

Shower kerbs can be classified into several categories based on various factors, including their materials, height, and design. Let’s explore some of the common classifications you’ll encounter in Singapore homes.

1. Height:

Most shower kerbs have a standard height of about 3 to 4 inches and are 4 to 6 inches wide. The curb needs to be at least 2 inches higher from the top of the drain and no more than 9 inches high in total. This height usually depends on the accessibility and mobility of users.

In today’s design landscape, low-profile shower kerbs have gained immense popularity among Singaporeans. They’re all the rage for good reason – offering both effortless accessibility and a contemporary-style bathroom appearance. Low-profile kerbs range from 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inches tall depending on the shower area.

2. Materials:

When it comes to creating your unique barrier, materials play a pivotal role. You’ve got a plethora of options at your disposal, each with its own charm and potential.

Think about using wood, sturdy cement, or cement blocks depending on the interior design style you’re looking to achieve, or perhaps pre-formed polystyrene pieces that bring versatility to the forefront. And let’s not forget about solid high-density plastic – a contemporary choice that offers both style and functionality.

Besides that, if you’re leaning towards convenience, consider pre-formed choices in materials like expanded polystyrene or Santoprene.

3. Design:

A diverse selection of shower kerb designs are available, catering to varying restroom flooring needs.

Straight shower kerbs are the traditional linear choice, offering a clean and simple look. Curved shower kerbs have a rounded top surface, which can provide a softer look and prevent sharp edges. Moreover, angled shower kerbs need to be tilted toward the shower, so they drain properly.

Common Models and Types of Shower Kerbs in Singapore

Now that we’ve explored the functions and classifications of shower kerbs, let’s take a closer look at the common models and types you can find in Singaporean homes.

Drop Down Shower Kerb

In recent years, Drop-down shower kerbs are gaining popularity in Singaporean homes. These shower kerbs feature a minimal step down to the wet area, creating a transition between the bathroom floor and the shower area.

This design not only enhances the visual appearance of the bathroom but also improves accessibility, making it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to step in and out of the shower.

Curbless Shower

A curbless shower, or a zero-entry shower is a barrier-free approach with a structural drop to get into the shower area. It is a great option for those with mobility, knee, and hip problems. This creates a seamless flow from the restroom floor to the shower floor without obstructing the visual appearance.

Curbed Shower

As mentioned earlier, a curbed shower kerb is a most widely used type. It is a standard shower kerb with a small, raised platform typically constructed using tiles or stone.

Curved Shower Kerb with Curved Shower Curtain Rod

To break away from the conventional straight lines, in some cases, Singaporean homeowners prefer a combination of a curved shower curtain rod along with a custom curved shower kerb. This design choice is not only elegant and creates a more sophisticated look but also remains cleaner for a long since the rod is placed further away from the water and splashes of soap lather.

Curved Shower Rod

Similar to the curved shower curtain rod, a curved shower rod is a great solution for both form and function. Most curved shower rods provide up to 33% more room in your shower. They prevent the wet shower curtain from clinging to anyone in the shower and help to keep water from splashing out. The gentle curve of the rod adds a sense of luxury to your bathroom.

Design Options and Finishes

There are multiple kerb design options to choose from. Tile kerbs offer a seamless, harmonious look, but proper sealing and waterproofing are important to prevent water damage. Natural stone kerbs like marble or granite exude luxury while Acrylic kerbs are lightweight and budget-friendly. Solid surface kerbs are durable and are a modern touch to bathroom interiors.

Safety should always be a priority; consider potential tripping hazards, especially with low-profile kerbs. Opt for a contrasting tile color for visibility, and if using natural stone, ensure the edges are polished to prevent injuries. Ultimately, the choice of shower kerb should align with your design vision and prioritize functionality and safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shower kerb is an often-overlooked but critical element of bathroom design in Singaporean homes. It serves the essential functions of containing water in the wet pan area, safety, and support while offering an extensive range of design options for an upscale bathroom design.

Whether you go for a traditional shower kerb or follow the modern curbless trend, make sure your choice aligns with your bathroom’s size, style, and accessibility requirements.

Remember, the key to a successful bathroom design is balance – achieving both functionality and visual appearance. So, the next time you’re on a bathroom renovation project or plan to spruce up your bathroom’s look, give due consideration to the shower kerb. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your daily routine and the overall ambiance of your bathroom.

The Secret to Successful and Stylish HDB Toilet Renovations without Regrets.

There is nothing more satisfying than having a place to call your own. And like most homeowners, you can’t wait to get started on renovating your basic house into your own dream.

And the first area you start with is the toilet and bath. You want to have the most stylish looking toilet and bath and you start searching the internet for hdb toilet renovation ideas. You then encounter some’ horror stories’ about how others had the worse experience when it came to doing their own renovations.

And some of these stories seem to constantly repeat themselves one after the other that you suddenly start thinking twice about renovating your toilet and bath. Fret not, for here is a list of the 11 renovation mistakes to avoid and what you should do to avoid them.

1. MAKING RASH AND ON THE SPOT DECISIONS

This is the most common mistake anyone can make when it comes to doing bathroom renovation in Singapore, be it a toilet or a living room. More often than not, people make “on the spot” decisions on what to do with their renovations because they feel it is the right choice or that they are in a hurry to move in. This results in spending more than what is needed or causing some unexpected damage to the toilets.

More important, there are some must-follow HDB policy, rules & regulations that will make you get penalized for violation. So, before you start, make sure to always get advice from a professional interior designer / expert on what are allowed and not allowed to do (rather than making careless & quick decision).

2. FORGETTING TO CHECK THE AREA FIRST

Another mistake most homeowners make is when they don’t check the area first. You may have gotten the keys to your house now, but you would not have the faintest idea if your renovation can be possible.

Many people do not well plan their space, thus don’t have any clues how much space they will need to afford all the items they want to put in. Some HDB toilets come in different sizes, so there is a huge possibility that you won’t be able to have that double sink counter you always wanted.

Sometimes, you might find that there are a few problems like leaks or odors happening in your toilet even before you start your renovating. It is wise to check the area first for any faults or problems and immediately report it to property manager. As they say, early detection can avoid serious complications.

3. SETTING A SKY’S THE LIMIT BUDGET

While you may say “money is not an issue”, in actuality, it is. If changing the plumbing allocation or buying designer fixtures and tiles is part of your hdb toilet renovation plan, then be prepared to spend a huge bulk of money.

Plumbing works involve changing the orientation of pipes and the flow of water and that involves breaking the walls and looking for the main water line, etc. The same can also be said if you will purchase fixtures and tiles especially if you already a tiled room and working fixtures.  As much as possible, try to work with what you have and if you must spend, prepare a practical budget.

4. DOING BATHROOM RENOVATION IN SINGAPORE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL

This is a very costly mistake anyone can make. Your house is one of many units inside the HDB building. As such, there are certain rules that homeowners must abide by (so remember to ensure HDB approvals & permits are applied for before starting your renovation).

For example, you would like to mount a towel rack by the shower. They will need to see where you intend to mount it and confirm if it will hit the hot & cold consume pipes or not.

Another example would be wherein you would like to knock down a wall in order to make your toilet a lot bigger. There are some walls that are designed to be load bearing walls and cannot be knocked down. It is very important to get their approval before you start. You don’t want to be paying fines and having your renovation plans put to a halt just because of that, right?

5. CHOOSING RANDOM MATERIALS

Of all the rooms in your house, your toilet is one of the most used rooms ever. It’s where you shower and wash after a long day. With that being said, it calls for you to give the toilet a personal touch. But that doesn’t mean you choose random materials on the notion that it’s stylish and expensive.

You need to consider several things. Tiles, for instance. If you get tiles that are too big, you will most likely make your toilet look small. If you get tiles that are slippery, you or anyone in the house could easily slip and have an accident when these tiles are wet.

The same can be applied for fixtures. When it comes to choosing materials for your toilet, opt for materials that can last longer and can save you a great deal of money. Go for tiles that can make the most of your toilet and fixtures that won’t tarnish or rust for the next ten or fifteen years. You might be spending a good amount of money, but investing in quality materials will make your renovation a success.

6. NEGLECTING PROPER VENTILATION

Just because it’s a toilet doesn’t mean you scrimp out on the small details. When making your hdb bathroom renovation plans, don’t overlook proper ventilation in your toilet.

A toilet that does not have proper ventilation results in poor circulation of fresh air which can trap moisture and bad odors, which then causes mildew and molds to grow. This can become a health hazard to you and everyone in your house. As much as possible, consider proper air ventilation.   If your toilet does not have any windows, opt for an air vent that can extract the odor and moisture.

7. BUYING AND DISCARDING WALL AND FLOOR TILES.

This is another mistake that is just waiting to happen. Especially if you are a new HDB homeowner. If you’re planning on removing any of the existing wall and floor tiles and getting new ones to suit your design, you might have to reconsider doing that until after three years.

Most units come with the walls and floors already tiled. They also contain a waterproofing membrane designed to prevent water leaking through to your neighbor below. As tempting as it may be, you are advised not to remove your existing tiles after three years of moving in (warranty time). In short, HDB will cover you the waterproofing membrane for 3 years, that’s why they won’t allow you to hack wall & floor tiles.

8. COVERING THE EXPOSED PIPES

If you’re the type that likes the look of a clean and sleek toilet and hates exposed pipes, that’s fine. We all want a sleek and clean looking toilet. But here is the clincher.

If there are problems in the plumbing, how can your plumber access your plumbing if the pipes are covered completely? That would mean demolishing whatever is covering it. And that would most likely disturb your neighbors, raise the attention of the property manager and if you’re not careful, you could end up destroying your main pipe line.

As much as possible, avoid covering your exposed pipes. They are exposed for a reason. If you really don’t like looking at it, don’t worry. There are many creative ways to hide your exposed pipes without covering them completely. You can have removable storage cabinets or if your style is industrial, you can just leave it as is.

9. HIRING SO CALLED CONTRACTORS AND DESIGNERS

You might have heard your friend tell you about this ‘professional’ who can make your renovation plan a reality without so much as costing you a fortune. You might have also read about ‘professionals’ who have done more damage than good when it comes to renovating an HDB house.

As much as possible, when looking for a designer or contractor to work on your renovation, hire the ones that have been approved and recognized by HDB. The reasoning for this is because they are familiar with how the unit is constructed and the rules of the property. Another reason for hiring them is because they have undergone training & have got many years of experience to do these all stuffs, that enable them to meet with the standards the property demands and give you the assurance that they know what they’re doing.

10. CHOOSING TRENDY DESIGNS AND STYLES

Like with most homeowners, you will be enchanted by the notion of having a toilet that follows the latest design trends like Pantone walls or the latest HCG toilet and so on. However, this might also be a very costly mistake on your part.

Trends come and go and as time passes, your toilet will have a rather dated look, prompting you to conduct yet another renovation, which means getting the approval once more, finding the approved designer and setting aside an even bigger budget. Instead of choosing trendy styles, opt for a style that doesn’t look dated and can easily adapt to any design. You can find different designs that will look timelessly stylish.

11. NOT WATCHING OVER YOUR RENOVATIONS

This is, by far, the biggest mistake anyone can make when doing bathroom renovation Singapore. While some will leave it to the contractors or the foreman, more often than not, the foreman isn’t always around and the workers, without someone to guide them, could easily make mistakes along the way or disturb the neighbors with the loud sounds. And once this reaches the property manager, you will be answerable to whatever fines will be implemented.

Take the time, even if it’s one hour a day, to oversee how the renovations are coming. You can even converse with your contractor on the progress. Regardless, this is your renovation project and you have to be present to see how it goes.

So, there you have it. These are the most common hdb toilet renovation mistakes that can happen. This is not to say that you will make the aforementioned mistakes when you start renovating.

However, it does help to understand how things works and what to do and not do. And by understanding them, you are on your way to having a smooth and hassle free toilet renovation that will leave you feeling both relaxed and relieved.