For a curbless shower without cutting joists, choose a system designed to recess the shower floor while keeping the joists intact. The Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS kit uses top-mounted brackets to lower the subfloor 11/16 inch, while Wedi Fundo Ligno pans provide a pre-sloped, internally waterproof shower base with a 3/4-inch profile. The best choice depends on shower dimensions and how the recess is created. The listed options include three Wedi sizes and two listings for the same Schluter kit.
| Product | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS | Keeping joists unmodified | Brackets lower the subfloor 11/16 inch |
| Wedi Fundo Ligno 36 x 48 | A compact shower footprint | 3/4-inch profile; pre-sloped base |
| Wedi Fundo Ligno 36 x 60 | A longer shower footprint | Subfloor must be cut for the recess |
| Wedi Fundo Ligno 48 x 48 | A square shower footprint | 3/4-inch profile; pre-sloped base |
| Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS listing | Comparing the second listing | Same stated kit features |
Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS Floor Recessing Kit
Best for: Projects where preserving the joists from notching or cutting is a priority. This kit uses galvanized steel brackets that fasten on top of the joists and around the subfloor perimeter. The brackets support recessed subfloor panels, lowering the subfloor by 11/16 inch to receive a shower tray.
It is the most directly specified option for creating a recessed shower floor without modifying joists. The stated system is intended to simplify a barrier-free entry without a traditional curb. Limitation: The listed information describes the recessing system, not a complete shower pan; confirm that the tray and other required components are selected separately.
Wedi Fundo Ligno 36 x 48-Inch Shower Pan
Best for: A 36-by-48-inch layout needing a pre-sloped, internally waterproof base with a center point drain. The listed 3/4-inch profile is designed for floor-even, barrier-free entry when the base is recessed, and the surface is ready for tiling upon installation.
This option suits buyers who want the shower floor base and drain unit in one listed system. Its features specifically state that it eliminates cutting into floor joists when recessed. Limitation: The product listing does not explain the full subfloor preparation or installation details, so verify the required recess dimensions and surrounding floor plan before purchase.
Wedi Fundo Ligno 36 x 60-Inch Shower Pan
Best for: A longer 36-by-60-inch shower footprint with a center point drain. Like the other listed Ligno bases, it is pre-sloped, internally waterproof, 3/4 inch thick, and ready for tile. Its features say it eliminates cutting into floor joists when recessed.
Choose this size when the longer pan dimensions match the planned shower. Important limitation: The product details say the subfloor still needs to be cut to recess the pan and that the sides of the joists may need reinforcement with a recess kit. Avoid assuming this model needs no framing work; plan the subfloor recess and verify the framing approach before installation.
Wedi Fundo Ligno 48 x 48-Inch Shower Pan
Best for: A square 48-by-48-inch shower with a center point drain. It has a pre-sloped, internally waterproof base and a stated 3/4-inch profile. The listed features say it eliminates cutting into floor joists when recessed and that the base is ready for tile.
This is the better fit when a square footprint is more suitable than the 36-by-48 or 36-by-60 size. Limitation: The listed features do not provide detailed subfloor-preparation instructions. Confirm the recess requirements for this specific size rather than treating the joist-related claim as a guarantee that no subfloor alteration is needed.
Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS Kit Listing
Best for: Buyers comparing the second listing of the Schluter floor-recessing kit. Its supplied description matches the other listing: galvanized steel brackets attach to the tops of joists and the surrounding subfloor perimeter, supporting recessed panels without notching, cutting, or ledger board installation.
The stated recess depth is 11/16 inch, and the system is intended to create a level, barrier-free entry for a recessed shower tray. The two Schluter entries have the same name and listed features, so the supplied information does not establish a difference in configuration. Limitation: This is a duplicate listing by description, not a distinct size or model in the supplied product details.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Curbless Shower Without Joist Cuts
Does the system avoid cutting joists or all subfloor work?
These are separate questions. The Schluter kit describes brackets that attach on top of joists and lower the subfloor 11/16 inch without joist notching or cutting. Wedi’s listed 36-by-48 and 48-by-48 pans state that joist cutting is eliminated when recessed. The 36-by-60 listing explicitly says the subfloor must be cut and that joist-side reinforcement may be needed. Check the exact model’s installation requirements before planning the floor opening.
Which shower pan size should you choose?
Match the pan dimensions to the planned shower footprint and drain position. The available Wedi options listed here are 36 by 48, 36 by 60, and 48 by 48 inches, all with a center drain. Confirm the surrounding room layout and required recess before choosing a size; the product details do not specify every site condition.
Should you choose a pan or a recessing kit?
Choose a Wedi Ligno pan if you are comparing a pre-sloped, internally waterproof shower base that is ready for tile. Choose the Schluter FRS if the central need is a bracket-supported way to recess the floor while keeping joists unmodified. Review the complete system requirements to determine what additional components are needed.
What should you confirm before installation?
Verify the product’s installation instructions, recess depth, subfloor work, drain setup, and framing requirements for the exact shower plan. Do not assume that a claim about avoiding joist cuts also means the subfloor remains untouched. When structural framing changes or reinforcement are involved, get project-specific guidance from a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a curbless shower be built without cutting joists?
Yes. The Schluter Kerdi-Shower-FRS listing specifies top-mounted brackets that attach to joists without notching or cutting them. The listed Wedi pans also describe avoiding joist cuts when recessed, though subfloor preparation varies by model.
Does a curbless shower always require cutting the subfloor?
Not necessarily based on the supplied product details. The Wedi 36-by-60 listing explicitly requires cutting the subfloor to recess the pan. The Schluter kit lowers the subfloor using brackets and recessed panels; follow the system instructions for the specific installation.
How deep does the Schluter system recess the floor?
The listed Kerdi-Shower-FRS system lowers the subfloor by 11/16 inch, or 17.5 millimeters, to receive a recessed shower tray.
Are the two Schluter listings different kits?
The supplied names and features are the same. The provided product information does not identify a difference in kit configuration.
Are the Wedi Ligno pans ready for tile?
Yes. The listed features describe the Wedi bases as ready for tiling upon installation.