Your opinion: Lowering subfloor for traditional mortar shower base

[ux0042]

In order to reduce the curb height of a traditional mortar shower base as much as possible, I am thinking about lowering the wood frame subfloor (i.e. entire subfloor underneath both the shower wet area and the curb will be lowered). What do you think? Do you see the 3/4" reduction in curb height as an acceptable reward for the extra work?

 

[John Gayewski]

In order to reduce the curb height of a traditional mortar shower base as much as possible, I am thinking about lowering the wood frame subfloor (i.e. entire subfloor underneath both the shower wet area and the curb will be lowered). What do you think? Do you see the 3/4" reduction in curb height as an acceptable reward for the extra work?

Not really. If you were going to reinforce your joists and change to a joist with less hieght that was 2 or 3 or 4 inches for a fully sunken floor it could be worth it. 3/4 of an inch isn't enough to worry about even if the consideration is wheelchair access as usually up to an inch for a wheelchair is OK.