What Is a Shower Hob and Should You Get Rid of Yours?
Everything you need to know about shower hobs: why they exist, how they work, and what’s involved in removing them.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term “shower hob.” You might even have one in your current bathroom — that little raised step you have to step over to get into the shower.
But what exactly is a shower hob? And is it something you still need in a modern bathroom?
In this post, we’ll break down what shower hobs do, why they were used historically, and what your options are if you want to remove it for a sleeker, more seamless bathroom design.
What Is a Shower Hob?
A shower hob is a small raised platform or step at the base of a shower. It’s typically made from bricks or concrete, waterproofed, and tiled to match the rest of the bathroom.
Its main purpose is to keep water inside the shower area — acting as a physical barrier to stop water from escaping into the rest of the bathroom floor.
Why Were Shower Hobs So Common?
Before the widespread use of linear drains, fall-controlled screeds, and advanced waterproofing membranes, hobs were a simple and effective way to contain water and reduce the risk of leaks.
They also helped compensate for bathrooms that lacked the correct floor fall or drainage angle.
In older homes (or budget renovations), you’ll often see:
A hob combined with a framed or semi-frameless shower screen
A single centre floor waste outside the shower
Tiling that slopes toward the hob rather than within the shower
Why People Are Removing Shower Hobs
These days, most modern bathroom designs aim for a more minimal, open look. That’s why we’re seeing more requests to remove the shower hob completely — and create a walk-in, step-free shower instead.
Benefits of a hobless shower:
Cleaner, modern aesthetic
Improved accessibility (ideal for families, ageing-in-place, or disability access)
Easier to clean — no corners or crevices
Better sense of space — the bathroom feels larger and more open
What’s Involved in Removing a Shower Hob?
This is where it gets technical — and where planning is key.
Removing a hob isn’t just a case of knocking it down. You’ll need to:
1. Adjust the Floor Fall
The shower floor needs to slope correctly towards the drain to prevent water pooling. If the floor under the hob wasn’t originally set up for this, it will need to be re-screeded.
2. Relocate or Rebuild the Drain
Some hobs were installed because the drain location didn’t allow for proper water flow. Removing the hob might require drain relocation or upgrading to a linear drain.
3. Waterproof the Entire Shower Area
With no physical barrier, your waterproofing membrane becomes even more critical. You’ll need a licensed waterproofer to ensure the whole shower zone is sealed correctly to meet standards.
4. Retile the Floor
Removing the hob means you’ll need to retile the area, and often blend or match existing floor tiles. In most cases, people retile the entire bathroom floor for a seamless result.
Should You Remove Your Shower Hob?
It depends! Here’s a quick guide:
✅ Consider removing it if:
You’re doing a full bathroom renovation
You want a seamless, walk-in shower look
You’re already retiling and redoing drainage
⛔ Keep it (or modify it) if:
You’re on a tight budget
Your floor can't be adjusted without major work
You're working with a slab that’s hard to cut or re-plumb
A shower hob may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in the functionality and style of your bathroom. If you're designing a new space and aiming for that modern, resort-style feel, a step-free shower without a hob can make all the difference — just make sure you're planning for it properly.
Still unsure? We help renovators every day plan their dream bathroom layouts and we can show you exactly what’s possible in your space.
💻 Book our Bathroom Layout & Design Service here to get expert guidance, floor plan feedback, and help figuring out whether a hob-free shower is the right move for your home.
Our premium design package (50% off SALE!) includes tap heights and measurements being marked out for you as well as a selection list of all items. Reach out anytime or check out our design services if you’re feeling stuck in the decision overwhelm.
P.S We know planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming!
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