Only option....rip it out and put in a custom, tiled shower. Can be done any size you want. Sorry, but that's it,,,,,,

Oh, no! I would be sick. I suspect avanti is correct. It seems like a terrible waste to throw away what probably cost $1,000 with installation, but you will HATE every minute of trying to live with that shower for the next so many years. And you can probably spend a gazillion hours and more money trying to figure out a modification, but I can only guess that it will never be satisfactory, either in looks or function.

I think 26 is about the width of most shower/tub combos so although not your ideal or what was planned it is a standard size shower. A curved curtain might give a more spacious feel inside with more elbow room but I think glass would actually give the illusion of open space and make it less claustrophobic. I have a very small, 28x33 fiberglass stall in my powder room with the same curb that only has a curtain and it is primarily used by kids under ten without floor issues so it is an option. Sorry for your disappointment. Maybe sleep on it a bit and decide if you need the six inches and if so it is worth doing now not later. Good luck.

Thanks for the comments. At this point I will just have to live with it? A problem inherent with one piece shower units is they are restricted by the bathroom door width of 32" unless the unit is placed prior to framing.

I could have gone with a tile shower but that was a $4000 upcharge. I was on a budget so I had to sacrifice. I still haven't given up on a fiberglass modification. In the meantime should I go with a solid shower door or curved curtain rod?

As Lilysmom said above, I still would have to stand in the middle because of the raised curb so while the curved curtain rod would give me more space, I could only move in the same area.

Hang on. After Roarah said 26", I got out my tape and measured my tub, which I stand in when taking a shower. Outer measurement front to back is 31", but inner measurement is 23". In fact, that's 23" at its widest point at the top and it must be a little less where I stand (sloping sides). I use a shower curtain with a curved rod (love!). Of course the tub provides plenty of curb to contain the curtain. I'm not a large person and I have plenty of room in there. I've had much larger people use my shower and nobody has remarked on its size. It's a very typical tub/shower arrangement. Maybe if it were a stand-alone shower I'd think it was small, but it's the same space you have and I find it nice and roomy. Of course I have 4" of tub deck on either side to open it up a bit, but the outer deck is on the other side of the curtain.

What am I missing?

Linelle,

You maybe onto something. I measured the guest bath which is the shower tub combo. 4.5" soap ledge, 20.5" internal tub, and another 4" outer ledge. 29" total

Shower stall, 3" soap ledge, 21.50" internal, 2" to taper up, 3.25" outer curb.

29.75 total.

I think the shower stall makes me want to stand on the curb since there is nothing there currently to stop me (shower door or curtain) where as the combo locks your feet in.

Will a shower curtain work with a curb that low? Its 2.5" off the shower pan.

In my much smaller fiberglass shower a curtain works perfectly with that size curb and as I said earlier it is only used by not so careful young children. Use a curtain initially if it does not work you can later add glass.

Will a shower curtain work with a curb that low? Its 2.5" off the shower pan.

That's the question. It might. Lots of people complain about shower curtains billowing and clinging, but mine never does. I have a window over the tub and no fan at all, just a floor register for the heater. My curtain stays in place the entire time I'm taking a shower.

My curtain rod is screwed into the tiled area. I don't know if you can do the same with your material. But it's easy enough to try out a tension rod and see if the curtain is a viable option. A curved rod is really the way to go, but I don't know if your lower curb will be a problem.

Is it possible to build up the curb with the same or compatible material?

It's fiberglass so you could add anything you want. The problem is making it look good. Though at this point if I was taking time to build it up I might as well cut the entire curb out and extend the shower depth like I wanted to originally.

Tub is different though. You can stand, you can sit down, you don't have the walls so close to you. I sprained my back on the first day of vacation (we often pick exotic places where we explore nature a lot) because their shower in the lodge was too small and narrow. Didn't exactly make for a better vacation lol. Luckily they had some local version of Bengay there..yet still I lost a full day, out of five we had.

26 inch-is less than you're officially required to install a toilet.

Of course you know yourself better. At this point. Needs tend to change though. As the time goes by.

I'm with Lily'smom..

And I understand, believe me..our construction team also screwed the measurements when framing the tub. Just a little bit..but with a great impact lol. So now we have a much narrower tub than we were supposed to.

But at least it won't be a potentially troublesome place. Less comfortable, yes. Less beautiful, yes.

But it has a platform around it, and you can choose to sit when you're dizzy or unwell or something. And you can hold onto the edges. Different story.

PS I know it was your mistake in ordering. But still..they're pros. The installers. They should have called you, or something. I'm baffled by people with zero initiative..in what they professionally do.

I knew it was impossible to have a Houzz thread that didn't blame the contractor. So close...

No this one is on me. Home depot had a 60" x 36" shower base for $287. A real 36" wide. I would of had to add the tile wall. More expensive than the solid current unit but cheaper than a full. tile shower.

Joseph I read you a lot( with much enjoyment I must add) to guess you would have said something:) It's not about decor or other subjective things..sometimes it is helpful to share your professional opinion.

Sorry, friend, but I think you're now a cautionary tale.

You know, I don't think it looks that bad. A curved curtain rod will do wonders. I would get a double curtain, with a pretty fabric on the outside, and a plain, clear vinyl for the inside – – the kind that has the little weights in the bottom to make it rest nicely on the curb. I think you will be surprised by how nice it will be in the end. Good luck.

I feel it's not about the looks at all..it's about comfort and safety. It can look extremely cute with the right styling, but it's just too narrow a space.

Well, hopefully by this time the OP had figured out what's the best way to deal with it.