The Focal Point of Bathrooms: Showers and Bathtubs
In many modern bathrooms, the bathtub is usually the focus of the room—a symbol of luxury and relaxation. But for the speedy workday bathing, a separate shower, unless space prohibits, is a nearly universal request. A well-designed shower is also safer to use than many other tubs or showers that may lack both firm footing and adequate grab bars.
Shower Styles
You can go for a prefabricated shower stall, match separate manufactured components, or build completely from scratch. Consider amenities such as a comfortable bench or fold-down seat, a place for shampoos and shaving equipment, adjustable or hand-held shower heads, and sturdy grab bars.
Prefabricated Shower Stalls:
Gone are the days when the term "shower stall" implied something boxy, boring or economical. Nowadays, one can easily find circular, corner, and angular wraparounds in the market. Circular showers often have transparent or tinted acrylic doors that double as walls.
If your new model calls for moving doors or walls, you might be able to fit a one-piece moulded shower through the opening—though these units are designed for new houses or additions. One-piece showers are available in fibreglass-reinforced plastic, plastic laminate, and synthetic marble. Some shower stalls also have ceilings. For comfort, choose a shower that is at least 36 inches square.
D.I.Y:
You can also mix and match base, surround, and doors to design the shower of your choice.
A shower base or ‘pan’ can be purchased separately or as a part of a kit that includes the shower surround. Most bases are made of plastic, cast polymer, terrazzo (a concrete/stone mix), or solid-surface materials and come in standard sizes in square, rectangular, or corner configurations with a predrilled hole for the drain. It is easy to find a base that works with another maker's tub as many manufacturers produce both—and in many colours. Needless to say, you can also have a tile professional float a traditional mortar base and line it with the tile of your choice.
Shower surrounds need solid framing for support. You can add prefabricated wall panels or use a custom wall treatment such as stone, ceramic tile, or a solid-surface material over a waterproof backing. Moulded wall panels of fibreglass or synthetic marble may include integral soap dishes, grab bars, ledges, and other accessories. These manufactured panels are sized for easy transport, then put together and seamed on-site.
Doors for showers come in a variety of styles: sliding, swinging, folding, and pivoting. For tub/showers, choose folding or sliding doors. Doors and enclosures are generally made of tempered safety glass with aluminum frames. These frames come in many finishes and you can choose one to match your fittings. The glazing itself can be clear, pebbled, tinted, hammered, or striped. The seamless look, although popular, is expensive.
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