Shopping for a shower can be an exciting yet daunting task. With countless options available, it's essential to make informed decisions to ensure you find the perfect shower for your needs. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate through the process seamlessly.
Our step-by-step guide will provide you with helpful tips and give you an overview of the various constraints to consider when remodeling your bathroom.
Embark on your shower selection journey by evaluating the most suitable options for your specific space. Here’s a breakdown of essential factors to ponder when selecting a new shower:
Before embarking on your shower shopping journey, it's crucial to thoroughly assess your bathroom space and identify your specific requirements. Here's what you need to consider:
Measure the available space in your bathroom where you intend to install the shower enclosure. Consider the following standard shower sizes:
Ensure that there's sufficient clearance for opening and closing shower doors or entryways without obstructing other bathroom fixtures or pathways.
Evaluate your bathroom's plumbing layout to ensure compatibility with your chosen shower configuration. Consider the following plumbing factors:
Identify the specific features and amenities you desire in your new shower to enhance your bathing experience. Consider the following options:
Establish a budget upfront can help narrow down your options and prevent overspending. Determine how much you're willing to invest in your new shower, including installation costs, and stick to it throughout the shopping process.
Researching shower types and styles is essential to find the perfect fit for your bathroom and lifestyle.
Ideal for smaller bathrooms or as a space-saving option, stand-alone showers feature a compact design that maximizes floor space. They are available in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different bathroom layouts.
Enclosed showers really open up the space and make it feel bigger. They can accommodate various design styles, ranging from traditional to modern. With options for framed or frameless glass enclosures, you can create a sleek and stylish look while containing water within the shower space.
Offering easy accessibility, walk-in showers are suitable for individuals with mobility concerns or those who prefer barrier free entry. These showers typically feature a curbless design, making them wheelchair-friendly and enhancing safety for users of all abilities.
Walk-in showers typically have a minimum width of 36 inches and a depth of 48 inches. However, for enhanced accessibility, larger dimensions are often recommended, with widths of 60 inches or more and depths of 60 inches or greater.
When renovating your bathroom, the choice of materials becomes crucial, especially when it comes to selecting fixtures such as your shower. Quality becomes paramount in the bathroom due to its frequent usage and exposure to high humidity levels.
Acrylic: Crafted by thermoforming acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass and resin, acrylic boasts durability surpassing fiberglass due to its non-porous nature and superior heat retention. Its resistance to chipping and heavy impacts makes it a reliable choice for shower construction, while its lightweight properties allow for versatile styles and sizes.
Tile: Tile showers offer a timeless yet versatile solution for shower enclosures, utilizing an array of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles to adorn your space. From classic subway tiles to intricate mosaic patterns, the design possibilities are endless, allowing you to unleash your creativity and personalize your shower oasis. Beyond aesthetics, tile showers boast exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, making them a practical and enduring choice for daily use. With proper installation and sealing, tile showers stand the test of time, delivering enduring beauty and functionality.
AcrylX: AcrylX™ stands out with its applied acrylic finish, offering a brilliant white color backed by a lifetime warranty. Its glossy, UV-resistant surface outshines traditional gelcoats, maintaining a factory-new appearance over time. An exclusive offering from American Bath Group, AcrylX™ ensures lasting brilliance.
Fiberglass: An economical alternative to cast acrylic, fiberglass consists of fiberglass-reinforced resin (FRP) sprayed onto a mold with a gelcoat surface. While lightweight and easy to clean, fiberglass showers are less durable. Nonetheless, their repairability by skilled professionals is a notable advantage.
Stone Resin: Composed of crushed stones bound with polymer resins and natural minerals, stone resin mirrors the look and feel of natural stone without the weight and cost. Its durability, heat resistance, and non-porous nature offer discerning homeowners an affordable yet quality option for shower construction.
Cultured Marble: A blend of limestone, resin, and pigments cast in a mold with a clear coat finish, cultured marble is highly durable and stain-resistant. It adds a sophisticated touch to any shower space with endless color and style options.
Glass: Glass showers feature sleek, transparent panels crafted from tempered glass, renowned for its durability and safety. This material choice epitomizes contemporary design, infusing your bathroom with a sense of openness and sophistication. With its ability to reflect light and create an illusion of space, a glass shower lends an air of luxury to any bathroom setting. Additionally, its non-porous surface makes cleaning a breeze, ensuring effortless maintenance and long-lasting beauty.
Concrete: Concrete showers exude an industrial-chic aesthetic, bringing a raw and rugged charm to your bathroom space. Crafted from durable concrete materials, these showers showcase a unique blend of strength and style, making a bold statement in modern design. With customizable options ranging from polished to textured finishes, concrete showers offer versatility in achieving your desired look, whether it's minimalist and sleek or rustic and earthy. Beyond aesthetics, concrete showers are renowned for their longevity and resistance to water damage, making them an ideal choice for wet environments. While requiring professional installation and sealing for optimal performance, a concrete shower promises to elevate your bathing experience with its distinctive character and enduring appeal.
Wood: Rustic and aesthetically pleasing, wood provides excellent heat retention and a luxurious, eco-friendly ambiance. Sealed with water-resistant wax, wooden showers require some maintenance but exude opulence. While costly, they offer a lavish touch to any bathroom space.
Select the right fixtures is crucial for creating a showering experience that meets your needs and preferences.
Showerheads are the focal point of your shower and can significantly impact your bathing experience. Consider the following options:
Faucets and controls play a crucial role in regulating water flow and temperature and enhancing your shower's overall aesthetic. Consider the following factors when selecting faucets and controls:
Prioritizing safety and accessibility in your shower is essential, especially for elderly or disabled individuals.
Take advantage of showroom visits or online browsing to explore a wide range of shower options. Before visiting, ensure you have essential information in hand, including the location of the drain, the size of the space, and whether you need a left, right, or alcove shower base. This will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your showroom experience. Be sure to ask questions, request product demonstrations, and gather inspiration on Pinterest or Houzz for your project.
When it comes to making significant decisions about your shower, seeking professional advice can be invaluable. Consulting with experts such as plumbers or bathroom designers can provide you with insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs and preferences. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess your bathroom layout, plumbing requirements, and design considerations. By understanding your goals and limitations, they can offer practical solutions and recommend suitable shower options that align with your budget and vision. Whether it's optimizing space utilization, addressing plumbing challenges, or incorporating accessibility features, professional advice can help ensure that your chosen shower meets both your functional requirements and aesthetic aspirations.
Before making a purchase, review the warranty terms and inquire about installation services provided by the retailer or manufacturer. A comprehensive warranty not only provides peace of mind but also reflects the company has confidence in the quality and durability of their product. Be sure to understand the coverage details, including any limitations or exclusions, to make an informed decision. Additionally, enquiring about professional installation services can save you time and effort while ensuring that your shower is installed correctly and functions optimally. Professional installers have the expertise and tools necessary to handle complex installations, ensuring that your shower is set up to perform reliably for years to come. By prioritizing warranty coverage and professional installation, you can confidently safeguard your investment and enjoy the full benefits of your new shower.
