How-To

-Ideas for Great Bathrooms, Sunset

In many modern baths, the tub is the focus of the room, a gratifying symbol of luxury and relaxation. In new installations, whirlpool tubs -- now available in more traditional tub styles and sizes -- are in high demand.

But for on-the-go workday bathing, a separate shower, unless space prohibits, is a nearly universal request. A well-designed shower is also safer to use than many tub/showers, which may lack both firm footing and adequate grab bars.

Shower styles
You can select a prefabricated shower stall, match separate manufactured components, or build completely from scratch. Think about amenities such as a comfortable bench or fold-down seat, adjustable or hand-held shower heads, a place for shampoos and shaving equipment, and sturdy grab bars.

Prefabricated shower stalls
If your remodel calls for moving walls or doors, you may be able to fit a one-piece molded shower or tub/shower surround through the opening -- though these units are really designed for new houses or additions. One-piece showers are available in fiberglass-reinforced plastic, plastic laminate, and synthetic marble. Some have ceilings. For comfort, choose a shower that's at least 36 inches square.

The term "shower stall" needn't mean something boxy and boring -- or even, for that matter, economical. Circular, corner, and angular wraparounds are available with enough spray heads and accessories to please the most demanding shower connoisseur. Circular showers often have clear or tinted acrylic doors that double as walls.

Build your own
You can also mix and match base, surround, and doors to create the shower of your choice.

A shower base or "pan" can be purchased separately or in a kit that includes the shower surround. Most bases are made of plastic, terrazzo (a concrete/stone mix), cast polymer, or solid-surface materials and come in standard sizes in rectangular, square, or corner configurations with a predrilled hole for the drain. It's easy to find a base that works with another maker's tub since many manufacturers produce both -- and in many colors. Of course, you can also have a tile professional float a traditional mortar base and line it with the tile of your choice.

Shower surrounds require solid framing for support. You can add prefabricated wall panels or use a custom wall treatment such as ceramic tile, stone, or a solid-surface material over a waterproof backing. Molded wall panels of fiberglass or synthetic marble may include integral soap dishes, ledges, grab bars, and other accessories. These manufactured panels are sized for easy transport, then assembled and seamed on-site.

Doors for showers come in a variety of styles: swinging, sliding, folding, and pivoting. For tub/showers, choose sliding or folding doors. Doors and enclosures are commonly made of tempered safety glass with aluminum frames. These frames come in many finishes; you can select one to match your fittings. The glazing itself can be clear, hammered, pebbled, tinted, or striped. The seamless look is popular, though expensive.

Swinging, folding, and pivoting doors can be installed with right or left openings. Folding doors are constructed of rigid plastic panels or flexible plastic sheeting. Glass requires more maintenance; some bathers keep a squeegee nearby for daily cleaning.