Category:Shower Stalls

Nothing feels better than a soothing shower at the end of a hot day, and nothing helps you wake up better than an invigorating shower in the morning. If you aren't fortunate to have a shower in your home, you can add a shower stall with just a little bit of space in your bathroom.

Can You Add a Shower Stall?

To add a shower stall to your home, you need at least 36 square inches of available space. Shower stalls can be any shape – square, rectangular, curved, or in a corner. They need to be placed against at least one wall, which needs to be waterproofed.

Types of Shower Stalls

Shower stalls can be either pre-fabricated or custom-built. Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your space and budget.

Pre-fabricated units are the least expensive choice for a shower stall, beginning at about $200. They are pre-made in a factory out of fiberglass or acrylic, and thus come in standard sizes and designs. Many include built-in shelves, benches, and grab bars. They are lightweight and easy for do-it-yourselfers to install. They are also easy to clean.

Pre-fabricated units can consist of one seamless piece or of separate shower pans and side panels. The seamless units do not leak, but they can be too large to fit through doorways. Therefore, they are best for new construction, with the multi-piece units best for remodeling projects.

Custom-built showers are constructed by hand, usually of tile, glass blocks, granite, or another type of stone. They are more expensive than pre-fabricated shower stalls, but you can choose any color and design you want to fit your available space. However, the work needs to be done by expert tilers, so most do-it-yourselfers cannot complete a custom shower without professional help.

Other Shower Stall Needs

Whichever type of shower stall you choose, you will also need a shower pan to protect your sub floor from any water leaks. You can find prefabricated shower pans made out of cast polymer, molded plastic, poured masonry, or solid-surface composite. You need to choose a shower pan that matches the shape and size of your shower stall. You also need to make sure the drain opening matches the location of your drainpipe.

Other choices to consider when installing your shower stall include

• A door covering, whether a glass door or a shower curtain
• Safety features such as grab bars and benches
• Handicap-accessible features, such as low thresholds and fold-down transfer seats
• Multiple shower heads
• Foot massage units
• Steam generators 

Adding a shower stall to your home will not only increase your own comfort, but will also increase the resale value of your home. As you decide whether to install a shower stall, consider that a National Association of Home Builders survey found that 85 percent of Americans who are buying a home consider a separate shower enclosure to be either essential or highly desirable.