Finding a unique high quality shower stall can be difficult when shopping at big box stores. Home improvement chains all carry similar middle of the road quality fiberglass and glass shower enclosures that you typically find in cookie cutter homes. Shopping online is a great way to find more unique showers. It also gives you the ability to compare different sites to ensure you get the best price on your new shower stall. You also have the ability to find honest third party reviews when shopping online. When shopping for shower enclosures the biggest benchmark of quality is the glass thickness. Shower glass should be at least 6mm thick and must be tempered for safety reasons.
Types of Shower Stalls
Shower stalls are constructed using a wide variety of materials. Custom shower stalls are most commonly built using stone or tile along with a glass shower door. Prefabricated shower stalls are more commonly manufactured using fiberglass or glass with a metal frame.
Fiberglass Shower stalls
Fiberglass shower stalls are probably the most common type of prefabricated shower stall. They range greatly in price from $300-$5000 depending on the features and quality of the unit. Most modular home builders use some type of fiberglass shower enclosures in their basic models. Modern fiberglass shower stalls can have steam generators and body jets, these are a cheaper alternative to custom luxury showers.
Glass Shower Stalls and Doors
Glass shower stalls are the most commonly used in remodeling. Glass is a higher end finish and is typically used in more upscale homes. Many glass showers are retrofitted with a steam shower kit allowing it to double as a personal steam room. Glass shower stalls can range in price but you can pick one up at big box stores for around $500, however if you are looking for a shower system with a more unique design shopping online is your best bet. When shopping for a glass enclosure make sure that the glass is tempered safety glass.
Common Shower Stall Applications
Retro-fit Shower Stalls
Retrofitted shower stalls are most commonly used when replacing an existing bathtub. When finished properly a retrofit shower stall will look like it is built into the wall. There are many styles of built in shower stalls to choose from, some even come with a jetted bathtub as the base.
Corner Shower Stalls
Corner shower stalls are the most common type of shower seen in North American Homes. There are thousands of different models to choose from coming in every shape size and color you can imagine. In recent years modular corner shower stalls have become increasingly popular because they can be installed in a few hours using the existing plumbing and drainage lines.
Free Standing Shower Stalls
Free standing shower stalls are the most unique looking. They are typically a free standing shower that either sits up against a wall or in the middle of the room. Free standing showers are typically used in upscale master bedrooms or in open loft style apartments. Their modern design and appeal typically come with a higher price tag.
