News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block

Glass Block Steam Shower adds Texture, Design, Privacy & Style to a New Master Bathroom in Atlanta Georgia

Glass block steam shower with Kohler spa shower system with LED lights Atlanta Georgia
Glass block steam shower with Kohler spa shower system

When Ken Busch began planning his second floor room addition (which would include a glass block steam shower) he had a vision of what the final master bathroom would look like – but he also wanted to stayed flexible to change features as the project progressed. This flexibility allowed Ken to find some truly unique products and services that created a steam shower that really stands out. Learn below about some the products and installation approaches that really helps this shower pop.

 

Thinner prefabricated glass block shower wall panels with a banding effect of clear and wavy glass blocks – Ken was looking to add texture, design, privacy and durability– while also finding an easy to install glass block system that was also cost effective. Given these objectives he chose pre-made glass block sections from Innovate Building Solutions (which due to the large size of the shower walls were fabricated by Production Manager Kevin Kretzer). His design used a wavy (obscure) glass blocks in the center and clear (see-through) glass blocks at the top and bottom. The different patterns created the desired privacy while the clear block provide a more open feeling. As Ken said, “The glass block sections which were prefabricated and used thinner glass blocks were easy to work with, and most importantly my wife just loves the shower!”

 

Thinner prefabricated glass block sections during the installation process
Thinner prefabricated glass block sections during the installation process
Banding effect with see through and wavy glass blocks in a shower
Banding effect with see through and wavy glass blocks in a shower

Deluxe Kohler shower, light and sound system – Wow is all that can be said when you see the impact of this Kohler showering system. This installation included a rain shower head, 5 body sprays, a high end sound system, LED lighting with over 50 different colors and the ability to have 6 different water temperature presets as well. This shower has all the bells and whistles to make it a true spa-type experience!

 

Kohler shower system with LED lights body sprays and rain shower head and glass block shower window
Kohler shower system with LED lights body sprays and rain shower head and glass block shower window

Creating a water-tight enclosure space – Steam showers may look luxurious – but it is critical they be designed to be water tight to ensure an installation that last over time. Ken used a closed cellular foam product between the studs in the wall and then applied 4 thin coats of Red Guard waterproofing over the cement backer board (note – other good ways to waterproof also included using a Wedi extruded polystyrene backer boards or a Kerdi system). In addition all the tile and glass block joints were finished with a urethane grout which never requires resealing and absorbs much less water than standard sanded grout.

 

Steam shower waterproofing in atlanta georgia
Steam shower waterproofing

Arched shower ceiling – To create an even more stylish impact the shower ceiling was framed and tiled in an arch – how cool is that?

 

Arched ceiling of finished glass block steam shower in Atlanta GA
Arched ceiling of finished glass block steam shower

Glass block shower window – To pull in natural light while maintaining privacy a glass block shower window was used (the pattern chosen here was Seascapes – some people call this block a “bubble block”).

 

What do you think about the product features used in Ken’s glass block steam shower? Do you have any questions or want feedback on doing this type of project? Please comment below or call one of the numbers below.

 

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To learn more or get an estimate on a glass block steam showers or bathroom remodeling visit or call Innovate Building Solutions on a nationwide basis (877-668-5888) or for a local project their divisions including Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888), Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), West Side Glass Block (216-398-1020) Mid America Glass Block (513-742-5900) of Cincinnati or Dayton and Akron (330-633-2900) or Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-658-1270). This article was authored by Mike Foti.

 


Mike Foti

President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels

Comments (2)

  • Tumelo – this job was quite a while ago – and done in another city we shipped it to (our company supplied the glass block wall). Since this was a steam room the material above would likely have been a waterproof tile backer system – like Wedi or Schluter. I would also recommend using urethane grout for the joints between the tiles. I hope this helps – Mike

  • Hello
    I’m interested to find out what material was used to build the top part that is not glass. Secondly what was used for the ceiling below the tiles

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