It’s easy to have a fantastic looking shower if you have unlimited funds…but unfortunately most of us don’t live in that world! The challenge becomes how can you get a high end (champagne) look if you’ve got a more modest (beer) budget. In the article below I’ll outline practical tips to consider for your next shower remodeling project. While I will tell you these ideas aren’t going to use the bottom of the barrel products – they will provide you and your family with a shower that is stylish, durable and easy to maintain to allow you more time to enjoy the shower vs. maintaining or repairing it.
Tip 1 – Use a Standard Sized Base
To keep costs down it will be more cost effective to use a standard sized shower base. To achieve a nicer looking finished product and minimize maintenance (at an affordable price) I would recommend one of the following 3 types of standard bases. If you’re looking for a free sample of any of these shower bases,
Acrylic – The acrylic base will be the most cost effective of these 3 options and is ready to install right out of the box. While most people will be familiar with the standard rectangular, square and NEO angle corner shower designs there are fun quarter round and curved bases which can save space, add style and are available in standard sizes.
Ready for tile base – While a ready for tile pan is more expensive than a mortared base made at the site for a tile shower, this type of base will save on labor time and is waterproof so you won’t have to worry about leaks down the road. The ready for tile base is available in custom sizes for about 15% more than a standard base (note: with a ready for tile base you will have the extra cost of adding tile to the top surface)
Ready for tile bases can even have curbs with curvature
Stone solid surface pan – The stone solid surface pan (sometimes called a cultured marble shower base) comes in a wide variety of standard shapes and sizes in 35 different colors. This pan is more durable than the other two options mentioned above – but it will also be more costly. It is a sound long-term investment – but the pricing will be more like an expensive beer!
Tip 2 – Choose wall surrounds which are high on looks and low on maintenance
Most shower remodeling projects are started because (A) the existing base or walls are cracked, yellowing badly stained or leaking (B) there is a tub in the alcove space and the owner wants to convert to a shower or (C) the existing shower or bathtub is downright ugly and/or they’ve ‘had it up to here’ (as your Mom used to say to you) with grout maintenance.
While the shower base strategies discussed in Tip 1 are critical since the pan serves as the “foundation” of the shower, the interior walls are the focal point of the space and a key barrier against water problems. Given these facts the selection of the right shower wall surround system is critical. Let’s take a look at 4 options (including three DIY wall panel systems and a traditional tile shower) which can give you the “champagne” look without breaking your back in time-consuming future maintenance.
Option 1 – Waterproof Laminated Shower and Bathroom Wall Panels
This high-quality waterproof shower and bathroom wall panel system from Norway is ‘easy-peasey-lemon-squeezy’ as one of my co-workers would say. All you have to do to install these panels is click and seal one 2′ x 8′ sheet to the one before it. What’s also unique is these panels look so much like tile they are called ‘The No Tile, Tile Shower.’ If you looked at these panels below would you guess they are tile? In addition you can get these laminated wall panels in 21 different patterns which can tie into wide interior design styles including Modern Farmhouse, Shabby Chic, Minimalist and Modern Farmhouse to name a few. You can use these shower panels for rental properties, single family homes or even luxury apartments. If you’re intrigued click the button below to get free samples and experience them for yourself (or read more about them in this article titled 5 Best DIY Shower & Tub Wall Panels You Can Buy Under $1,750).
A sound approach to get the high-end look at a modest budget is to choose a DIY wall panel system to eliminate the cost of a professional contractor (note – if you’re not a handy DIY’er definitely hire the pro so you don’t end up doing the job twice!). One of the most straightforward (and most forgiving) systems I have found are PVC backed composite faux wall panels. This material has a smooth outer texture, is ¼” thick, comes in 20 digitally produced stone patterns and is easy to cut with common woodworking tools. The walls are waterproof and don’t require any maintenance – unlike the natural stone wall they are designed to look like.
Blue sodalite DIY shower wall panels in a tiny home
Option 3 –Stone Solid Surface Wall Panels
If you’re old tile walls leaked or were just a maintenance nightmare, an option to consider is 3/8” thick stone solid surface wall panels. This product comes in a variety of standard shower kits (or even large custom sizes) and you can get the look of stone, slate or subway tile without the grout joints. There are 35 different color choices which can be accompanied with solid surface countertops for the vanity or other bathroom surfaces.
Option 4 –A tile surround which won’t continually cost you time, money and maintenance
Remember the old Fram Oil Filter commercial which said “Pay me now or pay me later?” Installers and homeowners doing their own tile shower installations could benefit from keeping this saying in mind when making tile, grout and backer board selections so the costs of a shower doesn’t keep growing as the shower ages. Here are 3 thoughtful ideas which will cost more money in the short run – but will save you money in the long run.
Idea 1 Large Format Tiles – Bigger sized tiles are a hot bathroom trend and they have the dual benefit of reducing the number of grout joints.
Bigger tiles for less joints
Idea 2 –Urethane vs. Sanded Grout – While urethane grout does cost 4 times the amount of sanded grout and takes more time to install – it does not need to be resealed and absorbs much less water greatly reducing the need to regrout.
Idea 3 –Waterproof tile backer board….insurance for your shower – There are now boards made of extruded polystyrene or other “closed cell” systems which are 100% waterproof to assure your shower won’t fail even if the grout joints break down. This product is like buying insurance for your shower.
Tip 3 – Find uniquely shaped base and enclosure kits
Who really wants to have a “standard looking” shower which looks like one used in every tract home on the street? What I have seen is homeowners today are looking to put their own personal spin and look on projects. An excellent way to get a custom (champagne) look at a standard system pricing is to use a uniquely designed base and enclosure system. In the picture below you’ll see just one product which is a curved glass enclosure which is engineered to provide more space in a 60” alcove space – providing a cool look and more room in a standard tub-sized space. The curved base is made in a standard size and even has an MDF reinforce shower pan so it won’t sag when you’re walking on it.
A curved glass enclosure with a reinforced curved acrylic shower pan
Tip 4 – Go doorless
Shower doors can be expensive and a pain to clean (especially a framed shower door with a track at the bottom). Here’s 3 alternatives to go without a door and save money.
Alternative 1 – Use curtains – Shower curtains are the most cost effective way to eliminate the use of a shower door. Their drawback is they can get moldy over time and need replacement.
Alternative 2 –A shower screen – This glass screen option can be a stationary and/or pivoting door system which makes it possible to create a walk in shower in a small space.
An obscure glass shower shield in a standard 60″ wide area
Alternative 3 – A glass block shower – Glass blocks can be a fun way to add style to a retro, tranditional or Mid-century modern look. The curved blocks create the ability to have a small curved walk in shower in a small 60” alcove space.
A curved glass block walkin shower in a 60″ wide space where a tub used to be
Tip 5 – Don’t forget to accessorize
Even gone into a shower and seen a cheap plastic shower caddy hanging over the shower head or bottles of shampoo with stuff oozing out on the shower floor? These are signs of a failure to fully plan the shower so there is proper storage. This problem not only doesn’t improve the looks of the shower it can downright dangerous. The right time to think through the accessories you need (both now and in the future) is before the shower wall surrounds are installed. Here are some popular options:
Recessed niches or corner shelves – A recessed niche (which is a pocket area inside a wall cavity) provides a place to store soap and shampoo without taking away valuable space inside the shower. This can be especially important in a small shower. Another option are corner shelves – which are more cost-effective than recessed niches but generally hold less products.
Grab bars – When people think about grab bars they think about hospitals and getting old (as a 55 year old guy I still refuse to believe I’m getting old!). Although some grab bars are butt ugly – style and safety do not need to be mutually exclusive. One way to do this is with a decorative grab bar. Even if you don’t need grab bars today is a good idea to put plywood up behind the wall backer board to have a firm surface to attach to if you have the need down the road.
Seating – Seating can not only make your bathroom more luxurious, but safer as well. If space is limited consider a teak fold down seat. For a medium sized shower a corner seat works well. For large showers a bench seat will provide the most seating.
Which of these 5 tips is most critical for your shower remodeling project? Please comment below or call for more input or a free consultation on shower remodeling products or a remodeling project.
If you’re looking for more information or an estimate on remodeling a shower or nationwide material supply of shower wall panels, bases and glass enclosures call The Bath Doctor in Cleveland (216-531-6085), Columbus (614-252-7294) or for nationwide supply Innovate Building Solutions (877-668-5888).
If you’re a remodeler or builder and want practical advice on remodeling products, industry trends, marketing and sales tips to grow your business (and cut day to day hassles), start reading my newest blog – Innovate Builders Blog. It’s packed with ideas you can use now. Click here to Sign Up for the Innovate Builders Blog.
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
Debi – thanks for your question. Our company does sell doorless ready for tile shower pans with the curved threshold. There are no standard sizes – but pretty much anything can be made. I’ll send you an email and suggest you send me a rough sketch (with sizes) of what you’re looking for. thanks for reading my articles – Mike
Debi Lawson
Where can the doorless ready for tile shower pan with the curved threshold be purchased? And what is the standard size?
Jude – I’m glad you read this article as well. Wall panels have come a LONG way from being the boring, cheap white plastic stuff of years gone-by. Feel free to call us (or read more blog posts) about wall panels. You can reach out team at 877-668-5888 – Mike
Jude S
I’m glad I stumbled upon your website. I was thinking I would have to settle for an in-stock white plastic home supply store shower. Now you’ve got me dreaming of something classy on a budget! Thanks
Thanks Dee – I’m glad the article was helpful. Mike
Denise zappia
This is the DIY era. Many of us are quarantined and looking for projects at home. I painted every room now and I’m looking at renovating an alcove shower. Your information was incredible; so well organized and well written. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.
Dee from Holmdel, NJ
Louise – thanks for your compliment. I enjoy writing the articles and it’s always nice when someone lets me know they enjoy reading them.
You can certainly either go with a one level wet room system, use curtains or use a ‘pivoting door’ shower screen system. I’m not a big fan of curtains when you hard harder water because they can look brown and dirty. I would recommend either a pivoting shower screen (it’s sort of a hybrid between a walk in shower and a shower enclosure) or the one level wet room system. I’m going to include links to these 2 products below. If we can provide you with more insight and advice certainly call us at 877-668-5888 – Mike
I really appreciate the straightforward info in your articles. I want to use shower curtains because I have brown lake water and don’t want to clean glass doors. I know that low or no curb pans are great for aging in place but my entire house is not suitable for that so I’m not considering it with my reno. Do you know of any companies that sell shower pans that have a high enough curb to allow the use of a curtain?
If I can’t find one I may choose to go with a one level wet room system. The bathrooms in Europe have one flooring product that covers the whole room and just slightly slopes in the curtained shower area. Any idea what that waterproof flooring product might be? Thank you.
Louise
Thanks Diane – I’m glad this article is helping you understand what needs to be done for a waterproof shower installation. Using porous materials like tile with grout – or cheap wall panels which yellow and crack – is not a good solution for many. Let me know if I can help further. Mike
Thank you for a comprehensive, easy to understand guide to factors that must be taken into consideration when installing a new shower. Although I will have the new shower installed professionally, this article has given me the information I need to make sure that the installation is well done and is as waterproof as possible.
Nicole – thanks for your question and sorry to hear about your husbands leg. Yes we have two products I’d recommend for your shower. First if your current tub/shower sits on a wood subfloor I would recommend our one level wet room system. It uses a shower base former which sits directly on the joists of your home so you end up with a one level floor. The second product I’d recommend (if your current tub/shower is on a concrete floor) would be a ramped entry solid surface shower pan. These pans are durable – and can be set directly on the concrete with any drain location you need. I will include links to these pages below. If I (or my team) can help you feel free to call us. Mike
My husband had his leg amputated .. and I need to convert my shower/ tub to a roll in shower with a bench or seat do you have a premade shower liner and basins or would you recommend build a base to fit a premade surround…
Robyn – thanks for your question. Yes we do provide nationwide service and have many products to improve the efficiency, lower the maintenance and make a better looking small shower. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 so we can answer your questions and help you more. Thanks – Mike
Judy – yes – we do offer various lines of barrier free, no curb showers. If you want to convert over to a standard pan to a roll in shower you’ll want to either use a “one level” wet room system or a shower pan with a sloped curb (we offer a couple of these – one is made of solid surface and the other is made to be a tile ready shower). Feel free to call me at 877-668-5888 so I can go over this with you in greater detail. Mike
Judy Blades
Some of the images appear to be of ADA showers. What advice can you offer for converting a shower with standard pan to a “roll-in” shower?
Mike Foti
Debi – thanks for your question. Our company does sell doorless ready for tile shower pans with the curved threshold. There are no standard sizes – but pretty much anything can be made. I’ll send you an email and suggest you send me a rough sketch (with sizes) of what you’re looking for. thanks for reading my articles – Mike
Debi Lawson
Where can the doorless ready for tile shower pan with the curved threshold be purchased? And what is the standard size?
Mike Foti
Jude – I’m glad you read this article as well. Wall panels have come a LONG way from being the boring, cheap white plastic stuff of years gone-by. Feel free to call us (or read more blog posts) about wall panels. You can reach out team at 877-668-5888 – Mike
Jude S
I’m glad I stumbled upon your website. I was thinking I would have to settle for an in-stock white plastic home supply store shower. Now you’ve got me dreaming of something classy on a budget! Thanks
Mike Foti
Thanks Dee – I’m glad the article was helpful. Mike
Denise zappia
This is the DIY era. Many of us are quarantined and looking for projects at home. I painted every room now and I’m looking at renovating an alcove shower. Your information was incredible; so well organized and well written. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.
Dee from Holmdel, NJ
Mike Foti
Louise – thanks for your compliment. I enjoy writing the articles and it’s always nice when someone lets me know they enjoy reading them.
You can certainly either go with a one level wet room system, use curtains or use a ‘pivoting door’ shower screen system. I’m not a big fan of curtains when you hard harder water because they can look brown and dirty. I would recommend either a pivoting shower screen (it’s sort of a hybrid between a walk in shower and a shower enclosure) or the one level wet room system. I’m going to include links to these 2 products below. If we can provide you with more insight and advice certainly call us at 877-668-5888 – Mike
https://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/bathrooms/roll-in-handicapped-shower (one level wet room systems)
https://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/bathrooms/fleurco-glass-shower-enclosures (shower screens or shower shields)
Louise Gale
I really appreciate the straightforward info in your articles. I want to use shower curtains because I have brown lake water and don’t want to clean glass doors. I know that low or no curb pans are great for aging in place but my entire house is not suitable for that so I’m not considering it with my reno. Do you know of any companies that sell shower pans that have a high enough curb to allow the use of a curtain?
If I can’t find one I may choose to go with a one level wet room system. The bathrooms in Europe have one flooring product that covers the whole room and just slightly slopes in the curtained shower area. Any idea what that waterproof flooring product might be? Thank you.
Louise
Mike Foti
Thanks Diane – I’m glad this article is helping you understand what needs to be done for a waterproof shower installation. Using porous materials like tile with grout – or cheap wall panels which yellow and crack – is not a good solution for many. Let me know if I can help further. Mike
Diane
Thank you for a comprehensive, easy to understand guide to factors that must be taken into consideration when installing a new shower. Although I will have the new shower installed professionally, this article has given me the information I need to make sure that the installation is well done and is as waterproof as possible.
Mike Foti
Nicole – thanks for your question and sorry to hear about your husbands leg. Yes we have two products I’d recommend for your shower. First if your current tub/shower sits on a wood subfloor I would recommend our one level wet room system. It uses a shower base former which sits directly on the joists of your home so you end up with a one level floor. The second product I’d recommend (if your current tub/shower is on a concrete floor) would be a ramped entry solid surface shower pan. These pans are durable – and can be set directly on the concrete with any drain location you need. I will include links to these pages below. If I (or my team) can help you feel free to call us. Mike
http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/bathrooms/roll-in-handicapped-shower (one level roll in shower)
http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/bathrooms/solid-surface-shower-pan-wall-panels (ramped entry solid surface shower pans)
Nicole Hayes
My husband had his leg amputated .. and I need to convert my shower/ tub to a roll in shower with a bench or seat do you have a premade shower liner and basins or would you recommend build a base to fit a premade surround…
Mike Foti
Phyllis – we can supply this product to you in either a solid surface and waterproof ready for tile options. Give us a call at 877-668-5888.
Phyllis Pawlyk
Where can I find a custom sized shower base with a custom sized drain hole?
Mike Foti
Robyn – thanks for your question. Yes we do provide nationwide service and have many products to improve the efficiency, lower the maintenance and make a better looking small shower. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 so we can answer your questions and help you more. Thanks – Mike
Robyn
Do you have services in all states? I have a small shower with the old 4 inch white tiles and white grout yuck can’t ever get it to look clean
Mike Foti
Judy – yes – we do offer various lines of barrier free, no curb showers. If you want to convert over to a standard pan to a roll in shower you’ll want to either use a “one level” wet room system or a shower pan with a sloped curb (we offer a couple of these – one is made of solid surface and the other is made to be a tile ready shower). Feel free to call me at 877-668-5888 so I can go over this with you in greater detail. Mike
Judy Blades
Some of the images appear to be of ADA showers. What advice can you offer for converting a shower with standard pan to a “roll-in” shower?