Installing a Shower Stall

Installing a shower stall is no small undertaking. Deciding whether you should buy prefabricated (or prefab) or have it custom-made with tile or granite can affect how much lighter your pocketbook will be at the end of the day and how much time you’re willing to invest installing a shower stall.

Installing a Prefab Shower Stall

Prefab shower stalls most commonly come in all in one piece and are made of either fibreglass or acrylic. These stalls are sturdy, flexible, and quite easy to install by anyone. There was a time these kinds of showers were considered to be low class and cheap looking.

Those days have passed thanks to more advanced production techniques that allow manufacturers to produce a variety of stalls ranging in texture, shape, and colour. Installing a shower stall that is ready to go as soon as it arrives at your front door means is no assembly required and lower costs.

Another benefit of installing a shower stall that is prefabricated is that leaks in the shower pan are nearly impossible occurrences. These shower stalls are more likely to bend instead of crack.

Also, since a prefab is generally lighter than tile shower stalls, it can be placed on floors with subpar joists below. However, sometimes size becomes an issue, as prefabs either only come in one or two pieces. Some doorways may not accommodate for their bulk.

Installing a Tiled Shower Stall

A tiled shower stall is a complex process involving trained carpenters and tilers. Doing this on your own shouldn’t be considered unless you have experience waterproofing tile and walls. One simple mistake can cost hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Expert carpenters will build the frame and add cement backer board to the frame to make it watertight. The tilers will then jump in and create the design to your specifications without compromising the integrity of the watertight frame.

Installing a shower stall of this kind opens up a multitude of options. Almost any kind of tile and stone can be used. The only limit is how much you are willing to spend.

Some things to take note of when installing a shower stall made of tile are that the shower pan is more likely to leak in a newer home due to the settling of the house.

These shower pans aren’t flexible and could crack. Also, if time is of the essence, opt for the prefab. Tile shower installation is a slow process, as it is being built from scratch right in your home.

When installing a shower stall, no matter what kind, take your time to choose wisely. Neither option is a bad choice now that the quality of prefabs has improved. The resale value on the home may be slightly better with the tiled bathroom. Either way, rest assure that you’ll be able to take the same shower no matter which one you choose.