Shower Cubicles - 5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Although your overall budget will have a big effect on the choice of cubicles open to you, there are several other considerations that need to be taken into account before buying a shower cubicle to ensure your chosen shower will be suitable for your home.

Many of the points raised here are made to help you integrate the shower cubicle into your overall bathroom design.

Room Size and Cubicle Size

The cubicle needs to be of an adequate size to ensure it is useable without feeling cramped but not so large that it impinges on floor-space within the room. It should not be too visually imposing otherwise it can make the room feel smaller. Small shower cubicles (700mm square or less) should be avoided if at all possible as they offer very little space and can be restrictive for larger users.

The price of shower cubicles usually increases with the size of the unit but this is not always the case and there are usually some bargains to be had if you shop around.

Shower Cubicle Shape

The shape of the cubicle can almost be as important as the size of the cubicle when comes to the visual impact it can have in a room. If you are intending to include a large cubicle into a small room it is usually advisable to opt for a quadrant shaped unit. This shape curves away from the line of sight giving the impression of more space in the room while retaining a large showering area. Pentagon shaped cubicles can also achieve this effect but the finished result is a little more angular.

Shower Cubicle Glass

The glass used in most shower cubicles tends to be clear, toughened safety glass. Some glass has a modesty panel etched onto the surface and a few have the whole surface etched. Clear glass will help to make the room look bigger and will make the cubicle feel bigger when in use. Be aware that there have been several cases of counterfeit cubicles available on the market that were not made from safety glass so make sure you are buying from a reputable source.

Cubicle Frame

The overwhelming trend in bathroom design these days is toward a minimal, white and chrome, fuss-free look and cubicle manufacturers have followed suit. The sizes of the frames surrounding the glass of the cubicle have been reduced in size or even eliminated in some cases, to tie-in with the minimalist approach. Sometimes this has an effect on the overall adjustment available for installation which can be an issue if the cubicle needs to be fitted to out-of-true walls.

Shower Walls

Most walls are not completely square, flat or level, so the adjustment available from the cubicle needs to be sufficient to cope with any variations that might present themselves in the location you are siting the shower. Very uneven walls might need to be levelled and re-tiled prior to the installation of the cubicle.

Add Your Personal Touch With Custom Shower Curtains

Custom shower curtains are an excellent way to get your shower curtains just the way you want them. The only restraint is what your mind can dream up, what you are capable of putting together, and what length your tailor is willing to go to. To help you choose what type of curtains you would like to put in your bathroom, here are a few things for you to think about before making any concrete decisions.

What style of curtain are you looking for? Style is a big part of the decision making process. Do you want something that has some type of special meaning to it? If so, you can get portraits of your family members put on your curtain or maybe a picture of an item that is part of an inside joke, for example. Or if you are designing one for your kids' bathroom, you can put their favorite cartoon character along with their own picture; bath time will no doubt become much more fun for your kids after that! The possibilities are endless when it comes to a custom shower curtain because you are the one who holds the power to decide what your finished piece will look like.

What type of fabric do you want to use for your custom piece? Do you want something completely functional or just for looks? If you want something completely functional, you may consider getting one made of plastic for example. If you want something that is only for looks, you can have it made with any fabric you choose. You can also have a little bit of both worlds. If you are looking for something that is for looks but also want it to function in your bathroom, you can have a custom shower curtain made in any fabric that you choose and pair it with a plastic curtain liner so that you can enjoy your custom shower curtain while keeping it protected at the same time. Keep in mind though that the steam from your shower may still have some impact on the quality of your curtain. If you are looking for something easier to clean and maintain you may want to choose a fabric that is of a lighter weight and of a fabric that will not be likely to fade quickly over time.

The great thing about a custom shower curtain is that you can really let your personality shine through. You should take your time and make sure that it fits your needs and expectations before making any decisions.

How to Install a Shower Faucet in 7 Easy Steps

Installing a shower faucet is not a herculean task. If you know the right tricks it is as easy as conjuring up a rabbit in mid-air. Here is how to install a shower faucet in 7 easy steps.

Before starting the installation here are few things you need to take care.

Check the supply pipe for leaks.

Replace wall with moisture resistance dry wall as base for wall covering.

Always clean the pipe thread and apply a new pipe joint compound.

Run hot and cold water lines to shower mixing valve attached.

Plan for a trap door in wall.

These are just a few pointers you need to take care before installation. Now let us begin the installation.

First you can connect the shower in two ways. You can either choose the conventional method with copper pipes or you can opt for PEX pipes. The plastic pipes are easy to install when compared to the copper pipes.

The next thing you need to do is the shut off the water supply and drill a hole in the shower walls with a hole saw. It is better to plan before hand where to install the shower and the faucet and mark them with a pencil.

Now position the valve so that UP indication points upward and then connect the hot and cold water pipes to each side of the valve. When welding them take care to see that overheating does not take place. You can also use welding adapters if required. Secure the valve inside the wall and connect the raise tube and spout pipe in welded adapters. If valve is without spout then use a brass cap to block the outlet that will not be used. Put the shower in place. This completes the installation of the valve.

Next to install the faucet handle slide the decorative plate in the valve and position the handle screw adapter on cartridge using hexagonal key.

Now to install the shower head connect the upper outlet to shower head supply pipe after applying Teflon tape. Wrap clockwise the shower head's pipe filets with Teflon tape. Manually screw shower head using adjustable wrench.

Finally to install the spout turn the spout on copper pipe so that set screw faces up. Tighten the screw with hexagonal key and then turn spout to normal position.

Last but not the least open the hot and cold water supply and check if there is no leak. Next open the faucet to lukewarm position to release all the air caught in the pipes.

That's it. You are done. Now you can show off your skills to your wife or your neighbor.

Components of Frameless Shower Doors

When building your own frameless shower door, there are crucial parts and components to consider. These parts and components are called hardware. Like any hardware, they are necessary to build and construct a planned project. Certain materials and tools are also required to successfully build it.

Major Components

The major hardware categories required for frameless shower doors are door hinge, glass clamps and brackets, pulls and handles, wipes and seals, u-channels or thresholds, towel bars, and other designer accessories. You can usually find these components in your nearest hardware stores as they are not that hard to find.

Door Hinge

Before buying certain components, you need to make sure that you plan out of what specific door you want to construct. If you settle for a swinging type of shower door, a shower door hinge is needed. Basically, like other hinges, they are used to hold 2 parts together so that one can swing relative to the other.

Glass Clamps

For some who chose glass shower doors, glass clamps are necessary in order to hold the glass together. At the same time, brackets is needed to hold glasses too especially if your shower door enclosures are built in the corner.

Pull or Handle

Another very important hardware is the pull or handle. Whether you have a sliding, bi-fold, or swinging door, one needs a handle or pull to access the shower door. One can choose from a variety of style, design, and finishes to suit one's need of convenience and elegance.

Wipes and Seals

Another equally important part of shower enclosure doors are wipes and seals. Aside from sealing every glass or any material used for the shower door, they serve as a stopper for water or air from going outside the shower enclosure so one can avoid any water overflow in the bathroom.

U-Channels or Thresholds

Next are u-channels or thresholds. These components are good for securing the bottom and the top of shower enclosures for secure and safe usage. Remember, different u-channels and thresholds are available depending onto what type of door you use. So always pick the one that is appropriate for your door or else you will not be able to put together the materials.

Towel Bars and Accessories

The last but certainly not the least are the towel bars and other designer accessories. Using such will add convenience for one's daily shower use and other important necessities like shower trays, hand holders and what not. Adding a certain personal design can also personalize your bathroom interior.

Always choose what is suitable for your needs and don't over accessorize. Always make it simple when choosing the right door components to fit your everyday lifestyle.

New Bathroom Renovation Budget

The bathroom is usually regarded as a great sanctuary where one could finally relax after a long day's work. This area is also mostly subjected to renovations. In any endeavor of remodeling, you need to prepare your budget first of all. You could go from DIY solutions to intricate detailing done by professional contractors.

You need to decide on your budget. And you could only set the proper financial costing if you initially settle on the type and extent of the renovation. You must have at least rough draft of the bathroom's final look. The plan should include the new designations of lighting and positions of new fixtures. Especially for the full remodeling task, you need to consider the electrical connections and plumbing. Unless you are savvy in these areas, you have to hire the services of professionals. To lessen your expenses, disregard hiring a middleman. You could easily handle the transaction with the contractor or electrician. Some home improvement shops are great locations where you could find trustworthy workers and servicers. Their fees would depend on the extent of their task.

DIY renovation

If you really are on a tight budget but your bathroom needs a little zest, opt for this method. You would be surprised at how much you could save on labor fees if you decide to do most of the work. However, if your plan includes re-assignment of pipes and electrical wiring, you really need to consult experts to avoid mishaps.

The main focus for self-help remodeling is to give proper attention to the materials. You could get quick tips from online DIY home improvement sites. These offer suggestions where good materials can be found and at great prices too. For one, you could find listings of salvage yards, thrift stores and bargain shops. You could get great deals by buying scrap wood and/or metal. You could also check out new tiles, which are cheaper when bought in bulk orders. In addition, there are a wide range of furniture pieces looking closely similar to antiques, which are naturally less expensive. Claw foot tubs, faux leather finish mirrors, dresser tables and even slightly used sinks.

You could also find good use for old doors, cabinets, toilets, bathtubs and shower heads. You could enhance their look by simply refurbishing paint application or adding decorative detail. For example, you could achieve rustic finish for doors and cabinets through simple applications. Put nails in a thick cloth. An old towel would be perfect. Beat the door and cabinets using the bundle. You would see nail marks on them. Apply a fresh coat of paint. Super white is preferable for bathroom doors and choose a contrasting or complementing color for the cabinets. Let it dry for a half day. Apply clear varnish into the surfaces. Let it dry for a couple of hours. Once everything is set, these fixtures would seem as if bought from an antique store.

Any old dresser could be converted into a sink counter. Do the same paint and varnish treatment for a consistent look. Drill a hole into the top of the dresser which could accommodate your existing sink. Ensure that the plumbing would still function well.

Full-blown remodeling

This one requires extensive spending. But you could have an overview of the total expenses if you use a bathroom construction/renovation calculator. You could access home design directory online sites that offer free estimation for your request. Basically, you would be asked to choose the layout. Some sites display visual presentation of layout options. When you have selected the layout, specify the size, contents and tiled area.

The size ranges from small to large or customized according to your preference. As you designate the tiled area, you would also be asked to choose the tiles. As for the contents, you could pick which ones should be included - bath, mixer, wall spout, bench top, basin, mirror, shower enclosure, towel rails (heated or traditional), robe hook, exhaust fan, and others. The costs depend on your specifications. For example, renovating a small bathroom including tiled floors and walls would cost around $22 per sq-meter. The price would increase depending on the tiles you choose. The standard-type tiles per sq-meter cost around $40. The contents range from $80 to $2,000+ a piece. The prices are dependent on the type of the materials.

You should also consider the labor costs. You could save a little if you stick with the original positions of the electrical wiring, plumbing, windows and other fixtures.

The main point in all of these is that you could have better renovation experience if you know how to stick to your budget and layout. You need to be decisive so you could be spared from unnecessary spending.