Shower Enclosures

• Before choosing what size and style of shower enclosure you want, make sure to take measurements not only of the bathroom, but also of door openings and hallways that your enclosure will have to fit through. After all, the shower enclosure will have to be carried into your home, and then into the bathroom. For this reason, according to Bathroom-Remodeling-Hints.com, you may want to choose an enclosure that comes in two or three pieces so it can be more easily managed. If you decide on a large, single-piece tub/shower unit, you may need to hire a crane operator to bring it in through a removed window or wall. The five common materials that are used for shower enclosures, according to AllistonHomeInspector.com, are fiberglass, metal, tile, acrylic/tempered glass and glass block. Fiberglass bathroom shower enclosures are the most popular, due to their low maintenance and the fact that they can be made into nearly any shape imaginable. Metal bathroom enclosures, which come in stainless steel and copper varieties, are a tougher, more stain and mildew resistant option, and have been growing steadily in popularity. Tile bathroom enclosures are prone to mold and mildew, however they allow you the most flexibility in terms of design, style and color. Acrylic and tempered glass are other shower enclosure materials, and are generally used in door-less stand-up or walk-in showers. The most expensive (and perhaps most elegant) material you can use for your bathroom enclosure is glass block. The material is durable, stain-resistant and low maintenance, however, according to AllistonHome Inspector.com, you will need to have it installed by a professional.
  
  

Showerheads and Shower Doors

• Showerheads come in a number of chrome and other metallic finishes, and can be either fixed to the shower walls or detachable. There are also showerheads that feature multiple intensity settings, as well as multi-headed showerheads. According to BarthroomAccesoriesCollection.com, you should make sure to choose shower doors (if needed) that complement the design of your shower enclosure. The above source recommends using glass doors that come in a variety of finishes with chrome-trimmed framing.