January 2020 - Our Thoughts

6 Things to Consider When Installing a Shower Enclosure

A shower enclosure is one of the most important parts of any bathroom. Not only will it get used every day, but its large footprint within the room means it will also be a visual focal point of the room. As such, you need to select an option that will provide the right combination of style and functionality.

Whether you are planning to give your bathroom a facelift or have more extensive remodeling in mind, the right shower enclosure selection will make all the difference in helping you design the bathroom of your dreams.

Here are a few important factors to keep in mind as you plan for your shower renovation.

1. Evaluate Your Current Space and Renovation Plans

Your bathroom’s layout will play a large role in dictating which type of shower enclosure best fits your needs. Your shower door will need to accommodate the available space. In a smaller bathroom, this might mean that you only have room for a small corner shower or a shower with a pivot entry. If you have a large bathroom (as is found in most master suites), you will have more options for the type of enclosure you could choose to install.

If you aren’t planning to make any major changes to the layout of your bathroom, then your shower enclosure choices will be limited to what would fit within the current layout. You might be able to remove the old bathtub to make room for a walk-in shower, but the shower itself won’t be able to take up more space than the old tub area. You will also need to be mindful of the placement of other bathroom features, such as the vanity or toilet.

Of course, if you are going to completely revamp your bathroom, you could use the shower enclosure as a starting point. Select the size and location you prefer for the walk-in shower, and then plan for the placement of other bathroom items around that. It may be helpful to work with a design professional to determine the best layout for needs.

Ultimately, this means you need to decide from the beginning what the scope of your bathroom renovation will be. Determine how much you can afford to spend for materials and labor so you can set a firm budget for your project. Decide which changes (in addition to the shower enclosure) are most important to you in upgrading your bathroom. Evaluating your budget and renovation plans will make it easier to finalize your layout decisions.

2. Consider Your Usage

One part of the shower enclosure decision is considering how you currently use your bathroom and how you plan to use it in the future. While a walk-in shower may be great for the master suite, it isn’t necessarily a good choice for the kids’ bathroom, particularly if you have young children.

For a bathroom that will be used by young children, it’s typically better to stick with a shower/tub combo, as mom and dad will need to help with bath time during a child’s early years. This doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade the shower enclosure, however. Tub doors add the functionality of a glass shower door to a tub/shower setup, improving leak resistance and aesthetics without complicating the bath time routine.

Another usage factor to consider is whether you plan to age in place in your home. Mobility issues can present serious hazards to the elderly. In fact, a 2008 report from the CDC estimates that there are roughly 235,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries each year for Americans over the age of 15, with two-thirds of those injuries related to using the tub or shower. Unsurprisingly, injury rates increase with age, particularly once someone is over 65 years old.

Because of the increased risk for injury that comes with aging, individuals planning to age in place should be mindful of safety features they should add to a tub or shower enclosure, such as grab bars and non-slip strips. Some may need to use a shower bench and a hand shower, which would require more space. Planning for such issues now will help you avoid the need for additional renovation work later.

3. Understand Shower Door Types

There are several types of shower doors available, each of which can have a big impact on the usability and looks of your bathroom. You’ll want to look at both functionality and aesthetics to determine which door option is the best for your shower enclosure. Regardless of which shower door type you choose, you should carefully measure the shower opening before placing your order so you get the right-sized door for your space.

Bypass or sliding shower doors are used for both walk-in showers and tub/shower combinations. These doors typically use two panels that slide along tracks. This allows for setups where one or both panels can slide open and shut for using the shower. The sliding mechanism also means that you don’t have to worry about leaving additional open floor space for the doors. However, this setup also typically requires a wider space, which means it may not work well with alcove showers.

When the shower opening is too narrow for a bypass door, you may want to consider a pivot door. These doors feature a glass door that swings open from a single side, much like a standard door. Depending on the size of the shower enclosure, they may or may not be combined with a narrower fixed glass panel. Doors can swing outward, inward, or both, depending on the hinge type and configuration. For doors that swing outward, be mindful of the extra floorspace you will need to keep clear.

For corner showers, neo-angle shower doors are a popular choice. These doors are specially designed to fit in the corner, making them better suited for small bathrooms. Many of these doors offer reversible right or left entry. Finally, there are open entry shower doors, which feature a stationary glass panel paired with a wide, open-air entry. This shields the shower exterior from water spray while helping create a modern/contemporary look.

4. Glass Selection

Once you’ve determined which type of shower door is best suited to your needs, you’ll want to get into the smaller details: namely, choosing whether you prefer a framed or frameless shower door, as well as what type of glass you will look best in your space.

Framed shower doors typically use either aluminum or stainless steel to frame the glass panels of the shower door. They also use metal tracks along the top and bottom of the doors to keep them in place. The glass used for these shower doors tends to be thinner so it can be supported by the frame. Though less expensive than frameless doors, the metal frames can be somewhat harder to clean.

Frameless shower doors have hardware mounted through the glass and use thicker, heavier glass to eliminate the need for metal framing. This creates a more open, spacious, and modern look. The all-glass design is also easier to clean, helping to keep your bathroom looking great. However, the extra thickness of the glass means that frameless shower doors tend to be more expensive than their framed counterparts.

You’ll also want to consider the type of glass used for your shower door. Most homeowners prefer clear glass because it helps reflect the bathroom’s lighting and makes the room appear larger. Clear glass also provides a chance to show off the new tile that was installed as part of the bathroom remodel. However, others prefer frosted or textured glass, which offers greater privacy and can provide a unique style to your bathroom. Your best bet is to choose a style that best appeals to your personal tastes and will match the rest of your bathroom’s design.

5. Shower Heads and Panels

While the shower doors get most of the attention, they are far from the only item that affects the final look of your shower enclosure. Shower heads and panels will have a bigger impact on the style and functionality of your shower than you might think!

Modern shower heads and panels can include a wide array of features, such as a detachable hand shower unit, multiple spray options, massage body jets, or even LED lighting. Additional available options include tub fillers and jets, giving you total control over your bathing experience.

Shower heads can even be installed in an overhead “rain” configuration, such as with the Kubebath Aqua Piazza Rain Showerhead. These shower heads and panels are available in a wide array of finishes, which makes them easier to match to the hardware in other parts of the bathroom. Be mindful of any configurations that might require additional plumbing work, as this would increase the cost of your renovations.

Another area to consider when choosing a shower head is water efficiency. Many modern shower heads are designed with “low flow” settings to reduce how much water is used during your shower. This can help you save thousands of gallons of water over time, reducing your water bills and your impact on the environment.

6. Choose a Leak-Free Shower Base

Shower bases and drains may seem like an afterthought, but they can be a very important part of finishing your shower enclosure. Sometimes referred to as a shower tray, shower bases manipulate the flow of wastewater from your shower, ensuring that it goes toward the drain rather than in another direction. This eliminates the need to try to arrange tiles on the floor in a way that will direct water toward the drain.

However, if you prefer the look of a tile floor, there are several drain configurations you can choose from to prevent leaks and ensure proper removal of water. Center and channel drains can both work with a wide array of tile configurations. Shower drains are also available in several different finishes, including stainless tones, bronze tones, and blacks.

As with the installation of a shower door, you will want to take careful measurements to ensure that you get the right shower base or drain for your space. Many shower bases are designed to go with specific shower door brands, making it easier to find the right match. For a shower drain, it is typically easiest to choose something that will fit in the same location as your current drain system to reduce the need for additional plumbing work.

Create the Dream Shower Enclosure

Putting together the dream shower enclosure is a lot more work than most people realize. From determining which type of shower door best fits the layout of your room to selecting the hardware and shower heads that will match the rest of your bathroom decor, there are many decisions that need to be made.

By taking time to research your options and plan out this important part of a bathroom renovation, you will be able to create the perfect shower enclosure for your needs.

While choosing the fine details for your shower enclosure may take some time, one area where you can make a decision quickly — and with confidence — is in choosing to buy from Kitchen & Bath Authority. From shower doors and hand sprayers to drains and panels, we offer a wide selection of all the components that go into building your dream shower enclosure.

Better still, these parts are available at significant discounts off MSRP, allowing you to get high-quality materials at far more affordable prices. Some shower doors are available for as much as 47 percent off their standard list pricing, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars on your purchase.

We also offer free shipping on all orders and have additional discounts on many products. This will help you stretch your remodeling budget even further so you can afford nicer-looking bathroom upgrades than you might be able to otherwise.

The bathroom of your dreams is closer than you think. When you work with Kitchen & Bath Authority to put together your shower enclosure, you will have everything you need for turning your bathroom into a luxurious spa.

5 Essential Steps to Take When Preparing For Bathroom or Kitchen Remodeling Work

With 2020 now officially underway, it’s only natural that many homeowners would include remodeling work on their list of goals and resolutions for the new year. But knowing that you want to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and successfully carrying out this project are two very different things. This is especially true if you plan to DIY significant portions of your remodeling project.

By doing your research in advance to determine what you want for your remodel and how to carry it out, you can go a long way in ensuring that everything turns out according to plan. By accounting for the following important factors, you will be able to minimize mistakes and ensure that everything gets done right the first time.

1. Research Your Options & Determine the Scope of Your Project

Unsurprisingly, you need to start by determining just how big of a renovation you want to do. Are you looking to completely revamp your kitchen, including by altering the layout and possibly even moving walls? Or are you simply planning to refresh its look while maintaining the same layout?

While one option may seem more appealing than the other at first glance, it is essential that you consider how the scope of your project will affect its budget, timeframe, and even your return on investment.

One factor to consider when planning the scope of your remodeling work is how much longer you plan to live in the home. Research finds that while a minor, “midrange” kitchen remodel typically yields an ROI of 81.1 percent, a major kitchen remodel only yields a 59 percent ROI. For an upscale kitchen remodel, the return on investment is even lower. Bathroom remodels follow similar trends — the more intensive and “upscale” the remodeling work, the lower the ROI.

As such, if you are planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom to prepare to sell a home, you will likely be better served by giving these areas a facelift, rather than undergoing intensive remodeling work. On the other hand, if this is your “forever home,” you are free to do as much renovating as you want — as long as it fits within your budget. After all, your personal enjoyment of your space is well worth the investment.

Most homeowners will need to find a balance between what their dream bathroom or kitchen would look like and what realistically fits within their budget and the layout of their home. The better you understand how different remodeling options will affect this plan, the easier it will be to finalize what you want.

2. Measure, Measure, and Measure Again

Regardless of the scope of the remodeling work you plan to complete, taking accurate measurements is an absolute must. Without accurate measurements of your kitchen or bathroom layout, you could order too much (or too little) of needed materials, or even waste time and money by ordering an appliance or furniture piece that doesn’t fit in the intended space.

To ensure that you get your measurements right, you’ll want to start with a tape measure and straight edge so you can get accurate numbers for each area. If you plan on creating a visual representation of your kitchen or bathroom, use graph paper to maintain an accurate sense of scale. When using graph paper, each square should represent one square foot of space in the room.

For easiest results, take your measurements in a clockwise direction, working along each wall and noting the placement of key features, such as countertops or appliances. Record numbers as you go. You will likely want to re-measure individual features separately later on. If you plan on doing work that affects the walls (such as installing new cabinets), you will also want to make note of windows and doorways.

Even seemingly small features, such as electrical outlets and switches, vents, and pipes, can influence your remodeling work. Taking careful notes of all existing features will streamline other tasks. From making sure the vanity you order will fit your bathroom space to ordering enough materials for installing new flooring or a backsplash, double checking your measurements now will save you a lot of stress and hassle later.

3. Consider Colors and Materials

The right materials and color scheme are crucial for ensuring that your freshly remodeled kitchen or bathroom looks great and is cohesive with the rest of your home.

When it comes to choosing colors, use the visual focal points of the room as your starting point. In the kitchen, this usually means that you will start by selecting the color of your cabinets or countertops. In the bathroom, the flooring or vanity is often used as the starting point. Limiting the room to three primary colors helps ensure a streamlined, unified look that ties all the individual elements together.

Once you have an idea in mind for these primary features, you will want to pick colors that fit within the same color scheme for other areas. For example, gray kitchen cabinets can be offset with a lighter-colored countertop. Cream-colored tile in the bathroom will likely be more appealing if you choose a vanity with a dark wood stain or a splash of bright color.

Regardless of whether you’re trying to create a bold splash of color or prefer something in a more neutral appearance, you will have a much easier time creating a cohesive look if you pick colors that are part of the same color scheme. Sand-colored walls may look great with white or deep blue cabinets, but they usually won’t be a good match for shades of red. On the other hand, gray works well with both warm and cool colors, making it a versatile option.

As part of your color selection, you will also want to consider the materials you are using for different parts of the remodeling work. Quartz and granite both offer a wide range of styles for bathroom vanity tops and kitchen counters. While granite countertops require daily cleaning and should be resealed on a yearly basis, they are extremely durable and heat resistant. Quartz countertops require less maintenance, but are more susceptible to heat damage. Acrylic and other materials could also get the job done for more budget-minded remodels.

Similarly, the right flooring can greatly impact future maintenance needs in the kitchen or bathroom. Luxury vinyl plank can be used to imitate the look of hardwood while providing superior water resistance. Ceramic and porcelain tile are also great choices for these high-moisture areas.

When selecting wood products like cabinets or vanities, make sure that they have been rated for use in wet or humid conditions. Not all hardwoods are created equal. Do your research so you’ll pick materials that won’t warp or experience other damage as a result of normal use.

4. Know When You Need Professional Help

You’d be surprised at how many remodeling tasks you might be able to handle on your own — and considering that labor can add up to 30 percent or more of your total costs, any work you can do by yourself will help you save money on the project.

Examples of projects that homeowners often complete on their own include the installation of vinyl plank flooring, replacing a bathroom vanity, or repainting kitchen cabinets. Of course, whether you should do these tasks on your own largely depends on how much time you have available, as well as your confidence in your own abilities. Warranty coverage is also important to consider, as many manufacturers will void warranty coverage for products that aren’t installed by a professional contractor.

As SF Gate’s Emily Beach recommends, “Buying your own materials can save you big bucks, including the cost of time and travel to source these materials. When it comes to labor, don’t take on tasks that are over your head. Instead, consider simpler kitchen jobs like completing demo and trash removal yourself to avoid paying the contractor to cover these jobs. Some handy homeowners can also cut labor costs by taking on finish tasks, such as painting and tiling. Every hour you spend working on your kitchen is an hour you’re not paying for.”

Because you will likely need to hire professional contractors for at least some of the work, start researching them well in advance. Use the internet to narrow down a list of a few top contractors who you can then contact to get a pricing and timeline estimate. Check references and work samples so you can have confidence that they will meet your expectations.

5. Plan For How Remodeling Work Will Disrupt Your Normal Routine

In addition to planning for materials and labor, you will also need to consider how your remodeling efforts will temporarily disrupt the household routine. Depending on the scope of the work, remodeling could take several weeks, leaving your kitchen or bathroom almost completely inaccessible during this time.

For example, you might need to move the refrigerator to a different part of the house as you install new flooring and reface surrounding cabinetry. When installing new cabinets or a new vanity, you will need to temporarily find another place to store plates, silverware, toiletries, and other items. You will want to move displaced items to a safe, out of the way area.

Moving furniture and decor away from the area that will be renovated will improve the workflow and protect your possessions. Depending on the type of work you have planned, you may also wish to protect nearby areas with dust covers or drop sheets.

One bathroom may need to be kept entirely off-limits during remodeling. You might need to come up with a schedule for when each family member will use the bathroom so that everyone can get ready for school or work. Determining how you will adjust your routine to remodeling work (and going over this plan with the entire family) will help reduce stress.

Schedule remodeling work with your family’s timing in mind. Having contractors come over during the day while the kids are at school can help the work go easier. Taking pets to a doggy day care or putting them in the backyard while indoor remodeling work is going on can further reduce stress and minimize the risk of an accident.

Are You Ready For Remodeling Work This Year?

Planning out the various facets of remodeling work in detail can sometimes feel like overkill — but these preparatory steps are well worth the effort. By doing your planning in advance, you will more fully understand how much you can expect your project to cost. You will have a clear idea of what changes you want to make, as well as which options will offer the greatest functional and aesthetic improvements to your space.

Regardless of whether you are giving your kitchen or bathroom a minor facelift or a complete overhaul, putting in the time to better plan and prepare for your project will ensure that you’ll get results you love — and Kitchen & Bath Authority is here to help.

We understand just how expensive kitchen and bathroom remodeling can get, especially when you’re trying to find high-quality components like vanities, shower doors, or tubs. That’s why we offer a wide range of kitchen and bathroom products from top brands like Water Creation, Robern, American Standard, DreamLine, and more, all at significant discounts off MSRP.

We want to help you be able to afford creating the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, and with many products available for nearly 50 percent off their normal pricing, we can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on key upgrades that will give your home a truly luxurious atmosphere.

That’s not the only way we help you save. If you sign up for our exclusive membership program, you’ll gain access to even more discounts on many of our products. All orders are fulfilled with free shipping. We also periodically offer additional coupon codes for select brands and products. All products are backed with guaranteed fitment and easy returns to ensure you get the right match for your needs.

Remodeling work is a big undertaking — but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When you include Kitchen & Bath Authority as part of your remodeling planning, you can have confidence that your new-look kitchen or bathroom will turn out exactly as desired.