Designing a Custom Shower
Get the Most From Your Bathroom by Increasing Your Shower Space
Apr 26, 2009
A custom shower is a shower space that you make as opposed to buying a prefabricated shower lining and tray system. They are harder to install but allow you to make the most of your shower space.
A Bigger Shower is Better
Making the footprint, or walk-in area of the shower, as big as possible will give you a better experience. An extra 100mm in any direction can be the difference between hitting the side with your arm while shampooing and not. A custom shower also allows you to use awkward or irregular shapes in a room and allows curves to be introduced into walls.
A custom shower allows you to recess shelves into the wall rather than have them protrude into the space. Most walls are framed to 100mm thick and it is possible to have a good-sized alcove for bottles and soap built into this space. Another thing to remember is the position of the shower mixers. Try to place them higher than hip height and away from the place where the water hits the body. This again will avoid another protrusion into the shower, and stop you inadvertently changing the water temperature when you move.
Access to the Shower
The first of two types of trays you can install is a level entry. In this one you have lowered the floor level in the shower to allow for drainage and to contain the shower water. Aesthetically this is the best option as the floor seamlessly runs into the shower. Unfortunately this is not always possible as support joists need to be cut into to get the slope and if they are not thick enough there may be structural issues. The second option is a step entry. Here a small ridge is installed around the shower so that a drainage slope can be laid onto of the existing floor.
A shower door is not necessary if the shower space is big enough and the slope sufficient, but in most cases a custom glass door can be installed. These look great and make the room seem more spacious.
Tiles Are the Best Option
There are many ways you can clad the walls of the shower but tiles are the most versatile. There are a large number of waterproofing systems designed for tiles so meeting building codes and requirements is easy. Their ability to be cut and shaped means they will fit any odd shaped space or angle. They look good, come in a massive range of sizes and shapes, and add a real sense of opulence and luxury to your bathroom.
An Acceptable Price Point
There is not a large increase in cost between a custom made shower and an off the shelf shower system when you include installation and plumbing. When you then consider the additional benefits of space and aesthetic the additional cost is quite acceptable.
Bathrooms, after all, are meant to be a place to indulge yourself.
