It is said that a house reflects the soul of the owner. The bath, on the other hand, reflects the style of the owner. That is why selecting a unique tub enclosure, hardware and shower enclosure is vital. It is important to not only choose what is practical but also what fits your personal taste. For this purpose, a lot of tub and shower enclosure were made, each with distinctive designs. However, convenience could some times be a big factor for choosing.
Before, tub enclosure and shower enclosure were separate-eating-up a large portion of your bathroom space. This is usually a problem especially when you have a small area allotted for the bathroom but you also want to have it fully equipped (complete with shower and tub enclosure). With people being so innovative, came the tub shower enclosures. A combination of the shower and tub.
Today’s homeowner is swamped with a vast selection of different types of shower-tub enclosures. This type of enclosures are customizable units, made of glass or plastic, which serve as a barrier to keep water and steam from escaping the bathtub or shower. With literally hundreds of combinations available, a homeowner can find shower-tub enclosures to fit any style or space. Durability, safety, ease of maintenance and cost are other factors in selecting a tub and shower enclosure. Some choices are even available that make installation easier in small spaces or when space is not readily available to move the tub and shower combo into a home.
Framed Glass Tub and Shower Enclosure
Framed glass tub and shower enclosures are popular for their durability and the safety of the design. The metal frame protects the glass inside the walls of the tub and shower unit, reducing the chances of shattering or breaking. The glass in this type of enclosure is less expensive and thick enough to be encased in the metal frames. This type of enclosure had the same fundamental design for many years, making them a classic but not trendy choice.
Frameless Glass Tub and Shower Enclosure
Frameless glass enclosures look more elegant and glossy and can add a touch of class to any bathroom. This type of enclosure uses glass that is strong, durable and thicker compared to the glass used in the framed glass enclosure. Frameless glass enclosures also require minimal metal to support the glass and panels in place, allowing more design elements to be incorporated. Because of the type of glass and the intricate designs of these enclosures, frameless glass tub and shower enclosures cost more initially compared to the framed version.
Custom Tub and Shower Enclosure
Many tub and shower enclosure manufacturers also offer customized enclosures for homeowners who prefer to choose their own design. People can choose enclosures with or without a frame, or semi-framed. Tub and shower enclosure manufacturers also give people the chance to choose numerous possibilities and combinations for their enclosures to perfectly fit their bathroom’s design, including textured or engraved glass.
In traditional construction, walls around the tub are tiled with ceramic tile to form a shower enclosure. These work well, but require maintenance and can develop leaks over time.
Manufactured tub and shower combinations may be one-piece acrylic over fiberglass units, or they may come in sections. However, they are bulkier, and requires slightly more floor space.
If you are looking for a shower-tub enclosure for your bathroom, you can check our these sites to help you choose the perfect enclosure.
Kohler http://www.us.kohler.com/index.jsp
Kohler offers a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The Sonata, a 3 piece shower unit, is just one of several multi-piece tub/shower units found in Kohler. Available in 15 different colors, the Sonata’s high-quality acrylic finish means long lasting durability and shine.
Sterling http://www.sterlingplumbing.com/
Sterling offers versatile fixtures made of solid Vikrell material that brighten the bathroom experience for everyone. Their products has a textured swirl gloss finish, and slip resistant bottom.
Florestone http://www.florestone.com/index.html
The company was founded in 1947, in Oakland, CA. They also makes remodel units of gel coated fiberglass tub/showers and acrylic bathtubs.
Maax http://www.akerbymaax.com/
Aker by Maax offers a wide variety in bathroom products. They sell a number of multi-piece tubs/showers in a gelcoat finish as well. The Aker line boasts Balsa Wood “Anti-Flex” floor construction that produces a finish level of rigidity, strength and longevity.
Before doing a any tub-shower makeover, measure the doorways through which the parts will pass. Some manufactured shower-tub enclosure are bigger and may not fit into your doorway. Tight 90-degree corners with little maneuvering room may limit your options.
A typical remodeling project requires the new unit to be installed in sections. Large, heavy, one-piece bath-shower modules are usually for new construction or additions in which easy access is assured.