Shower remodeling may not make your list of the top 10 dinner conversation topics. But choosing the right shower design could make a huge difference in how your bathroom remodel turns out. That’s because your shower is used on a daily basis, or at least several times a week, by one or more household members.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as a variety of other sources, the average shower takes about 8 minutes. In that short time, approximately 16 gallons of water is used, and you’re able to take care of essential hygiene tasks that keep your body healthy. Beyond the physical benefits, many people find that showering is an invigorating way to start the day or a relaxing way to unwind after the day is done.
Regardless of how and when you shower, your shower’s overall design and details can significantly impact how well it meets your needs. Today, we’re going to walk you through some shower remodeling basics so you know exactly what aspects to consider as you plan your bathroom renovation.
Shower Remodeling 101: 4 Important Factors to Consider
1. How is Your Shower Enclosed?
If you’re not a bathroom designer or haven’t done any shower remodeling in recent years, you might be surprised to learn that showers can have a variety of enclosures. The most common options are listed below.
- Open Shower – Depending on your bathroom’s size and layout, your shower may have three walls but be open on the fourth side.
- Tub/Shower Combo – Although not as popular as they once were, combination tub/shower units are still an option. They can be enclosed by glass (the more modern choice) or a shower curtain (traditional).
- Glass Enclosures: Blocks, Texture, Frameless – Glass enclosures are becoming more popular, perhaps because they’re easy to clean. But it may also be because they create the illusion of more space, the perfect solution to making a small bathroom look bigger than it actually is. Options include stacked glass blocks (which can vary in color, thickness, and size), textured or frosted glass, and even a frameless glass enclosure for a sleek, modern look.
2. What Are Your Shower Walls Made Of?
The type of shower wall material you choose can significantly affect how long it lasts, how easy it is to clean, and how it contributes to (or detracts from) your overall bathroom design. Here are some of the most popular choices available on the market today:
- Ceramic Tiles – Ceramic is relatively inexpensive compared to other shower wall materials, and the tiles come in a variety of colors with either glossy or matte finishes. They can also be arranged in various patterns to add visual intrigue to the space.
- Glass Tiles – Since glass is non-porous, it’s an excellent choice for shower walls. These tiles are durable, easy to clean, and available with glossy, frosted, or textured surfaces.
- Marble – Although often higher in price, marble used to line shower walls can add a feeling of elegance and luxury to your bathroom. However, special maintenance or cleaning guidelines may need to be followed for marble tiles, so be sure to ask your designer ahead of time what will be required.
- Porcelain Tiles – As with ceramic and glass, porcelain tiles can create a trendy or unique look inside your shower with a wide variety of colors and designs available.
3. Types of Shower Heads
Just like other home renovation projects, shower remodeling is often about combining functional aspects with the desire for something that’s also aesthetically pleasing. Shower heads certainly fall into this category, as pretty much any one of them can physically get your body clean, but some look and function better than others.
- Shower Heads Mounted on the Wall – This is perhaps the most popular shower head style. Mounted directly on the shower wall, the shower head is situated at an angle and can be adjusted as needed. Newer models also include the ability to adjust water pressure, speed, and spray pattern for the ultimate showering experience.
- Handheld Shower Heads – This option is great for rinsing, bathing small children, or even cleaning the shower itself. Handheld shower heads may be stand-alone units or used in combination with wall-mounted heads.
- Overhead and Rain Shower Heads – Depending on your showering preference, you could opt for a ceiling-mounted or rain shower head. Both options send water cascading straight downward versus the angled flow of a traditional wall-mounted head.
- Water-Saving Shower Heads – If water conservation is of concern, like it is here in Orange County, CA, installing a water-saving shower head could help you reduce water and energy usage while still having a pleasant showering experience. The EPA promotes shower heads with a WaterSense label, a simple way to identify fixtures that have been proven to use less water.
4. Shower Remodeling Customizations
If you read our blog about creative kitchen tile backsplashes, you already know that tile can be used in a variety of ways to create unique and stunning designs. And, what’s true in the kitchen can also be used in shower remodeling – any of the shower tiles we listed above can be used to give your shower a customized look that either blends well with the rest of the room’s design or makes a statement all its own.
Another type of shower customization that today’s homeowners consider is a built-in bench or shampoo niche. We love built-in niches because they provide a great place to store bathing accessories where they’re needed most. But they also offer a unique area for tile accents that can take your shower design to the next level.
Built-in benches are custom features that can be useful for people of all ages, providing a place to sit in the shower that’s also visually appealing. And, for homeowners wanting to age in place, a built-in bench will certainly come in handy down the road if they experience any mobility challenges.
Bathroom Design and Remodeling in Orange County, CA
At Sea Pointe Design & Remodel, we design and install functional and beautiful bathrooms for homeowners throughout Orange County in the cities of Huntington Beach, Irvine, Placentia, Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, and more. From shower remodeling and master bathroom renovations to kitchen remodels, room additions, and even whole home makeovers, we’re your source for expert home remodeling in Orange County!
To get a closer look at some of our work, feel free to browse through our online portfolio of completed projects. Or, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars for helpful remodeling tips from the pros.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own remodeling project, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.