You can get a fine shower from a handheld. If I'm installing just one head in a shower, I recommend the user go with a handheld. They're more versatile, and there is no performance penalty. Understand that many manufacturers use the same shower head for fixed and handheld applications. Same head, just a different presentation. Example, here's the Grohe Relaxa Top4, which is what I have in my shower: Fixed: Handheld: I'll agree with raehelen too regarding the bench. I'll encourage you to eliminate the built-in bench and go with a movable wood stool or bench. Again, more versatile. And more comfortable to sit on. Two heads in a 65" shower is not excessive. Regarding the rainhead and pressure. You are correct, many people who use a rainhead as a daily shower head to shower an shampoo do indeed get frustrated with it. It's not really intended to function that way. But those who use a rainhead for the "rainhead experience", they love the rainhead. If your two heads will be used for functional showering, I'd recommend a fixed head on one wall and a handheld on the other wall. Make the handheld hose long enough so it can be used to wash down the walls. I probably install more Grohe than anything else. When you do change shower heads, there sometimes is a transition when going from what you're used to to what you now have. The new head isn't worse. It's simply different. For your plumbing layout, consider having the supply valve(s) located just inside the shower so you can turn the water on without having to step into the shower. The idea is to eliminate getting hit with a cold spray when you turn the shower on.

You can make the deck any size you want. If I were you I might consider extending the deck into the shower, as a ledge. Then the glass can sit on it right up to the tub. OTOH, the more I consider it.... the Archer tub like I have - drop-in type- sort of needs some space around it, which might cramp your shower. The tightest I have mine is the long side, where there's only about 2" to the wall. Not easy to clean in there! What about doing one that has a tiled deck on the front side, but a flange on the other 3 sides, to maximize space in the shower? it would be the same look, but not require the additional 5"+ for deck around the drop-in. When I sketched this roughly this AM, I removed the existing interior walls. My shower is 36" x 60" interior floor space and it feels nice. I would think even 54" long would be fine. can you put the showerhead on the wall at the top of your drawing? Ours is on the long wall in the center, and I feel like the shower space would be more useable if it were on one of the short ends...

Raven and April-you were right...most of their tiles are not suited for bathrooms. I went to their showroom today. The only one they recommend is the tile they are suggesting for mcm. However, I loved the tile, but think I'll probably stay with fireclay. engrgirl- I really appreciate your thoughts and I am seriously considering doing something just like that, except maybe run the hex floor into the shower. I also might add the tile to that back wall by the bathtub...just need to think about it some more. :) sas95-gorgeous tile! I really love that color! What I mean by sacrey is that it's not a small space I will be tiling - almost 700 sq. Feet of colored tile, and very expensive tile at that (by my standards). So it is a big expensive commitment. If the space was smaller, I wouldnt hesitate to do a colored floor. Namarie - i agree! I am still considering all white. I agree it would be pretty to just let the outdoor colors pop in. What do you all think of the matte white hex with white grout? I really am not attracted to white floor hex tiles with dark grout. I just need to decide if I should do color in the shower or all white. I really think I am getting closer to a decision. I couldnt have done it without you guys!!!

are there bedrooms down there as well? if someone will be using the bedroom in the basement, then they will want a decent bathroom to go with it. 6 inches really isn't worth the hassle of taking down or moving a wall. A foot, maybe, 6" ? no. once you put on the wall or tile, you've got maybe 4" total. Maximize the space by choosing a good vanity w/storage, and possibly building a niche into the wall for additional storage. (use the area between the studs as a built in cabinet) using a prefab shower is fine, but pick a decent one as opposed to those flimsy acrylic pieces. you don't say want the resale value is, so i have no way of knowing how much you should invest. You say you bought mid-range, but I don't know what else you need to redo. anything under a 15% profit really isn't worth it. as for fitting it over the existing drains, usually you will need the new drain cover. if the drain needs to come up, there are extensions. I would advise your husband to do some research on how to fit those into an existing bathroom. If he's handy and can build his own slope, mortar bed and waterproof the shower, then he could prob tile it himself. Just depends on how much work you want to do and what the return is on what you choose. by the looks of what you have there currently, you may have some water damage underneath all the mess. Tear out what you can and then determine what you need to do.