We are remodeling our master bathroom and need help with several elements of the shower.

We currently have an old fiberglass shower stall which is quite cramped. We will be removing that stall and claiming about 10" of space from the adjoining guest bathroom.

The resulting shower and the toilet will share a small room approximately 80" deep X 59" wide.


A is about 40" (possibly up to 41" or 42" if we take a little out of the toilet area or push another inch into the adjoining bath).

B is about 59". Tile will go floor to ceiling on both A and B

C is a solid wall about 36". It will be faced with tile from floor to ceiling inside the shower and sheetrock on the toilet side.

D is about 80". It will be tiled floor to ceiling inside the shower and for some or all of its length in the toilet area.

The adjoining dressing area with vanity and walk-in closet are separated from the toilet/shower room by a pocket door.

We will have a handicap accessible bathroom on the main floor, so we are using minimum openings in this upstairs room.

Our questions:

1. Can we do this without a shower door? We would prefer to do without glass if possible, but we will consider a glass door if it proves to be too cold or drafty or if it splashes out too much. If we add a door, should it open into the shower or out? We will have decorative tile just on the portion of Wall B that faces the shower entry so we would prefer not to block that with a door if possible

2. I assume we will have a curb. I like the look of curbless showers, but this bathroom is upstairs and I do not know if we want to modify the floor to accommodate a curbless shower in this location.

3. What kind of drain (linear or center) do you recommend and where would you place it?

4. Where should we place the shower valve/diverter? For easy access before we get wet, we think we would like to put this just inside the entry on Wall C. Is there a standard height for these?

5. Where should we place the fixed shower head? We plan to use a 5" head on a 9" arm. We are thinking about putting it on Wall C, but is this best place for it if we are trying to go doorless?

6. Where should we place wall bar for the personal handheld shower. Should it go right next to the fixed head on Wall C, or can we place it somewhere on Wall A? If so, where along A?

7. We would like a bench. Should it go all along Wall A? If so, how tall and how deep? Should we consider a corner bench instead? Where is best location in relation to showerheads?

8. Where should we put niche? We are thinking somewhere on Wall C.

9. Where should we put a grab bar?

10. If Wall C is full height, will this create problems for moisture or light? Should we consider leaving a gap at the top of C?

11. Where is the best location for the exhaust fan and for lights, especially if Wall C does not have a gap at top?

Thank you for any help you can give us as we try to finalize this part of the plan.