Restarting tub-to-shower conversion, questions about glass enclosure
6 years ago
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bathtub arrangement questions
Comments (1)Is there another tub elsewhere in the house, and is there ANY chance that resale may be an issue? Most people do believe pretty strongly that having no tub at all is a very significant defect in a house (and not everyone wants to have to get right into major renovations when they move into a new place), but if there is another tub in the house removing the tub entirely is a viable option. If the light from the window is important to you (it would be to me), then by all means keep the window. I know there are vinyl-framed, preassembled window-block units that are quite reasonably priced, that would be a lot more sensible to install than trying to block the empty window hole in with individual blocks. IIRC, the acrylic blocks don't transmit cold from outside as well as glass, so check into that. There are MANY nice soaking tubs with integral tile flanges, which would allow you to tile the wall around the window and not fool around with tub decks (which is just asking for leaks). One with an integral apron would give the cleanest appearance IMO and be simplest to install. Attractive tile can be had, to put it bluntly, dirt cheap (like under a buck a square foot), and assuming you don't mind the grout care it does look so much better than a fiberglass surround. If you want to fill in that whole 6' space, check out the Kohler Mariposa K-1259 or 7236 (both of which have a separate apron which will match the tub exactly); I think those are probably the most reasonably priced of the 6' tubs that are appropriate for this installation. If they're a bit too rich for your blood and you want to downsize to an inexpensive, standard tub, you could have a carpenter frame in the ends to create a space for a standard 60x36 tub, keeping your window centered. (You can put sizable built-in shelves in niches at the end of the tub opposite the shower now, too.) Don't even think about blocking off the window with a conventional surround, since you can tile I think you should just get a nice tub with an integral tile flange and tile the walls. If you remove the tub but you have any eye toward resale, keep the shower big. People are really digging the big showers these days. There are shower bases (aka receptors or pans) made in a 72x36 size - I found a really nifty one with a built-in seat from National Bath. (Don't freak about the list price. Not that many stores actually charge list price.)...See MorePartial glass enclosure for tub – thoughts?
Comments (10)I had them reinforce the wall when we redid our small bathroom thinking that we would do that too. But once everything else was done, I just couldn't picture it and we went with a shower rod and curtain instead. It just seemed like it would make the space feel too small and too cold. I think somewhere along the line I also showered in a glass enclosed shower and realized I was not the sort of person who would be able to keep it spotless (but I'm also the sort of person who would want it spotless). I think you have to decide what you like and your own priorities. A friend has glass and she scoffs at her husband's complaints of upkeep....See MoreGlass Tub/shower enclosure
Comments (10)My husband is English, this is the set up all my in laws have and I am not a fan! Yes water splashes out and that is not even what I dislike most. It is freezing while showering. They are so drafty and allow so much steam to escape that the fan needs to be on while showering( I like to put my fan on for 30 minutes after my shower to stay warm at home) which keeps the room from moisture damage but makes the shower area even more drafty. Full enclosure or a curtain for warm showing work best IMO....See MoreTub to Shower Question
Comments (10)There are some solid surface materials that you should send for samples of if you are going to stay long term or if this is a high-end home. Solid surface is Corian, Swanstone, Kohler Choreograph, Transolid, and a few other names I cannot remember right now. They are characterized by having the pigment pattern through-and through, so that if the surface scratches for any reason, the surface can be sanded to make the scratch or other imperfection go away. There is no glossy finish on the surface. These materials will not start looking old and grungy, but should last decades. The shower pan is also made of these materials and colors. You may find something in one of their lines that complements your granite, though does not match it entirely. Kohler Choreograph colors. Swanstone BarleySwanstone CanyonSwanstone Caramel GlassSwanstone EspressoSwanstone Mountain HazeSwanstone Nero Corian Rosemary More Corian Transolid Shower set from Bath1.comIf you google the name of the solid surface, then go to the pages where all their colors are shown, you can see them. Look for local distributors to see the chips in person, then order the ones you most want to see next to your granite. You may have a choice at the online sample order site on what size to get. I have 6"squares of the Swanstone colors I was considering and they are so much easier to imagine than the small chips. The Bath1.com site that sells Transolid also sells some other brands, so you can see a price for them there. They seem to always offer 5% off, but you have to remember to put it in the order. I did order my shower at bath1 and got excellent service - with one exception of not getting an email for tracking, so did not know it had been shipped, so did not know it was being delivered! Otherwise, they emailed back and forth with me for months about what I needed. I did get one piece of molding in the wrong color, but I waited a month after delivery to address it with them and they are actually working with me on it, when some companies would have said, "you had 24 hours to report that and you didn't, too late now." I got an email apologizing, telling me that the ice storm took out their internet and that they are just getting up and running, and that I should hear from them in the next 24 hours. I simply wrote to my sales person, and she is handling it. So they seem like very reasonable people to work with. I had ordered the shower kit, an extension to get the walls to the ceiling height, and extra panels so we could cover the ceiling, as well. I am not even sure what the broken trim piece was for. It was a big order...See MoreRelated Professionals
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- 6 years ago
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