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Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Extending a stand alone shower with no more of existing wall tile

last year

I’m extending an existing shower stall that has wall tile but can’t get more of the wall tile. Since I’m also cutting out the existing acrylic showervpan and will tile the floor, i was thinking of using a border or contrasting tile on the the floor and new wall portions. Would that look weird?

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Comments (11)

P Banos
last year
Without seeing the existing and planned new tile, who could guess if it will look fine or kludgy? But you will likely have to remove wall tiles to get out the pan anyway. If any are damaged, what will you put back? Why not just do the job right and be sure your waterproofing is complete and plumbing in good condition?
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
last year
Can you post pictures? And a plan of your bathroom?
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THe labor will be the big cost difference here. A correctly done shower is a lot more labor than is a simple alcove tub with tiled walls, especially if you have to hand build the shower floor. Using a prebuilt pan does help to cut down the labor, but it still a bit more time involved than a tub. The two also have different plumbing requirements, so that is another area where labor costs can be different. You will have to have the drain relocated and enlarged for a shower if the area is already set up for a tub. And while you will still need to waterproof the walls for either setup, the actual amount of tile involved won't be dramatically different. If you do a shower curtain instead of tub door (which are nasty and difficult to clean) the costs will be less expensive. Even a box store stock door can run you $400 if you want frameless.
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lwg808
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Heres a photo of the existing stall. I want to bring out to the edge of the shower walls enclosing the shower No photo of what I’m thinking of doing because i haven’t gotten that far.
millworkman
last year
How will you tile the new wall tile into the existing waterproofing system? How will you tie in the new floor tile and pan system to the existing wall tile?
palimpsest
last year
I feel like it would be easier to start from scratch than it would to properly waterproof and tie in an extension to the old shower.
lwg808
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Millworkman, I have a contractor who will do the work so waterproofing will be left for him to figure out

palimpsest, that might have to be the route we go if the contractor agrees with you.

I’m trying to get ideas from the Houzz group to see if there’s a way to accomplish this project in a better/easier way.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
The best way is to do it correctly the first time. Rip out everything that is there and start over with a complete waterproofing system and new tile.
lwg808
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Thank you, everyone. After seeing the consensus, I'm thinking that I’ll just add glass doors for now until I can do a proper remodel of the full bathroom. It’s good to hear advice of the pros before embarking on a potentially disastrous remodel.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
You will need to rebuild the shower with proper waterproofing for the new one so all new tiles is the only way to go. If your contractor tells you different get a new one ASAP.
Gerry
last year
I wouldn’t spend money on glass doors if you’re planning a full remodel in the future. Just get a tension rod and pretty shower curtain for now.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I agree do not spend money on glass doors for a shower you do not like . A fun shower cutain until you are ready to do this right.

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