Selecting Bathroom Fixtures: Showers and Bathtubs

There are three basic types of showers: Showers built over separate tubs, integrated one-piece tub-shower units and stand-alone showers. All these types are prefabricated by a number of manufacturers, and all can be custom-built by a local craftsman.

Types of Showers

Sliding glass shower enclosure from Kohler. Tub with Shower
Almost all tubs installed today include a shower unit over the tub. A curtain or shower door closes off the tub when the shower is in use. The shower doors are actually called "shower enclosures" a term that refers to doors that take the place of a shower curtain. The doors may slide or one door open outward. The other three sides of the shower — called the "tub surround" — may be a fiberglass or vinyl unit, but more often are tile. There are some new materials for surrounds on the market, however, that are worth a look-see. Solid surfacing materials such as Corian® have found a place in bathrooms as tub/shower surrounds. So has solid stone, although the skills required to cut, shape and install solid stone panels are still not commonly found.

Say “Adios” to Water Spots on Shower Doors

Are you wondering how to get rid of water spots on your glass shower enclosures?

Here's how.

     • First, apply undiluted red wine vinegar directly to the glass.

     • If that doesn’t work, spray on a 50/50 combination of denatured alcohol and water.

     • If some spotting still remains, wipe lacquer thinner on with a soft cloth. Use rubber gloves and make sure the window is open and vent fan on.

It’s far better to prevent spotting and staining in the first place.

Here how.

     • There are many daily shower sprays like Shower Shine on the market that force water to bead up and flow away — taking scum and stains down the drain. If you don't like the greasy after-effect of these chemical sprays, try Methods organic Ylang-Ylang daily shower spray.

     • You can also wipe away excess water with a squeegee after every shower.

     • For long term protection treat your shower enclosure with a surface protectorant such as Simply Brilliant, available from most shower-glass providers. The chemical coating will cause water to bead up on glass like it does on a waterproof jacket. If it wears off over time, you can reapply a reactivator yourself, eliminating spotting once and for all. Integrated Tub/Shower Unit
These units, typically made of acrylic or fiberglass (see below), consist of a tub and surround as either a one-piece unit for new construction or a four-piece system for remodeling. Openings are provided in for the showerhead, faucet and drain. These may include integrated doors, an integrated curtain rod, or just a slot into which a rod may be inserted.

Stand-Alone Showers
A shower that does not include a tub is a stand-alone shower. These can be prefabricated, usually of acrylic, fiberglass, stainless steel or enameled steel, or built on site. Custom built units are typically faced with ceramic, porcelain or stone tile.

What to Look For

Frameless glass shower is almost invisible and ADA accessible. Door Swing
If you are considering a unit with a hinged door that opens out, make sure there is enough space in the room for doors to swing. Doors should swing freely without interfering with a task area where another bathroom user may be standing. There are few things more annoying than being assaulted by a shower door while brushing one's teeth. Moreover, an outswinging shower door should incorporate some mechanism to prevent water from dripping from the inside of the door onto the bathroom floor. Often this is a gutter built into the door frame that channels the water back into the shower.

Size
Prefabricated shower units come in more-or-less standard sizes starting at 32" x 32". Custom-built showers may, of course, be of any size and shape that conforms to the minimum design standards for showers (see The Rules of Bathroom Design). If considering a single-piece shower unit, measure halls and doorways so you know the unit will fit through. Generally a three- or four-piece model designed for remodeling needs will be more suitable. If you are careful, always read the installation instructions, and have square and plumb framing to attach it to, you can probably install one of these yourself. But for the few dollars it costs, the peace of mind might be worth having a plumber do it for you and guarantee it against leaks.

Safety
Acrylic or tempered glass is required by building and safety codes for use in shower doors of any kind. Tempered glass is better. It is more scratch resistant and easier to keep clean. A shower should have a slip-resistant floor. Look for slip-resistance in any prefabricated unit, and if building a custom shower, use only rated slip-resistant tile. Also make certain any prefabricated unit includes grab bars, and install at least two grab bars in any custom unit — four is better.

Bathtubs

Bathtubs are the probably the most durable household fixture.

Many stay in use for over 50 years — some are now over 100 years old. Nearly every home has at least one, most more than one. The tub may be supplemented by a stand-alone shower or whirlpool, but at least one basic bathtub is virtually required in every American home.

No longer just a place to wash, tubs are becoming one of the luxury spots of the average home — a place to relax and soak away the cares of the world in deep comfort.

Bathtub Materials

Tubs not only come in a multitude of sizes, colors and styles, but in a variety of materials as well. The choice and combination depends upon individual needs and tastes, as well as architectural limitations.

Bathtubs are made from porcelain on steel, acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, and cultured marble, and some more exotic materials such as stone, copper, aluminum, stainless steel and wood (which we will not get into here).

Porcelain on Steel

Porcelain on steel is the most common type of tub sold. It consists of one-piece thin stamped steel shell coated with a heat-fused porcelain enamel. Porcelain enamel is a vitreous coating bonded to metal by fusion at a very high temperature. This process forms a smooth attractive finish that is resistant to acid, corrosion, or abrasion, is flameproof, colorfast, and sanitary. It also makes these units reasonably priced and relatively lightweight.

Acrylic

Heat-formed acrylic is vacuum-molded from sheets of colored acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass to make it resistant to chips and cracks. It is economical and lightweight, and it can be repaired if damaged. Acrylic is chemically inert, immune to almost all chemicals, and requires only a mild liquid, non-abrasive cleaner to keep it looking like new. It has a natural luster, and a non-porous finish that is easy to clean, but it's subject to scratching and can discolor over time — especially in strong sunlight.

Fiberglass

Gel-coated fiberglass is generally the least expensive material for bathtubs. It is lightweight, easy to install, and can be molded into a variety of shapes. Hefty layers of fiberglass and foam insulation form a base for a smooth gel coat surface. While the finish won't last as long as other materials (it shows wear after 10 to 15 years), and can scratch or fade, it is also easily repaired and resurfaced. Many combination tub-and-shower units are made of fiberglass.

Cast Iron

The basic 3-wall alcove bathtub, by far the most common tub style. Enamel-coated cast iron is the most durable bathtub material, and usually the most expensive. The word "cast" refers to the method used to produce the tub and has nothing to do, as may people think, with the quality of the iron used. It's just iron.

The casting method involves pouring the iron in a molten or liquid form into a mold that defines the shape of the finished product. The thickness of cast iron makes its surface resistant to acids, and provides outstanding protection against chipping, scratches and dents. It's very impact resistant and displays the richest, most highly polished finish of all bath materials.

These tubs are extremely heavy, and because of the weight, cast iron isn't the best choice for large tubs unless the bathroom floor is specially reinforced.

Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is a man-made product, manufactured from crushed limestone and polyester resin, with a gel coated finish. The gel coat is specially formulated to produce a tough, durable, transparent surface resistant to normal wear. The process produces a unique range of colors, patterns, and veining. Cultured Marble is stronger and less brittle than true marble and much less likely to stain.

Bathtub Styles

Alcove

The most popular tub type today is still the basic, 5 ft. alcove model designed to be built into a three-walled inset in the bathroom. This is the tub you probably already own. Millions of these units are sold every year. There are also longer and shorter built-ins, and special units that attach to two rather than three walls. There is very little style difference between any of these models, and almost no difference in quality if the tub is made by a major brand.

Freestanding clawfoot bathtub by Kohler. Freestanding

The most familiar of these bathtubs is the clawfoot tub. There are also pedestal and other legged models. The pedestal bath is a tub on a stand or pedestal. The legged models have some kind of leg holding them off the floor. The clawfoot is just one, albeit the most popular, leg model.

Sunken/Drop-In

These are tubs that mount in a hole in the floor or more commonly in a raised platform in much the same way that sinks are installed in countertops. True sunken tubs are somewhat awkward to get in and out of, so most such tubs are installed in a platform. Either way, the tub requires extra carpentry and tile work, which adds significantly to its final cost. Drop-in platform-mounted tub from Kohler.

A corner tub can be a built-in or a drop-in. They are usually installed without integrated showers under windows where they provide a handy ledge for plants, decorative items, soaps, oils, etc. Corner tubs are available in standard 5' and 6' lengths. These tend to use a lot of floor space, however, so they may not suitable for most small bathrooms. For small rooms there are smaller tubs, but tall people might not find them comfortable.

Traditional Japanese Ofuro — one of the variety of deep soaking tubs. Soaking Tub.

These tubs are generally installed adjacent to a shower. The shower is used for actual washing. The tubs are for relaxing after the shower. They are deep tubs, often inset into the floor or a low deck, deep enough to allow a person in a sitting position to be immersed up to his neck. Although traditionally made of wood, tile, or, more rarely, metal; soaking tubs are now commonly made of polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass, or acrylic.

Whirlpool Tub

This is a bathtub fitted with jets which propel a current of warm water in a swirling motion. It may be of any of the types describe above, but is most often either an alcove or drop-in tub.

What to Look For

One of the most hotly debated subjects in bathroom remodeling is what is the "best" bathtub. The cast iron purists scoff at the modernists who prefer acrylic and fiberglass and think cast-iron is horse-and-buggy technology. In the end, however, a decision about the right tub for you is an intensely personal decision. Here are some thoughts.

Cost
Cast iron is generally the most expensive followed by acrylics, steel and fiberglass.

Comfort and Ergonomics
Metal tubs can be cold to the touch when first entered. Acrylic and fiberglass are not. A standard 60" (5') tub may be too short for any one over 6' tall. A longer tub would be better if the space for it can be found. Tubs are being designed in every conceivable size and shape, of a variety of materials, and with a number of comfort features. The best way to choose one is to think about how it will be used, and then to go to a showroom and sit in a few models to find out what feels comfortable. (OK, you'll look stupid. But one must sacrifice a little dignity to get the perfect bathroom.)

Durability
All modern tubs, except the very lowest quality, will give years and years of good service. Most will outlast you and your house, so there is no reason to buy the most durable tub when any reasonably durable unit will do. All tubs may develop problems. Steel can dent, acrylic and fiberglass can be cracked if hit hard enough. Cast iron can chip. Dents are tough to repair, but most chips and cracks can be repaired so the damage is virtually invisible and as strong as the original.

Size
In the end, the decision may be based on the simple fact of how much room you have in your bathroom. If all you have is room for a standard alcove tub, then that's what you need to buy.

End

For an experienced designer's thoughtful insights on bathroom design, take a look at David Edrington's Ten Important Elements of a Good Bathroom. For the views of Better Homes and Garden magazine experts on the elements of a good bathroom design, see Planning Your Dream Bath.

For even more good reading, check out our complete articles index.