Millions of people shower every day, sometimes more than once a day, but that doesn’t mean that taking a shower or using the bathroom should be viewed as a chore. A stylish, clean, and well organized bathroom should be a place of relaxation and the shower is a big part of that. With the number of shower heads, fixtures, and shower enclosures to choose from, homeowners can easily recreate the luxurious feel of a spa in the comfort of their own home. At Keystone Home Products, we are the number one company in the Greater Toronto Area for designing and installing custom shower enclosures to fit every need and budget.
The most popular trend right now for bathroom renovations is building-out and increasing available space. Everyone, it seems, wants a larger, brighter, more functional bathroom with the type of “creature comforts” and décor that will add value and functionality to their home for years to come. In most cases, the size of your bathroom is the first thing to consider when you begin looking at shower enclosures. Not every home is big enough for an opulent, spa-like enclosure, and every community follows regulations modeled on those set forth in the National Building Code of Canada. Dimensions will determine the type and size of enclosure you can install, but sliding and double roller doors are great space-saving features to think about.
Water pressure is another factor to consider when looking at shower enclosures. For a truly spa-like experience, high pressure spray nozzles and jets – hand-held or fixed at different points in the shower – require higher water pressure and don’t work well with plastic shower curtains. Enclosures made of glass or acrylic are the go to solution nowadays.
The shape of the shower also limits shower enclosures that you can choose from. If your shower is built along a single wall, then you’ll likely need a “D-shaped” enclosure. Two walls give even greater design and style flexibility, giving you room for what’s called a “quadrant enclosure” that takes up both walls and features an arc of glass between to enclose them, fitting like a comfortable sock in the corner of your bathroom and maximizing space. There are also square and rectangular shaped ones.
In all cases, shower enclosures require a tray which serves as the shower base and keeps it water tight. Shower trays should always feature a non-slip surface and may be made of acrylic reinforced with fiberglass. The amount of water you generate in the shower determines how deep the base should be, so if you take a lot of “power showers” plan on going deep with the base.
The style of the bathroom also plays a role in what enclosure you go with. Pay attention to the colour of the walls, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures and find door handles, rollers, and towel bars that match.
If your bathroom is large and can accommodate it, a walk-in enclosure is just as you’d imagine – a room within a room. With this type of enclosure, there’s no door, merely an opening, which provides easier access and room for homeowners in wheelchairs or who have other mobility issues. Another benefit with this kind of set up is it has enough room for not only two shower heads, but two distinct shower zones. Many customers outfit each zone with separate tankless water heaters that provide “instant” hot water the moment the water is turned on.
No matter what your preference or budget, call the experts at Keystone Home Products today for a free consultation on shower enclosures, doors, or any of our custom design and installation services.
