| If you're considering creating a glass block shower in | | | | can be built into the wall (instead of taking space by |
| your bathroom apply the words of author Steven | | | | sticking out of the wall). If you have more room in the |
| Covey and "begin with the end in mind." All too often | | | | shower adding a corner or bench seat (for sitting or |
| the desire to a block shower enclosure is an | | | | placing towels out) may be a nice option. Also consider |
| afterthought. The problem with this lack of planning is | | | | the location and type of shower head(s), sprays, |
| the block units cannot be cut - so following the shape | | | | valves and towel/grab bars. For a walk in shower |
| and form of an existing base can be a challenge. | | | | consider using a rain shower head to provide a |
| Follow these 5 1/2 steps for design and installation | | | | soothing shower experience while minimizing the spray |
| success. | | | | of water. |
| Step 1 - Design First - Develop a rough sketch of your | | | | Step 4 - Prefabricate glass block walls with your taste |
| concept. Consider the size and shape of the shower | | | | and style in mind - Unless you're a glutton for |
| base. If you'd like a walk in door-less stall you'll likely | | | | punishment do not build your block wall piece by piece. |
| need a curved or angled glass wall to direct the water | | | | This is a tedious, difficult and time consuming process |
| towards the drain. If you're remodeling this bathroom | | | | which is hard for a homeowner or unfamiliar |
| consider how important it is to you to keep the drain in | | | | contractor to accomplish. Using the stack and grout |
| the same location (doing this will save on plumbing | | | | fabrication system will simplify the project, reduce labor |
| costs). | | | | costs, and improve your finished quality. If you're looking |
| Step 2 - Identify what material you would like on the | | | | for a more unique or distinctive style consider adding |
| shower floor - The most common block shower | | | | colored, frosted or etched glass blocks. |
| bases are made of acrylic or custom waterproof | | | | Step 5 - Do not skimp on the grout - Imagine buying a |
| expanded polystyrene ready for tile varieties. The | | | | new car with one thin coat of latex paint on the |
| advantage of the acrylic base is it's surface is already | | | | surface (it would be a disaster waiting to happen). |
| finished. It's primary disadvantages are the small | | | | Match as the paint is a critical finishing touch to a car - |
| selection of sizes, no flexibility with drain location, and | | | | grout is the all important finish to a glass block shower |
| acrylic floors are not thought of being as luxurious as | | | | stall. Although it's OK to use sanded grout between the |
| other flooring materials. The ready for tile base on the | | | | joints for superior long term performance use a |
| other hand is completely customizable with regard to | | | | urethane grout. It has more elasticity, improved |
| shape, size, and drain location. This base can be | | | | resistance to moisture, and is premixed to ensure that |
| finished with either tile or river rocks. It's principal | | | | the grout matches throughout the shower. This |
| disadvantage are grout joints between the tiles | | | | product also does not require resealing. |
| (although there are now good solutions for this as well). | | | | Step 5 1/2 - Call in an expert - If you're not |
| Step 3 - Consider your shower accessories - The | | | | comfortable running and managing this project on your |
| function of your shower enclosure will be enhanced by | | | | own call in an expert. Look for a glass block wall |
| adding the right accessories in the right location. If your | | | | prefabrication and installation company with bathroom |
| shower space is smaller you might want to add a fold | | | | remodeling experience as well. |
| down seat (for shaving and/or safety) or consider | | | | Now that you're equipped with these 5 1/2 steps |
| recessed ready for tile soap or shampoo holder that | | | | you're ready to get started with your shower project. |