| A custom glass block shower and base can be tough | | | | floors are often not the answer because they are |
| to design and coordinate. The reality for many | | | | usually only available with pre-determined sizes and |
| homeowners, general contractors, tile setters, and | | | | drain locations. Solid surface (like Corian) custom |
| builders is most have done very few specialty | | | | bases can be created - although they can get pretty |
| showers with blocks. Given this fact being equipped | | | | pricey. |
| with the right questions and 7 steps to a successful | | | | The most popular finished floor material is tile. For a |
| project is often essential to get it done right the first | | | | finished tile floor the base underneath the tile can be |
| time. | | | | constructed using two primary methods - (1) a mud |
| The key will be to begin with the end in mind, follow | | | | set pan base or (2) a waterproof extruded |
| these 7 steps for a complete design first, and then | | | | polystyrene base. |
| bring in knowledgeable people to help you complete | | | | Step 6 - Determine is you want to minimize the initial |
| the project. | | | | purchase price or to spend more up front for better |
| Step 1 - Design the shape of your shower walls - | | | | long term quality and lower maintenance - Realistically |
| Think about what you'd like to see when the | | | | we'd all like to get the best looking product at the |
| projects done. You can have simple straight walls | | | | cheapest cost. However, when doing a shower |
| (which are usually most cost effective), create a neo | | | | project skimping on the foundation (or base), or how |
| angled design for a corner stall, or even make a | | | | the blocks are laid can save money in the short run, |
| rounded design for walk in and roll in showers. If you | | | | but can come back to bite you in the long run. |
| like a curved look these glass masonry units will be | | | | Your shower base |
| much more cost effective than purchasing tempered | | | | The cheapest custom bases are usually mortared |
| bent glass as well. | | | | mud set pan bases. These bases, while cost |
| Step 2 - Determine if you want full sized or partial | | | | effective in the short run, are more prone to leaking |
| walls - The most common full sized block walls are | | | | if the mortared base and rubberized membranes they |
| 80" tall so when the walls are set on the shower | | | | use are not done correctly. If you have a problem |
| base curb (which is usually about 4" to 5" tall) they | | | | with your base- it's often a big problem which will |
| match up with the height of the standard shower | | | | result in the entire base and interior and exterior |
| head (which is 84" above the finished floor). Yes - | | | | shower walls having to be ripped out - ouch! |
| the blocks can be run to a ceiling or soffit, but they | | | | A better quality and maintenance free alternative to |
| do not have to be - as a matter of fact it often | | | | consider is the use of one piece extruded |
| better to not run them to the top to allow more | | | | polystyrene bases which can be designed to match |
| steam to leave the shower and minimize moisture in | | | | up with your glass block shower walls. These bases |
| this enclosed stall. | | | | are 100% waterproof, lightweight yet sturdy, can be |
| Sometimes a partial or knee wall is what's needed. A | | | | designed with the best drain location for you, and |
| glass block wall on a tub deck will often be 64" tall or | | | | save labor because they can be installed in 30 |
| you can also use blocks to rest on top of a | | | | minutes or less. |
| rectangular or corner shower seat as well. | | | | Your glass block walls |
| Step 3 - Measure your desired dimensions or | | | | Also it's possible to either lay up your glass blocks |
| "footprint" of the base and determine how much | | | | one by one, but results are usually superior if you |
| room you'll need to get in - Go into the bathroom or | | | | purchase prefabricated panel sections for your |
| to your plan and (a) measure out where you to place | | | | shower walls. Using vinyl stack sections the wall |
| your shower base or pan and (b) where you want to | | | | assemblies are created into manageable sections |
| get into the space. Write down your total width and | | | | which are anchored, siliconed together, and then field |
| depth of the space. Convert these sizes to either a | | | | grouted. The results are significant labor savings and |
| simple piece of graph paper or a computer program. | | | | also an improved finished quality of the project. |
| Consider not only where the entry will be, but its size | | | | Step 7 - Design some cool elements into the interior |
| as well. The smallest recommending opening size is | | | | and exterior shower walls - Since you're making a |
| 22" - although most openings are from 24" to 32". | | | | custom shower - why not make it a one of a kind. |
| For door less, walk in, or roll in showers the openings | | | | To do this there are many options to consider for |
| will need to be larger. | | | | the block walls. In addition to different patterns there |
| Step 4 - Evaluate any special accessibility needs for | | | | are also etched, frosted, and colored glass block that |
| now or the future - Don't just think about your | | | | you can put into your walls. There are shaped units |
| current needs, but project how you might need the | | | | to make a curved, angled or 90 degree corner |
| shower designed for the future. If you want a safer | | | | shower wall. Cool design does not have to be |
| shower a grab bar (yes, you can purchase ones that | | | | expensive if it's thought through from the beginning. |
| looks nice and don't make you feel like you're in the | | | | Inside the shower consider where you might want a |
| hospital) might be a good accessory to consider. Also | | | | ledge for shaving, an angled or rectangular shower |
| a "barrier free entry" or roll in design can be especially | | | | seat, or recessed shower niches for your soap, |
| helpful so a guest or family member won't have to | | | | shampoo and shower accessories. Also you can get |
| struggle with stepping over the 4" shower curb. | | | | more light into the shower space by adding a glass |
| These designs can still be sloped to an inside drain as | | | | block bathroom window as well. Thinking through |
| well. | | | | these details will make a more useful and stylish |
| Step 5 - Identify the material you'd like on the | | | | shower. |
| finished shower floor - This is a step where one size | | | | Now that you're equipped with these 7 steps you're |
| definitely does not fit all. There will be tradeoffs in | | | | ready to design and order your custom glass block |
| flooring materials costs, maintenance considerations, | | | | shower wall and base. |
| and looks. For custom showers acrylic bases and | | | | |