Pre-fab shower stalls

[CrispyQ]

Re those pre-fab shower stalls that fit a standard bathtub space, are they worth the savings? How durable are they? Does the finish change over time & get icky? Am I just going to regret it in a few years & replace it in five?

I'm stunned at the labor estimates I've gotten to do tile in my tiny bathroom.

[ret5hd]

1. all i'll say about it is...

get the HIGHEST quality, thickest material, strongest one you can. They can vary so widely, from practically paper-thin sheets of plastic that seem to hardly be more than thick wallpaper to 1/8th inch quality fiberglass complete with hand-holds and rails (for those of us like us!)

Start at a plumbing supply store and ask questions…stressing quality…and at least they could steer you in the right direction even if they themselves didn’t know.

DON’T get one of those companies that advertise a “one-day complete refitting of your entire tub/shower”. JUST DON’T.

[hlthe2b]

2. To your end point: Don't get the advertised "one-day complete..." --especially if it is promoted by Christina Hall

uggh. If I ever go "postal," she and her Valley Girl Uptalk where every damned phrase is a ????? drove me insane.

(She is on 24/7 10/hour in my Denver market) Uggh... (for Jacuzzi)

[ret5hd]

3. i completely remodeled our bathroom...

dad (now long gone) and i demolished old tile (metal lathe under the tile) and pretty much gutted everything in a weekend. I had to break the old cast iron tub in half to drag it out. Cement board, then some kinda red waterproofing gooey paint over that, then a couple weeks of tiling on weekends/after work…etc etc.

i WOULD NOT do it again, but it came out wonderful.

and i would never let those tv hacks in my house.

[GoodRaisin]

10. I remodeled my shower last year. Got a quote from a one day company.

The sales person they sent out told me he had been a car salesman before he went to work for the EZ bath company. He started at $17k for acrylic material and labor and by the time we were done with his visit his quote was down to $11,500 if I would put half down.

I chose a tile guy who did the job for $6,500 all materials and plumbing plus tear out included. Had to wait about 6 months for him but his quality and experience were well worth the wait. It took him 7 days to complete the job.

I think a lot of money gets left on the table for customers that buy the one day showers. I don’t know if they are all scams but this one was. My advice would also be to steer clear of them.

[70sEraVet]

4. Check out the displays in the box stores.

I've put them in my rental properties, and i have one now in my own home. Just make sure they are sturdy with thick fiberglass. And make sure it is bright white -- the ones that have kind of an off-white look, will look like cheap plastic.
In my experience, only the cheapest ones discolor.

[txwhitedove]

5. My fast and economical solution was to "Convert your existing tub into a step-in shower or bath!"

Check https://cleancutbath.com/product/cleancut-convertible
They even direct you to local installers, quick, easy, and clean. Depending on options, should cost less than $1,000.

[Kali]

8. oooh

very cool. great idea!

[txwhitedove]

9. I also got their grab bar. Mounts right on tub.

[notemason]

6. I spotted a full shower enclosure with curtain

at Ace for $300. Intend to snag one this fall.

[Warpy]

7. They aren't as durable as concrete and tile, but if you take care pf tje,m properly, they'll last for years

Use only clear liquid cleaners on them, only soft sponges and cloths. If limescale or rust build up, use CLR or womething similar. If mildew grows, Clorix is your best bet. Just don't use anything cloudy or opaque, those cleaners contain abrasives that will scratch the surface and any scratch can grow bacteria, fungus, and other shit you don't want.

I've had both the fibreglass shower stalls and the tubs and I've been happy with them. I have one now, and AFAIK, it's a good 40 years old and still nice.

I'd say that unless you want to install the cement board backing and set the tile and grout it yourself, it's well worth the savings to go with a prefab shower.

[Edisonmark]

11. DIY & Home Improvement

Pre-fab shower stalls can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re looking to save on labor costs. They’re generally durable and easy to maintain, but the quality can vary. Over time, some cheaper models might show signs of wear, like discoloration or a dull finish, especially if they’re not well-maintained. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, you might find yourself wanting to upgrade in a few years. However, if budget is a primary concern and you need a quick fix, a pre-fab stall can be a practical choice. Just be sure to invest in a good quality one to avoid regrets down the road.

[marble falls]

12. And ...