Fiberglass Shower Enclosures

You have two options when you are building or remodeling your bathroom and you want a shower stall. First, you can have a tiled shower and second, you can have a pre-fabricated or “pre-fab” enclosure.

Why prefab fiberglass shower enclosures are good?

fiberglass shower enclosuresPre-fabs are usually made of acrylic or fiberglass shower enclosures. Some years back, people did not want pre-fab stalls because the designs were boring and the colors were limited to just white and beige. Now that manufactures have made pre-fabs more stylish and durable, more people are buying them. Acrylic and fiberglass stalls are much cheaper than tiled enclosures.

For example, if you are looking for a corner enclosure, you can have the 36”x36” American Standard Acrylux Wall Shower Set for around $1,000. There are several brands and designs which are available for less than that amount. The materials are practically durable and maintenance is affordable.

Looking for affordable fiberglass shower enclosures

A simple fiberglass compound can do spot repairs in case of cracks. Installation of such units can be done quickly and affordably through DIY or by hiring a contractor. Your shower will be ready by the end of the day. Fiberglass is also very tough and flexible, making it resistant to floor flexes. Tiled units, on the other hand, can easily chip or crack whenever subjected to sudden pressure.

Smart buying tips for fiberglass shower enclosures

When buying pre-fab fiberglass shower enclosures, an important consideration is the type of assembly. Some stalls are already assembled when purchased. Just get them delivered and you’re ready to install them. However, these types can get problematic with old houses. They don’t fit in small doors!

For easy delivery and installation, it is recommended to purchase multi-piece units. Perhaps the only disadvantage with pre-fab units is the lack of options with sizes. They are only available in set sizes and it will be more costly and impractical to order customized designs and sizes.