Pre-Fabricated Shower Stalls With Side Panels

Sizing

• Prefabricated shower stalls with side panels come in a wide variety of sizes. Different shapes are available as well, including square and rectangular but also more complex shapes, such as the diamond shaped stalls sometimes installed on an angle in the corner of the room. Manufacturers make prefabricated panels in a variety of sizes. Measure the space you have allocated for your shower and provide the measurements to your home improvement or bath shop.

Installation

• The installation of shower stalls with prefabricated side panels is much quicker than any type of custom shower build. The side panels attach to the wall or wall studs using only very basic tools. To build shower walls yourself you need the tools and knowledge required to do a very good tile job, because the quality of your work will determine if moisture is kept out from behind your tile. Prefabricated stalls also don't require the complicated structural underlayment that is required to support the weight of a tile shower.

Included Features

• When you shop for prefabricated shower stalls, look for units with side panels that have the features you want in a shower. The side panels come with things like towel racks or grab bars, soap dishes and other shelves built into the unit. Prefab stalls come with walls that feature lots of storage. If you like a sleeker look, there are also kits with perfectly smooth, seamless side panels. A range of door styles are available as part of some kits as well.

Fixtures

• With most prefabricated shower panels, you need to drill through the panel to allow access for your faucets and shower head. When doing this, follow the manufacturer's instructions and measure twice before you drill. A hole in the wrong spot is a large mistake, as it provides an instant access path for water to get behind the shower. Once the fixtures are installed, you need to caulk the seams carefully to ensure that no water leaks through the holes.