What Pieces Are Needed for a Corner Shower Stall?

Prefabricated Stalls

• Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, styles and shapes, a prefabricated fiberglass corner shower stall is inexpensive and easy to install. It normally takes two people to get the unit into the bathroom, as it is bulky, stiff and awkward to manipulate alone. It has a built-in shower pan, molded shelves to hold soap and shampoos and precut holes to accommodate fixtures such as water control knobs and showerheads. If you choose a size and style appropriate for the space, no other pieces are needed other than the frame on which to attach the unit and fixtures.

Custom-Built Stalls

• Custom-built stalls are typically more elegant and attractive than prefabricated models. They can be customized to match existing decor and decorated with ceramic or vinyl tile on the walls and floor. A customized corner shower stall starts with a wooden frame comprised of studs, followed by the installation of a mortar shower pan on the bottom to allow for proper drainage. Next, you have to attach concrete backer boards to the intersecting wall studs. You can paint the walls and floor or cover them with tile. To complete the enclosure, mount circular tubing to hang a shower curtain or install a glass enclosure with a door.

Size Recommendations

• Regardless of which type of corner shower stall you choose, make sure it has ample room to move around during showering. The shower walls on either side of the corner should be a minimum of 36 by 36 inches. Leave at least a 24-inch opening along the side where the door to the stall will be fitted. For a roomier stall that comfortably holds two people, expand the shower wall dimensions to between 42 and 48 inches.

Hints and Tips

• If the corner shower stall is part of a remodeling project and you are using a prefabricated unit, carefully measure the doors and hallways leading to the bathroom to make sure you can get the stall through the area. Remember the fiberglass will not bend, although it can be squeezed through some tight spots. Consider installing a shower bench in both types of showers as there are no tub rims on which to sit, and include shelves in customized showers to store soap and shampoo.