How to Design a Frameless Shower

Design

• 1

  Determine how much bathroom space you want to take up with your shower. To do this, measure your bathroom and make a rough sketch marked with the dimensions on all sides. With the sketch in hand, you’ll be able to figure out how large you can make a shower and still allow enough room for everything else in the bathroom.

• 2

  Use a clear or frosted glass shower in a more contemporary space to help open up the bathroom and give it an extra sense of depth. If you have a small bathroom, a clear glass shower will also help to make the bathroom feel less claustrophobic.

• 3

  Design the shower with natural stone walls for a more transitional look. Natural stone can blend well with different types of décor, so if you have an eclectic home, natural stone like travertine or marble won’t look out of place. Natural stone will give your bathroom and shower a timeless look that won’t seem outdated or too contemporary. It will also allow you to change your décor without remodeling your shower.

• 4

  Use carved or solid wood walls for your shower in a traditional home. Keep in mind that the wood will need to be treated to prevent water damage, so it can be a little more expensive than some other materials. If you have a lot of wood in rooms near your bathroom, use a similar type and grain of wood for your shower so the transition will feel natural.

Before Building

• 5

  Consult more than one contractor for an estimate of building your frameless shower. In your estimate, contractors should include the cost for building materials as well as labor and a time frame of when your shower will be finished. Most contractors will provide a free estimate.

• 6

  Before you decide on a contractor, ask to see some of his previous work. If the contractor primarily does residential work, ask for a list of past clients you can speak with about the quality of the contractor's work.

• 7

  Once you have approved a contractor's estimate, have your contractor make a drawing of what your finished shower will look like along with all of the exact measurements. Doing this will help to prevent any misunderstandings between you and the builder.