Some of us tend to move from one place to another during our life, but if you want to stay in the same home, it’s a good idea to renovate your bathroom. Keep accessibility and ease of use in mind because this is that place you will be using the most. You also have to consider safety as well because you can easily slip and fall. So, the main focus here is to reduce hazards and focus on quality with help from these 11 great bathroom renovation ideas!
Add a shower bench
If you want a bathroom design that will resist for ages, add a shower bench. It’s easier for your body since it removes strain but it also eliminates the chances of just slipping and falling. The designs differ, it can be free standing, tiled and built-in. If needed, you do have the option of adding in a cushion if you need a softer surface. Get a comfortable, large bench and the experience will be a lot better.
Handheld shower heads
These shower heads can easily be adjusted as you see fit. They can also be placed where you want without having to deal with a fixed shower head. It’s a very good idea that both you, friends, loved one and your guests will appreciate!
Place double duty grab bars
These will offer you the help you need when you enter or exit the shower. Adding one inside the shower and one outside will make it even easier for you. Plus, you can also use them as robe racks and towel racks if you want.
Raise the vanity height
Usually, the vanity height is around 31½” if you don’t take the countertop into account. It’s not that high to begin with. This is why you should try to raise it with up to 3 inches, as it can be very helpful. Add in a 1½” countertop here and you will see how much better the entire experience will be in the end. But this is not mandatory. Some people like the original height of their vanity, if that is the case for you just don’t make such a change. If you want, you can also make the vanity accessible via a wheelchair, in which case you need to have a counter height of 34″.
Get a comfort height toilet
Usually the toilet has 16″ in height so a comfort height one might be better for some since it can be anywhere from 17″ and up to 19″. As you can expect the strain on your knees and back is reduced, not to mention that you can stand and sit a lot faster and better.
Get proper glass
Glass can come in handy since it helps open up the space and offer better lighting and visuals. But there are situations when adding walls and doors out of glass might not fit at all. Not only are they in need of maintenance more often, you can also break them fast. A good investment would be a heavy duty shower as it can help you boost the beauty of your home. Keep in mind though that this type of expensive can have a higher pricetag than what you expect.
Good lighting
Finding the right lighting options will help remove the eye strain. You will also have the ability to remove any wet spots. You can opt for natural lighting, vanity lighting, lamps and even recessed lighting. It all comes down to you to choose the right option. Of course, you can even add in lighting in the shower if you want!
Opt for floor tiles and walls made out of porcelain
The reason behind such an option is that porcelain can last for a long period of time. There’s no need to replace it and cleaning it is very easy. With just a rag and some water you can easily keep it clean in the long run. If there are any concerns about grout, you have to get porcelain tiles with the rectified edge. There’s also the option to get presealed grout if you want.
Textured flooring
Textured flooring is very interesting but the true challenge here is finding a floor that offers great slip resistance. This allows you to increase safety and it’s also great looking as well. Just try and find the types of flooring which have a dense texture. The more texture it has, the better slip resistance you will get. Tiles are usually measured based on the friction coefficient, while floor materials have other measurement types. Try to find the right one based on your needs.
Get a flat curbless shower entry
If you opt for this type of shower entry you will have less chances of tripping not to mention that you can also enter with the wheelchair. You will have to slope the shower floor so that the water will be able to drain properly. Steps can be added but the idea is to avoid making them bulky and large as it’s counter intuitive and it will not work as you expect it to. Aftermarket thresholds have to be added from time to time due to the configuration of your shower.
Try to make the tub entrance lip narrow
This works if you want a tiled tub surround. If you have a larger entrance in this situation, you will have to deal with falling and tripping a lot more often since you will encounter balance problems. The narrower lip will make it easier to maintain the legs close to one another and thus you will not have any balance issues.
When it comes to bathroom shower door hardware, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is definitely true. Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of quality shower door hardware, which is why we’re writing this article. While cheaper, knock-off products may look great initially, they tend to wear out quickly and can even cause expensive damage. Here’s an example of what can happen when your contractor installs low-quality shower door hardware.
A recent customer called us for help after his shower door hinges failed. The hinges were loose and popping, causing him to worry that the glass door would fall and break. In addition, the finish on his bathroom hardware had worn off. We were happy to help and replaced all of the hardware with high-quality CR Laurence hardware, replaced the door seals, and properly cleaned the door.
Our field technician found that the builder had installed a frameless glass shower door on cultured marble but failed to secure it properly. The low-quality hardware, including the failed hinges, couldn’t withstand the moisture created by the shower.
The lesson to be learned is that you must make sure your contractor is installing quality hardware in your new shower and not settling for cheap Chinese alternatives. Contact A Cut Above Glass for all of your glass-related needs in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas. Trust us to provide the best products and services for a safe and durable shower.
Yes, shower doors are adjustable, both framed and frameless doors are adjustable. Frameless showers have two screws that can be loosened allowing the glass to be adjusted. Framed or “stick Stall” showers have to be adjusted by removing screws from the frame, re adjusting and then drilling new holes. If you feel like attempting either of these, feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to give you advice.
2. “Are shower doors made of tempered glass?”
Yes all showers should be made of Tempered glass for your safety. Logo’s or “bugs” are stamped onto the corner of the glass to help identify whether the glass has gone through the tempering process.
3. “Can a glass shower door be cut?”
No, showers doors are tempered and once tempered, they can not be cut or shaved.
4. “Can a shower door open in?”
Yes a shower door can open in, however it must open out as well.
5. “Can I put rain x on my shower door?”
Before & After Rain-X
Yes, make sure that you clean your shower door and then apply Rain X as often as needed. Rain X glass cleaner is also available. We can also pre order glass treatment prior to installation. Make sure to ask your glass consultant about options.
6. “can you have a shower without a door?”
Yes, we install shower screens in all sorts of applications. Keep shower over spray in mind when planning so your wall does not get wet with overspray.
7. “Can you put a frameless shower door on a fiberglass shower?”
Yes we can install frame-less shower glass on a fiberglass stall. Most frameless doors are custom ordered to allow for the perfect fit.
8. “What is the cost for a frameless shower door?”
Frameless showers start at $450 for a single pivot door and can cost upwards of $4000 depending on your application and glass choice.
9. “Do all frameless shower doors leak?”
No, not all frameless showers leak. In most cases seals and thresholds can be installed as to prohibit leakage.
10. “What is the maximum size for a shower door?”
Frameless shower door width is restricted to 34” using three hinges by the hardware manufacturer. Hinges are available to install a 38” wide door, however the hardware price goes up dramatically.
Although most people do not need to worry about spontaneous glass breakage in their homes or buildings it certainly does occur on extremely rare occasions, and can strike without even the slightest warning. It is a phenomenon that transpires when tempered or toughened glass breaks or shatters, seemingly out of nowhere without any perceptible reason. That being said there is an explanation for it that is most definitely not based on user error. So if this has happened to you it is not your fault whatsoever.
The most common causes are based on the following factors:
Internal Defects Within The Glass Such As Nickel Sulfide Inclusions
Nickel sulfide inclusions or stones are a potential cause of spontaneous glass breakage. These inclusions are small particles of nickel sulfide that can become trapped within tempered or toughened glass during the manufacturing process. They are typically caused by the use of stainless steel equipment that contains nickel during the manufacturing process.
Over time, these inclusions may change their structure and grow in size, which can create internal stresses within the glass itself. These stresses can eventually exceed the strength of the glass, leading to spontaneous breakage without any apparent external cause.
However, it is important to note that nickel sulfide inclusions are just one potential cause of spontaneous glass breakage, and other factors such as physical impact or temperature changes may also contribute to the failure of tempered or toughened glass. If you are experiencing spontaneous glass breakage, it is recommended to contact a professional for a thorough inspection to determine the root cause of the issue.
Minor Damage During Glass Installation
When glass pieces are being moved and installed some installers accidentally make minor chips and nicks with their tools or fasteners such as nails and screws. These small chips and nicks are not large enough to be noticeable once installed, and typically do not cause immediate issues. However, as time passes the glass will naturally contract and expand. At this point the chips and nicks become a larger issue causing stress concentrations to develop. Much the same as what eventually occurs with nickel sulfide inclusions, breakage tends to happen when the internal stresses are stronger than the glass strength. This is why it is so critically important to only hire an experienced, professional, and reputable glass company that will takes the extra time and precautions required in order to avoid the unnecessary chips and nicks that end up causing serious damage.
Binding Of The Glass In The Frame
Window and exterior panel glass tends to contract and expand when environmental temperatures changes occur. In order to counter this, modern glass is set on resilient blocks that are located at the bottom. This provides space for expansion at the top and both sides. The gaskets holding the glass in the frame are typically resilient in order to cushion the glass from wind buffering. If there is not enough space provided at the perimeter of the unit than the glass will bind up against the frame. This action causes internal stresses to develop within the glass. When the stresses surpass the glass strength breakage will occur. Once again, it is of utmost importance to only hire an industry leading glass installation company in order to avoid these costly problems.
At A Cut Above Glass we pride ourselves on the fact that our company only works with the leading industry experts to design, manufacture, and install the highest quality glass products for all of our clients needs. When you work with us you can be rest assured that your property is as safe as possible from spontaneous glass breakage. Please contact us for an initial consultation, we hare more than happy to walk you through the entire process.
Luxury showers have the unique ability to transform an ordinary bathroom space into an extraordinary room that will vastly improve the look, feel, and value of any home. It is extremely important for homeowners to realize which home improvement projects add the most value to their properties prior to planning any undertaking. Often times upgrades are done solely for the owners personal enjoyment, however fiscal responsibility should certainly be taken into account when investing in what most people consider their largest asset. Upgrading the bathroom is at the top of the list of home improvements that increase property values. In fact it is one of the very first rooms that potential homebuyers flock to see. Although you may not be planning to sell your home anytime soon, it is certainly a good idea to spend your hard earned money wisely. In addition, adding a luxury shower to your bathroom will significantly increase your enjoyment when spending time at home.
Luxury glass showers are a relatively cost effective method of dramatically transforming the bathroom design. They tend to add a contemporary flair or even an industrial style that has become extremely popular as of late. Custom designed glass enclosures provide an incredible component that has the ability to literally fit into any space, small or large. Luxury glass showers install quickly once they are designed, manufactured, and delivered to the site. This results in the fact that homeowners do not need to suffer through long periods of disruptive construction. Instead they can start to enjoy their new bathroom in no time at all. Both modern and the more traditional glass shower designs display the most recent bathroom trends. They greatly help to improve overall functionality with the added bonus of providing an incredibly stylish bathroom interior that any homeowner would be proud of.
Glass shower enclosures, shower cubicles, steam showers, and walk in glass showers allow for the ultimate at home relaxation. Glass and natural stone elements are used in order to create a spa like feel and style that is more comparable to artwork than a simple bathroom fixture. Thanks to modern technology, this luxurious beauty and functionality is easily accomplished in the same exact space where the plain old shower resided. Luxury showers are all about comfort, relaxation, and style. They tend to connect people to nature through the use of nature inspired designs and natural materials. Imagine using a custom designed shower after a stressful day of work to literally wash it all away. Gorgeous glass shower designs allow homeowners to enjoy the water and feel stress free.
At A Cut Above Glass we take great pride in designing, producing, and installing the most beautiful, and unique custom luxury showers in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas. Our team of highly experienced experts is on hand to work with you from start to finish. We strive to create the bathroom of your dreams. Please contact us today for an initial consultation.
drilling new holes. If you feel like attempting either of these, feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to give you advice.
fasteners such as nails and screws. These small chips and nicks are not large enough to be noticeable once installed, and typically do not cause immediate issues. However, as time passes the glass will naturally contract and expand. At this point the chips and nicks become a larger issue causing stress concentrations to develop. Much the same as what eventually occurs with nickel sulfide inclusions, breakage tends to happen when the internal stresses are stronger than the glass strength. This is why it is so critically important to only hire an experienced, professional, and reputable glass company that will takes the extra time and precautions required in order to avoid the unnecessary chips and nicks that end up causing serious damage.
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