Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Do you want to upgrade from shower curtains to shower enclosures but wondering if the decision would be wise?
Choosing between Shower Enclosures and Shower Curtains
Both shower features have its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the important points to consider before you make a decision:
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Installation
Shower curtains are easier to install. All you need are some hooks and a steady rod then your bathroom is good to go. You don’t have to spend much on this installation. Shower rods cost only $10 to $50, depending on the material and length. Pay the handyman a standard price to set it all up. Shop for curtains with different designs. You can replace them as often as you’d like to give your bathroom a fresh look.
Meanwhile, you’ll spend more money on the installation of a shower enclosure. Factors like design, size, and material will influence the price. However, a basic glass enclosure, for example, might set you back around $700 to $1000. It will also take a few days for the shower to be ready because the people working on your bathroom have to ensure that the installed fixture fits correctly and that the nuts and bolts are screwed right.
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Maintenance
It’s easier to swap shower curtains when it’s old and dirty. For daily showers, making sure that this won’t gather molds and mildew can be quite a task. You would need to remind every member in your household to leave the shower curtain slightly spread out so that it will dry faster and won’t trap moisture.
On the other hand, with tempered glass showers, you won’t have problems with mold and mildew because there are fewer chances of a buildup. Glasses have protective coatings that won’t leave stubborn soap and water residues, especially if you go for premium quality-made enclosures. When installed right, glass enclosures in the bathroom will need very few repairs, and its durability could last for many years.
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Safety
Studies say that shower curtains emit vapor and chemicals that might be harmful to one’s health in the long run. If you have small children or elderly family, this type of bathroom accessory might be a hazard for slips and fall. You need to be extra careful when opening and closing wet curtains and you have to wipe away the drips after every use.
Meanwhile, there are accounts of glass shower doors exploding, shattering or accidentally closing and trapping a person. One potential reason why this might happen is if the enclosure was poorly installed or there are technical issues in the shower that the homeowners failed to address right away.
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Appearance
Budget-friendly homes usually have shower curtains. The most upgrade you can do with this feature is to switch to more expensive curtain materials like linen. As far as making the bathroom appear bigger, you simply draw back a curtain or tie with decorative ribbons to open up space.
Shower enclosures made of glass automatically make bathrooms look more spacious than it actually is. While there is a partition, the see-through glass gives an illusion of space. This bathroom feature is more elegant, clean and valuable than the budget-friendly option.
Additionally, glass showers can be customized to your preference, so you have an endless choice when it comes to appearance. You can go with a framed or frameless type of enclosure. Pick from tinted, patterned, clear, or frosted kinds of glass. You can also choose from different door styles.
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Efficiency
You can’t enjoy a warm bath during colder seasons with curtains because the steam will easily flow out of the shower area and onto the floor. Steam also makes the plastic material clammy and damp. Custom and enclosed showers, on the other hand, keep the steam blowing where you need it.
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Overall Bathroom Design
Ultimately, however, your choice between shower enclosures and shower curtains will depend on the overall bathroom design. Some advantages to favoring one over the other might not even work because your bathroom’s layout won’t be able to accommodate the feature.
Glass King Will Help You Build a Better Bathroom
Like the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most commonly used spaces of the house. It’s not just your family who needs this space. At some point, your guests will also use the bathroom when they spend some time at your place.
Hence, you need to build a better bathroom that’s functional yet aesthetically pleasant and inviting. As such, you have to prepare for a budget that will satisfy your requirements, and invest in an upgrade that you and your family can enjoy for years.
Need any help with this project? For the installation, repair, remodeling or the upgrade of glass-related shower enclosures in Chandler AZ, contact our team at Glass King today.
