can you build storage above showerstall?
triswhite
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hi there. I’ve snuck past all of my husband’s passwords and finally got into this section. What I really need to know is if I can build an open cupboard above a shower that we’ve just installed. The shower has a cap on it and now there is about a 2 foot space above that needs to be filled in. My grand idea is to use it for storing towels, a basket, etc. Is this wise, or will the moisture and mildew work its way into this space? We’ve got a small fan about 1 1/2 feet away from the shower stall, and a window the same distance away as well. Any ideas?
Replies
That is brilliant. I hate wasted space (above the kitchen cabinets is one in a long list of peeves) and I don't see a problem if you eliminate any possible moisture penetration.
Course, someone with real world experience will come by and then we'll know for sure.
Fannie May? Fannie May? FIE, I'll take Cookiemonster's exquisite creations anytime.
I have done that in older homes with high ceilings. I prefer to leave that space open to allow steam and vapor to be exausted easier but since you already have it capped off I dont see a problem.
Tris,
Sweet! A gal has broken into the FHB forum ranks. Congrats and welcome!
I've done what you are talking about and I agree that it should be left open. However if you must put doors on it and they have any glass, please make sure they are tempered glass for safety purposes. Also, I would linecover the assembly with tile or some other water resistant material as a painted surface may require too much upkeep.
Mike
>> A gal has broken into the FHB forum ranks.
You mean another gal, right?
Edited 2/4/2004 10:14:35 AM ET by Uncle Dunc
I think the emphasis is on broke. The rest of the gals just sortof sauntered in.
Edited for clarity
Fannie May? Fannie May? FIE, I'll take Cookiemonster's exquisite creations anytime.
Edited 2/4/2004 10:38:32 AM ET by PLANTLUST
Is this wise, or will the moisture and mildew work its way into this space?
Our linen storage isn't overhead, but is a step away. I, too, was concerned, especially living in a very humid climate. Door-less storage I didn't consider, but we've found no problem using normal cabinet doors. I figured that, if a problem arose, I'd install gasketing. No need.
Obviously this doesn't mean you won't have fungal growth if you don't control house humidity levels in general. We're very careful to run the exhaust fan, situated like yours, anytime humidity levels are not low.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I'm curious what you mean by "The shower has a cap on it..."
I stayed up all night worrying about why I've been so tired
Shower cap...haha. Really, the old shower was tiled right up to the ceiling, and when we knocked out all of these we decided to go the easy route and buy a "lid" for the shower. It made our stall about 8 feet high rather than 10. Supposedly you can install a light in the cap, but we didn't. The cap looks like the shower base, except upside down. Hope that makes an easier visual.
Hey, a visual image is a good thing for me. That way I don't have to think too hard....................(-:
I only have one other intelligent thought to add -
Whatever you put up there needs to support itself, and not rest on the shower "cap". It probably isn't made to support the added load from above.Honk if you do everything you're told
Hi Tris welcome to our place , hope you like it and keep comming back, with or with your husband. thats a good idea, ive seen it done a couple of ways. an open cupboard, one with doors they both seemed fine .
I even say one my friend Robert did above his shower with the access in the hall closed off to the bath room. thinkine about that you could even split it right down the middle and have access from both the bath and the next room like a bedroom maybe a kids room to put stuffed toys . the list for extra space is endless. Goodluck.
And remember when you want somthing done by your husband if hes a carpenter, tell him what you want if he wants that new table saw this year or else.
Dogboy
Hey dogboy,
Apparently Tris (my husband) "really" needs a bandsaw for this job. I'm sure he'll even find a way to use one to install a storage space! He's got the table saw...bought that one when we re-tiled our kitchen backsplash. I suppose he'll need a plunge router in order to...install our new woodstove.....whatever.
kim
"Apparently Tris (my husband) "really" needs a bandsaw for this job. I'm sure he'll even find a way to use one to install a storage space! He's got the table saw...bought that one when we re-tiled our kitchen backsplash. I suppose he'll need a plunge router in order to...install our new woodstove.....whatever. "
Obviously a typical DIY 'hack'.
He NEEDS the router, a full set of router bits, and a SCMS, a thickness planner, and stationary joiner for the this.
The bandsaw is the for the new woodstove and of course an upgraded table saw and cordless inpact driver.
A true pro knows how the get the most tools <h<h<h<h<h tools needed for the job.
Hey , what ever it takes to get the job done, right?
maybe you can get that new ? because your so understanding
dogboy
i've seen this done a couple of times and no problem, an easy way might be a kitchen cabinet of the right dimensions, they are usually available in 24 or 18 high, maybe you could match the other cabinetry in the bathroom
caulking is not a piece of trim
Does your husband know you are hanging out with a bunch of carpenter types?
And what would he say if he knew you brought them in to show them the space over your shower?
I'm sure glad you're dressed decently.
How about one of those viney air plants. You know - the decorative hanging basket kind that get all their moisture needs out of the air?
plantlust is laughing at me now 'cause I don't know ferns from orchiolas.
anyway, it seemslike you would want something decorative up there.It is too high for storage because it is almost inacessable. Hard to getat means it won't see much use rotate through it. A unit like that for most people is a place where they will put something away and never see it again. That is an ideal recipe for growing mold. Open, airy and delightfull to look at is the way to do it.
Now where is the door?
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge
FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where
Excellence is its own reward!
Now you've got me thinking that this storage space would be a great place to store all my big-hair '80's photos that i hate. However, guess the mildew might get to them, and I do like to pull them out for a good laugh now and then. I don't do plants, live or plastic...I can kill even plastic plants. I like all of the ideas that are coming in. Maybe I'll install a fish tank and have guppies above the shower. Of course I'd have to get ones that co-ordinate with our decor.
kim
It's a bathroom, right? So what's wrong with extra toilet paper or towels up there?No doors needed.
And don't worry, Piffin. I forgive you for the plant crack(are you thinking of bromeliads? - air plants, no dirt needed). <g>Fannie May? Fannie May? FIE, I'll take Cookiemonster's exquisite creations anytime.
OK, A mounted catfish head then, with a cat bed inside..
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge
FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where
Excellence is its own reward!
I did this 20 years ago in my first (small) house. I tiled the ceiling of the shower to seal out moisture. Steam would condense and drip during a hot shower, but worthwhile to gain the storage space.
Eric
>>I've snuck past all of my husband's passwords and finally got into this section. What I really need to know is if I can build an open cupboard above a shower that we've just installed
It depends: has your husband taken a position on the issue?
The guys here can't possible make a proper determination of the correct answer without that critical fact. (We took a pledge {G})
A few minutes later: Wait a minute .... I just saw the "Apparently Tris (my husband) "really" needs a bandsaw for this job."
The answer thus becomes -- not only will it not present any problems, but when constructed with the proper tools (don't overlook Bill's list) the shower will get you cleaner, your husband will notice when you've had your hair done, he will not drop the towels on the floor, he will not complain about the next pair of shoes (next pair only, though) and world peace will erupt next week!
Go for it!
_______________________
Tool Donations Sought
I'm matching tool donors to a church mission to Haiti - we're shipping a bus converted to a medical facility in (now it looks like) April and can fill it with clothes, tools and all sorts of stuff needed in that poorest of all countries. A few hand tools or power tools can provide a livelihood for an otherwise destitute family. Please email me if you have tools to donate.
Thanks to Jeff and David and Jim and Rich and Steven and Mark and Jason and Shep and Jen and Mike and Joe and Bill and Ken for their offers!
Several donations have arrived! Thanks and God bless!
Edited 2/5/2004 9:30:44 AM ET by Bob Walker
Hi Bob,
Just curious about the Haiti mission. Our church has been getting quite involved in missions to Haiti lately, and it's always great to see when others are in the same boat. Where are you shipping from? Will the bus be converted from home and then shipped?
Just curious!
kim white
Tris,
I,ve done it with no problems experienced. I lined the interior of the storage area with pre finished hardboard and caulked all the joints. The exhaust fan is less than a foot away.