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Top 5 prefab shower stall companies?

edwardh1 | Posted in General Discussion on June 7, 2009 06:51am

Trying to get some bath remodel ideas- pre fab shower stalls and shower pans-
all the plumbing stores here do not stock any showroom models- i wanted to know what the main companies are that might have online pictures. I am in the southeast- i guess Kohler and Amer std are two- any others? Thank you.

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  1. calvin | Jun 07, 2009 06:57pm | #1

    Aquaglas, Lasco, Sterling any of the stimulated marble companies-Marbelite is one.

    Crane is getting out of it.

    Moenstone might have bases and side panels.

    Then there's the shower door companies if you need to combo a base/sidewall/glass enclosure. 

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Jun 07, 2009 07:32pm | #2

    Swanstone has kits and panels. I believe in both solid surface material and in plastic.

    I was impressed with the one Sterling Vickrel unit that I installed. Unless some it is not gelcoated FG, but a uniform plastic (I think acrylic). No surface to wear off.

    .
    William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
  3. migraine | Jun 07, 2009 07:35pm | #3

    depending on the product you want, the prices will vary from supplier to supplier.  Usually depends on if the have them in stock some where.  Be fore you jump at one particular brand/shape/size, look into the door surrounds that you will want .  The size of the width, frame-less or not, and specially the height, will make a difference.  And this includes the price.  You can pick up some nice, inexpensive doors at lowes or home depot, but they maynot be in stock.  They have quite a few that are special order form the factory with out special order/custom prices. 

    my local plumbing suppliers have decent prices on surrounds, but nothing in the way of glass enclosures.  They are all high priced compared to tother big box stores.

    Many of the taller glass enclosures will not fit the startdard surrounds, the door are too high.  But, if you are careful, you can mount the head rail for the enclose on top og the surround and it does look good.  Just  alittle bit of coping the head rail into the top edges of the side panels.

    Sterling and kohler are the same company.  just the sterling is a lesser grade and they usually don't have the anti-water spot coating like kohler does(makes a huge difference on cleaning)  the hardware kits are usualy the exact same.

    You can easily spend $1000 more on the both the doors and surround by not looking around

  4. migraine | Jun 07, 2009 07:38pm | #4

    and if you have the ability, consider going with a 5' wide and have one or two seats in them.  real nice when showering with a partner  ;)

    1. Pelipeth | Jun 08, 2009 02:49am | #7

      Better be careful with the word Partner, today that has many meanings.

      1. migraine | Jun 08, 2009 04:24am | #9

        "partner" is  politically correct for "significant other".  I.E. "the wife"

        I guess if MY wife was reading "partner" she would me wondering what "willis is talking about"

        i'd be in real trouble...them jealous ecuadorians (the loraina bobbit type).  Don't mess with them.

        1. Pelipeth | Jun 08, 2009 12:54pm | #11

          Thanks for clarifying your position on partner..........

  5. User avater
    shelternerd | Jun 07, 2009 07:38pm | #5

    MTI has some great stuff, they do the ones with heated seats and teak floor boards. Their Elise bath tub will find it's way into one of our projects some time soon.

    Jacuzzi has some good options for shower receivers that make a one-piece floor with nice four inch wall intersection that you can tile down onto with a tile wall.

    We are using BarrierFree now with the aging-in-place crowd. Great product if a little fussy to install due to the fact that it goes down with two part epoxy to stand up to wheel chair and shower chair loads.

    ------------------

    "You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."

  6. Pelipeth | Jun 08, 2009 02:46am | #6

    The BEST is Swanstone. That I've seen quality wise.



    Edited 6/7/2009 7:51 pm ET by Pelipeth

  7. Piffin | Jun 08, 2009 03:29am | #8

    For a remo vs new const, you have to think about how you will get the unit in before you order one. The online sites will have the specs in pdfs.

    I've had to go up a ladder and in an RO for a window.

    On current job I will be removing a window entirely, so that openning will get larger before it disappears to lets us get the unit in.

    If there is no clear path for a large one piece, you will need top plan a three or four piece unit to be installed, so keep that in mind.

    Someday they will probably invent one that works like a self inflating liferaft - carry in a suitcase sized box and pull the rip cord.

    But meantime, that only exists in some clients imagination.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  8. rez | Jun 08, 2009 04:32am | #10

    Aquaglass is the lower quality product commonly at Lowes. If in that price neighborhood better to spring the small price increase for a Sterling as the floor is thicker.

    Marine wax on the surface will go a long way to protecting waterspot discoloration instead of extra spending for a factory coat. 

     

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