Types of Showers: Glass Enclosures and Doors

If you’re redesigning your bathroom, you have a lot of choices when it comes to your new shower. Sure, you can go with the common shower-and-bath combination with a shower curtain. But your shower can be more than just a practical place to wash up: it can also be a showpiece.

Here’s a breakdown of your options: the types of shower doors and enclosures available, and the spaces in which they work best.

Shower Enclosures: Shapes and Sizes

Showers often dominate the bathroom space. Even with a small bathroom, you can make a dramatic statement with a unique-looking shower enclosure. Here are the most typical types you’ll find on the market.

Square showers. A square shower is a great space-saver in a small bathroom. It will fit in a niche with only one side exposed, a corner with two sides exposed, or it can be exposed on three sides. The corner and niche positions are the most common, however; most people with enough space to leave a square shower exposed on three or four sides usually opt for a bigger enclosure.

A glass door is an excellent choice for a square shower. In a small space, the glass makes the bathroom look larger than it would with an opaque shower enclosure. Glass showers also look stylish and luxurious, giving a smaller bathroom a more exclusive feel.

Rectangular showers. The rectangular shower is often paired with a bath to make a shower-bath combination. Many people don’t have room for a separate shower and bath, so they opt for the shower-bath combination instead. If you prefer showers to baths, however, a rectangular enclosure can still be a great choice. It gives you enough space for a shower for two—try doing that in a square shower.

Quadrant showers. Quadrant showers have two squared ends that fit perfectly into a square corner. The part of the shower that faces the room is rounded instead of square. This design gives you a more efficient use of space than a square enclosure in the same corner position, as you don’t have a corner that juts into the room. The curved surface of the glass looks dramatic, and you save space in a small bathroom as well.

D-shaped showers. The shape of this enclosure resembles a capital D, with the curved part of the letter facing the room and the straight part against the wall. You’ll need a bit more room with a D-shaped shower than you would with a quadrant, as you’ll need to allow three sides of the enclosure to be exposed and uncluttered by sinks and toilets.

A D-shaped shower is dramatic and stylish, but it’s not a common choice. That’s because these are usually smaller, one-person showers. Most people who have the space opt for a larger rectangular design. Those with a smaller bathroom usually choose a square or quadrant shower to make better use of their space.

Types of Shower Doors 

Glass shower doors come in several different designs, and each suits a different type of space. Here are the most common options on the market.

Pivot doors. These doors swing outward into the room. They’re often used in recessed showers, but they can also be used in combination with stationary side panels in rectangular enclosures, or in other combinations. They give a wide door opening, but they do need some clearance in the room to swing open.

In-fold doors. These consist of two panels hinged in the middle that fold into the shower space to provide an opening. They’re a good choice in bathrooms where space is an issue and you don’t want a door that swings out into the room.
Frameless doors. Frameless shower doors are a bit more solid than pivot doors; they also swing out into a room, and require some space to do it. They provide a wide opening and are usually made of a single pane of glass.

Sliding doors. These are usually installed on rectangular, D-shaped or quadrant enclosures. They’re preferred because they make a wide opening without swinging out into the bathroom or into the shower enclosure. You don’t need a lot of space to accommodate them, but they aren’t effective on small square enclosures.

There are plenty of shower enclosures and doors to suit every bathroom layout. No matter your plans for your redesign project, you’re sure to find a shower that complements it perfectly.

By Ray Dobson

Must-Have List for a Luxury Bathroom

When deciding to upgrade your bathroom to the level of luxury that you would fully expect in a resort style spa environment, selection of finish materials as well as high-end fixtures will elevate the look of your bathroom and increase your home’s value.

Whirlpool Tub

A whirlpool tub is now considered standard for the master bath in any new construction residential dwelling. To upgrade the atmosphere to the level of  luxury , install a 2 person whirlpool. The latest models sport up to 24 jet heads and are contoured to fit the body of the persons in the tub, and available in many different colors.

12 Head Shower Message

Commonly referred to as a  spa shower , these 12 head shower enclosures feature independently adjustable heads so you can direct the water flow as well as the spray patterns individually, and include a pull-down spray wand for hand held usage. The luxury models are designed to be installed during construction, before the wall finish of the shower goes in. Lower priced models are self contained, and can be mounted to a finished wall.

Bidet

The bidet (pronounced beeday) is a common fixture in mid to upper class European bathrooms where daily showers are not commonplace, as they are in the U.S. The bidet is a fixture that resembles a toilet and is fixed When deciding to upgrade your bathroom to the level of luxury that you would fully expect in a resort style spa environment, selection of finish materials as well as high-end fixtures will elevate the look of your bathroom and increase your home s value.

Finishes

To complete the transformation of your bathroom to a more luxurious level, be sure to implement high end finishes. Marble floors, shower walls and countertops are typical. Granite countertops are also very popular in combination with wood cabinets of cherry or mahogany. Faucets and shower heads are available in gold or platinum finishes perfecting the overall look of your luxury bathroom renovation to the floor next to the toilet. It is used for personal hygiene and cleansing after using the toilet, and is positioned next to it for easy transfer from one to the other. Not commonly seen in this country, but is becoming more popular in the elite residential homes, bidets are available through American Standard, Kohler and a host of other bathroom fixture manufacturers.

By Sofia V Rucci

What are the Benefits of a Shower Enclosure

Bathing in many ways is a reflection of the lifestyle of the individual; the selection of a shower enclosure is thus very paramount in the process of bringing out the intricate personality values of the individual. The enduring beauty of the enclosure is the key to most of the well furnished building around. Shower enclosures have an advantage in the sense that it can be created by the usage of the simplest materials around.

These materials can be easily found and at a very low cost. There are materials like glass that are economically friendly without forgetting the question of hygiene. The beauty of glass is that they create a bath that is not only elegant but at the same time it is easy to maintain. It can be easily washed at the same time maintain its aesthetic and durability features. In addition it can withstand very high temperatures.

It is very important to get more information about the location of the showers so as to have a suitable enclosure to use because they come in different sizes and shapes. Enclosures do not only bring the beauty and comfort in the bathroom but at the same time it prevents the sprinkled water from falling on the floor and ruining the texture of the floor. This is among the main aim of the enclosures and it is very vital to have the necessary materials and tools to avoid the inconvenience of water leakages. Every luxurious bathroom starts with the enclosures one uses.

By Jitesh Arora

Why Choose a Quadrant Shower Enclosure for my Bathroom?

Quadrant Shower Enclosures are one of the most popular shower enclosure on the market. There are a number of reasons why people choose to install a quadrant shower, and one of the most popular is to save space in the bathroom. Quadrant enclosures are cleverly designed to utilise minimum bathroom space and provide maximum showering area. These units come in a range of sizes, commonly including 800mm, 900mm and 1000mm (with various configurations).

Another reason for their popularity is the enclosure’s curvaceous, minimalistic design.  Quadrant shower enclosures are a modern, striking addition to the bathroom. Aluminium shower door frames are widely available in white, silver and chrome, and seamlessly complement most bathroom colour schemes. The glass doors also have different options: there’s clear glass, patterned or frosted, depending on your design or requirements.

Three major suppliers of shower enclosures in the UK are Manhattan Showers, April Shower Doors and The London Water Closet Company (LWCC). These distributors’ products can be found in many UK bathroom stores or in bathroom shops online.

Popular Shower Enclosures

The “Uno” by Manhattan is a single door enclosure, measuring 800×800mm or 900×900mm, and requires its own bespoke tray. The Uno Quadrant Shower has a right or left hand option which can be tailored to the configuration of the bathroom. The Uno comes with a “click ‘n’ clean” system, which consists of front-operated bottom guides, making the shower door easier to fit, clean and maintain. Another benefit of the Uno Quadrant Shower Enclosure is its smooth running sliding door, as opposed to pull-out door type, which saves the hassle of annoying water drips when entering and exiting the shower.

Uno’s sister product is the Manhattan “Duo” enclosure, available in various sizes but most popular being 1200×900mm. As its name suggests, the Duo has two smooth-running sliding doors which meet in the middle and a choice of left or right hand side configuration. Similar to the Uno, this product also has the “click ‘n’ clean” system. All Manhattan’s products have a lifetime combination guarantee, offering a greater peace of mind. Manhattan Shower Enclosures include a combination lifetime guarantee when purchased with a Manhattan Duralite® shower tray.

The April Shower Door collection also has a range of products, including Identiti (standard/mid range) and Prestige (premium range). A popular April Shower Enclosure is the Identiti² Bow Fronted Quadrant Shower 900×900mm, which has concealed fixings and quick-release doors for safety. The Bow Front Quadrant Shower is also wet room compatible. Also in the Identiti range is a free-standing Identiti² U-Shaped Quadrant Shower Enclosure (also known as D-Shaped or U-Shaped Quadrant Shower Enclosure). This unit requires a small amount of wall space and a dedicated shower tray.

LWCC offers its best-selling budget Quad Shower, available in a chrome finish. The LWCC Quadrant Shower Enclosure has a sleek simple design with smooth running doors which slide either way. It has clear glass and fits elegantly into almost any bathroom style. The quality and price make this one of the most competitive Quadrant Shower buys on the market.

Shower Trays

There are two main types of trays to suit the Quadrant Enclosure: Slimline and Standard. The minimalist slimline is generally between 40-45mm high and the standard tray is around 100-110mm in height and made of a stone resin mix.

The Manhattan Quad Shower Doors can be installed with a Duralite® tray, which has superior durability and fast draining abilities. The tray has a patented concealed waste, draining water at a speed of 24 litres per minute. The trays have a smooth tread, are easy to clean (with a handy removable hair trap) and all trays come with a 25-year guarantee.

By Lindy Holman

How Shower Enclosures Make a Home Look Good

If you’re gaping in disbelief at the unnameable green moss lining the edges of one of your existing shower enclosures, it might be an appropriate time to consider a more up to date replacement. The selection of basic sheet glass shower enclosures is great, along with many other shower enclosures constructed with various materials, and fashioned into various classic shapes.

The low-key approach to choosing and installing shower enclosures is one of the most popular in the shower market today. Over recent years the whole shower room has become very modern and what could be called minimalist in design. The use of the shower is basically quite simple - it’s just a box with a floor that angles down towards a drainage hole.

A shower enclosure stops the entire shower room from becoming covered in water. And naturally, a shower and its head is a solid idea. After you add the odd shelf on which to place soap and shampoo and perhaps a few angled lights - and you are talking about a most minimal shower area.

Level access shower constructions are when the floor area around the shower is at the same level as the shower itself - so the entire shower is one, in effect. Shower enclosures might also differ aesthetically from the room. Some of these may have a tiled zone around the immediate shower area, with another colour or tile design on the wider room.

Lighting is one more feature which can really add a bit more interest to very simple, forward looking shower enclosures. By pointing lights or little halogen lights over the shower area, some circles of light highlight the details of the shower head and particular details of the tiles.

Level floor access and easily opened and shut shower enclosures or doors, makes getting into the shower as easy as it can be. This can crucial for elderly people who find that getting in and out of the shower significantly more difficult than more able bodied people. By the same token, if a shower user is disabled, this might help them too.

One more feature of modern shower enclosures is an additional foldable seat, which can allow people who have issues of mobility to take a seat while having a shower. This can also be of benefit if a person needs help from someone while a shower is being taking. In addition to added safety bars can make the shower experience a safer and more pleasant experience for people who are less mobile.

In terms of maintaining the floor safe from leaking through to the floor beneath, a showering tray is one other addition to up to date shower enclosures. This a highly hard wearing tray put under whichever tile or matting material is selected for the shower floor.

By Gino Hitshopi

How Many Types of Shower Enclosure Available?

When most people think of a shower, they simply think of one thing; a place to clean off. What they don’t really consider is the fact that there are a few different types of shower enclosures that can be used. They will all provide the same basic function, and the one that you will select depends primarily on how you want your shower to actually look. So let’s take a peek at what types of shower enclosures are actually available.

The first type that we will look at are framed shower doors. These are fairly cheap, and there is a good reason for this. They are made of thin glass, and are supported by aluminum or steel frames. They need to be supported because they will break far too easily. Since they are so low in price however, they are the type of shower enclosure that is preferred by just about everyone.

The style of shower enclosure that everyone seems to want is called a frameless enclosure. If you look at these closely you will notice something missing. The missing element here is the frame, because these types of doors do not require a frame. It sounds very strange, but in fact these doors are made of glass that is so thick it doesn’t require a frame. These are much more expensive than the standard shower doors and are much more preferred. The main reason for this is the ability to have a sort of seamless shower setup. After all, there’s nothing quite like having a nice glass cube around your shower!

If you cannot afford to purchase or even maintain a frameless shower enclosure then you can go for a semi-framed enclosure. This is a better option for some people, and it definitely has the look of a frameless enclosure. Basically this type has the frame on the sides but not on the top and bottom. You will have the look of a frameless enclosure without the expense!

While there are three basic enclosure styles, there are almost limitless types of shower doors that you can buy. You would be amazed at the range of colors and designs that are available. Virtually anything that you happen to want as far as looks go can be yours so long as you have the money, and you can even purchase custom made shower enclosures so that your enclosure will match the décor of your bathroom if you cannot locate a pre-made one that will.

Shower enclosures are a very important part of a bathroom because often the first person sees when they walk into your bathroom is the shower. You need this to look great, and if you install frameless doors you will have a sleek modern look for everyone to admire. The important thing here is to get the doors you want, and to attain the look that you want in your bathroom. Though it may not seem quite like it now, the bathroom can be the most important part of your entire house. Make sure that you keep it looking nice, and most importantly, make sure it conforms to your tastes.

By Derek Rogers

Minimalist Contemporary Bathroom Design-Sliding Showers Doors

The current trend towards minimalist bathrooms has led to sliding shower doors growing increasingly popular. Contemporary bathroom design with a minimalist look offers a sanctuary away from the outside world.

Yet in reality, the concept of bathroom design is a relatively new one, since only a few decades ago bathrooms were seen as functional rooms, but now they are increasingly seen as somewhere that people can relax in and wash away their troubles and stresses.

Many people are wary of becoming too entrenched in the whole minimalist design, in case it starts to look dated in a few years time, necessitating a change of bathroom accessories such as sliding shower doors. But this is the joy of these doors; they effortlessly transform a shower room into a minimalist haven, but due to the fact that these shower doors are classic in design and available with different finishes, e.g. gold or chrome etc, they are timeless. Sliding shower doors create a look that is sleek, angular and then your shower enclosures create the perfect finish to a modern and sophisticated bathroom.

Advantages of a Sliding Shower Door

A sliding shower door has to be fitted in a shower area that is slightly larger than many showers. This is due to the doors needing a wall to slide against. However, if you have the size available, then you will be able to fit sliding shower doors with no problems.

The beauty of a this type of shower door is that it slides against a shower wall, meaning that you don’t open the shower doors out into the bathroom. This means that floor space is maximized and more floor area can be given over to the shower as opposed to creating an opening area for outward opening doors.

Another major advantage of sliding shower doors, is that they contain more steam than one of the semi open doors, thereby reducing condensation within the bathroom.

The fact that the Sliding Shower Door also encapsulates the shower to a greater degree also means that if you are in the shower you feel completely alone, so you can switch on a shower radio and just forget about the rest of the world. The fact that it is encapsulated also enables someone else to pop into the bathroom and apply make up etc without causing a disturbance.

So besides the fact that a sliding shower enclosure adds grace, elegance and a really contemporary feel to any bathroom, there are also practical reasons for choosing these doors over a more traditional style of door, which is why more and more people are choosing these sliding doors for their shower. But once you have tried it you will probably find that you don’t ever want to go back to other types of shower doors or even the semi-enclosed showers that are increasingly becoming more and more old fashioned.

By Lindy Holman

Glass Block Shower Base and Pan Options For Structure and Longevity

Have you thought about purchasing a glass block shower but ended up putting it off because it was difficult to figure out the right shower base or the general contractor told you the project could not be done? If so, you’re not alone. There are many criteria that can effect your decision to choose the correct pan and contractor(s) for the shower project. Some of these factors might include:

• Your desired finishing material for the shower floor
• The need for accessibility
• Whether the project is in new construction or remodeling
• If you have flexibility in size and shape of the base
• Cost of the base.

Here are 7 steps to consider in selecting the right glass block shower base and contractors and suppliers to get it right the first time:

Step 1 - Evaluate your flexibility in design, size, and shape - In determining the right base keep in mind that there are standard and custom shower bases. Here is a basic explanation of both:

Standard shower bases are preformed and premade. Their size, shape, and design cannot be altered. The most commonly available ones are made of acrylic and fiberglass. Their main advantages are they are produced in larger quantities and generally have lower prices. Their main disadvantage is their size and shape cannot be changed, they are sometimes difficult to get into existing bathrooms, and there are few designs that will accommodate a tile or marble floor.

A custom shower base is usually constructed at the project site (as is the case in a mortared mud set pan or a waterproof wedi closed cell polystyrene base which is frequently built by the tile trade), or in some cases is prefabricated (some companies can prefabricated solid surface cultured marble or a wedi closed cell polystyrene base). The advantages of these pans is they can be built at the site (sometimes getting a preformed unit through the door can be a challenge) and can be finished off with tile or marble, and in the case of the wedi system is 100% waterproof. The principle disadvantage of a mortared pan is if it’s not done right it can cause water damage leading to mold or mildew problems (and the expensive cost to redo the pan and entire shower). The main disadvantage of a wedi waterproof system is the initial purchase price is higher than standard or custom mud set units.

Step 2 - Determine how you want to finish the shower floor of your glass block wall project - With acrylic or fiberglass shower pans the floor is made of acrylic and fiberglass which most commonly come in white, almond, or biscuit colors (decorator colors might be available from some manufacturers but are generally limited). Some of these bases are preformed with non-skid type surfaces. If you’d like a custom tile or marble finished floor you’ll need to choose either a mud set, ready for tile wedi style pan, or cultured marble base for your project.

Step 3 - Will a roll in shower or accessible design be needed? When purchasing a shower base and walls think not only about your current needs, but also about your future requirements as well. Bathroom safety and accessibility are key factors in a thoughtful design of a glass block shower stall or enclosure. Most standard acrylic or fiberglass pans have a threshold to step over that make it difficult for wheelchair access. If a roll in or fully accessible shower is required the mud set or wedi style bases can be custom designed with ramps for improved accessibility.

Step 4 - Measure your bathroom door opening to ensure a premade base will fit through the door - A prefabricated shower base is not of much value if it doesn’t fit through your door. In most new homes this is not an issue because the pan can be brought into the space before framing is completed, but in remodeling projects getting the unit through the door can be an issue. Measure your door opening before buying the base.

Step 5 - Finding a glass block shower wall and base supplier and determining the selection of sizes and shapes available - Where to sources bases for block showers is sometimes not as easy as consumers would like. Consider the following sources of supply:

Acrylic bases - These units can be sourced through glass block specialty suppliers - even with the prefabricated wall sections to match the base - or from some home center chains.

Mud set pans - In most cases tile setters will create this base in a multi-day process at the job site. Work with a tile setter or block specialty contractor to lay out the size and design of the shower before the mortared mud set base is created (this will ensure that your base is properly designed for your block walls).

Wedi fundo waterproof shower pan and curb - This system can be site built by a tile contractor or prefabricated as one section and shipped nationwide by a Wedi glass block shower base specialist.

Step 6 - Get a quote on your shower base and glass block walls at the same time. Don’t assume the lowest initial purchase cost is best- Get the pricing on your base and your walls together. It is important to make sure that the pan and the walls will work together since the blocks cannot be cut (the blocks are available in 2″ increments with finished shapes for rounded, angled, and finished ends to accommodate many designs). Make sure that the base will be wide enough (most blocks require either 3″ or 4″ wide curbs) to accommodate the blocks as well. Although fiberglass bases tend to be cheapest they are generally not designed with the thickness of glass block walls in mind.

Step 7 - Keep long term quality and structural integrity in mind - A shower base failure caused from a cheaply made fiberglass pan or an improperly installed mud set pan can be very costly (usually when the base fails it can cause water damage and will result in needing to remove the entire shower walls and the base and also may impact your tile walls and surrounding floor). Don’t skimp on the base. Make sure it is a quality unit that will stand up over time.

Now that you’re equipped with these 7 steps you’re ready to order your shower base for a glass block wall.

By Mike Foti

The Advantage of Building a Walk-in Shower

If you are debating whether or not you want to get a walk in shower installed in your bathroom keep reading. There are so many advantages to building one of these types of shower, that is hard to list them all. Below are just a few advantages of having a shower that you can just walk straight into.

First and foremost, a walk in shower has a tendency to be more safe than the conventional type. Some people are afraid of getting in and out of the bathtub, as it may be a more difficult task for some. A lot of people have caused serious injuries in the bathtub, and were not able to call for help. If you have a shower that you can directly walk into, you are keeping yourself more safe. You could easily walk in and out of the shower without getting hurt, or worrying about if you will be able to get up at the end of the bath.

The next advantage has to do a lot with time. In today’s society not many people have the time to sit and take a bath, so why have one in your bathroom. A walk in shower is the perfect solution to this problem. You now have a place to get clean without wasting your time.

Walk in showers also add so much style to any bathroom. It does not matter if you have a big or small space, these showers are made to give any bathroom a modern and classy look. You could make your bathroom look a lot bigger than it actually is with one of these designs.

Lastly, a shower like this makes you look and feel important. When you go to a fancy hotel most of them have this style incorporated into the bathroom. You will feel more luxurious with this type of shower installed in your bathroom. You will be taking one room in your home and turning it into a fantastic location.

These are just a few great advantages that the walk in variety of showers have. They not only make your bathroom look much bigger than it actually is, but they add a special feeling to your home. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, getting a walk in shower is a great idea.

By Mike Cusak

Glass Block Shower Prices & Products - Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck

Now, maybe more than ever, it’s critical to make the right choice of suppliers for your projects so you don’t waste money by not getting it done right the first time. So how do you choose a glass block supplier that will be concerned with making sure your project will not only be done with an eye on your budget, but will also provide you with the quality and product options to ensure your happiness with a window, wall or shower project both now and into the future?

Your key is to keep at the top of mind these 5 specific criteria when making your selection:

• Point 1 - Make sure the pricing is all inclusive and the vendor is reputable - Ever started a project you didn’t think was going to cost you too much only to feel you were “nickeled and dimed” along the way - only those nickels and dimes were dollars and more dollars? If you’re buying prefabricated wall or window assemblies or individual colored or etched blocks that are being shipped to you, make sure the pricing includes all relevant shipping and handling costs. Don’t be fooled by cheap prices that are quoted FOB (freight on board) the city they are being shipped from. FOB means you will pay the freight as an extra charge.

For installation projects make sure you get a firm estimate and there is not wording on the contract of cancellation charges or extra costs that “may occur” if the job conditions are not quite right. A good way to judge your potential contractor or supplier is to see if they’ve won any consumer generated service awards - like Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau Accreditation, or Consumers Choice Award.

• Point 2 - Find a company that offers a broad product selection - Why limit yourself to a distributor or dealer who only offers one manufacturer’s products? Glass block prices and quality do vary from one manufacturer to another, but like most industries the different producers do have unique items they specialize in (no one block manufacturer has the lock or the capacity to serve the varied needs of all markets and uses). Here’s specific things to ask of your potential wholesaler or supplier:

o Do you carry more than one manufacturer’s products? There are block lines of supply from the United States, Indonesia, China, and Germany to name just a few countries of origin. Pittsburgh Corning, the U.S. manufacturer, has an excellent line of fire rated and solid security glass blocks. Mulia, an Indonesian manufacturer, makes high value blocks for basement and bathroom windows and showers. And Dezhou, a Chinese manufacturer, makes cost effective blocks with pre-drilled holes used for the craft market. The best block for your project might come from several different companies depending on what you’re doing.

o What sizes, colors and designs are available? - Since the block cannot be cut like a brick or a concrete block - one size does not fit all. For basement windows the most commonly used sizes include 6 x 6, 6 x 8, and 8 x 8 and not having the full complement of sizes can make your project undoable. For an upper floor wall or shower the finishing end blocks, corners, and radius units for round walls are critical. One manufacturer from Indonesia even makes a thinner end block to save you money for a shower or wall project. In addition colored and etched glass blocks can be added for a one of kind design you may not have realized was possible.

• Point 3 - Determine if a prefabricated panel can be used - A block by block installation is not easy - and often leads to a less than stellar finished quality work. Prefabricated glass block window shower and wall panels can be used to reduce the installation time, save money, and improve the completed work. There are premade window panels available both with and without vinyl frames (the vinyl framed window works well for new construction and room additions, while the frameless windows are preferred for basement windows in masonry foundations).

Partition and shower wall projects are an excellent place to use prefabricated assemblies. With Vinyl Stack spacers between the units the installation is made far easier and these sections can be safely shipped on a nationwide basis.

• Point 4 - Ask about the wholesaler’s experience with your specific product needs or market’s requirement - Glass block products are sold into many varied markets. There are pre-drilled units sold to crafters who put lights in them to sell at shows or give away as gifts. Framed windows are used extensively by remodelers and builders for their ease of installation in home construction. Architects and commercial contractors use glass block companies for projects that can vary from a fire rated window or wall, a block paver floor, or even a bar in a nightclub. Homeowners use block windows in basements, bathrooms, and garages to increase security and improve energy efficiency and ventilation.

The key question to ask is what specific expertise does your potential supplier have with your need or market. Check out their web site to see if what you’re looking to do is even represented or explained.

• Point 5 - Learn if this company has installation expertise with glass blocks - Even if you’re going to buy a premade window or wall shipped to you from a glass block wholesaler who is miles away you should find out if they do installations in their local market. You might wonder why. The reason - a building material product is not a good product unless it’s installed correctly. You should not only be looking to buy good quality products, but to choose someone to purchase from who can lead you through the installation process as well. This can save you both money and aggravation getting your project completed.
Choose your glass block shower supplier carefully and you’ll have an excellent looking, high quality, and low maintenance wall that will last a long time.

By Mike Foti