What Is a Prefabricated Shower Enclosure?
A shower enclosure is a division between dry and wet areas in your bathroom. Basically, it prevents water from leaking out onto the bathroom floors. This enclosure also has a decorative purpose, depending on the materials and model you choose.
There are two types of shower enclosures: prefabricated and regular enclosures. We will focus on prefabricated ones.
What Is a Prefabricated Shower Enclosure?
Prefabricated shower enclosures are models constructed off-site that anyone can easily install, regardless of prior experience. Think of them as furniture that only needs to be assembled instead of built from scratch.
A prefab shower enclosure comes ready to be installed in your bathroom. It can be the ideal option if you are planning to do the installation yourself. You only need to get the right model for your available space and use a shower stall kit to install it.
Types of Prefabricated Shower Enclosures
There are different types of prefab enclosures for showers and bathtubs. Each one of these enclosures has different benefits and drawbacks.
Interlocking Multi-Piece Shower Enclosures
The interlocking shower enclosure is the most common and easiest to install. It has multiple components made of acrylic, fiberglass, and similar materials. All these elements lock together during installation. Because it is one of the most common options on the market, it tends to be the most affordable prefab enclosure.
Prefab Wall Units and Wall Surrounds
Another option you have if you only need the shower enclosure surroundings is to buy them separately. You can purchase the wall panels and then join them with a wall kit. The surrounds don’t need to be the same brand, but this can make the installation process a lot easier.
Note: To make this option work, you need to know the right measurements for your shower and enclosures.
Single-Piece Prefabricated Shower Enclosures
Usually, single-piece enclosures tend to be more expensive than other models because they have more premium finishings. These enclosures are also more challenging to transport and install because they are a single molded piece instead of multiple components.
This enclosure is more expensive because it is structurally more solid and has less space for mold to accumulate. Keep in mind that even if they are known as single-piece enclosures, the shower doors come separately.
You will need a professional installation service for this type of enclosure. You can try to do it yourself with assistance, but we recommend against it.
Note: Before choosing this type of prefab enclosure, consider whether your home’s doors are wide enough to bring in the structure.
Direct-to-Stud Shower Enclosures
Direct-to-Stud (DTS) enclosures are also easy to install. You can install them directly using the shower or bath tub studs. Because the components are directly nailed to the shower wall studs, there’s no need to use intervening drywall or cement boards.
Using a DTS prefab shower unit means you don’t need to build invisible walls once you’ve installed the enclosure.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Shower Enclosure Installed?
The cost of installing a shower enclosure will not be more expensive than the cost of the enclosure itself. Usually, an enclosure costs between 400 USD and 600 USD, or around 1500 USD for one of the premium ones.
Additionally, you need to factor in the installation costs unless you get an easy-to-install model. The installation costs for prefab enclosures for the shower will depend on your area.
As a rule, you should not pay more than 400 USD, regardless of the size of your enclosure or the place you live. If you are looking to economize, you can do the installation yourself, but you’ll need to invest in the necessary tools.
Benefits of Shower Enclosures from American Bath Enterprises, Inc.
At American Bath Enterprises, we offer 2-wall and 3-wall shower enclosures made of high-quality materials. These enclosures are excellent options if you are looking for something durable and easy to install. They also provide all the necessary parts for the best experience possible, including a center drain and a shower head.
These are the main benefits of American Bath Enterprises’ shower enclosures:
Easy Maintenance
American Bath Enterprises enclosures are easy to maintain and clean. This is an essential factor because you will need to clean your enclosure regularly.
That’s when our models come in handy with their easy-to-clean surfaces that can endure mild detergents and soaps. They also have less porosity, meaning mold and bacteria won’t accumulate easily.
Durability and Resistance
All our shower enclosures are made of high-quality materials designed to withstand constant use, mild detergents, and different temperatures. By buying an American Bath Enterprises enclosure, you’ll be getting one of the most resistant options available.
User-Friendly Installation
If you are looking to do the bathroom remodel yourself, our easy-to-install shower enclosures are your best options. You only need enough bathroom space, meaning you’ll have to take accurate measurements. It is not a challenging process, but, without that information, you won’t be able to get the right enclosure for your bathroom.
Style and Aesthetics
Our shower enclosures are made of high-gloss acrylic, providing a unique and stylish look that most materials can’t offer. The enclosures are designed to fit any size of bathroom, style, and personality.
Find the Right Shower Enclosure for Your Bathroom with American Bath Enterprises, Inc.
If you are looking for shower enclosures for your bathroom, look no further than American Bath Enterprises. We have a wide selection of shower enclosures with different designs and materials. Contact us today at (888) 228-4925 or look through our website for more information about our shower enclosures and other products!