Best Shower Kits for a Luxurious Bathroom Upgrade
As homeowners, we all want our showers to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, a worn and damaged shower can be far from pleasant, and may even indicate underlying issues like rot, leaks, and mold growth. To put our minds at ease and give our bathrooms a much-needed update, replacing an existing shower and related accessories may be the best option. We have list together 6 best shower kits to pick from. Upgrade your bathroom with the best shower kits for ultimate luxury. Discover top-rated options for a spa-like experience at home.
Before jumping into a new tile pattern, it’s important to research the best shower kit for our specific situation. Shower k its come with prefabricated components, including walls, a shower pan, and a door, making them more DIY-friendly than building a traditional shower from scratch. With so many different styles and configurations available, choosing the right kit can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help us understand the functions and features of these bathroom essentials, and to showcase some of the best shower kits on the market.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shower Kit
When shopping for a new shower kit, it’s important to consider several factors that will help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Size
Before making a purchase, it’s important to measure the space where the shower kit will be installed. This includes the height, width, and depth of the area, as well as any additional measurements needed for a corner shower kit. By taking precise measurements, you can ensure that the new shower kit will fit seamlessly into your bathroom.
Components
Shower kits come in a variety of configurations, from one-piece prefabricated stalls to multi-piece kits that include walls, a shower pan, and a door. When choosing a shower kit, consider the condition of your bathroom walls and whether you need to install new waterproof wallboard. This will help you determine which type of kit is best suited to your needs.
Design
Shower kits come in three basic designs: corner, alcove, and freestanding. Corner shower kits are ideal for small bathrooms, while alcove shower kits are designed to fit between three walls. Freestanding shower kits are the least common option, but they offer a unique look and feel that can be a great fit for certain bathroom designs.
Materials and Color
Shower kits come in a variety of materials, from affordable vinyl and fiberglass to high-end options like glass and engineered stone. When choosing a material, consider your budget as well as the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Additionally, many shower kits come in a variety of colors and patterns, so it’s important to choose one that blends well with your existing décor.
Additional Features
Many shower kits come with extra features that can enhance your showering experience. For example, frosted glass walls or doors can add a premium look and greater sense of privacy. Built-in seats are important for those with mobility issues or for bathing small children. Grab bars are a safety feature that can help prevent slips and falls, while slip-resistant floors can provide improved traction. When choosing a shower kit, consider which additional features are most important to you.
Read Next: Choosing the right Showerhead
Our Top Picks
After extensive research and consideration, we have selected the top six shower kits based on their design, material, construction, size, color options, component features, and overall quality. Here are our top picks:
1. DreamLine Encore Shower Kit
This two-piece shower kit is designed for an alcove with pre-existing tiles. It includes a black slip-resistant shower pan and a tall black frame that holds two sliding glass doors, giving the shower a sleek, modern appearance. The shower pan has a glossy acrylic finish that resists scratching and stains, and the tempered glass doors slide on gliding rollers to open and close smoothly. The kit does not come with walls.
Pros
- Bypass door design for easy entry and exit
- Satin black finish for a modern and stylish look
- Right drain black base kit included
- Tempered glass construction for durability
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May be difficult to install for one person
- Satin black finish may show fingerprints and water spots more easily than other finishes
2. SUNNY SHOWER 60 in. W x 72 in. H Frameless Sliding Shower Doors
The SUNNY SHOWER 60 in. W x 72 in. H Frameless Sliding Shower Doors are a high-quality and stylish addition to any bathroom. They are made with 5/16″ tempered glass, which is thick and durable enough to withstand everyday use. The glass is also ANSI certified, so you can be sure that it meets all safety standards.
The shower doors have a brushed nickel finish, which gives them a modern and sophisticated look. They are also very easy to clean, thanks to the frameless design.
The doors slide smoothly and quietly, thanks to the high-quality hardware. They also have a built-in towel bar, which is a convenient feature.
Overall, the SUNNY SHOWER 60 in. W x 72 in. H Frameless Sliding Shower Doors are an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom. They are high-quality, stylish, and easy to use.
Pros:
- High-quality tempered glass
- ANSI certified
- Brushed nickel finish
- Frameless design for easy cleaning
- Smooth and quiet sliding hardware
- Built-in towel bar
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the doors are difficult to install
- Others have reported that the doors leak slightly
Read Next: Why is my showerhead leaking
3. FEKEWIO Shower Door Frameless 56″- 60″ W x 76″ H
The FEKEWIO Shower Door Frameless 56″- 60″ W x 76″ H Single Sliding Width Adjustable 3/8″ (10 mm) Clear Tempered Glass Smooth Door (SS04 Brushed Nickel) is a high-quality and stylish shower door that is perfect for any bathroom. It is made with 3/8″ tempered glass, which is thick and durable enough to withstand everyday use. The glass is also ANSI certified, so you can be sure that it meets all safety standards.
The shower door has a brushed nickel finish, which gives it a modern and sophisticated look. It is also very easy to clean, thanks to the frameless design.
The door slides smoothly and quietly, thanks to the high-quality hardware. It also has a built-in towel bar, which is a convenient feature.
Pros:
- High-quality tempered glass
- ANSI certified
- Brushed nickel finish
- Frameless design for easy cleaning
- Smooth and quiet sliding hardware
- Built-in towel bar
- Adjustable width
- Thick and durable glass
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the door is difficult to install
- Others have reported that the door leaks slightly
4. DreamLine Prism Plus Shower Kit
This corner shower kit by DreamLine features a slip-resistant textured base and two glass panels, plus a hinged glass door that allows for entry and exit. The frameless glass-door design pairs well with the low-profile shower base, and each piece of glass features a ClearMax coating that resists water streaks and stains. The kit does not include back walls.
Pros
- Frameless design for a modern and sleek look
- 3/8 in. thick tempered glass for durability
- Hinged door for easy entry and exit
- Brushed nickel finish for a stylish and durable look
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May be difficult to install for one person
- Brushed nickel finish may show fingerprints and water spots more easily than other finishes
5. Vigo Shower Kit
This rectangular corner-style shower kit comes with two glass wall panels and a glass door, and features a frameless sliding glass-door design that can be installed to open either left or right. The kit includes rail and wall-mount brackets to anchor and reinforce walls, but does not include a full set of walls or a base.
Pros
- Frameless design for a modern and sleek look
- 3/8 in. thick tempered glass for durability
- Sliding door for easy entry and exit
- Chrome finish for a stylish and durable look
- Reversible handle for left or right-handed use
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May be difficult to install for one person
- Sliding door design may not be as watertight as other types of shower doors
- Chrome finish may show fingerprints and water spots more easily than other finishes
The DreamLine Prism 36 1/8 in. x 72 in.
This modern corner-style shower kit Frameless Neo-Angle Pivot Shower Enclosure in Chrome is a top-rated shower enclosure that is known for its high quality, sleek design, and durability. It is made with 3/8 in. thick ANSI certified clear tempered glass and features a unique solid brass pivot mechanism. The Prism also has a header-footer design and anodized aluminum guiderails that allow for up to 3/8 in. out of plumb adjustment on each side.
One of the best things about the Prism shower enclosure is its frameless design. This gives the enclosure a modern and sleek look that will complement any bathroom décor. The glass is also treated with DreamLine’s exclusive ClearMax water and stain resistant glass coating, which makes it easy to keep clean and looking its best.
Another great feature of the Prism shower enclosure is its pivoting door. The door opens and closes smoothly and easily, and it features a full length magnetic door latch for a water tight closure. The enclosure also has a walk-in opening of 22 3/16 in., which is wide enough for most people to comfortably enter and exit.
Pros:
- Frameless design for a modern and sleek look
- 3/8 in. thick ANSI certified clear tempered glass for durability
- Solid brass pivot mechanism for smooth and easy operation
- Header-footer design and anodized aluminum guiderails for out of plumb adjustment
- ClearMax water and stain resistant glass coating for easy cleaning
- Full length magnetic door latch for a water tight closure
- Walk-in opening of 22 3/16 in. for easy access
Cons:
- Heavy enclosure can be difficult to install by one person
- Plastic trim around the door sides may not be as durable as the rest of the enclosure
Overall, these six shower kits offer a variety of styles and price points to help shoppers find the best shower kit for their bathroom.
Our Verdict
For those looking for a shower kit for a pre-existing alcove space, the DreamLine Encore shower kit may be a great choice. It includes a SlimLine shower base and two sliding glass doors. However, for those with smaller bathrooms or hoping to convert a powder room into a half bath, the A&E Casey shower kit is a more affordable option. It is a smaller corner shower kit that can fit in tight spaces.
How We Selected the Best Shower Kits
When choosing the best shower kits, we considered several factors. Firstly, we assessed the included components to ensure that each kit had all the necessary elements for a full shower setup. We also evaluated the construction materials used in each kit, opting for durable and easy-to-care-for materials such as wood, vinyl, glass, and metal.
In addition to the materials used, we looked at the size of each kit based on completed dimensions, as well as the design and color selection. We wanted to present a lineup of shower enclosure kits that offered a variety of options to suit different preferences and needs.
By taking all of these factors into account, we were able to confidently select the top shower kits on the market. Our selection includes kits that are easy to install, made from quality materials, and offer a range of design options to fit any bathroom style.
Tips for Installing Shower Kits
When installing a shower kit, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure that the installation is done correctly. Here are some tips to help you get the job done right:
- Locate the shower kit close to a pre-existing drain line to avoid costly plumbing work.
- Ensure that the floor where the shower pan will be installed is clean and dry to prevent water damage and mold growth.
- Waterproof the nearby walls to prevent water damage and mold growth.
- If the shower kit is to be installed against drywall, treat it with a waterproofing primer. However, it’s best to install waterproof wallboard instead of drywall in the area where the shower will be installed.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shower kit is installed correctly and will provide you with years of use.
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Questions People May Have
Q. Is it more cost-effective to install a prefabricated shower kit or build your own shower?
We recommend installing a prefabricated shower kit as it is usually cheaper than building your own tiled shower stall. However, if you are planning on purchasing a high-end clawfoot tub shower kit or a four-piece shower kit with a premium ornate design, building your own shower may be more cost-effective.
Q. How do we choose a shower kit?
To choose the best shower kit for your home, start by measuring the area where you will install the new shower. Look for shower-stall kits that fit the space and narrow your selection by identifying products that meet your aesthetic taste. Don’t forget to purchase a shower-valve kit and any additional hardware required to complete the job.
Q. How long can we expect a shower kit to last?
With appropriate maintenance, such as regular cleaning of the home shower faucets and ensuring that water doesn’t seep into any gaps around the exterior edge of the shower walls or base, you can expect a shower kit to last up to 20 years on average.
Q. How much does a shower kit cost?
The cost of a shower kit can vary between $400 for a simple fiberglass shower insert up to $2,000 for a luxury option, once you factor in labor and hardware such as drains, faucets, and shower heads for your bathroom.
