Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to get more enjoyment from your home and boost its value. Explore the wide variety of new bathtubs and showers on the market. From the simply functional to the deliciously luxurious, find bathroom and shower remodel ideas for every taste and budget.

Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs and Showers

Many are confused about the differences between acrylic and fiberglass when purchasing a shower or bathtub replacement.

Acrylic units are made by heating and vacuum, forming a sheet of material over a mold, and reinforcing it with fiberglass. There are some advantages of an acrylic shower and bathtub replacement:

• Easy to clean
• Easy to repair
• Excellent color retention
• Expected to last 30 or more years
• High gloss surface
• Many colors to choose from
• Non-porous (Mold, mildew and germs can’t get in.)
• Strong, durable material.

Fiberglass components are made from polyester resin sprayed into a mold, and strengthened with glass particles. Because fiberglass bathtubs and showers are porous, their finish can become dulled and discolored with use. Expect one to eight useful years from a fiberglass shower or bathtub replacement. Fiberglass bathtubs and showers do have some advantages, however:

• Easy repair of cracks
• Less expensive than acrylics
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Many colors to choose from
• Matte surface.

Bathtub Replacement Styles

If you’ve decided to install a bathtub replacement, you have many style options, including:

• Corner tubs: Stylish and attractive, corner bathtubs also take up less wall space than rectangular tubs. You can use the extra space to create cabinets, a bidet or even a shower space.
• Rectangular tubs: This old standard is the most popular choice for new bathtubs, and fits any style bathroom.
• Round Baths: For a dramatic, luxurious touch, a round bathtub makes an impressive addition. However, round tubs are only practical in larger bathrooms.

Once you’ve picked the ideal shape for your bathtub replacement, you can add luxury features such as air baths or whirlpool systems.

Shower Remodel Ideas

Whether you choose shower tile, or an acrylic or fiberglass unit, find a shower that expresses your unique style and personality:

• All-tile showers: These showers are created by designers, tile by tile, and can be one-of-a-kind works of art.
• Multi-piece prefab showers: These shower remodel ideas are easy to complete. They easily fit through doorways and installation is a breeze. Multi-piece prefab showers are available in regular or corner units.
• One-piece prefab showers: These large units are sometimes difficult or impossible to fit through doorways in existing homes. One-piece units are a great choice for new construction, however.
• Tile showers with pan: Homeowners often choose to use a pre-fab pan with a tile shower, since tile pans are a difficult project.
• Walk in showers: Offering a spa-like appearance and accessibility to the physically challenged, walk in showers are a hot trend in bathroom remodels.

You can add luxury features to your shower including:

• Body sprays
• Dual shower-heads for couples’ showers
• Rain shower-heads
• Steam saunas.