Glass Block Blogger

As far as most people are concerned, if you wanted a glass block shower for your bathroom remodel it would have to be built block-by-block on site. Well, we in the industry feel not enough people know another way to git-er-done. The secret is out: glass block showers can now be ordered as a “pre-assembled  kit” that has everything you’d need. The ease of a glass block shower kit can make the first time “rookie” DIY-er feel like an experienced veteran. I’ll go more in depth explaining exactly what comes in a pre-assembled shower kit below and how it can benefit you.

First, the benefits of a glass block shower vs your typical shower include style. Who likes bland applications anyway? Glass block showers are very easy to clean, much more durable than your typical glass shower and offer different styles such as walk-in showers. You can have a glass block shower installed in smaller bathrooms where a regular shower may not fit too well, thanks to the curved and angular glass blocks available. If privacy is a concern, there are glass blocks tailored for both those who are adamant about maximum privacy or enjoy the happy medium between privacy and light transmission.

Second, choosing to go with a prefabricated glass block shower kit cuts the longevity of the project. The shower wall is made at the warehouse into sections that are then shipped with all necessary accessories and a shower base (optional) for you to then build like a real life Lego project. For example, if you had a 64″x 96″ space you wanted to fill in with a shower wall using a prefabricated glass block shower kit, you would receive 3 “sections” each measuring 64″x 32″ that you would then stack on top of one another and seal into place.

Using a glass block shower kit can also leave you without a rather serious problem. Since a good number of glass block showers using reinforcing wire for stability, if this isn’t done right you’ll be left with something nobody wants to see: rust. With a glass block shower kit there is no reinforcing wire present but instead a system called the “protect all” installation system. This system uses vinyl spacers stacked vertically and horizontally between the blocks as well as anchors on the end to attach at the wall. Whether the glass block part of your shower has curved walls or straight walls, the protect all installation system guarantees a solid and doable job.

Shower Bases

Shower bases are available and can be custom made for your shower layout to fit your bathroom design. There are 3 main shower bases available: ready for tile, acrylic and solid surface. The “ready for tile” shower base is made from 100% waterproof polystyrene that assures no mold or mildew buildup. If your shower drain location may worry you regarding this base, no worries; these can be custom-made and the drain location can be placed wherever you need it to be. Ready for tile shower bases can also be custom-made to be curb-less and leave the possibility of adding a bench or corner seat addition.

The acrylic shower base is a simpler product than the “ready for tile” base. The acrylic base is only one piece and only comes in 2 different sizes: 72″x 51″ and 60″x 34″, limiting it’s application. However, these can be made to have a bench or corner seat.

The solid surface shower base is made with aluminum trihydrate crystals with specially formulated resins that add flexibility and strength. These can be custom-made for any type of design – curved, straight or angle walls to fit your bathroom remodel plans. For the people who have to be mindful of the handicapped, the solid surface base curbs can be tailored to meet those needs. The curbs can be custom made as a low-profile curb, as a built-in ramp (wheelchair accessible), and full-height curb.

Although the solid surface is at a disadvantage in terms of price when compared to the other alternatives, it has advantages over the other alternatives such as being a single unit to make installation that much easier, being grout free, and not requiring any finishing material.

Feel free to give us a call if you want some more information on glass blocks or to discuss your bathroom project and how our products can help you. We’re excited to help anyone with their glass block projects. Don’t hesitate to call 973-777-8989 or email me at egboffice@easternglassblock.com. I’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way. Be sure to check out our website at www.easternglassblock.com for some inspiration and ideas.