It’s time to open the camp and think about next project which is bath renovation. After installing a new septic system we want to update the bath and include a shower. The camp is not insulated and is closed during the winter which can be severe in upstate NY. Wondering what materials to use for shower. We’d like to do a tile shower…but that may not be practical.
Cliff
PS – I was trying to attach couple photos…but couldn’t figure out how from macbook…i’ll try later
Replies
I'd suggest you look at a pre-formed fiberglass unit or one of the better plastic units. Fewer worries about frost damage, easier to maintain (who wants to spend time cleaning the shower at camp?) and quicker to install. Just get yourself some "Clean Shower" or one of the other shower sprays and spray down the unit after each use, and you'll hardly have to touch it otherwise.
Preformed Shower Unit
Thanks for the reco...it was a while since I logged in...Unfortunately, that is exactly what my better half is against putting in...as it feels too modern/artificial in a camp setting.. I may still give it a run though...there is something to be said for being pragmatic!
Cliff
I figure for a camp you want to spend your time being lazy, not maintaining the place. And you especially want to minimize LP duty. Make decisions that mean less work for you in the future, not more.
But of course, if your SO insists, you can always go for an al fresco brick-paved area with a shower curtain around it. That's "campy".
Outdoor Shower
the al fresco shower you suggest is on the honeydo list as well!
Depending upon your tastes
I've seen a pretty cool shower lined with galvanized roofing metal, the wavy style. I'm not sure how rustic or finished you want to go but with concrete for the floor and metal walls, it would be as bullet proof for temp extremes as it would get. Just make sure you buff the edges to get all the burrs removed and use pan head stainless screws with neoprene washers to attach to the walls. Perforations should be close tolerance holes and filled with a quality caulk against the stems of the mixer valve. Just forego the eschucion and let the handles hide the holes.
Galvanized Metal Shower
Thanks for the reco...The camp has 2 cottages...1 with a shower...3ft x 3 ft...with a concrete floor and treated flat metal panels. That has clearlyheld up over time....so your reco is intersting. I like the look of galvanized steel roofing and was considering using in a dry area (kithchen island). I had not thought about it in a wet area like a shower.
Have you done/seen one of these before? I am curious about other prep and installation considerations.
Regards,
Cliff
I think tile would be practical. The cold should have no effect on it.
As mentioned before, galvanized steel would look rustic, but I don't know how practical it would be, especially if you have hard water. CLR and the other cleaners for soap and mineral buildup have acid in them which would really affect the galvanized finish. But it would be cheap to put up, and easy to take down if it doesn't work out. I would not use the corrugated tin myself, I would use v-grove roofing. It would be easier to seal around penetrations.
Maybe consider copper instead. It could be interesting.
Untreated Lake Water
we still running theb camp the old fashioned way...so i think the water is rough!
i think a natural looking tile is going to win...the bias was already there...thanks
I think tile would be practical. The cold should have no effect on it.
You have to make sure the tile is dry before it freezes.
Well, yeah, but glazed tile should not absorb water. I would not use any kind of porous tile in a shower. Now, if the grouting is bad, then there very likely could be a problem. I have seen very, very old tile almost worn through outdoors at sidewalk level in front of old businesses that still is holding up, so I don't see a problem.
The grout and substrate will absorb water. Water in a small void under the tile will pop the tile off.
Dan is right: The tile isn't really practicle for these seasonal showers. We winterize a slew of baracks and rentals every fall for the winter. Tile doesn't hold up.
So, what do you see that holds up well? I'm guessing plastic and fiberglass.