I want to build a larger than normal shower at my summer cottage that is located in Northern Ontario. The temperature there ranges from 90 deg. in the summer to -40 deg in mid winter. The cottage is not heated in winter. Years ago I installed a typical acrylic tub surround at my father’s cottage (also unheated in winter). It was the kind that you glue on to drywall and it cracked in 3 places after a couple of winters due to thermal expansion. All of these tub surround type products sold at Home Depot in our area clearly state not to use them in unheated buildings.
I have located a nice fiberglass reasonably priced shower base (Durastone by E.L. Mustee) that is 34″ x 54″. Mustee makes fiberglass walls for their shower bases in many smaller sizes but not for the larger sizes like 34″ x 54″.
Does anyone know of a materal that is available in sheet form at least 54″ wide that is smooth white finish, suitable for use in a shower, reasonably priced and can take this type of temperature change without cracking up.
I will do ceramic tile if I have to but it is a lot of work and expense for a summer cottage this is only used 5 months of the year.
Big Bill
Replies
have you considered stainless steel? if you like the industrial/jail look...
they guys that cast the man made marble sinks... can cast you flat 1/4" sheets you can cut with a cir saw to fit...
in commerical kitchens we use a grained/ pebbled whit fiberglass comes 4x8 and 5x9 about 1/8 thick... maybe $50 a sheet but it stands up to pressure wash'n
you have options
p
search for polycarbonate/lexan
That is the stuff they make lighted signs out of, as well as freezer drawers and shelves
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Thanks Piffin. I also have heard of a solid surface material called Swanstone. Has any any experience with it.
Big Bill
SwanStone? Sure. Got the tub surround in my house. Mine looks like ceramic tile but doesn't have the high upkeep. Upkeep you ask? Read the small print. I don't have to clean & seal the grout every 6 months. Got another going in now. Durock or Wonderboard behind it. I use SS screws. Vapor barrier. Showerhead above the panel so no drilling. You and your wife will love it. Tyr
Tyr
I used Dupont Solarian flooring material as a tub surround and it worked like a charm. It was (if I can remember) about four feet in width. Made fillets for the corners and used contact cement to put it up. That was the tricky part-vertical dowels and a few extra hands are necessary. The flooring is virtually maintenance free-no joints and just wipes off. Chose you pattern.
you need to be thinking marine grade stuff..............
http://www.kingstarboard.com/Default.aspx
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
Were you by chance meaning to reply to a question asker? I was just posting a positive comment about SwanStone. If I AM correct, scroll to email from the person asking a question, then select the proper button at the bottom of THEIR message to reply, make your comment and when you post it, select that you want to "Post to Message Board"(All members can read). That way your comment is in context and it directed at the question asked. Procedure out of the way...I'm curious about your comment..."marine grade". Marine grade what? Used where? Obtained where? How about cost? Later, Tyr
Thanks for all the info on how the board works.........doh!
It is not unusual at all for a poster to hit reply and forget to post it to the original poster rather than the previous poster. Happens alot, so don't let it bother you.
Kingstarboard............visit the site. There are all kind of apps for numerous products that the parent co. makes including marine, industrial and food.
They make boats or parts of boats out of this stuff best I can tell..........I saw a piece of this Star Board stuff in the back of someones pu truck in the parking lot. Looked like cool stuff so I looked it up.
Eric
I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
I think you meant to reply to Big Bill. Tyr
Have you considered fiberglass shower modules. One of your problems with the surround was likely the gluing to the walls. Fully molded showers are like a fiberglass boat. Large size ones are made for ADA accessibility. The company below also sells just a base that is heavy duty for wheelchairs.
http://www.arpbathtubs.com/access.html
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Both dupont corian and swanstone make showere panels in white and off-white colors (just did one in "cameo" a nice soft white. I think the widest panel available is 48". They have trim kits for splices, edges, soap dishes etc.
Hi Big Bill
I did a few showers in a few different provincial parks in Northern Ontario. Two methods were good. Porcelin tile on thinset mortar on a 4 inch concrete block worked well but probably not suitable for your camp. (north of French River cottage is replaced by camp!) I also installed a couple of fibreglass units that worked great. There is a Home Depot in Sudbury, Sault , and opening soon in North Bay so you can get one pretty reasonably priced.