Best Place to Find Frameless Shower Door Hardware

If you have a frameless shower door system installed in your bathroom you will know how important it is to have the proper hardware for the system to function properly. There are times when you may want to change out the frameless shower door hardware to possibly match other hardware in the bathroom. In this case, there are a few different choices to find hardware that will match the surrounding décor. Your best bet to find the hardware you seek would be the manufacturer of the system, an online retailer, or an online reseller.

The first place you would want to check is the manufacturer of your frameless shower door system. The manufacturer may have very limited hardware that comes with their glass doors and this may be a long shot; however, if they do have the hardware you desire then you can be guaranteed that it will properly fit and work with your shower system.

If you fail to locate the hardware through the manufacturer, then you may try some online retailers. Aftermarket hardware that matches fixtures in your bathroom may be found using these sites. Many small manufacturers will find a niche, such as manufacturing specialty hardware that can be matched to other fixtures. For instance, if the manufacturer of your frameless system only offers a stainless steel handle, there may be another small manufacturer that produces an oil-rubbed bronze handle that will fit your shower system.

Finally, you may have luck finding the hardware you seek searching sites such as eBay and craigslist. Resellers may have the hardware you seek removed from broken shower systems or available because someone else has removed the hardware because they are replacing it with something different that they desired.

No matter where you find your hardware, make certain that it will fit properly and maintain the integrity of your frameless shower system.

Frameless Shower Doors

If you have decided to say goodbye to that old shower curtain, then you have made a wise decision. A modern bathroom will incorporate a glass shower door for a shower enclosure. There are many styles available to choose from when searching for a replacement shower door. There are two basic styles that you will find, the framed door and the frameless shower door.

Traditional framed shower glass doors have been around for decades. These doors are very functional and can be a great choice over a shower curtain; however, they do have their drawbacks. The frames used by many of these doors tend to not age gracefully. These frames are often hard to clean and are prone to leaks. Also, these framed shower doors have been around for long enough that people may tend to see them as dated.

For a truly great look, a frameless shower door should be incorporated into your bathroom. These newer frameless doors have a great sleek modern look. Because there is no true frame, many of these doors have the appearance of being all glass. This style of door fits in nicely with the modern bathroom.

There are two basic types of frameless shower doors. The first is the traditional sliding door. These can work similar to traditional framed shower doors in that they slide open and shut. However, many of these doors also have a feature that allows them to slide by the fixed pane of glass and lock in place when closed. This provides an added water barrier to protect your outside flooring. The other type of door is the traditional swing open and close door. This type of door can add a little extra style to any bathroom. You should consider the space available in the bathroom to decide which door would be best for you. In a smaller bathroom it may be wise to install a sliding glass door which does not require opening out into the bathroom.

There are many places to find these new frameless shower doors. One of the best places to look would be a specialty retail store that specializes in bathroom accessories. These stores are often higher in price, but at these stores you will be able to actually see the doors working in person. This can make a big difference in the door that you choose. Once you get a feel of how a door looks and operates you can switch your search to online retailers. Here you may find a better selection and cheaper prices.

A Detailed Guide on the Proper Installation of Vessel Sink Faucets

Vessel sink faucets are typically built separately from bathroom sinks. Unlike standard faucets, they require special installation requirements. If you plan to install one on your own, then you better read this article to ensure that you will successfully accomplish the task.

First and foremost, it is important that you take note of the height of the sink. When using a counter-top vessel sink, make sure to consider the height of its bowl and not the counter space. It is critical that you position the faucet at a desirable height to provide sufficient room so you can efficiently use the sink. You have to place the faucet high enough to prevent too much water splashing once you turn it on. To prevent this from happening, carefully align the faucet with the sink and ascertain that the flow of water will goes down directly to the sink’s bowl.

Apart from the faucet height, proper plumbing and drainage is also a must. Since the faucet is completely separated from the vessel sink, it is imperative to create appropriate plumbing lines to ensure uninterrupted water flow and drainage. If in case you need to change the existing plumbing on your bathroom, it is best to hire a professional plumber. However, for those who are quite knowledgeable about bathroom piping, then you can choose to do the task on your own. The type of installation that you require will immensely depend on the bathroom style that you want to achieve, the type of vessel sink that you have, and the kind of vessel faucet that you need to install.

Before connecting the pipes to the faucet, be sure to turn off the main water line. After that, allow the water supply lines to pass through the appropriate holes in the sink. If the faucet has a cold and hot water lever, make sure to connect them to the correct source of water line. All the plumbing lines must be tightly connected to prevent water leakage. When installing a counter-top vessel faucet, do not forget to secure the mounting nuts underneath the countertop. Use a plumbing wrench to tighten the water pipes connected to the faucet. However, avoid over tightening the pipes as this might cause them to bend or get damaged.

Once you have installed all of the components of the vessel faucet, you can now turn on the main water line to determine if you have successfully connected the appropriate water lines and also to check for leaks. Lastly, use silicone to seal the surrounding areas of the faucet (applicable only for counter-top vessel sink faucets).

The Functional and Elegant Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks are versatile and functional additions to any bathroom space. But contrary to what some people believe, their concept is not entirely a new idea. The truth is, these sinks are just modern versions of an old world invention —– the wash basin. Wash basins were common bathroom fixtures widely used during the 18th and 19th century. These sinks were mostly made of porcelain bowls that are placed atop a bathroom counter. The idea surrounding vessel bathroom sinks was mainly derived from the old wash basins; however, drains were added to modern sink models intended for emptying water.

Today, vessel bathroom sinks are now sold in a myriad of shapes, colors, styles, and sizes. That being said, it is essential that you become familiar with the available types in order to end up with most suitable choice. 

Vessel-type sinks can be classified according to styles, installation, and materials used.

According to Style

• Traditional Sinks – These sinks are the perfect complement for bathroom spaces featuring old world designs. Traditional sinks, such as the ceramic and stone variants, often have deep and earthy tones that blend well with rustic and quaint bathroom designs.

• Contemporary Sinks – They are intently designed to be integrated in modern-inspired bathrooms. These sinks are sold in varying models. Some carry sleek and simple designs, while others feature sophisticated and high-end styles. Those made from glass are the most popular choice among many homeowners.

According to Installation

• Recessed-Style Sinks – They have sturdier basins that offer greater stability. Sinks made from stone, wood, and copper are the ideal candidates for recessed sink installation.

• Counter-Top Sinks – These are the most popular type of vessel bathroom sinks available today. They rest completely at the top of the bathroom counter. The require special vessel faucets that complement the look even more.

According to Materials Used
• Stone Sinks – If you are looking for a durable option, then this type is perfect for you. Stone bathroom sinks are known for their versatility and long-lasting quality. However, due to the fact that they are made from natural materials, they often come with a hefty price tag.

• Glass Sinks – These sinks are commonly integrated in contemporary bathroom spaces. It is important that you use extra care when installing them since they can easily shatter or break. Additionally, you can acquire them in very reasonable prices.

• Copper Sinks – They are mostly manufactured in countries with abundant supply of copper, like Mexico and India. Exquisite types of copper sinks are usually hand-hammered by skilled old world artisans.  

In order to select the most appropriate type of vessel bathroom sink, make sure to take note of the surrounding bathroom style, counter design, and existing bathroom configuration.

Small Bathtubs

The Clawfoot Small Bathtub

When remodeling a bathroom, deciding on what features will be included can often be a taxing experience. There are so many choices when it comes to vanities, sinks, faucets, and toilets. However, many people install a traditional bathtub without giving much thought to what else is available. There have been some exciting advancements in the design of bathtubs in the last few years. One of the hottest trends in new bathtubs is going to smaller bathtubs.

Smaller bathtubs can be found to match nearly any décor. Smaller bathtubs will allow full body immersion by increasing the height of the tub instead of the length and width. Many of these taller bathtubs will have handy seats built-in, making it very easy to sit down and enjoy a nice bath. In addition, installing a smaller bathtub in your bathroom can save an incredible amount of space. This added space saving can be utilized for extra storage or to allow for a larger open space in the bathroom.

These smaller bathtubs can be found in a variety of places. Shopping online will yield the biggest selection. There are a number of retailers online that will carry many manufacturers and different styles. Finding a good online retailer can often result in very low prices; however, shipping must also be factored into the pricing.

Another popular place to find small bathtubs is traditional big-box retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. These big retailers pride themselves on low prices and great selections. More often than not, the tub you may want will probably not be in stock at a big retailer because of the size of the item. This may result in having to order the tub and having it delivered. There is often no extra charge for ordering, but may delay your installation.

Finally, do not forget about the local independent home improvement store. Many of these small family-owned lumberyards struggle to compete with the big retailers and online stores these days. However, these retailers will often deliver great customer service along with helpful tips. If you require installation with your small bathtub, these local stores can be a great source for referrals for installers.

Small bathtubs may be ideal for your new bathroom. Remember, you could be able to save space without giving up quality. Shop around and do extensive research on brands to make sure the small bathtub you are buying will meet your needs.