One-Piece or Modular Shower - How to Make the Right Choice

Looking to replace your shower with a low-maintenance model? A one-piece or modular shower are both great options, given that they require little maintenance compared to ceramic tiled showers. 

However, how can you go about choosing between these two models without overcomplicating things? What criteria should you consider? How can you make the right choice, and avoid having to carry out the same work some years down the line? Here are some helpful tips to guide you in making the right decision.

One-Piece Shower Stall vs. Modular Shower Unit: Which Is Right for Your Bathroom?

Source: Construction et rénovation ImmoZen Inc.

One-piece and modular showers are two of the most sought-after models among consumers.

While their identifiers could lead to confusion, especially for novices, the difference between the two shower models is as straightforward as can be!

Both models have their upsides and drawbacks. Either one could be the right choice depending on the bathroom itself. So, which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at both to help shed some light on the matter.

Also, these two models mandate extensive work since they’re affixed to the home’s framework. Ceramic tiles and drywall must be ripped out to access the framework.

One-Piece Shower Enclosure: Not Suited for Corners

One-piece shower enclosures are aptly named given that they’re seamless units made from a single material, hence the “one-piece.”

Note that a one-piece shower is harder to install, as its configuration makes it more challenging to fit into size-restricted corners.

Moreover, one-piece showers aren’t adjustable or tailorable, so be sure to buy the right size to ensure it fits the intended space. Also, the stall must be carefully hauled, ensuring it fits between the doorframes and hallways of your home first. 

Modular Shower Stall Kit: Alcove Setup Possible

As for a modular shower stall, it is made up of several individual parts, including the base and walls, assembled during the installation. It can be installed without a hitch in a new or existing construction. Hauling it is also a lot easier than a one-piece stall. Moreover, one can easily replace a bathtub shower combo with a modular alcove shower stall. It’s installed against three free walls, which perfectly suits a bathtub shower combo, on top of allowing for more space without extending or shrinking the existing space.

How Much Does a One-Piece or Modular Shower Stall Cost?

As for shower stall prices, note that the ones listed below are for informational purposes only, and are likely to vary based on the retailer. 

The above-mentioned prices exclude the required labour to carry out the project, as well as the necessary materials used.

Want a sneak peek at the cost of a bathroom remodel? Check out our Bathroom Cost Guide. 

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Shower Stall?

Source: Generational Homes Inc

Before setting up a budget, consider your needs when it comes to your new shower. Who, for example, will be using it? Is it meant for your primary residence or a cottage? Will it be used daily or sporadically? Do you plan on using it personally, or will it only be used by people renting out your cottage?

Moreover, it's important to consider where the shower will be installed (what floor?). If you plan on undertaking this project in one of your rental properties, consider daily maintenance done by tenants or by yourself in the next few years. All these questions will help you establish your priorities and steer you toward the best shower stall. 

Having this sort of project in mind could also turn into the perfect opportunity to carry out other home improvement work, such as relocating a shower stall, replacing a sink and faucet, or doing some paintwork. Your small shower stall project could morph into a complete bathroom remodel. As such, ask yourself some tough questions in order to properly plan time-sensitive work and whatever can be done at a later time. 

Check out our article The Bathroom Renovation Checklist.

How to Keep Your Shower Clean

Source: Ontera Homes Inc.

Now that your needs and budget are ascertained, take some time to consider the maintenance of it all. 

Cleaning a one-piece shower or modular shower stall is relatively simple. You just have to regularly wash the stall with shower-specific cleaners to prevent limescale and hard water buildup. It’s also important to check that all shower stall silicone joints and fittings are in order, ensuring the shower unit is water-sealed. 

Maintenance will also depend on the material used, so get as much information as possible on the matter. Naturally, opt for robust material to ensure durability and avoid having to redo the job at hand sooner than necessary.

FAQ About Shower Stall Options

How do you remove or replace a one-piece shower stall?

To remove or replace a one-piece shower stall, turn off the water supply, unscrew the faucet, and then section the stall if it’s too big to remove all at once. Peel back the sealant and make sure the nearby walls are protected.

What is the best shower stall in terms of maintenance?

Showers with limescale-proof glass walls or dividers, a jointless base (acrylic or resin) and tile-free walls are the best options for maintaining a clean and low-maintenance shower.

What is a bathtub shower combo?

A bathtub shower combo is pretty self-explanatory: it’s a single unit featuring a tub and a wall-mounted showerhead, which is a practical solution for small bathrooms. It allows users to shower and bathe within a single space.

How much does it cost to install a one-piece shower?

The cost of installing a one-piece shower depends on several factors, including the stall size, materials, plumbing work, and labour. If you're simply replacing an existing one-piece shower with a new model of the same size, expenses will be relatively lower, with the enclosure being the most significant cost. However, installing a one-piece shower in a space where none previously existed will be significantly more expensive due to the additional plumbing and structural work required.