Prefabricated shower units are available in both standard curbed showers and curbless models too.

Click Here to View EZ Able’s Curbless Showers Now.

Generally prefabricated shower units require less on-site preparation time for installation.  We offer many styles, sizes and color options at EZ Able®.   All EZ Able® prefabricated shower units are made in the U.S.A.

Most prefabricated showers for new construction are a single integrated unit.  Therefore, some of the waterproofing issues associated with custom-built showers are eliminated.  However, the same water control issues at the joint between the room floor and the shower floor must be addressed.

To meet the need of existing home bathroom remodels, multi-piece prefabricated shower units are offered.  One piece shower units are often not practical for bathroom remodeling because they can be too big to fit through existing doors and hallways.  Multi-piece showers are much easier to get into an existing bathroom which make them a perfect choice for bathroom remodeling projects.  Click Here to View EZ Able’s Multi-Piece Showers Now.

Typically, prefabricated showers that are curbless are best if recessed into the floor system in the same manner as custom-built curbless showers.  However, they need not be recessed as deeply as custom-built showers; some models, because of the design of their base, offer the option of raising the level of the room floor instead of recessing the shower.  EZ Able® offers both low curb and curbless showers to meet our customers needs.  Click Here to See Our Online Shower Selection.

However, care must be exercised when selecting prefabricated models advertised as “accessible.”  Despite the fact that they may be set directly on the subfloor, many of these “accessible” units still have a low threshold or curb to retain water.  “Roll-in” showers with even a 1/2-inch threshold should only be installed in specific retrofit situations for a particular individual or when code compliance is not required.  Click Here to View EZ Able’s Roll-in Showers Now.  Need Expert Advice?  Call 877-392-2531 Now.

The base of prefabricated fixtures must be shallow to achieve a level transition between the shower floor and the room floor. Many of these shallow units do not have the structural integrity of units with large curbs and deep floor basins. It is important to select units where the base has been “thickened” or reinforced around the entry and/or the units have been fabricated using a honeycomb cell construction that provides more overall structural integrity.  All EZ Able® prefabricated shower units have reinforced floors and walls.  Our showers are SO STRONG that accessories like grab bars and shower seats can be added after the shower has been installed.

Most manufacturers recommend a bedding compound thickness based on the space beneath the shower floor to give additional rigidity and extra structural support.  EZ Able® showers come pre-leveled from the factory and have a rigid, strong base.  Our showers don’t need the extra step of laying down a bedding compound to help strengthen the base.

 

EZ Able® offers shower units that can be set on the floor.   See Below.

Some our EZ Able® showers are can be used as recessed prefabricated shower units.  See Below.

When recessing prefabricated shower units, it is critical that the depth of the recess match exactly the requirements for the base of the specific unit. If the recess is too shallow or too deep, it will be extremely difficulty to achieve a waterproof seal between the unit and the finished floor.

 

For units where the recess is too deep, it is possible to “shim up” the unit to match the floor level.  Raising the finished floor to create a flush transition is sometimes necessary. While this approach avoids modifying the floor joist system, it still requires the addition of another layer of subfloor or shim strips below the room’s finished flooring.  Unless other portions of the finished floor are elevated, small level changes will occur and beveled thresholds must be provided.

Disclaimer:

The statements and conclusions contained are offered by EZ Able® as a guide.  The Center for Universal Design is the primary source for recommendations offered in this document.  This document is intended to serve as a guide to design professionals and those involved in specifying and installing bathing fixtures.  EZ Able® has made every effort to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of this information and its content so it may be regarded as an accurate resource document. Yet, the information is advisory and the guidance provided is not legally binding. Readers are advised to refer to specific codes, regulations, and requirements within their jurisdictions and to remember that no guarantee is offered or implied for the completeness of the information provided.