The current average cost for a bathroom remodel in America is $10,756. Luckily, sometimes all you need is a new shower to upgrade an outdated bathroom.

Have you considered purchasing a new residential shower but aren’t sure which type is right for you? There are many options and picking the best shower isn’t always easy.

The following guide will explain the different types of showers that exist today. Read on and decide which is best for your bathroom layout.

Bathtub-Shower Combinations

A bathtub-shower combination is a great way to double bathing options in a residential bathroom. The bathtub is often an alcove tub that has three surrounding walls. It has faucets to control the tub faucet and showerhead.

The combination’s popularity has slowly been fading in favor of standalone showers. However, they’re still a useful way to save space in small bathrooms. Tub-shower combinations are also convenient for families with small children.

Pre-Fabricated Showers

Pre-fabricated showers are another common option in many homes. They consist of a single-piece shower pan and molded walls. These showers usually include ledges and soap dishes within the walls.

The showers often ship in separate pieces and fit through tight doorways. Homeowners can even install prefabricated showers themselves. Their overall cost is much lower than other showers with intricate designs.

Custom Showers

Professionals create custom showers to meet the homeowner’s specifications. These showers are usually built from porcelain tile or natural stone. A wet mortar base laid with stone or tile forms the shower pan.

Customized showers can be built to match any size, shape, and form requested by the buyer. They even add value to homes if they’re installed correctly and use premium materials.

Body Showers

Body showers use multiple jets that range from knee to shoulder height. They also use a traditional showerhead located above the head.

You can save water with body showers by sending water to specific areas of your body. They also clean more efficiently than letting the water run downward.

Shower Towers

Shower towers use a metal column that has controls, a showerhead, a hand shower, and multiple jets. There’s no need for multiple holes in the shower wall with a tower system.

They offer a sleek design and stand out from standard showers. Shower towers look best when used in contemporary-styled bathrooms.

Waterfall Showers

Waterfall showers use a showerhead that’s situated higher than a standard showerhead. It produces a soft, rainfall-like water flow. Waterfall showers might not be the best choice if you prefer a stronger water pressure.

You can easily convert regular showers to waterfall showers by adding a gooseneck-shaped adapter. The adapter simply raises the showerhead’s height. Then, the showerhead gets swapped out for a waterfall head.

Understanding Types of Showers

Now you know several types of showers and what situations they work best in. Consider your available space, placement in your bathroom, and your personal bathing preferences.

Remember this guide and upgrade your shower with confidence. Check out our home improvement category for more great tips and helpful information.