How to renew your old shower in just a few steps

5 ways to renew the shower cubicle in the bathroom

The bathroom is a room that needs a lot of attention. This is because it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house. It can also be one of the most difficult rooms to keep clean. These problems can leave your shower looking dull and drab rather than clean and shiny. Apart from cleanliness, outdated fittings and finishes can also make your shower no longer look modern and elegant.

If you want to make an old shower look like new again, there are a number of measures you can take. Some are quick and easy and can be done in an hour or two. Others require a little more effort and time. And for those who are ready to tackle a larger project, a shower renovation or renewal can also make sense.

If you want to renovate the entire bathroom yourself, here are step-by-step instructions » 

Regardless of your budget or the time you have available, there are several ways to restore an old shower to its true glory:

How can I make my old shower look like new?

To give your old shower enclosure or tray another chance, we have the following recommendation:

• Clean the shower

Start your bathroom project with a thorough cleaning of the shower and shower walls.

• Clean the shower glass

If your shower has a glass door on one side, a clean and shiny surface can also make an old shower door look like new again.

Tip: Next time you go shopping, make sure you also pick up a shower squeegee for your bathroom. Because once your shower is clean, using a squeegee after every shower can prolong the life of your cleaning as less residue will build up on the surfaces. For the grout, around the edges and everything else, you can use a lint-free cloth.

• Renew your shower fittings

A thorough cleaning of the shower and its fittings is the quickest and cheapest way to make an old shower at home look like new again. However, if you have some time and money and want to do more work, you can also replace the shower head, tap and other shower fittings with new items.

• Opt for a brand new glass shower door

If your budget allows, replacing your old shower door or shower curtain with a new glass shower enclosure is also a very good way to give your bathroom a new look. It also gives you excellent splash protection.

These are some inexpensive and quick ways to make shower enclosures look like new. However, if you decide to have a new shower and want to give your old shower enclosure or shower tray a complete makeover, you can get some great inspiration below:

5 ways to remodel the old shower cubicle

There are many different types of showers and bathtubs. The way in which you would like to design the installation of your new shower, bathtub or shower enclosure is entirely up to you and your individual wishes and ideas. Here you will find some inspiring and stimulating ideas for a new shower or shower tray:

• Standard shower

A standard shower is available in many different sizes and consists of a shower tray with matching surround. Most complete showers have a size of 90 x 90 cm, but there are also smaller variants with 70 x 70 cm. The cost of such a model starts at around €400. If you do not do the installation yourself, the additional expenditure can be up to €600.

Tip: Many shower enclosures can be bought very easily and quickly at the DIY store.

• “Walk-in” shower

"Walk-in" or simply walk-in showers are becoming increasingly popular. This has very practical reasons, for example to prepare for possible limitations in old age, but is also visually extremely eye-catching. These showers are often up to 150 x 150 cm in size, so there is an extremely large amount of space from floor to wall. The low installation height makes it possible to design the bathroom without steps. The costs range between €1,000 and €5,000.

Tip: Special lighting effects and wellness functions can turn such a shower enclosure into something very special.

• Open shower

With an open shower, you can give your bathroom a top modern look. However, you should make sure to plan the new shower appropriately so that the bathroom and the wall are not completely under water or wet after every shower. Open showers are usually 140 x 140 cm and are often built in combination with a "walk-in" shower. The price is between €750 and €3,500.

• Steam shower

Have you ever heard of a steam shower? Such a shower allows you to enjoy an authentic steam bath and complements a shower cubicle with countless wellness extras. In a steam shower, you can still shower off with a hand shower, but at the same time select additional functions via a control panel. The temperature can be set to up to 50 °C and the various side and head showers provide a full-body massage. The luxury version of a steam shower has a size of 150 x 90 cm and costs up to €5,000.

• Shower temple

If you have the option, you can also transform your bathroom into a shower temple with an exclusive spa character. There are no limits to your imagination. How about a rain shower and various types of water massage? You can also combine your shower temple with a steam shower or add seating. Lighting effects and the option of aromatherapy can also be integrated. Incidentally, you can make the installation in all kinds of shapes, such as round, square, semicircular or rectangular. The cost of such a shower enclosure is usually more than €5,000.

Now it's time to install and assemble the new shower enclosure with real wellness factor:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the shower in the bathroom

If you have decided to install the new shower enclosure yourself, we have summarised the individual steps for planning and then the work steps for installation to assist you:

• Take measures

Before shopping for the new shower enclosure or shower tray, take the measurements of the bathroom. Only then decide on the size, shape and height of the new shower.

• Read the assembly instructions

Once you have purchased the shower enclosure, it is best to unpack it with care and read through the assembly instructions. This will save you further consultation. If you have a question, it is best to consult a skilled person.

• Dismantling the old shower enclosure and cleaning the shower tray

First remove the old shower enclosure and clean the existing shower tray. The best way to remove the enclosure is to loosen all the screws and then dismantle it into its individual parts. You should then dispose of these parts properly.

• Replace defective tiles

Now replace any defective tiles with new ones if necessary. You can cut them to the desired dimensions with a tile cutter. Then mix tile adhesive and apply it to the wall and the back of each tile. Then attach the tiles to the wall. Clean the tiles with a sponge after the adhesive has dried.

• Grouting the tiles

You can mix the grout (usually silicone) in a plaster cup and apply it to the joints with a spatula.

Note: Silicone joints are very important because they prevent shower water from getting under or behind the shower tray. This water would mould there and cause serious damage.

• Assembly of the new shower cubicle

Follow the assembly instructions carefully for this last step. For some work, it may be helpful to call in a second person or even a craftsman for safety.

What are the costs for installing a new shower?

The installation of a new shower costs on average between €500 and €1,500. The price depends mainly on the size, style and material used. A small square shower enclosure costs between €500 and €1,000. An individually tiled shower costs between €1,000 and €5,000. You can compare prices on the internet.

How much is a walk-in shower?

In Germany, the price of a walk-in shower ranges from €1,000 to €5,000. The most popular shape is 120 cm x 120 cm, but a completely customised walk-in shower is also very common due to its aesthetics.

Summary

As you can see, you can affordably beautify, renovate or renew your shower with great options. To benefit from a new, attractive look for as long as possible, you should also look into preventing mould. To this end, you can use a practical dehumidifier, for example, to prevent mould while ensuring a unique shower experience!

If mould has already developed in your bathroom, here are instructions on how to remove mould in the bathroom »

Here you will find ideas for bathroom furnishings » 

FAQ about renewing the shower

How can I replace a high shower tray with a flat one?

Flat shower trays are very much in demand at the moment. The installation of a flat shower tray or shower tray can only be done if the floor has sufficient thickness. You also have to be careful with the seals - always ensure that the shower tray is thoroughly sealed during installation.

How do I renovate showers without tiles?

To renovate the shower in the simplest way, you can resort to seamless surfaces without tiles. For example, you can lay special bathroom wall coverings or install glass panels/safety glass inside the shower.

How can I beautify the old shower cubicle in just a few steps?

It only takes a few steps to make your shower at home look like new:

1. Create warm, relaxing light.
2. Hang a beautiful shower curtain.
3. Light a candle.
4. Embrace aromatherapy.