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  Storage Solutions
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  Out Of The Normal
    Hockey Centerpieces
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TUB/SHOWER DOORS - To give your bathroom an up to date appearance, get rid of that shower curtain and install shower or tub doors. Today's tub bypass doors are not only nicer in appearance but also easier to care for than those made years ago. Gone are the tracks in the bottom that the doors had to ride in.

Tub bypass and shower doors are available in a frameless style so the doors themselves have no frame around them. This helps to greatly reduce the amount of soap scum build up. There are many finishes available and several glass finishes from completely clear to very distorted, depending upon how shy you might be.

Along with the appeal, choosing the right shower or tub bypass door can make the bathroom look bigger. Consider clear glass doors as an option. Being smooth, they're actually very easy to care for. Also, if you have a small shower stall or just want more of an open feeling from inside the tub or shower, clear doors will give you that.

Your plumbing supply showrooms tend to display the upscale manufacturers. The first thing you'll notice is the thickness of the glass. However, you don't have to spend a lot to still get a nice quality door that will last for years. Stirling, a division of Kohler, makes very nice and affordable doors in various styles and finishes.

Installation requires a reasonable amount of care. Measure twice and cut once. To tell you how many people miscut the top piece, many manufacturers insert a paper in the box telling you how to order another top piece if you make a mistake.

The picture at the right shows a typical installation where the top rail meets the tile wall. The cut must be straight and precise.

You'll also need to drill into the ceramic tile. Hiring a contractor to install the doors is not that expensive. So if you're unsure about your skills, you may consider this option.

Remember that bypass tub doors are like bypass closet doors. Only one half of the area is accessable at any time. So if you have a young child that you may need to bathe in the tub, it could be a little awkward reaching in.

Exercise care when drilling through ceramic tile. Let the drill bit do the work. Ceramic tile is very hard and may require several bits before you're done drilling all the holes.

Next Topic: Medicine Cabinet & Mirrors