This DeWitt NY bathroom remodel included the removal of a failing tiled corner shower, replacement of significant subfloor damage, installation of a new cast-iron waste line, and the construction of a custom 48″ × 48″ neo-angle cultured stone corner shower using materials from The Onyx Collection.

At first glance, the bathroom looked like a typical corner-shower layout — the kind often installed when a room doesn’t have the width for a traditional alcove bathtub. In smaller bathrooms, corner showers are extremely common, with standard neo-angle or square footprints typically ranging from 30″ × 30″ to 42″ × 42″. They save space while still providing a functional shower.

But homeowners often run into the same problem: the smaller the footprint, the tighter the experience. And in older homes especially, the materials used decades ago — tile, grout, aging mortar beds, and outdated plumbing — can create maintenance headaches over time.

That’s exactly the situation Anne found herself dealing with.

A Corner Shower That Had Reached the End of Its Life

Anne’s existing tiled corner shower had served the home for many years, but like many tile installations of that era, it had begun to show its age.

Grout lines had darkened from years of moisture exposure, and the shower felt cramped compared to modern layouts. While grout is technically “non-porous,” it must still be sealed regularly to prevent moisture intrusion and staining — a maintenance task many homeowners understandably skip. Over time, moisture can migrate through grout joints and behind tile assemblies, which is one reason many homeowners begin exploring cultured stone shower systems designed with minimal seams and no grout lines.

Over time, moisture can migrate through grout joints, behind tile assemblies, and eventually into the framing or subfloor beneath the shower.

By the time Anne began researching bathroom remodelers, she already knew the shower needed to be replaced. What she didn’t know yet was that the underlying structure of the bathroom would also need attention.

After speaking with several companies promoting “one-day acrylic shower installs,” Anne continued her search and eventually discovered Bath Pros while researching bathroom remodeling companies in Manlius and the surrounding area. Instead of a high-pressure sales appointment, she scheduled a simple site visit so we could evaluate the space.

Evaluating the Layout — And What Was Hidden Below

One of the most important parts of any bathroom remodel happens before demolition begins.

During our site inspections, we’re looking for issues that might not be visible to the homeowner:

• moisture damage
• mold or rot
• structural movement
• outdated plumbing systems
• pest damage
• electrical hazards

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and older shower installations — especially tiled mortar beds — often allow water to migrate below the finished surface over time.

When demolition began on Anne’s project, we discovered exactly that.

Once the old shower pan and tile assembly were removed, it became clear that years of minor water intrusion had weakened the subfloor beneath the shower area. Portions of the plywood decking had softened and delaminated, and several floor joists showed early signs of moisture damage.

While this type of discovery can be frustrating for homeowners, addressing it properly is essential. Installing a new shower over compromised framing would only lead to future movement, cracking, or leaks.

The affected sections of subfloor were removed and replaced with new structural-grade plywood, securely fastened to the existing joists to restore the integrity of the floor system.

But the repairs didn’t stop there.

Replacing a Failing Cast-Iron Waste Line

During the same phase of demolition, we also uncovered a plumbing issue that is extremely common in older homes.

Anne’s shower was still connected to an original cast-iron drain line, which had begun to corrode internally. Cast iron was widely used in residential plumbing systems throughout the mid-20th century because of its durability and sound-deadening properties. However, after several decades, the inside of these pipes can begin to deteriorate.

Rust buildup narrows the interior diameter of the pipe, slowing drainage and increasing the likelihood of clogs. In more advanced cases, corrosion can lead to pinhole leaks or structural failure of the pipe itself.

Rather than simply reconnecting a new shower to an aging line, we replaced the failing section of cast iron with modern PVC drain piping, properly tied into the home’s existing waste system. The new plumbing was installed with updated fittings and a correctly pitched drain assembly to ensure reliable drainage for years to come.

This type of upgrade isn’t always visible once the project is finished, but it’s one of the most important parts of a well-executed bathroom renovation.

Designing a Larger Neo-Angle Corner Shower

With the structural repairs and plumbing work complete, we could finally focus on what Anne was most excited about: building a shower that actually felt comfortable.

Most corner showers installed by builders fall into predictable dimensions:

• 30″ × 30″ – extremely compact, often used in small bathrooms
• 36″ × 36″ – one of the most common neo-angle sizes
• 42″ × 42″ – considered a more comfortable standard footprint

Anne wanted something larger.

Her request was simple: could we build a custom 48″ × 48″ corner shower instead?

The answer was yes.

By slightly adjusting the layout and removing the constraints of the previous tile system, we were able to install a spacious 48″ × 48″ neo-angle shower base that dramatically improved the feel of the bathroom.

The new base was manufactured by The Onyx Collection, an American company based in Kansas known for producing high-quality cultured stone shower systems. Unlike acrylic panels commonly used in fast-turnaround remodels, cultured stone panels are dense, solid surfaces that resemble natural stone while remaining easy to clean.

The Onyx Collection backs its material with a forever guarantee, meaning the product itself is guaranteed indefinitely for the life of the installation.

Material Selections

Anne selected a clean, modern design that balanced durability with simplicity.

The shower includes:

• 48″ × 48″ neo-angle Onyx shower base in the color Breeze
• matching subway-style cultured stone wall panels
• a Liberty Tall corner caddy for storage
• an integrated foot shelf for shaving and convenience
• American Standard Aspirations valve trim in matte black
• Delta In2ition dual shower head and handheld combo

The cultured stone walls eliminate grout joints entirely, making the shower far easier to maintain than the previous tiled system.

Installation Timeline

Custom Onyx shower systems are manufactured to order, so Anne’s project was scheduled approximately three months after her initial consultation once materials arrived.

Lead installer Vincent Aponte arrived early on installation day to begin demolition and structural repairs. Once the subfloor and plumbing upgrades were complete, the new shower base and wall panels were installed, followed by trim, fixtures, and final sealing.

The entire project was completed in approximately two and a half days.

The Completed Corner Shower Remodel

The finished shower transformed the feel of the bathroom. Homeowners exploring similar designs can also view additional bathroom remodel projects completed by Bath Pros throughout Central New York.

What had once been a cramped, aging corner shower is now a spacious, low-maintenance centerpiece designed to last for decades. The larger footprint makes daily use more comfortable, and the cultured stone materials eliminate the constant maintenance associated with tile and grout.

Most importantly, the structural repairs and plumbing upgrades behind the walls ensure the new shower system is supported by a solid foundation.

Anne was thrilled with the result — and relieved to finally have a bathroom she didn’t have to worry about maintaining.

Bathroom Remodeling Projects Near Dewitt, NY:

Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Central New York?

If you’re considering a corner shower remodel, neo-angle shower replacement, or full bathroom renovation, it’s important to work with a company that looks beyond surface finishes.

At Bath Pros, we evaluate the entire system — structure, plumbing, materials, and layout — to ensure every project is built to last.

Homeowners throughout DeWitt, Fayetteville, Manlius, and the surrounding Central New York communities trust Bath Pros for carefully executed bathroom remodels using durable materials and experienced craftsmen.

Your home should be comfortable, functional, and built to last.

Call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 to schedule a consultation and begin planning your project.

Your Home Is Your Sanctuary. Book A Consultation Today.

Considering a Corner Shower Remodel?

Corner showers remain one of the most common solutions for compact bathrooms. While many older homes still contain tiled corner units ranging from 30″ × 30″ to 42″ × 42″, modern custom systems allow homeowners to expand the footprint and dramatically improve comfort.

Bath Pros designs and installs custom neo-angle corner showers, cultured stone shower systems, and full bathroom remodels throughout Central New York.

DeWitt Bathroom Remodel: Custom 48″ × 48″ Neo-Angle Corner Shower