If you are looking for a reliable way to add a bathroom to a basement or utility room, the durastall model 68 is probably one of the first names that popped up in your search. It has been a staple in the world of freestanding showers for a long time, mostly because it doesn't try to be anything it's not. It is a straightforward, functional, and surprisingly durable shower stall that solves a specific problem: getting a working shower into a space without spending thousands on a full-blown renovation.
I've seen these things installed in everything from hunting cabins to high-end garages, and even the occasional "tiny home" project. There is something to be said for a product that sticks to the basics and does them well. Let's dive into why this particular model has stayed popular for so many years and what you should know if you're thinking about picking one up.
What Exactly is the Durastall Model 68?
At its core, the durastall model 68 is a 32-inch by 32-inch freestanding shower kit made by E.L. Mustee & Sons. If you aren't familiar with Mustee, they are basically the big players in the utility sink and shower stall world. The Model 68 is their "standard" offering, featuring a white thermoplastic build and a wrap-around shower curtain.
It is designed to be a "knock-down" unit. This means it comes in a relatively flat box, and you assemble the walls and the base on-site. This is a huge advantage if you are trying to get a shower into a basement with a narrow staircase or through a tight doorway where a one-piece fiberglass unit simply wouldn't fit. You take the pieces downstairs, follow the instructions, and suddenly you have a fully functional shower in a corner that used to just hold old cardboard boxes.
The Assembly Process
Let's talk about putting this thing together because that's usually where people get nervous. If you can handle a screwdriver and a level, you can probably handle the durastall model 68. It's not like building a piece of Swedish furniture with a hundred tiny wooden pegs; it's more about aligning the panels and ensuring everything is watertight.
The base is the most important part. You want to make sure your floor is level before you even start. If your basement floor has a weird slope (which most do), you might need to shim it or use a bit of self-leveling compound. Once the base is set, the walls slide into place. The Model 68 uses a slip-joint construction that is pretty forgiving.
One thing I always tell people is to be generous with your high-quality silicone caulk. While the joints are designed to fit snugly, the caulk is what really keeps the water where it belongs. It's better to spend an extra ten minutes making sure your seals are perfect than to find a puddle on your floor three weeks later.
Why People Love the Thermoplastic Design
You might hear "thermoplastic" and think it sounds a bit cheap compared to tile or thick fiberglass. But in the context of the durastall model 68, it's actually a major selling point. This material is incredibly resistant to mold and mildew, which is exactly what you want in a basement environment that might already be a bit damp.
It's also very easy to clean. You don't have grout lines to scrub with a toothbrush, and the surface is smooth enough that soap scum doesn't really have a place to hide. If it gets dirty, a quick wipe with a non-abrasive cleaner usually does the trick. Plus, it's remarkably tough. It can handle the bumps and bruises of being in a high-traffic utility area without cracking or chipping.
The Footprint and Size
The 32" x 32" size is the "sweet spot" for most small spaces. It's large enough that a full-grown adult can shower comfortably without feeling like they are in a telephone booth, but it's small enough to tuck into a corner of a laundry room.
If you are a particularly tall or broad-shouldered person, you'll definitely notice it's a compact space, but for a secondary shower, it's perfectly adequate. It's all about maximizing the utility of the square footage you actually have available.
Plumbing and Hookups
One of the nice things about the durastall model 68 is that it comes with a lot of what you need to get started. It typically includes the shower valve, the head, and the curtain. Now, let's be honest: the included shower head is usually a basic model. A lot of people choose to swap it out for something a bit flashier, which is an easy five-minute upgrade.
The plumbing itself is pretty standard. The drain is designed to connect to a standard 2-inch plastic drain pipe. If you have a floor drain nearby, you're in luck. If not, you might need to look into a small sump pump system if you're installing this below the main sewer line level. But as far as the shower unit itself goes, the hookups are straightforward and shouldn't give a DIYer or a plumber any major headaches.
Where Does This Model Shine?
While you probably wouldn't put a durastall model 68 in your primary master suite if you're going for a luxury spa vibe, it is the undisputed king of certain scenarios:
- The Mudroom: If you have kids who play sports or dogs that love mud, having a "de-griming" station right by the back door is a lifesaver.
- The Basement Shop: If you spend your weekends working on cars or woodworking, it's nice to be able to wash off the grease and sawdust before you ever step foot into the main part of the house.
- The Rental Property: Landlords love these because they are inexpensive to replace and hard for tenants to break.
- Cabins and Lake Houses: When you just need a place to rinse off the lake water and don't want to spend a fortune on a custom bathroom.
Comparing it to Higher-End Models
It is worth noting that the durastall model 68 is the entry-level or "standard" version. Mustee also makes a Model 80 and a Model 140, which offer slightly different features like built-in soap dishes or different door options.
The Model 68 uses a curtain, which I actually prefer in tight spaces. Glass doors look nice, but they require a lot of cleaning and can make a small shower feel even smaller because you can't "elbow" the curtain out a bit if you need extra room. The curtain is simple, cheap to replace if it gets gross, and doesn't have tracks that collect grime.
A Few Tips for Longevity
If you decide to go with the durastall model 68, here are a few "pro tips" to make sure it lasts for years:
- Don't skip the leveling. I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. A stable base prevents the walls from shifting and the caulk from pulling away.
- Use the right cleaner. Avoid anything super abrasive. Thermoplastic is tough, but it can get dull scratches if you use something like steel wool or harsh scouring powders.
- Ventilation is key. Since these are often installed in basements, make sure you have an exhaust fan or a window nearby. No matter how mold-resistant the shower is, the room itself still needs to breathe.
- Check the seals annually. Every year or so, just run your finger along the caulked joints. If you see any peeling, scrape it out and put down a fresh bead. It's cheap insurance against water damage.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the durastall model 68 is about practicality. It isn't going to win any architectural design awards, but it is going to provide a reliable, leak-free place to get clean for a very reasonable price. It's one of those rare products that hasn't changed much over the decades because it simply works.
Whether you're finishing a basement on a budget or just need a place to wash the dog, this shower stall is a solid choice. It's easy to transport, relatively simple to install, and it gets the job done without any unnecessary fluff. Sometimes, the basic version is exactly what you need.