Case Study: The Runyon Family’s Shower Remodel in Sioux Falls, SD

When the Runyon family from Sioux Falls, South Dakota decided it was time for a bathroom upgrade, they weren’t chasing flashy trends or spa-like extravagance. What they wanted was simple, elegant, and functional: a beautiful walk-in shower that was easy to enter and exit—without all the high-gloss plastic. Their one firm rule? Absolutely no acrylic.

“We’re just not acrylic people,” they told us early on. And hey, no judgment—we’ve all got our quirks. For some it’s pineapple on pizza, for others it’s a strong preference for natural-looking materials in their bathroom. The Runyons were firmly in Camp Stone.

The Beginning: A Shower Situation Needing a Refresh

The existing setup in the Runyons’ bathroom was… let’s call it “well-loved.” A bit cramped, some aging grout, and that classic tub-and-shower combo that made getting in and out more of a cautious balancing act than a relaxing routine. It was functional, sure—but about as inspiring as an airport sandwich.

So they reached out to Custom Bath & Shower (844-772-8821), not looking for flash, but for quality. They wanted a walk-in shower with a clean, modern aesthetic that didn’t feel clinical, and most importantly—something that didn’t involve slippery white acrylic walls.

The Solution: Man-Made Stone and Thoughtful Design

When we introduced the Runyons to our man-made stone shower system, their eyes lit up—not in a light-a-candle-and-do-yoga way, but in the “this-is-what-we’ve-been-looking-for” way.

Man-made stone offered the textured, warm appearance they craved, with the durability and low maintenance of modern materials. The panels mimicked the depth and richness of natural stone but without the fuss of sealing, scrubbing, or re-grouting every other weekend. A win-win, especially for a family who just wanted to enjoy a hot shower without feeling like they’d signed up for a tile restoration project.

We worked together on customizing the shower’s layout, including low-threshold entry for safe and easy access. Safety met style with built-in seating and subtle grab bars—functional but not shouting retirement home. Everything was built to fit their space precisely, making the entire area feel more open and less like a cave of soap scum.

The Result: A Shower That Works and Wows

Installation went smoothly (always a nice surprise), and within days the Runyons had a completely transformed bathroom. The new shower wasn’t just practical—it had a calm, almost spa-like vibe that didn’t try too hard. Think “rustic modern” with zero trip hazards.

Now, the Runyons step into a shower that feels more like a natural retreat than a chore. No squeaky acrylic, no cold tile floors, and no more awkward gymnastics trying to exit a slippery tub.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best home upgrades aren’t about luxury—they’re about relief. For the Runyons, this project was about finding the perfect balance of beauty, safety, and materials that fit their values. No plastic, no nonsense—just a stone-inspired shower that gets the job done, and looks good doing it.

Needless to say, the only thing slick in this story is the installation process.