Ultimate Guide To Shower Enclosures

04 Feb.,2023

 

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A shower enclosure is a terrific addition to your bathroom as it presents a clean, modern look. This enclosure is often designed to highlight other accessories in your bathroom shower areas such as the shower unit and thermostatic valve.

Nowadays, people are increasingly choosing contemporary shower enclosures and cubicles over more traditional shower curtains. Whether you’re designing a bathroom from scratch or renovating a worn-out bathroom, it’s important that you take a look at the best shower enclosures available.

We are confident you’ll find this ultimate guide to shower enclosures useful in your quest for the perfect shower enclosure.

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What is a Shower/Enclosure Cubicle How much should I budget to get one fitted in my bathroom?

A shower enclosure is an essential part of your bathroom’s success. This whole unit not only provides distinctive boundaries inside your bathroom but also makes an authentic style statement in terms of design.

Similarly, a shower cubicle is a minimalist styled showering space that makes a beautiful style statement, especially in a contemporary bathroom.

Broadly, all types of shower enclosures come in two styles – Framed or Frameless. A framed shower enclosure has a metal frame around the entire structure including its door.

A frameless shower enclosure has glass panels of a minimum thickness of 9.5mm without metal frames anywhere including on its door. However, metal hinges are used for holding the door in place.

The price of framed enclosures ranges from £125 to £490. There are dozens of options in this price range. Frameless enclosures are more expensive. Their price ranges from £482 to £2,049, and you have plenty of options in this type as well.

What are the different types of Shower Enclosures/Cubicles?

  1. Quadrant Corner Shower Enclosures are designed to fit snugly into any corner of your bathroom or en suite.
  2. 3-Sided Shower Enclosures use the two side walls of any corner in your bathroom and couple this space with two side panels along with a shower door to complete a pentagon-shaped enclosure.
  3. Reduced Height Shower Enclosures present a perfect solution when the roof of your bathroom is low.
  4. Bi-fold Shower Enclosures come with a folding shower door that opens and closes into the shower enclosure, saving valuable space.
  5. Hinged Shower Enclosures are fitted with minimally-styled hinged shower doors for an open and airy feel. Hinged joints hold the shower door firmly in place. 

What type of Shower Enclosure is right for me?

  • The size of your bathroom is the most important factor to consider when buying your perfect shower enclosure. If space is a constraint, consider a small-sized shower enclosure. If space is not a constraint, a walk-in shower enclosure is the best choice.
  • The shape of your bathroom is the next factor to consider. Shower enclosures are available in three shapes: rectangle, square and quadrant. If your bathroom is not a normal-shaped room with four walls but is irregularly shaped, then a 3-sided shower enclosure is the right choice. This enclosure saves a lot of space thanks to its unique design. If your bathroom is large, you can opt for a large square or rectangular shower enclosure.
  • The glass thickness is also an important factor you need to bear in mind. The glass thickness of most modern shower enclosures is 6mm, 8mm or 10mm. The glass thickness determines how robust your enclosure feels. The most popular choice among our customers is 8mm glass and this is the glass thickness we tend to recommend. Shower enclosures of 10mm glass thickness are manufactured only by premium brands such as Matki and Merlyn Showering and are a pricier option.
  • Protected glass is a premium shower product that presents added glass protection and makes it easier to clean as well. The transparent coating causes water droplets to bounce off the glass surface and repels dirt and limescale, making it easier to keep the glass sparkling.
  • Shower trays create robust and long-lasting foundations for shower enclosures and the majority of our customers prefer stone resin trays. It’s best to avoid trays made entirely from the lightweight material acrylic as they have the tendency to move which can lead to broken shower seals. 

What type of Shower Enclosure is best for a small or en-suite bathroom with space restrictions?

The best option for a small or en suite bathroom with space restrictions would be a quadrant corner shower enclosure that curves elegantly around the corner of your bathroom.

This enclosure takes up little space and is available with an assortment of shower door styles and shower trays. Bi-fold shower enclosures are also ideal for smaller bathroom suites.

The door of this shower enclosure splits in two and glides effortlessly to one side within the enclosure. This mechanism makes for a space-saving solution that optimises the shower door’s functionality by not limiting the available showering space.

What type of Shower Enclosure/s is/are best for a large bathroom?

For a large bathroom, a hinged shower enclosure is an ultimate solution. The hinged door swings out into the generous space in your bathroom, delivering a minimalist look.

This shower enclosure is a pleasure to use and mirrors the sleek functionality you find in luxury spas.

The second best choice for a large bathroom is an offset quadrant corner shower enclosure. This enclosure offers you the space-saving features of a standard quadrant shower enclosure, as well as, the added advantage of a generous “offset” showering area.

If you are looking for a larger shower enclosure that promises a luxurious showering experience, then this enclosure will not disappoint you.

What do I need to buy along with a Shower Enclosure/Cubicle?

  1. Shower Panels, also called bathroom boards or bathroom panels, are a waterproof system that presents you a cost-effective alternative to expensive tiling. Shower panels have transformed bathroom design as you know it, and they can be used in smaller en suites as well.
  2. The shower Tray is a vital component of your shower enclosure as it is a durable foundation slab. The right installation of this accessory ensures that the water flow is smooth, and there’s no water stagnation inside your shower enclosure.
  3. Shower Waste is a key accessory of a bathroom shower. This shower accessory is fitted at the exit point in a shower tray to drain wastewater, ensuring your showering space remains dry. Shower wastes come with a removable grid for easy cleaning and maintenance.

What are some alternatives to a Shower Enclosure?

  • You can configure ceiling shower rods to match the shape of any shower. You can then choose the shower curtains that match your bathroom decor. This is a great alternative to a shower enclosure as the shower curtain glides left and/or right and smoothly around corners as well. The curtain movement is not hampered by bars or braces. All the hardware you need is easily available, and the installation is easy too.
  • A bath screen or shower screen is another alternative to a shower enclosure. This glass screen ensures that water remains in the showering area only. This bathroom shower accessory has become an increasingly popular choice over the traditional shower curtain.
  • A wet room is a water-tight bathroom equipped with a shower that does not have a separate shower tray. The walls of the bathroom act as the shower enclosure. The conventional shower tray is replaced with a drain inset into the bathroom floor.

What are some of the leading brands to choose from when buying a Shower Enclosure?

  • Matki shower enclosures balance style and durability. The sleek contemporary styling and clear safety glass stand the test of time in every aspect of design.
  • Phoenix shower enclosures make it easier for you to create a luxurious showering environment. The toughened safety glass and polished chrome detailing form a minimalist look, and the smooth gliding doors provide a high-end feel.
  • Aquadart shower enclosures are guaranteed to add a touch of class and indulgence. The 8mm toughened glass evokes a striking appeal and promises to be an imperishable design addition to your bathroom.
  • Eastbrook presents a superb value shower enclosure made of sturdy 5mm safety glass. Two smoothly sliding doors provide easy access, and the versatile shower enclosure is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Shop Shower Enclosures

At Bathroom City, our vast variety of shower enclosures includes frameless shower enclosures, walk-in shower enclosures, double shower enclosures, shower enclosure with trays, and quadrant shower enclosures through to square shower enclosures. We are confident you’ll find the perfect shower enclosure for your bathroom!

Other related articles that you might also be interested in:

Bathroom Furniture Buying Guide
Basin Buying Guide
Bathroom Cabinets Buying Guide

 

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