Buying a brand new shower is an exciting prospect but one of the most essential items in the shower enclosure. Before you begin your project, it’s a good idea to plan where your shower enclosure is likely to go and to get to grips with the space you’re working with.
Walls and positioning
The layout of your bathroom may affect what work needs to be done in order for you to achieve your shower goals. Are you planning to keep your shower in its existing location? If so, the amount of work that will need to be done may be minimal as the existing pipework should already be in place.
Altering the location of your shower enclosure will incur extra building work and costs. However, the time and financial implications will be worth it if you’re looking to revolutionise your restroom.
Above, @jayne.s.davies uses our London Matt Black 6mm Sliding Shower Enclosure to create a stunning shower space
Which way do you want the door to open?
You will need to consider which way the shower enclosure doors are going to open, otherwise, it might get messy. It may seem like common sense but sometimes they’re the easiest things to miss. You don’t want to install a shower enclosure, only to find it collides with other bathroom units – nightmare! Take a little bit of time to think about the space, aesthetics and function of your shower so that your door is able to swing out into clear space.
Other positioning issues to bear in mind include the placement of alcoves, left or right-handed swing on the shower door and whether you need adjustment for wonky walls. Our showers frames are adjustable with up to 15mm so that you can achieve the perfect fit.
Above, @at_home_with_no8 uses our Munich Matt Black Framed Easy Clean 8mm Wet Room Shower Glass Panel with their combined shower and bath
Quadrant Shower Enclosures
If space is at a premium in your bathroom, a quadrant shower enclosure may be the answer. Renowned within the bathroom field as being a handy space-saver with sliding doors, this is ideal for smaller bathrooms or even an en-suite. We think it is a perfect way to transform a lifeless corner (and impress your guests).
Above, Stockholm Matt Black Easy Clean 8mm Frameless Quadrant Shower Enclosure
Sliding Door Shower Enclosures
Stylish and functional in equal measures, the sliding shower door enclosure is one of the most popular on the market and it’s not hard to see why. A sliding door is a space-effective option that is also strong, sturdy and safe. The modern design will add some panache to your bathroom without being too over the top or stylised.
Above, Hamburg Matt Black Easy Clean 8mm Sliding Shower Door
Bi-fold Door Shower Enclosures
If access space is a concern in your bathroom, then listen up! The bi-fold door shower enclosure is something to strongly consider. The door is split in half and condenses to ensure easy access. The bi-fold design allows for the door to collapse in on itself, preventing it from opening out into the room. It is the ideal space-saving solution for those with modestly sized bathrooms or en suites using a strong wall frame that is also hidden from view. Wall-hung toilets are also a good idea if you’re looking to save on space with a compact toilet system. We have a great range of wall-hung toilets available, which you can view here.
Above, London Matt Black 6mm Bifold Shower Enclosure
Pivot Door Shower Enclosures
Pivot door shower enclosures are a brilliant solution for bathrooms that have a shower enclosure situated in an alcove. You can pop a pivot door slot into a specific space as it pivots at the top and the bottom of the frame. This also allows it to open and close. As the pivoting pins are placed as close to the wall as they can, the opening area is usually quite generous which allows for a wide entrance size.
Above, Helsinki Matt Black Premium Easy Clean 8mm Hinged Shower Door
Wet Room vs. Walk-in Shower Enclosures
A walk-in shower enclosure contains a tray that helps to cut down on water spillage and keeps the water in the shower area. Installing a walk-in shower is cheaper than installing a full wet room. If you’re on a tight budget you may want to consider opting for the walk-in shower instead of a wet room. A wet room eliminates the need for a raised shower tray – you simply walk straight into a fully tiled shower area.
Glass Thickness
6mm Shower Glass
6mm glass provides substantial thickness and creates a solid feel to your shower door so you feel that little bit more luxurious.
Above, London 6mm Pivot Shower Door
8mm Shower Glass
8mm is the ideal choice for family bathrooms, but it also adds an element of style. If you’re looking to add a hotel-inspired, high-end, luxurious feel, we would recommend this thickness. Our frameless enclosures are only available in 8mm glass.
Above, Oslo Premium Easy Clean 8mm Sliding Shower Enclosure
10mm Shower Glass
The bathroom is part of our everyday routine, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be luxurious (and affordable!) Our 10mm shower enclosures are a great way to add a practical feature to your bathroom while embracing a spa-like feel. 10mm glass thickness is known to be sturdy yet sleek at the same time, which is the perfect premium combination. The frameless design creates an open and airy space which is ideal for smaller areas. If your space is slightly larger, it adds to the modern and high-end feel, forming a bathroom full of design and impact.
Easy Clean Shower Enclosures
Many of our shower enclosures are also available in ‘EasyClean’ glass. This is a specially manufactured glass that contains a micro-thin coating that repels water. It protects your shower enclosure from oil, dirt, limescale, stain and streaks. ‘EasyClean’ will help your shower keep that showroom finish by minimising cleaning and preventing any staining that may occur over time.
What to think about before you buy a shower tray
First, you need to ensure that the shower tray you are buying fits your shower enclosure perfectly to protect against leaking between the gaps.
Ideally, you’ll want to buy the tray and shower enclosure together so that you’re prepared and ready to install. If you’re buying a tray separately, or even replacing a tray, be sure to measure the dimensions of your enclosure beforehand.
We offer a wide range of modern, hardwearing shower trays for your shower enclosure, whether big or small. A shower tray is an effective way to prevent water leakage, with the gradient of the tray controlling the direction of the water and ensuring it goes straight to the drain.
They’re also easy to install, which could save you time and money. Our Easy Plumb shower trays now make it easier than ever to install a shower tray at home without compromising on quality or safety.
Quadrant Shower Trays
These shower trays are built to fit a quadrant shower enclosure. This means they feature a curved design that can fit snugly into the corner of your bathroom. They are ideal if you need to maximise space as they will give you more room to manoeuvre.
Above, London Quadrant Stone Shower Tray
Offset Quadrant Shower Trays
Offset quadrant shower trays are similar to quadrant shower trays in that they are designed to fit the corner of a bathroom. However, they are longer in shape with a more rounded corner. If you have a little more room but are still looking to maximise space with a curved, contemporary design, this may be a good choice.
Above, London Offset Quadrant Stone Shower Tray 1200x800mm – Left Handed
Rectangular Shower Trays
This is a shower tray to fit a rectangular shower enclosure. This type of shower tray will allow you room to manoeuvre and are well suited to enclosures that use sliding shower doors.
This type of tray is popular because of its ability to fit many types of bathroom layouts. Great if you are looking to save on space.
Above, London Rectangular Stone Shower Tray
Shower Tray Wastes
Now we’ve come this far, don’t forget the shower tray waste! A vital part of your shower, it will keep it smelling clean and looking fresh. Choose the fast flow variety to ensure water is drained away and you don’t seal up your drain.
