Shower Enclosures

Buyers Guide to Shower Enclosures

How to choose a shower enclosure

The type of shower enclosure that you choose should be based around the needs of the users, and the shape and size of your bathroom.

A quadrant shower cubicle in the corner of the room is typically seen when a seperate shower is required. However, it should not be smaller than 800mm x 800mm as that is generally considered the absolute minimal size. Allow room for the shower door to open fully without obstruction.

If you have the space and budget, a walk in shower or wet room is a premium additional to a new bathroom or refit, and will most probably add value to your home.

Types of Shower Enclosure

Quadrant Shower Enclosures

These are the most popular type of standalone shower, usually sited in a corner of the bathroom against two walls. Quadrant shower enclosures are sometimes referred to as corner shower enclosures or curved shower enclosures. They are available in a range of styles with the option of either pivoting or sliding door openings.

As they have curved fronts, they use less space than a squared shaped shower enclosure, and the smooth shape is easy on the eye. If there’s a little more room to play with, an offset quadrant shower enclosure uses more wall length on one side to give a larger showering area. Kudos, Makti, Crosswater and Merlyn have some great quadrant shower enclosures to view.

See our quadrant shower enclosures page for a full range of product options.

Hinged Shower Doors

Made from thick toughened safety glass, a hinged shower door works in the same way as any other hinged door in your home - opening one way, usually outwards. Measure carefully to make sure there is enough space for the door to open fully with no obstructions. Fixed side glass panels usually make up the rest of the shower enclosure. Roman and Crosswater offer some chrome finished hinged shower doors and if you’re looking for black, look at Impey.

See our hinged shower doors page for a full range of product options.

Pivot Shower Doors

Similar to a hinged shower door, a pivot is generally fixed to the shower enclosure rather than the wall and can open inwards to allow access to the shower, or outwards. Pivot shower doors are rising in popularity as frameless designs are, as they allow for reduced framing to give the sought after minimalist appearance. Premium Plumbing recommend manufacturers Makti, Crosswater, Sommer and Roman.

See our pivot shower doors page for a full range of product options.

Sliding Shower Doors

A sliding shower door is useful when space to open a hinged or pivot door is not available, or when it's important not to have the water dripping onto the bathroom floor when the door is opened. Sliding shower doors are sized by the width of the enclosure, starting from 1000mm up to 1700mm. Take note though that a 1000mm door is quite small, and may be too small for some users. If you have the space, it is recommended that the minimum width should be 1200mm. Typically straight as part of a square shower enclosure, they are available in gently curved versions. Brands that offer great choices in sliding shower doors include Crosswater, Makti and Kinedo.

See our sliding shower doors page for a full range of product options.

Walk In Shower Enclosures

Sometimes referred to as doorless shower enclosures, a walk in shower enclosure generally includes a low profile shower tray and fixed side panels. As there are no moving parts or hinges, they are ideal for anyone with mobility issues, are easy to keep clean and give that seamless contemporary look. Crosswater, Makti and Sommer offer a good choice in walk in shower door sizes and layouts.

See our walk in showers page for a full range of product options.

Wet Rooms

Consider a wet room like a shower without the enclosure - instead of being contained by some sort of enclosure, the walls and floors of the bathroom are waterproofed and a drain installed in the floor to allow a shower to be used freely. Sometimes people like to install one or more glass screens anyway, to provide some water containment. They are great for children and anyone with reduced mobility, and are the ultimate in streamlined open plan modern bathroom design. Specialist brands and innovators in this field who we work closely with are Wedi and Abacus.

See our wet rooms page for a full range of product options.

Popular Styles

Frameless Shower Enclosures

By using less metal edging, a frameless shower enclosure enhances the open spacious feel of modern bathroom design. Developments in the manufacture of safety glass means there are no concerns about strength, so the frames can be reduced or removed. As part of a walk in shower, wet room or shower enclosure, frameless glass panels look fabulous and keeping them clean is a cinch. April, Crosswater and Kudos offer frameless shower enclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the standard size of a shower cubicle?

A standard size is generally regarded as 1200 x 800mm - which is a 1200mm door with an 800mm side panel.

How big should a walk in shower be?

A walk in shower should be large enough to use comfortably and provide an enjoyable experience for all, especially if it's replacing a bathtub. We recommend a minimum of 1700mm x 700mm.

What are the best shower enclosures?

The best quality shower enclosures are made from safety glass that is at least 8mm thick or more. The size and shape of the enclosure you choose may depend on the layout of your bathroom and your budget, and door opening style (hinged, pivot, sliding) can be a personal preference.

How much does a shower enclosure cost?

Premium Plumbing offer quality shower enclosures which include shower trays starting at around £300.

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