Guide: Shower Enclosures
Shower enclosures are a great way to add a bit of luxury to your bathroom. Willesden Bathrooms has a fantastic selection of shower enclosures for you to choose from including walk in shower enclosures and wet rooms. This guide describes the different types of shower enclosures we have to help you find which one is more suitable for your bathroom and the things you will need to consider when planning your bathroom.
Types of Shower Enclosure
| Frameless Shower EnclosuresFrameless shower enclosures contain no metal framework around the glass panels making it perfect for creating a more contemporary look in your bathroom. It’s minimally designed to give a more spacious and simple look. View Frameless Shower Enclosure Product Range |
Framed Shower EnclosuresFramed glass is the classic design that will fit into any modern bathroom. With a variety of shapes and sizes, you’ll be able to find the perfect enclosure or door for your showering space. View Framed Shower Enclosures |
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| Bifold Shower EnclosuresIf your bathroom has space constraints or the location of your shower is close to other parts such as a toilet, vanity or entryway, a bi-fold shower door may be the perfect answer to your design criteria. The doors fold inwards, so you won’t have to allow any extra room for them and the specially designed rubber seals will prevent dripping water on your bathroom floor. View Bifold Shower Enclosures |
Pivot/Hinged Shower EnclosuresPivot/Hinged doors are great for creating accessibility as they open out into the bathroom, providing there is sufficient clearance. View Pivot/Hinged Shower Enclosures |
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| Quadrant Shower EnclosuresA very popular choice for sleek and minimalist bathrooms, with their curved doors contrasting against the typical straight lines found in other elements like baths and toilets. Their shape also helps give the illusion of space in the bathroom. View Quadrant Shower Enclosures |
Offset Quadrant Shower EnclosuresLike the idea of a quadrant shower enclosure, but want a little more room? Offset quadrant shower enclosures have a longer straight edge on one side, extending the size of the enclosure. View Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosures |
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| Sliding Door Shower EnclosuresSliding Door Shower Enclosures are perfect for when there is limted space directly infront of the enclosure, such as an alcove, as the door does not extend outwards to the bathroom. View Sliding Door Shower Enclosures |
Walk-In Shower EnclosuresThe ultimate in style and luxury, a walk-in enclosure provides the freedom and space for a relaxing shower experience. They are also great for people with reduced mobility and the eldery, especially when used with a level access floor, or low-profile shower tray, as there are no doors to open or frames to step over. View Walk-In Shower Enclosures |
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Things To Consider
The Space in Your Bathroom
The size of your bathroom or your shower room is a key factor when choosing which shower enclosure is right for you. You will also need to consider the position and the height of where your enclosure will go, as well as the space needed for the shower door to open depending on what type of door you choose for your enclosure. You will also need to work out whether the doors will open to the left or the right of the enclosure so it is best to place the enclosure away from any obstructions such as windows or doors to allow more opening space. Some shower enclosures now have a hardwood foot board or a duck drying area, so you will need to consider room for this if you plan to buy a shower enclosure with this feature.
The Wall and Positioning
The type of shower enclosure and tray you purchase will depend on where it will be positioned in your bathroom. It may also be easier to replace the new shower enclosure in the same place as where your existing shower is as it will require less plumbing because your pipe work will be in the right place.
Types of Glass
The types of door that can be used for different shower enclosures vary, but whichever glass type you choose you can expect the same high quality when you buy from Willesden Bathrooms. Here are some key points to consider:
- 8mm or 10mm tempered glass is durable, long lasting and safe and also easy to clean making either a perfect choice.
- Toughened safety glass is always a good choice for a wet room or shower enclosure.
- It’s worth remembering that thicker glass will need more support due to the extra weight.
- Depending on the shape, the larger the glass or the more curved it is, the less thickness can be achieved due to design.
- If cost is a concern, or you do not like the look of thicker glass then 4mm or 6mm glass are great alternatives.
Edge Protection - glass which does not have a protective framing can get chipped and broken. A shower enclosure with strong aluminium framing will support the glass in the shower doors and keep it well protected. At Willesden Bathrooms we ensure products are at the highest quality, so you can be sure that whatever glass you choose for your shower enclosure will meet the highest possible safety standards.
Tiling Your Shower Area
The inside of your shower area will need to be tiled first before installing a recess shower, so it is important to think about the types of tiles you want and how much tiling you will do before installing the shower tray as this will need to be tiled down.
If you are installing a wet room, then all the wall and floors need to be tiled before installing it, however if you are installing a walk in shower then you will only need a shower tray to be installed which reduces the cost and time of tiling.
Left or Right Hand?
To work out the best place to put your shower enclosure, sketch the layout of your space and think about whether your enclosure needs to open to the left or right. A good tip is to mark out where any windows, doors or other obstructions are too. That way you’ll be able to see where to place your shower tray and calculate exactly how much space you have.
Shower Tray
Shower trays prevent leakage and you can buy shower enclosures with shower trays which fit the door so you don’t have to worry about the tray size. However, if you are installing a recess shower, the size of the shower enclosure and shower tray will need to be carefully considered to ensure you buy the correct size to fit the shower area. We advice to have a professional fit the shower tray to ensure they don’t flex under pressure or leak.
View Shower Tray Product Range