Choosing a Shower Enclosure

In the gallery:

1 Twyford’s Hydr8 D Shape Bow costs £850 (01270 879777);
2 The Majestic Shower Company’s Toulon frameless enclosure with sliding door, £1,300 (01279 443644);
3 Twyford’s Hydr8 walk-in curve panel, £465 (as before);
4 (MAIN IMAGE) Teuco’s Unlimited shower enclosure system, POA (020 7704 2190);
5 Aquaplus Solutions’ Ecospace tray is available in two sizes and an array of colours, from bright orange to matt black, from £598 (0845 201 1915);
6 Kinedo’s Malibu bath screen, from £150 (020 8842 0033);
7 Villeroy & Boch’s Futurion Walk-in Shower Enclosure, £2,161, available from In Design (020 8963 5841);
8 Wickes’ frameless walk-through enclosure and tray (with bamboo boards), £1,546.38 (0845 279 9898);
9 Splash’s Kos Geo 80 tray, £1,253 (01444 473355);
10 Roman’s Freedom Colossus, from £754.89, with low-level tray, from £553.19 (01325 328033)

Choosing an Enclosure

Frameless walk-through showers are at the forefront of contemporary design, and ideal for large bathrooms. Choose a clear glass ‘splash screen’ suspended by brackets to create the illusion of space and showcase designer tiles behind.

The size and shape of your enclosure will be dictated by both the space available and the location of your shower. Above-bath shower screens or wetrooms may be the only options for small spaces, but roomy bathrooms can accommodate alcove or corner enclosures which utilise the walls as part of the design; alternatively, partition walls can be created for a similar effect. However, ensure walls are backed with a moisture-resistant board (such as Aquapanel or Hydropanel) and are straight — as any gap between the enclosure and the wall, and indeed the wall and the tray, will lead to leaks. Cabin units, accommodating added luxuries such as steam and mood lighting, are another indulgence.

If specifying an enclosure door, choose a hinge door with minimal framework. Alternatively, pivot, bi-folding or sliding doors are options where space is at a premium.

Wetrooms

The Scandinavian concept of wetrooms has found increasing relevance in the UK — not only are they ideal for mobility access, but also provide a slice of luxury in small bathrooms.

Wetrooms look deceptively simple, but tackling the practicalities at installation is key to a long-lasting, functional room. Foremost, the surrounding walls and floors must be tanked (water-proofed). DIY wetroom kits are available, but a professional approach is essential. A sloping gradient must be created towards the waste to prevent water pooling, and a non-slip surface laid on the floor. Specify wall-hung sanitaryware – and locate outside the range of the shower – for a seamless finish.~

Trays

The humble shower tray (aim for 900mm² minimum for that feeling of luxury) should never be an afterthought. There are two tray options — raised or sunken. Raised trays with adjustable legs provide space beneath to conceal plumbing. For showers located in a corner or alcove, choose a model with upstands, and seal the gap between the upstands and tiles with a quality silicone sealant to minimise future leaks. Tile exposed sides to match the surrounding walls.

A sunken or ‘flush-with-floor’ tray is ideal for a minimalist feel, and a must for walkthrough showers. If building new, give thought to your shower’s location from the outset — then make provisions for the tray and the plumbing when building at floor level. If renovating, establish whether the existing floor structure can accommodate and support a sunken tray and pipes.

Trays come in all different materials, from the cheapest – acrylic – through to stone resin (choose acrylic-capped models for a long-lasting finish), to stones such as lime - stone or even marble. Make sure you choose an option that will be relatively non-slip, or buy one with grips.

Advice from the Experts

What to Buy

Robin Craddock Sales Director, Lakes Bathrooms (01684 853870)

“Quality extends beyond what you can see — the components that hinge or slide an enclosure door will make a big impact on how well it works. Also, protect your investment: use the latest technology to seal glass with a stay-clean coating.”

Innovations

Mike Wilson Marketing Manager, Daryl (0151 606 5000)

“The latest walk-in showers use as little framework and as much glass as possible, with low-profile trays that enable you to walk seamlessly between shower area and bathroom. They immediately give an added sense of luxury to a bathroom.”

Further reading:

• A Guide to Bathroom Wall Tiles
• A Buyer's Guide to Bathroom basins
• A Complete Guide to Planning Your Bathroom