Shower enclosure styles
12 December 2008
The shower has come a long way since the days when it was simply a way of keeping clean. The showers of today make a design statement in the home; they come in an array of shapes and sizes and offer a vast selection of impressive functions.
- Before you start looking into the different showering options, you will need to check with your plumber the type of system you can have. As most UK homes have a water pressure of between 0.1 and 1 bar, you may require a pump to be installed to increase the pressure so that your new shower performs at its best.
- The range of different shower enclosures can be overwhelming but a good starting point is to consider the size of the enclosure that you want and the space you have available. You should be able to find the perfect enclosure for an en suite, luxury or family bathroom.
- Another consideration is the style and shape of enclosure you require. Some enclosures can be very plain, whilst others are intricately detailed or extremely modern and contemporary. Your enclosure doesn’t have to be a square or rectangular box anymore either; there are many designs now that are made up of curves – offering a little uniqueness to the bathroom.
- How the shower door opens is also another consideration; different types of openings are most suitable for different spaces. An in-fold door will open into the shower area and is ideal if you have a modest size bathroom. Similarly, a sliding door will also free up valuable space.
- If you have the size, a wet room enclosure is possible and is certainly the current bathroom trend. A compromise on a wet room is a walk-in style of enclosure which creates a space that retains water well in the wet area, yet also provides a complimentary warm and comfortable walk-in area.
- Your shower tray is another element that will need careful thought. Once again there is much more choice and different price points available. Acrylic trays are most common but more modern materials such as Pral or ‘Cristalplant®’ offer a designer tray that is smoother and joint free.
- You need to decide what you want from your shower – just to wash or a pampering experience with jets, hand held showers and seats. The latest shower enclosures incorporate a column as part of the frame that holds all of these different functions.
- Digital showers are another impressive option – offering a precisely pre-set temperature, just set it once and from then on just turn it on and wait for the display to tell you when you can jump in!
- The glass in your enclosure is something that should be checked – safety glass should be used in all shower enclosures, which is available in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness you choose is dependent on the look you want to create and the price you want to pay.
- Finally, research the market well before you make any decisions and whatever your budget and space you have available, make sure you consult an expert before you start to draw up your plans. It’s crucial to work with a supplier you can trust and with a KBSA retail member you will feel safe in the knowledge that the design and installation of your bathroom will be handled by a professional.
