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A Buyer’s Guide to Shower Enclosures

Product Launch, Product, Industry Insights | 13/02/2024

Choosing the right shower enclosure can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom. With a myriad of options available, selecting the right one for your bathroom requires careful consideration. In this buyer’s guide, Mike Gahir, Lakes Showering Spaces, explores the factors you should keep in mind when choosing the perfect enclosure to suit your bathroom space and personal style.

Consider the space available: Is the shower enclosure for an ensuite or the main family bathroom? This can influence the type of enclosure that’s right for your requirements. It’s also important to take accurate measurements of your bathrooms before you decide which enclosure to choose. You will need to consider all dimensions including ceiling height. You will also need to think carefully about where the enclosure will be installed in the room as this will affect which type you choose. Will it be in the corner of a room or in a central position against the wall?

Budget considerations: Your budget is a crucial factor in the decision-making process. Remember that while premium materials and features can enhance the overall appeal, there are also budget-friendly options available that still offer durability and style.

Style and Aesthetics: The style of your shower enclosure should complement the overall design of your bathroom. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a classic and timeless feel, there’s an enclosure to match your taste. The most common types of enclosures include:

Sliding Door: Ideal for smaller bathrooms, sliding doors save space and offer easy access.

Quadrant: Quadrants are designed to fit perfectly in the corner of a bathroom or ensuite, making the most of all the space available. They normally come with sliding curved shower doors.

Pivot Door: Pivot doors rotate on a pin mechanism at the top and bottom of the door frame. The door opens outwards into the bathroom, but because the far edge of the door swings backwards into the shower, they need less clearance than a hinged door.

Hinged Door: A hinged shower door opens into the room – something to consider when planning the layout of your bathroom. Best for spacious bathrooms, hinged doors offer wide access to the shower.

Bifold Door: Bi-folds consist of two or more glass panels. Generally, one glass panel is fixed to the shower surround, while the other panels fold in on its hinges. These are a great option when space is at a premium, as the door folds completely into the enclosure.

Side Panel: Shower glass side panels are individual glass panels that can be used to create unique shower enclosures. Side panels joined with a door to create a bespoke shower enclosure perfect for your bathroom.

Walk-In: The popularity of walk-in and walk-through showers have grown significantly, driven by a desire to achieve a wet room look without the expense of tanking the floor and walls. Comprising a simple glass panel teamed with a low-profile or concealed underfloor shower tray, one end is left open allowing you to ‘walk-in’, or both ends are left open to ‘walk-through.’

Frameless: These provide a modern and sleek look with minimal hardware. Planes of clear glass create the illusion of more space with clean lines that flow right the way through.

Semi-Frameless: These combine the best of both worlds. A semi-frameless enclosure has framing on each side of the larger piece, but not around the door panel.

Functionality and Accessibility: The functionality of your shower enclosure is paramount. Consider factors such as ease of access, especially if you have family members with mobility concerns. Sliding or pivot doors are great for compact spaces, while walk-in enclosures provide a barrier-free entry. Additionally, think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of different enclosure types. Frameless enclosures, for example, are not only stylish but also easier to clean due to fewer nooks and crannies.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Shower enclosures are subjected to water and soap residue daily, so ease of cleaning is a vital consideration. Additionally, choosing glass with protective coatings can help prevent water spots and mineral build up, making your cleaning routine more manageable. All Lakes glass enclosures come with AllClear protective coating as standard.

Professional Installation: Unless you’re experienced in DIY projects, it’s recommended that your shower enclosure is professionally installed. Proper installation ensures the enclosure is stable, safe to use and won’t leak.

With the exception of the Prospect Range, which has a 10-year guarantee, all Lakes own manufactured products are back by a unique no-quibble guarantee. Download the brochure www.lakesshoweringspaces.com

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