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Shower enclosure options: A guide to choosing between a Wetroom, Walk-in or Traditional Shower Enclosure.

Sales Support, Bathroom Design & Planning | 24/05/2017

When considering a new bathroom or the rejuvenation of an existing bathroom, we now have more choice than ever before. To save you from the anxiety that comes with choice paralysis, here’s our very brief summary of shower enclosure options, along with a few helpful pros and cons to help the decision.

Traditional Shower Enclosure

Fully enclosed shower tray with a door to allow access.

Pros

The modern range of ‘traditional’ enclosures is so varied in shape, style and functionality that they have changed the notion that ‘traditional’ means passé.
With a wide range of choices from tray, trim, glass and door mechanisms, you’d be hard pressed to find a space that couldn’t be adapted to fit a traditional shower enclosure.

Cons

Even though the choice and range has grown massively, there will always be limitations in size due to the range of footprints commercially available.
Without a glass treatment like the AllClear stay-clean coating that comes as standard on Lakes enclosures, a traditional enclosure will need continuous cleaning to maintain that showroom shine.

Click here for a few perfect examples of Traditional Enclosures with AllClear as standard.

Wetroom

An entirely clad and waterproofed room, generally equipped with a shower that relies on inbuilt water drainage without the need for a shower tray.

Pros

Provides that minimalist aesthetic.
A wetroom as a second bathroom can be a key selling point, in some cases adding value to a property.
Spacious with little to no obstruction.
The accessibility makes a wetroom ideal for many disabilities.
The unobstructed light provides the illusion of greater space.

Cons

Requires more money and time to install than more conventional enclosures.
Is often still necessary to have a shower screen to prevent other bathroom furniture and accessories getting wet.
Isn’t appropriate for all spaces.
Although it requires less strenuous cleaning on a daily basis, the sheer coverage of tiles requires greater care when it comes to protecting grout from mould and mildew.
If drainage and sealing is not proficiently done it can result in standing water and damage that is far costlier to access and correct.

Click here for the perfect shower screen to accompany your wetroom.

Walk-in Shower

Has many of the desired attributes of both Traditional Enclosures and Wetrooms. A Walk-in utilises the shower trays associated with more conventional enclosures but without being fully enclosed.

Pros

More easily accessible than traditional enclosures.
Provides an unobtrusive, luxurious aesthetic.
Great alternative in a space where a wetroom isn’t appropriate.
Great for larger spaces.
Provides the less constrained experience without having to tile and protect a whole room.

Cons

Typically a more expensive option than traditional enclosures.
Like traditional enclosures – unless treated with something like an AllClear stay-clean coating – it will still require continual glass cleaning.

Click here for examples of that perfect, luxurious walk-in.

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