Shower Enclosures Explained

If you have the space, and if you haven’t got one already, the chances are that you have considered adding a separate shower enclosure in your bathroom. If so, you’ve probably already discovered that choosing from the vast array of sizes, styles and designs available can be mind boggling.

Ultimately, of course, your choice is likely to come down to personal taste, but there are several other things that should be taken into account before making your final purchase. To help, here’s a quick guide to shower enclosures, explaining the different types of designs and styles available and explaining the environments in which they are best suited.

Pivot Doors

Probably the most commonly selected type of shower enclosure is the pivot door design. As well as generally being the most cost effective option, these simple designs are often selected over sliding type doors as they are less likely to suffer from sticking, providing quick easy access to your shower. One thing that must be considered before choosing this type of enclosure however, is to ensure that you have enough space to enable the door to open fully without being obstructed by adjacent walls or sloping ceilings, which can often be the case in en-suite bathrooms. Where space is an issue, then one of the following two options should be considered instead.

Sliding Doors

When space is an issue, sometimes a traditional pivot door arrangement just isn’t an option. In this instance many people opt for a sliding door shower enclosure instead. Sliding doors still provide easy access to your shower without the need for extra space next to your enclosure in which to swing open a door. There are several types of sliding door enclosure to consider including single and double door variations as well as clever corner entry designs. If you do choose this type of cubicle, do remember to keep the sliding mechanism clean to help prevent your doors from sticking.

Folding Doors

Folding door shower enclosures provide the simplicity of a pivot door combined with the space saving features of sliding doors. Often referred to as concertina doors, these clever contraptions collapse in on themselves as they open. The centre pivot of the doors runs along a guide rail, in a similar fashion to sliding doors, to provide a smooth opening action. Like sliding doors however, the folding mechanism and slide rail should be kept clean and free of debris to prevent them from sticking and to maintain a tight seal.

Quadrant Enclosures

Quadrant shower enclosures, or corner showers as they are often referred to, provide another great use of space.  With three sides instead of the usual four, two straight sides joined by an arc, quadrant enclosures fit neatly into the corner of your bathroom and are usually accesses via a curved sliding door or doors. Standard quadrant enclosures have two sides of equal length, but for those seeking for a little extra space offset quadrants are also available - with one side longer than the other.

Walk-In Shower

For the ultimate in shower enclosures, and when space is not an issue, many people opt for the hugely desirable walk-in shower enclosure. These cleverly designed cubicles have no door, allowing you to just walk right in, containing shower water instead using a series of cleverly positioned glass screens. Walk in showers are extremely desirable and as well as looking amazing they provide a spacious and enjoyable showering experience.