A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Shower Cubicles

A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Shower Cubicles

Shower cubicles come in a variety of sizes and designs, which means you’ll never a have problem selecting one that goes with your bathroom interior. Moreover, they’re convenient! You can have one installed just about anywhere in the bathroom if there’s adequate plumbing. However, one of the most common areas where shower cubicles UK are installed are in the corner. But that’s not to say that you can’t have one installed right in the middle of your bathroom, to give the illusion of more space. 

In light of this, here’s a detailed buying guide for shower cubicles, factors to consider, how to measure your bathroom, and how to choose one that will suit your requirements. 

But first…

Some Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Modern Shower Cubicle

Before we talk about why you should buy one, it’s first important to determine what type of shower cubicle you should opt for. You see, if you’re a bustling family of four or five, this means you have a particularly busy home. 

Now, this also means that the shower enclosure you choose to get should be durable and sturdy enough to resist daily wear and tear, which basically includes door banging, knocks, slams, and whatnot. In all, it’s wise to buy an enclosure that’s both durable and made with topnotch materials. Moreover, if you have a particularly small bathroom, you should opt for designs that provide space saving options.

As for why you should buy a shower cubicle, well, there are many reasons. The primary reason is the fact that it will offer a more chic and modern solution to showering. Shower cubicles effortlessly add more style and luxury to your bathroom giving it a quick facelift. In addition, an enclosure is an excellent way of keeping all the water from splashing around the rest of the bathroom floor. Plus, you can easily step in and out of the shower and there are a myriad of designs and styles to choose from. 

Factors to Keep in Mind When Investing in a Shower Cubicle 

When it comes to buying a shower cubicle, you need to consider a lot of important factors. For example, you’ll have to check whether you’re bathroom is big enough to comfortably install a stylish enclosure. Similarly, you’ll also need to determine the type and style of cubicle you want – such as one that’s a typical enclosure or a walk-in cubicle. 

Moreover, you’ll have to decide whether to install it in the master bathroom or an en-suite bathroom. Remember, bathroom size plays an important role in the type of cubicle you can install. However, with some smart planning and a little bit of hope, you could have a stylish shower cubicle installed in a smaller bathroom, which can help reduce the traffic for the main family bathroom a bit, especially in the morning. 

In addition, you’ll have to also consider the height of your bathroom from floor to ceiling – and if you’re opting to install a cubicle between two bathroom walls, it’s better to go for bi-fold or pivot cubicle doors as they’re both space saving and convenient designs. 

Along with factoring-in what type of shower cubicle you want for your family, mentioned below is a list of some other small, albeit important details:

  • It’s better to select a shower cubicle that’s designed with a quick-release door wheel (for models that come with pivot and bi-fold doors). Both these options can help eliminate the pains that come with cleaning the enclosure. 
  • For more safety, go for a cubicle that comes with thick glass and check whether the glass incorporates protective coating, which is simpler and safer to clean. 
  • To prevent water leaks and splashes, go for a model that’s built-in with magnetic seals, which are basically self-closing.
  • Look for shower cubicles that come with cover caps and concealed fixtures and fittings. This is going to help boost the sleekness of the enclosure. 
  • Choose the right color scheme and finishing of the cubicle. Shower enclosures come in multiple wall profiles and themes such as black, chrome, and white. So, select one that perfectly matches your bathroom interior.

Consider the Right Shower Cubicle Glass Thickness

Along with safety ratings, there are different glass thickness tiers that also impact the overall price of the shower cubicle. Enclosures typically come in three different glass thickness: 4-mm (affordable range), 6-mm (mid-price range), and 8-mm (high-end). 

However, when it comes to safety, 8-mm glass is by far the toughest and more resilient thickness. But there are other factors you should look for to determine the quality of the enclosure, which includes the durability and flexibility of the door hinges, rollers, and door wheels. 

Opt for a Cubicle that Comes with Protective Coating

For a more pleasant experience, it’s always better to buy a shower cubicle that comes with a protective glass coating on the glass, making it easier to clean. The coating is applied at the point of manufacturing and helps eliminate any residual build-up of dirt, mildew, or grime. All you’d have to do is wipe the glass with a damp cloth and some glass cleaning detergent for a squeaky clean shine. 

Determining the Size of the Enclosure

How big or small the cubicle will be primarily depends on the layout and size of your bathroom. So, if you have a particularly large bathroom, going for a walk-in enclosure would be the best choice. However, if there isn’t a lot of space, you’d have to settle for a pivot or bi-fold cubicle. If you want to save space, then a quadrant enclosure can also be a good option. 

Some Important Bathroom Measuring Tips to Install the Right Shower Cubicle 

If you’re going to measure everything yourself, you’ll need to accurately measure the precise height of the area you’re planning to install the cubicle, from floor to ceiling. Moreover, you’re also going to have to measure the depth and width of the area. However, run all measurements twice to make sure everything’s accurate. In light of this, here are some excellent tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t forget to measure the shower tray’s edging. For instance, if the shower cubicle you’ve selected comes with a squared edging, you’ll simply have to measure the start of the edging. But if the tray is rounded, you’ll have to start the measurement from the end point of the curve. 
  • If you’re planning to install the cubicle between the walls of your bathroom, remember that you’re going to have to measure all three heights. Why? Well, from floor to ceiling, it’s unlikely that both bathroom walls will have the same height. 
  • If you’re installing a shower cubicle in the bathroom corner, you’ll need to measure the height on both sides of the wall, starting from the exterior of the shower tray. 

Installing the Enclosure

In all honesty, installing a shower cubicle requires plenty of tools, DIY experience, and patience. Plus, if you’re hoping to do it yourself, remember that there’s going to be a lot of room for errors. So, to save costs on redoing everything, it’s better to hire the service of an experienced fitter. 

Bottom Line

So there you go – everything you need to know about shower cubicles.