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Help & advice: Buying guide to shower enclosures

Buying guide to shower enclosures

Stand alone enclosures equal showering luxury. Here's how to choose a classy cubicle - from wet rooms to walk-ins. Go on, treat yourself...indulge in the Homebase range of shower enclosures.

Find your ideal shower enclosure

We have a fantastic choice of shower enclosure options! Walk-in units, wet rooms, cubicles with curved glass for a slick, contemporary look. Massage jets, and even hydrotherapy and aromatherapy systems. Sliding and bi-fold doors ideal for smaller areas. And if you've limited space and so opt for an over-bath shower, you can still choose a screen to protect your bathroom from splashes.

How much space do you have?

The size of your bathroom or shower room will influence which enclosure and shower tray is right for you. Drawing a plan will help you see what fits. First, measure the floor area and height and mark it on your plan. Put in the position of windows, room doors, and opening space needed for the shower doors. The door space is very important! Also, many shower enclosures now have a hardwood foot board or duck board drying section. So if you fancy one of these, allow for the drying area too.

Types of enclosure

Homebase shower enclosure

Ready made cubicles

A square or rectangular shower cubicle will still look great, but why not try something right up to the minute? Today's shower enclosure designs come in lots of fabulous shapes, with sleek, curved glass giving you a sophisticated feel. They also help you make the most of your floor space and offer more room to move about in the shower. Want to go upscale? Opt for premium features like massage jets, aromatherapy systems, storage shelves and even built-in seats (after all, showers are so tiring). For a real treat, what about a hydrotherapy shower enclosure? Escaping to your mini-steam room is an amazing way to unwind after a hectic day.


Homebase shower enclosure walkin

Walk-in enclosures or wet rooms

So-now walk-in shower enclosures and wet rooms really give your bathroom the 'wow' factor. You'll love those curved fixed panels that wrap around a specially designed shower tray. They come as right and left hand options to suit any space, in a selection of sizes and a choice of framed or unframed finishes. Complete the urbane look with smart teak shower mats and solid seats.


Choosing shower doors and panels

Shower doors can be used alone in an alcove or with a combination of shower panels to create an enclosed space. There are plenty of sizes and configurations in framed or frameless styles to suit your space. Magnetic catches ensure your shower doors offer a snug, watertight fit when closed.

Types of door

Sliding doors

They'll free up valuable space in your bathroom.

Pivot doors

They can be hung for left or right access. Make sure you have enough room in front of your shower to open a pivot door.

Bi-fold doors

These are perfect when you haven't got room for an outward-opening shower door.

Materials and finishes

Shower doors and panels are made from toughened safety glass for a long life. You can get clear and opaque options, or the glass can be treated with a variety of patterns and borders to create an eye-catching effect (and preserve modesty!).

There are all sorts of frames to suit your home. Silver and chrome-effect finishes give you a modern look. Classic white blends with any bathroom. Frameless styles create an airy, open feeling.


Bath screen options

Don't fancy a shower enclosure? Simply fit a shower over your bath. A bath screen with its close-fitting seal will protect your floor from water. It offers far greater protection than a shower curtain, especially if you're installing a power shower. Screens can be fitted to either end of the bath, and you have full- or half-length options. Made from toughened safety glass, they come framed or unframed in a range of finishes, in clear or patterned glass.

You've got great choices for configuring a screen to suit your space. There are screens fixed permanently to the wall or fitted with a swivel hinge to allow easy access. Bi-fold screens tuck neatly away when not in use - a sound choice for small spaces. Sliding screens comprise two screens that move along the full length of the bath to create a private enclosure for showering. Look out for neat accessories such as integrated towel rails and shelves.


Shower trays - what to look for

Made from cast stone or heavyweight acrylic, a shower tray ensures you have a water-tight enclosure with decent drainage. There are plenty of shapes and sizes, from compact styles to luxurious designs that feature separate drying areas. Go for a deeper tray if you have a power shower as they need higher drainage. And for added safety, check out non-slip surfaces. Shower trays need to be carefully fitted to ensure they don't flex under pressure or leak - so it's best to hire a professional for installation.


Homebase buyer's tips

Frameless shower enclosures help create the illusion of space in your bathroom.

Quarter circle and pentangle shower trays save space in a smaller bathroom.


Find your ideal shower enclosure Print buying to guide