Nowadays, choosing the right shower enclosure can be challenging, all due to the wide range of products from many manufacturers. It's a piece of bathroom equipment used every day, so it's worth carefully considering the parameters and features of the chosen enclosure to ensure the purchase is fully satisfying.
Size is important
The optimal size for shower enclosures is considered to be those with a base dimension of 90x90 centimetres, but if space is limited, you can also buy those with dimensions of 80x80 centimetres. If you decide against buying a classic rectangular enclosure, it's worth looking at asymmetrical models, for example, 70x90 centimetres. Many manufacturers also offer enclosures in a rectangular plan, with at least one side of the base measuring 100, or even 140 centimetres. The height is also significant. The tallest enclosures available are usually 200 or 220 centimetres, while the lowest, intended for deep trays, are around 170 centimetres.
Different types of shower enclosures
When deciding to purchase a shower enclosure, you need to decide exactly where the shower will be placed - in the corner of the room, by the wall, in a recess, or maybe in the middle? This allows the shape to be tailored to the chosen location as well as the size of the bathroom. The most popular type of enclosure, especially in rooms with small square footage, is the corner enclosure. The enclosure located in a recess also takes up little space and is inexpensive to construct - you only need to buy the door and tray.
Owners of large bathrooms can opt for a non-standard shape and larger enclosure, which enhances the comfort of the showering experience, even for several people, which is particularly important for families with small children. You should also know that shower enclosures can be divided into two types: shower cabins and multifunctional ones, mainly related to their functions and construction.
What are the types of shower cabins?
Shower cabins can be of various types. They are divided into:
- corner shower cabins - mounted in a corner, using two walls in the bathroom. They can be shaped like a segment of a circle, a pentagon, a triangle, a square, or an asymmetrical shape. These types of models are dedicated to both large and somewhat smaller bathrooms,
- wall-mounted shower cabins - located by the bathroom wall, but only one is needed in this case. They take up far more space than typical corner cabins because they significantly "enter" the bathroom space. Many different shapes are available on the market, including walk-in cabins.
Shower cabins also include freestanding models, designed for bathrooms with a large area. These cabins do not touch the walls at all, as they form a separate whole. It's worth emphasising that the decision to purchase a freestanding cabin should be made already at the stage of designing the installation, so that a specialist can arrange the water and sewer connections in the chosen place. However, the most commonly purchased model is the semi-circular cabin, as it also works well in small bathrooms. Its advantage is also very good communication between the various zones in the bathroom.
The cost of a shower enclosure
A good shower enclosure costs from several hundred to even several thousand złoty. Its price mainly depends on the material used to make the wall - the more expensive ones are made of glass. The tray is also priced separately. Plastic cabin walls are often chosen not only because of lower costs but also for their light weight. However, it's worth noting that they are not as impressive as would be the case with glass walls. The price of a shower enclosure also depends on the hinges and profiles in the doors. It is estimated that the cheapest ones can be bought for as little as 700 złoty, while high-end ones range between 2000 and 3000 złoty.