How much space do you have?

The amount of space that you have available in your bathroom, shower room or en-suite will help you decide which shower tray and enclosure is right. Before choosing an enclosure, carefully measure the floor area and height of your bathroom and plan and mark the position of windows, doors, and opening space required for doors. When choosing your shower tray and enclosure make sure that there will be room to open the door and also adequate space for a drying area - if there is space you may wish to consider incorporating a tray with drying area into your plan - many shower enclosures now incorporate a hardwood foot board/duck board.

Types of enclosure

Ready made cubicles

No longer just square or rectangular in design, cubicles are available in a variety of shapes to make the most of your available floor space and offer more room to move about whilst showering. Many modern designs feature sleek, shaped curved glass, giving a contemporary feel. Features to look for out for include massage jets, aromatherapy facilities, storage shelves and built in seats. For a real treat, you might even wish to consider a hydrotherapy enclosure, offering the latest in steam room technology for the home. Certainly not a budget option, but a few minutes inside will make the perfect invigorating start to your day or provide an indulgent way to relax in the evening.

Walk-in enclosure or wet rooms

Choose from a selection of contemporary walk-in enclosures or wet rooms that will really give your bathroom the 'wow' factor. Curved fixed panels, designed to wrap around a specially designed shower tray, dispense with the need for moving parts. They are available as right and left hand options to suit any space, in a selection of sizes and in a choice of framed or unframed finishes. Accessories such as teak shower mats and solid seats complete the look and provide a shower enclosure that makes a real style statement in the home.

Choosing shower doors and panels

Available in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit most bathrooms in either framed or frameless designs, shower doors can be used alone in an alcove or with a combination of shower panels to create an enclosed shower space. Shower doors feature magnetic catches to ensure a snug and watertight fit when closed.

Types of door

Sliding doors - A space efficient option that will free up valuable space in your bathroom.

Pivot doors - Make sure you have sufficient space in front of your shower to open this door - doors can be hung for left or right access.

Bifold door - Ideal for when there isn't room for an outward opening door.

Materials and finishes

Doors and panels are manufactured from toughened safety glass for durable long life. Both clear glass and opaque options are available, or the door and panels may be treated with a variety of patterns and borders to create an eye-catching effect and preserve modesty.

Frames are available in silver and chrome-effect finishes for a modern look, or classic white to blend with any bathroom scheme. Frameless models are made from thicker glass for extra protection. They are ideal for a contemporary scheme as they create a spacious, open feeling.

Bath screen options

Fitting a shower over your existing bath is a popular alternative to the shower enclosure. A bath screen will protect your floor from water, providing a close fitting seal with the bath and will offer far greater protection than a shower curtain, especially if you are installing a power shower. Screens can be fitted to either end of the bath, and are available in full or half-length options. Manufactured from toughened safety glass, they are available framed or unframed in a range of finishes, in a choice of clear or patterned glass

Choose from fixed or hinged screens, which are either fixed permanently to the wall or fitted with a swivel hinge to allow easy access; bi-fold screens which fold when not in use - a great choice for small spaces or sliding screens which consist of two screens that slide along the full length of the bath to create a private enclosure for showering. Accessories to look out for include integrated towel rails and shelves.

Shower trays r

The shower tray is the foundation of the shower enclosure, and will ensure a water-tight shower enclosure and adequate drainage. Trays are available in a range of shapes and sizes, from compact options to luxurious designs, incorporating separate drying areas. Made from cast stone or heavyweight acrylic, for added safety, look for non-slip surfaces. Deeper trays are available for use with a power shower as this will require higher drainage than a standard shower. Careful installation is required to ensure the tray does not flex under pressure or cause leaks. It is advisable to have your shower tray fitted professionally to ensure that it is level and firmly installed.