If you're renovating your bathroom, it's important to pay special attention to the shower. After all, the shower you choose plays a big role in the overall appearance, feel, and function of your bathroom.
That's why it's a good idea to do lots of research and compare several models before purchasing a shower enclosure. Whether you're replacing an outdated shower enclosure or taking on a major bathroom makeover, this buying guide to shower enclosures will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the best one for your bathroom.
How to Measure for a Shower Enclosure
Before considering a shower enclosure, you should know what size shower you need. If you're happy with the size of your current shower, simply measure the length and then the width to find the dimensions of your next shower enclosure.
If you plan on installing a hinged door, you should also measure how much clearance you have around the shower for the door to swing.
Alternatively, if you're adding a new shower, the first step is determining where the enclosure will go. If you're designing a custom home or planning for an addition, it's a little easier to place the shower precisely where you want and properly plan for its dimensions.
But if you're adding a shower enclosure to a bathroom that previously only had a bath, you'll have to accommodate the other fixtures that are already in place. Plan for at least 30 inches of clearance around each fixture.
Once you know the approximate location of your new shower enclosure, measure the length and width of the available space. Then, measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling to know the maximum height of shower enclosure your bathroom can accommodate. These measurements will give you the appropriate constraints to shop within.
What Are the Components of a Shower Enclosure?
Shower enclosure kits come in a few different configurations. It’s important that you evaluate your current floor plan to determine which configuration is best for your bathroom.
For those who don’t need separate shower walls, the ideal configuration might be a shower base and shower door. If you want to buy a door separately or use a curtain instead, consider a shower wall and base setup. If you want everything you need to create an enclosed shower space, it’s best to go with a configuration that includes shower walls, a base, and a door.
The Main Components of a Shower Enclosure
Shower enclosures typically feature the same basic components: a shower base, door, walls, and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Of course, you may not need an enclosure with all of these components. For example, if your walls are tiled, you may not need to purchase shower walls.
The various components of shower enclosures can be customized to match your personal style and design preferences.
Shower Base
Threshold
Your shower threshold dictates how far you have to step up to enter the shower. Most people prefer a threshold with a low profile, but high thresholds can look better in certain spaces.
For a uniquely modern feel — or to create a handicap-accessible shower — skip the threshold altogether and extend the door all the way to the ground.
Shapes
The shape of your shower will largely depend on the layout of your bathroom, the location of your drain, and your personal preference.
If you're tight on space, a square shower base is probably your best option. Square showers are sleek and easy to accommodate. However, if you want your shower to have a more open and spacious feel, opt for a rectangular glass shower enclosure.
Doors
Types
The shower door is integral to any glass shower enclosure and shouldn't be left as an afterthought. There are several types of doors to choose from.
- Sliding and Bypass Sliding Doors - feature two or three panes of glass that can slide in front of or behind one another to let you in and out of the shower. The glass panes are usually attached to a single track along the top of the shower. These types of doors are ideal for small bathrooms or anyone tight on space.
- Hinged Doors - behave like the other doors in your house. They are attached to the shower frame on one side and swing out in the opposite direction. These doors typically cannot open past 90 degrees.
- Pivot Doors - unique in that they allow the door to rotate 180 degrees in either direction so you can get in and out effortlessly from either direction. These doors are typically affixed to the shower frame at a single center point on the top and bottom.
Finish
Sometimes, the littlest details can have the biggest impact on the overall mood of a room. This means the finish you choose for your shower could make or break the entire design. Some popular finishes include:
- Brushed nickel
- Polished stainless steel
- Chrome
- Satin black
- Oil rubbed bronze
- Polished gold
- Polished rose gold
- White
- Tuxedo
Make sure you choose a finish that contributes to the mood you're trying to achieve and doesn't clash aesthetically with the rest of your bathroom.
Shower Enclosure Frames
When it comes to framing, there are three types of shower enclosures to pick from. Each type of framing has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that make it better suited for certain circumstances.
Framed Shower Enclosures
A framed shower enclosure provides stronger structural support for your shower and minimizes the risk of glass shattering. Additionally, framed showers tend to be more affordable and easier to install.
The only downside of framed shower enclosures is the added hardware you must maintain to prevent corrosion.
Frameless Shower Enclosures
Frameless shower enclosures provide a sleek centerpiece for any modern bathroom. By getting rid of clunky and unnecessary hardware, frameless shower enclosures can also make your bathroom look and feel bigger. Not to mention, they are easier to clean and maintain than their framed counterparts.
However, the importance of proper installation cannot be overstated. This type of enclosure is more prone to leaking if it's not properly installed.
Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosures
For many people, semi-frameless shower enclosures provide a reasonable and practical middle ground between the framed versus frameless debate. Semi-frameless showers only have a frame around part of the enclosure, which lends your space a unique, modern feel that you don't see very often.
Find Your New Shower Enclosure at Vintage Tub & Bath
At Vintage Tub & Bath, we are proud to have provided a wide selection of shower enclosure kits and all the accessories you could need to complete your bathroom renovation for over 25 years.
Whether you're renovating a master suite or giving the guest bathroom a small facelift, you can browse our store online to find the perfect shower enclosure for your renovation today.
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