Do you have to replace your shower enclosure? It can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
But don’t worry! We’re here to make things a bit simpler. This short buyer’s guide will help you invest in the perfect shower enclosure for your space.
2021 Shower Enclosure Buying Guide
Take these factors into consideration to select the right shower enclosure.
1. Functionality and Foot Traffic
Your bathroom is among the most used rooms in your house, so you should invest in a suitable glass shower enclosure that can withstand wear and tear, while also being easy to clean.
Also, make sure you choose a design that is accessible to everyone living in your house, be it children, adults, or individuals with limited mobility. This allows your space to be used to its maximum efficiency by everyone.
2. Measurements
Measure your bathroom thoroughly before setting out to purchase a new shower enclosure. For this, you need to check its square footage. You can either do this yourself or check the building plans.
Next, plan how you want to arrange your other fixtures and appliances, and organize the shower area accordingly.
Finally, measure the shower enclosure’s designated spot. All of this will give you the data you need to ensure you pick the right product for your bathroom.
3. Design
There are several types of shower enclosures you can choose from.
- Recessed
Recessed shower enclosures are a popular option for homes where the enclosure is present within a recess in the wall created using three solid walls and a glass door. It offers a completely enclosed space that is used as a shower cubicle. This choice requires only a glass shower door and tray. The four standard options are hinged, bifold, sliding, and pivot shower doors.
- Walk-In
Walk-in showers are a statement feature. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to offer the freedom to experiment with curves instead of straight lines.
- Quadrant
This option is a space-saving solution for small bathrooms and it is installed in a corner to ensure you have a dedicated shower area. The enclosure’s curved shape allows it to fit in the corner and offers space within the enclosure. It generally has sliding doors supported by sprung bottom rollers.
- Offset Quadrant
Offset quadrant shower enclosures are similar to quadrant varieties, with the only difference being that one wall is longer than the other. This design is suited to large shower areas located in the corner of the bathroom. Left and right-handed options are available.
4. Glass Type
Along with the size and design of your shower enclosure, you’ll also have to choose the glass. While there are many types available, all-glass shower doors are constructed with safety glazing. Instead of shattering into shards, this tempered glass breaks into pellets, which prevents injuries in case the glass breaks. It comes in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns. Decorative options include clear and frosted.
Another safe option is laminated glass. This consists of two pieces of glass with a plastic interlayer. In the event of if the glass breaking, the interlayer holds the structure in place, and prevents the glass pieces from falling. One major drawback is that moisture can result in issues arising with the glass.
5. Budget
Determine your budget right away. This should include installation and labour costs, which can vary depending on the project’s complexity.
Remember, the cost of your enclosure will also vary significantly depending on its size and the materials being used to construct it. All of these can range anywhere between a few hundred to thousands of dollars. The final price will vary depending on various factors such as the type of glass and finish you select and whether you choose a framed or frameless shower enclosure. Keep in mind: the more elaborate each detail, the more you pay.
Now that you know what to consider before making a choice, you’re ready to purchase a suitable shower enclosure for your home. Contact a glass shower door provider near you to choose the design to suit your budget and requirements. Remember to confirm if they provide emergency glass repair and replacement services as well.