Shower Cubicles - 5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Although your overall budget will have a big effect on the choice of cubicles open to you, there are several other considerations that need to be taken into account before buying a shower cubicle to ensure your chosen shower will be suitable for your home.

Many of the points raised here are made to help you integrate the shower cubicle into your overall bathroom design.

Room Size and Cubicle Size

The cubicle needs to be of an adequate size to ensure it is useable without feeling cramped but not so large that it impinges on floor-space within the room. It should not be too visually imposing otherwise it can make the room feel smaller. Small shower cubicles (700mm square or less) should be avoided if at all possible as they offer very little space and can be restrictive for larger users.

The price of shower cubicles usually increases with the size of the unit but this is not always the case and there are usually some bargains to be had if you shop around.

Shower Cubicle Shape

The shape of the cubicle can almost be as important as the size of the cubicle when comes to the visual impact it can have in a room. If you are intending to include a large cubicle into a small room it is usually advisable to opt for a quadrant shaped unit. This shape curves away from the line of sight giving the impression of more space in the room while retaining a large showering area. Pentagon shaped cubicles can also achieve this effect but the finished result is a little more angular.

Shower Cubicle Glass

The glass used in most shower cubicles tends to be clear, toughened safety glass. Some glass has a modesty panel etched onto the surface and a few have the whole surface etched. Clear glass will help to make the room look bigger and will make the cubicle feel bigger when in use. Be aware that there have been several cases of counterfeit cubicles available on the market that were not made from safety glass so make sure you are buying from a reputable source.

Cubicle Frame

The overwhelming trend in bathroom design these days is toward a minimal, white and chrome, fuss-free look and cubicle manufacturers have followed suit. The sizes of the frames surrounding the glass of the cubicle have been reduced in size or even eliminated in some cases, to tie-in with the minimalist approach. Sometimes this has an effect on the overall adjustment available for installation which can be an issue if the cubicle needs to be fitted to out-of-true walls.

Shower Walls

Most walls are not completely square, flat or level, so the adjustment available from the cubicle needs to be sufficient to cope with any variations that might present themselves in the location you are siting the shower. Very uneven walls might need to be levelled and re-tiled prior to the installation of the cubicle.