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Concealed vs Exposed Shower Valves: What's the Difference?
Struggling to decide between a concealed or exposed shower for your new bathroom? Join us as we compare the benefits of both concealed and non-concealed shower valves so you can decide which is the best option for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Concealed showers look sleek, make shower enclosures feel more spacious and are easy to clean.
- While they work well in modern bathrooms, you can also get traditional style concealed showers.
- Exposed showers are much easier to install, more affordable and simpler to maintain and repair.
- They have a more traditional look that suits classic bathroom styles.
Before you decide whether you want a traditional shower or modern shower, and which finish works best for your space, you need to choose between a concealed or exposed shower system.
The most obvious difference between the two is how they look and the bathroom styles they suit, since concealed showers lean towards a sleek, modern look, whereas exposed showers have a more classic feel.
However, there are some more practical factors to consider too. We compare both shower types based on installation, cleaning, costs and more to help you make an informed decision on which is the most suitable for your bathroom.
Concealed Vs. Exposed Showers At A Glance
| Factor | Concealed Showers | Exposed Showers |
|---|---|---|
| Space-Saving | Takes up less space, makes enclosures feel more open | Takes up more space, more likely to bump against during shower |
| Styles | Minimalist designs, both modern and traditional | Suits more traditional bathrooms |
| Cost | Can be more expensive to purchase & installation labour costs are usually higher | Generally more affordable to purchase & installation labour costs are usually lower |
| Cleaning | Easier & quicker to clean, fewer areas for grime & mould build-up | Takes longer to clean, more areas where grime & mould build-up can hide |
| Maintenance | More difficult to repair & replace parts; internal leaks can go unnoticed | Easier to repair & replace parts, leaks are usually more obvious |
| Installation | Can be slow & complex as you need to cut into your bathroom wall/tiles to hide pipework | Quite quick & simple as everything is wall-mounted |
What is a Concealed Shower?
A concealed shower hides all the internals and pipework inside your bathroom walls, so you can only see the showerhead and controls.
It’s a great option for smaller bathrooms and modern, minimalist spaces as you only have the essentials on display, which can make compact showers feel more spacious.
The Benefits of a Concealed Shower
There are a couple of different benefits to consider if you’re weighing up getting a concealed shower - and it’s not all about looks!
While the style is a major factor, concealed showers are easier to clean and much more compact than exposed shower valves.
1. Space-Saving
When the average bathroom in the UK is around 2.4m x 1.8m, it’s important to make efficient use of the space, without compromising on quality. Not having your shower’s internal pipework exposed is an effortless way to make an enclosure feel more roomy.
It also means you’re less likely to bump against the pipes while you’re showering, which can make the experience a lot more comfortable.
2. Easier Cleaning
Cleaning a concealed shower is almost always going to be easier and quicker than cleaning an exposed shower, because there’s less of the shower on display to clean.
With a concealed shower, you’ll only have to clean the shower head and controls, which is a quick job while you’re cleaning the rest of the enclosure or showering area.
They also tend to have simpler designs with fewer small corners and nooks where dirt, grime and mould can build up. That means you’re much less likely to miss spots while you’re doing your regular cleaning, saving you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
3. Sleek Style
Although you might assume concealed showers better suit modern bathrooms, you can get both contemporary and traditional styles to suit your home’s aesthetic.
In modern spaces, concealed showers with square showerheads in matt black or brushed brass look incredibly stylish. For a more classic look, choose a chrome concealed shower with a round showerhead.
While they do work well in minimalist aesthetics, you’re not limited to that style either. A concealed shower can complement more visually detailed elements of your design, such as textured tiles or colourful patterns, allowing them to take the spotlight while still looking stylish.
What is an Exposed Shower?
An exposed shower has all of its pipework on display rather than being hidden behind your wall. This means you’ll be able to see the shower head, pipes and controls.
While they might not look as minimalist and sleek as concealed showers, they can work well in traditional bathrooms and have a range of practical benefits.
The Benefits of an Exposed Shower
There are some major differences between exposed and concealed showers when it comes to installation and maintenance. Exposed showers are quicker to install and much simpler to repair if anything goes wrong.
1. Easy To Install
The main reason exposed showers are simpler to install than concealed showers is there’s no need to cut into or damage the wall at all. The entire shower is externally mounted, which is a much speedier process than installing a concealed shower.
They’re a great option when it’s too complex to create a deep wall cavity, which is needed for a concealed shower’s pipework. This includes solid brick or concrete walls that are difficult to cut into and walls that would alter structural integrity.
2. Lower Cost
As the installation process is simpler and quicker for exposed showers, it can also cost less in labour if you’re not DIYing the installation.
You don’t have to cut into your tiles or create a recess in your wall, so it’s a lot less invasive and time-consuming than installing a concealed shower.
Exposed shower units are usually more affordable than equivalent concealed showers as well, so it’s an ideal option for stylish renovations on a budget.
3. Straightforward Maintenance
Whereas concealed showers can be difficult to repair, since any work usually involves cutting into the wall again to access the internals, exposed showers don’t share that issue.
You should be able to easily fix or replace any parts of an exposed shower as they are all immediately visible.
This can also make it easier to spot issues in the first place, as leaks are more obvious compared to the internal leaks you might experience with a concealed shower.
How to Choose Between Concealed or Exposed Shower Valves?
Depending on what style of bathroom you have, either a concealed or exposed shower valve could work well. Choose a concealed shower for minimalist, modern spaces with a high-end feel, but choose an exposed shower for more traditional interiors and quick, affordable renovations.
Add A Stylish New Shower To Your Bathroom
Now that you know the benefits of both concealed and exposed shower valves, you can browse through our wide range of both types to find the perfect choice for your bathroom.
If you’re thinking about putting your concealed or exposed shower above your bath, check out our handy installation guide. Alternatively, if you’re considering a standard shower setup, make sure you read through our guide to shower trays to get the foundation right!
Oskar
Oskar is one of our bathroom bloggers here at Victorian Plumbing and he loves inspirational bathroom designs! When not writing popular 'How To' step-by-step DIY guides, he is posting buying guides that give great advice on how to go about purchasing your items.
