Shower Enclosure Buying Guides

Whether you’re upgrading a tired setup or getting into a full renovation, our shower enclosure buying guide is here to help you navigate through styles, shapes, materials, and those all-important luxury features. By the end, you’ll be armed with everything you need to turn your shower enclosure into a spa-worthy sanctuary; let’s face it, life’s too short for a subpar shower.

Table of contents

• What is a shower enclosure?
• Planning your layout
• Enclosure types and shapes
• Shower enclosure essentials
• Features to look out for
• Optional extras and upgrades
• Safety, accessibility and aftercare
• FAQs

What is a shower enclosure?

A shower enclosure is the area around your shower that helps keep water where it should be. Usually made with glass panels, it stops spray from soaking the rest of the bathroom, helps reduce slippery floors and gives your shower space a neat, finished look.

Planning your layout

Before choosing a shower enclosure, check the space you’re working with. Measuring properly and thinking about where the enclosure will sit can help you avoid awkward door openings, tight access and unnecessary plumbing changes.

• Measure the space: Record the width, depth and height of the area where the enclosure will go. If you’re replacing an old shower or swapping out a bath, keeping the new enclosure in the same place can make installation easier and help reduce costs.
• Think about placement: Corner enclosures are great for small bathrooms, while recessed or alcove spaces may only need a shower door if the side walls are already in place. Larger bathrooms may suit a feature shower along one wall, while wet rooms create a more open, walk-in feel.
• Check door clearance: Make sure there’s enough room for the shower door to open properly and for you to get in and out comfortably. Check nearby toilets, basins, radiators and furniture won’t block the door’s path.
• Consider access: Sliding, bi-fold or walk-in designs can work better where space is tight. Hinged or pivot doors usually need more room to open outwards.

Enclosure types and shapes

Shower enclosure essentials

Features to look out for

Once you know the size and layout you need, it’s time to look at the details. The right glass, fittings and installation type can make your shower enclosure easier to use, easier to clean and better suited to your bathroom.

• Glass thickness: Most shower enclosures use toughened safety glass, usually between 4mm and 10mm thick. Thicker glass tends to feel sturdier and more premium, while thinner glass is often lighter and more budget-friendly.
• Glass finish: Clear glass keeps the room feeling open and bright, while frosted, textured or patterned glass gives you more privacy. Fluted, smoked, tinted or mirrored finishes can add a more modern look if you want something a bit different.
• Easy-clean coatings: Anti-limescale or easy-clean glass coatings help reduce water marks, soap scum and limescale build-up, making the enclosure quicker to clean.
• Wet room installation: If you’re planning a wet room, check whether your floor can support a level-access design with drainage fitted into the floor. If not, a slightly raised shower area may be needed to allow for proper drainage.
• Modular or all-in-one design: Modular enclosures let you choose separate doors, panels and trays, which is useful for awkward spaces or custom layouts. All-in-one packages are simpler to buy and install, but may offer less flexibility.
• Shower fittings: Think about the type of shower valve, mixer and head you want. Thermostatic mixers are a good choice for keeping water temperature steady, especially in family bathrooms.
• Water pressure: Check your home’s water pressure before choosing features like rainfall heads, body jets or multi-outlet showers. Some higher-spec fittings may need stronger pressure, a booster pump or changes to your hot water system.

Optional extras and upgrades

If you want your shower enclosure to feel more relaxing, there are plenty of upgrades worth considering. These features can add comfort, atmosphere and a more premium feel, but some may need extra planning around ventilation, water pressure or electrical work.

• Hydro massage jets: Great for a more spa-like shower, with targeted water jets that can help soothe tired or stiff muscles.
• Steam functions: Create a sauna-style feel at home, but they need the right ventilation and a suitable power supply.
• LED lighting: Adds a softer, more relaxing atmosphere and can help make the shower feel more modern.
• Aromatherapy: Uses scent to make showering feel more calming and luxurious.
• Chromotherapy: Uses coloured lighting to create a more relaxing mood in the shower area.
• Built-in radios and Bluetooth speakers: Let you listen to music, podcasts or the radio while you shower.

Before choosing electrical extras, make sure they’re suitable for bathroom use and fitted safely by a qualified professional.

Safety, accessibility and aftercare

Before you buy, it’s worth checking more than just the style and size. A good shower enclosure should be safe to use, easy to access where needed, built to last and supported by a reliable warranty.

• Safety and compliance: Look for enclosures made with toughened safety glass and check whether they meet relevant safety and durability standards. Certified products can give you extra confidence that they’ve been properly tested.
• Accessibility: If the shower needs to support reduced mobility, consider low-threshold or level-access trays to make entry easier. Wider openings, grab rails, fold-down seats and thermostatic controls can also make showering safer and more comfortable.
• Build quality: Spending a little more on a well-made enclosure can pay off over time. Sturdy glass, strong hinges, smooth rollers and reliable seals can help reduce maintenance and improve everyday use.
• Warranties and guarantees: Check what the product warranty covers and how long it lasts. Longer guarantees can be a good sign of manufacturer confidence.
• Spare parts and after-sales support: Choose a brand where replacement seals, hinges, rollers and handles are easy to find. This makes future repairs simpler and can help extend the life of your enclosure.

FAQs

Still got a few questions? Here are the quick answers to the things people usually want to know before choosing, replacing or fitting a shower enclosure.

How do I choose a shower enclosure?

To choose the right shower enclosure, consider the available space, the type of shower tray, your budget, and the enclosure style (e.g., sliding door, hinged door, quadrant). Ensure the enclosure is compatible with your bathroom’s layout and plumbing.

Can I just replace a shower enclosure?

Yes, you can replace just the shower enclosure if the existing shower tray and plumbing are in good condition. Ensure the new enclosure dimensions match the existing setup to avoid additional alterations.

How much does it cost to install a shower enclosure?

Installing a shower enclosure typically costs £500 to £1,500, depending on the complexity of the installation, the enclosure type, and additional plumbing or tiling work required.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right shower enclosure comes down to getting the basics right: the size, shape, glass finish and features that work for your bathroom. With a bit of planning, you can create a shower space that’s practical, easy to use and looks great too. Explore our full range of shower enclosures to find the right fit for your bathroom.