How to fit a shower enclosure

When it comes to installing a shower, it’s always best to get a professional tradesperson in to do the job, as they have the expertise and the right tools to ensure that everything is fitted correctly. However, for a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect from the process (or, if you’re a self-builder who likes a challenge …), then here’s how you would go about fitting a shower enclosure.

The Merlyn Vivid Boost Loft 800mm Two-door Quadrant Chrome Aluminium and Glass shower.

What is a shower enclosure?

First of all, a shower enclosure typically refers to the screen or door which encloses the shower, although within this are the following:

• Shower tray
• The type of shower

There are, of course, many different types of trays, doors and shower styles and how each one is specifically fitted will differ according to what you choose and what your bathroom itself is like. Bearing this in mind, the following guide will therefore give general instructions on how to go about the fitting process of a shower enclosure, but please note that this will differ depending on your circumstances.

At Bathshack, we supply a wide range of high-quality shower enclosures, including:

• Leak-free enclosures: These will make sure the shower enclosure doesn’t drip water onto the bathroom floor, thanks to ‘Leak-Seal’ technology. Made from toughened glass, a sliding mechanism prevents water from leaking beyond the shower tray, while the shower tray itself is also drip-free and contains the water.
• Steam shower enclosures: Our Insignia steam showers offer a relaxing experience with jets of steam which can be enjoyed from a seated position. There’s also the option of aromatherapy-infused steam, as well as chromotherapy lighting, FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity in these enclosures, for a truly luxurious experience.
• Shower cabins: With backing panels and a tray, shower cabins create a complete cubicle and are very easy to install, without the need for sealant, electrical connections, or tiles. Our range includes high-quality cabins from Insignia and Vidalux, with some also giving the option of sitting down and enjoying steam jets, for an extra luxury experience.
• Walk-in shower enclosures: With a more spacious feel, the walk-in enclosure gives more room but can be fitted in a range of bathrooms, so there doesn’t need to be a huge amount of space to include one in a property.

The Nuie Pacific 760mm Pivot Shower Door in Chrome and Aluminium Glass.

• Bi-fold doors: If you have a smaller bathroom then bi-fold doors are great as they fold inwards when opened so use the space inside the shower rather than opening out into the room. Our quality bi-fold doors are hard-wearing and built to last and are available in a range of sizes – from 700mm wide right up to 1200mm wide.
• In-fold doors: These use an arm mechanism to open into the shower and are available from Bathshack in three sizes – 760mm, 800mm and 900mm (and at 1900mm high) – with easy-clean glass. Our designs also mean that, when open, only half of the door will open into the main bathroom space – a great compromise if there isn’t room for a hinge door or your customer isn’t keen on pivot or bi-fold styles.
• Quadrant and offset quadrant shower enclosures: With a curved front, our quadrant shower enclosures fit easily into corners and generally come with hinged or sliding doors. The offset quadrant style is larger in size, one side being longer than the other.
• Hinged: Designed in the style of a traditional door into a room, the glass panel of a hinged door opens one way and can be attached to a fixed glass panel or a shower profile. Suitable for quadrant enclosures as well as straight, they create a distinct minimalist look and open and close on the hinged side. NB If opting for a frameless style then these still come with wall and/or door profiles to keep the water contained while showering.
• Pivot: These are a great choice if there’s space in the bathroom for the doors to open more fully, as they open out into the main bathroom and have a top and bottom bracket for pivoting on. The pivot brackets are usually attached at the furthest corners of the door to give a more aesthetic, frameless view. Relatively straightforward to install, they can be easily adjusted for uneven walls and are an affordable option.
• Sliding: Composed of two or more sections, sliding doors glide back to overlap the fixed glass panel so the moving part needs to be able to open in full without hitting the wall. The size of the openings will differ depending on your space, but we can advise you on your options.
• Side panels: When fitting side panels to your shower enclosure, it’s important to choose the correct size and style to ensure it works with the shower as a whole. We can advise you on this and have a range of panels available.

Within these, you can then opt for either framed or frameless shower doors.

The Insignia Premium 1050X850mm Rectangle Shower Cabin - Chrome

Fitting a shower enclosure

The following steps are in reference to the most common type of shower enclosure installation – a square enclosure located in the corner of the bathroom.

Components needed = one side panel + door panel*

*Remaining two sides = the bathroom walls. May require an additional person to assist.

Terminology

U-channels - metal tracts that the shower glass fits into.

Before you start:

1. Check you have all the right tools to hand.
2. Fully unpack the shower enclosure and make sure all parts are included and in working order.
3. Turn off the water mains before doing any work in the bathroom.

Tools needed:

• Spirit level
• Electric drill
• Screwdrivers
• Tape measure
• Silicone sealant

The Noir Black Frameless 1200mm Sliding Shower Door in Black Aluminium and Glass.

Step-by-step installation guide

When you’re choosing your shower enclosure, our team will be happy to advise you on the best materials and types of enclosures for your space and will talk you through all the different options. We stock high-quality shower enclosures from top brands including Kiimat, Nuie, Merlyn and Phoenix, so have the very best products for whatever bathroom project you’re working on.

For more information on how to fit a shower tray, visit: https://www.bathshack.com/blog/how-to-fit-a-shower-tray/

If you’d like to find out more about our shower enclosures email us at info@bathshack.com or call (028) 9077 0188.