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Replacing a traditional bath with a beautiful
modern shower enclosure is fast becoming a
popular choice. A desire to reduce water usage
and the convenience of taking a shower
feature highly in the list of reasons why people
make the change, but there are other practical
issues that favour a shower over a bath.
Bath replacement shower enclosures are no longer
the bulky looking framed boxes of yesteryear,
indeed many designs are regarded
attractive because of their minimalist
appearance.
A
shower offers such easy access when compared to
a traditional bath. So whether you're after a
super stylish trendy appearance or the
practicality of easy access a shower has much to
offer.
A
standard bath in the UK is typically 1700mm
long. Therefore, its removal gives you a great deal
of space in which to place your creation. You
might wish to install a shower with a smaller
footprint thereby gaining floor space, or maybe
you like the thought of swapping the bath for a
similar size shower with seat.
Whatever you prefer the choices are vast so we
offer you the following guide in the hope it
will help.
1. Decide why you are considering replacing your
bath with a shower.
Do
you simply wish to introduce an ultra modern
appearance to a tired bathroom?
Maybe you like the aesthetics of a shower and
the bright spacious ambiance a shower will bring
to the bathroom.
Do
you seek to reduce water consumption?
Maybe climbing in and out of your bath has
become a worry and you'd rather not risk a fall.
Is
standing up from a seated position in a bath
becoming difficult?
2. Which features will be most important with
your new shower?
Maximum internal space? Do you want the largest
shower possible?
When showering, will you stand or would you like
a seat?
Easy access? Is the 'step-in' height an issue?
do you require a minimal step?
Do
you require wheelchair access? Do you need level
access?
The type of shower tray
By
considering the points raised above you are well
on your way to deciding on several key points -
The size and type of shower tray that will best
suit.
A
shower enclosure is based on the size of the
shower tray. Having identified the footprint
size you need then to consider the thickness of
the tray. This will determine the step-in
height.
There are other factors you need to consider,
not least of all the floor construction (timber
or screed) and whether your waste water pipe
work can run below floor level. It is worth
engaging with whomever you will get to install
the enclosure for advice in this matter. You are
welcome to call us and we will help as much as
we can. Whatever the situation we will have a
solution.
The shower enclosure
This is where your design prowess can bloom.
There is so much to choose from.
There are essentially three types of shower
enclosure - a corner shower, an alcove shower or
a mid-wall shower (which can include a
walk-through design)
There are essentially three styles of shower
enclosure within each type - Fully Framed,
Semi-Frameless and Fully Frameless. Each
describe the attributes of the glass panels. You
might avoid fully frameless enclosures as they
can suffer with leaks and poor adjustment. As
such we do not recommend the Fully Frameless
design.
Bath replacement shower areas need not be
totally enclosed.
If
you are opting for a fairly large shower you
might consider what is known as a 'walk-in' (or
Wheel-in) shower. Typically, a large fixed glass
panel forms the enclosure wall at one end, the
other end remains open for you enter. Several
variants of this theme are available and all
look magnificent!
From here it is probably best to show you
examples of what each type looks like. Here are
some examples with design types explained...
The first image illustrates a minimalist walk in
shower in a corner. A large semi-frameless fixed
glass screen creates the wall at the showering
end, the other end remains open - for you to
'walk in'.
The next example is a semi-frameless design
similar to the first, but the fixed glass panel
has a small return panel attached. This can be
hinged (known as a flipper panel), useful for
catching over-spray. Install a seat to relax on while enjoying the warm water
raining down.
The following example shows an alcove where a
bath once stood having been converted to a
shower enclosure. A framed sliding glass door
fronts the alcove with seat and grab rails added
for comfort and security.
If you like
the idea of a sliding door why not create a
corner shower by combining the 'walk in' concept
and semi-frameless design with a sliding panel?
Shown below in a wet room environment.
If space is
not an issue why not go for a 'walk through'
design? Enter or exit from either end. A
beautiful minimalist design shown here on a wet
room floor (which could be a shower tray just as
easily) with a hinged flipper panel at both
ends.
These are just a few
examples but the permutations are vast. We can
offer individual components or complete
packages. With so many vaiables you might like
to call and discuss your ideas. We will be more
than happy to help you create your perfect
transformation.
For some package ideas and
prices click on the following Image...
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