Dimensions
It is essential to be clear about the space we would like to dedicate to our shower cubicle:
- the space for opening the door: sliding or folding (perfect for small spaces), opening outwards (for spacious rooms).
- distance from other elements in the bathroom area (sanitary fittings, doors, windows, furniture)
- the dimensions of the elements inside the shower (shower head, taps, soap dish).
To these elements must be added the most important one: the type of tray and, therefore, the size of the entire shower.
The standard sizes are:
- for shower trays square: 70×70 cm or 80×80 cm
- shower trays rectangular: 120×80 cm or 80×100 cm or 70×90 cm.
But many shower structures can be customised according to need and location.
If space is at a premium, the choice of a round shower enclosure, which combines space-saving features with good comfort, is an option.
Shower trays should be chosen according to the needs of the bathroom. They can be:
- insupport, raised above the floor level, thus creating a step. It is the most commonly used where there are problems with the slope of the drain because it is possible to exploit the height of the plate to give more slope to the water outlet pipe.
- flush with the floor, there is no step between the shower tray and the floor, but it is as if the shower tray were a continuation of the floor. The drainage hole is larger than in countertop shower trays to facilitate the drainage of water.
- recessed, this is partially embedded in the screed but still forms a small step with the floor.
Positioning
Most traditional bathrooms see the shower positioned in a corner, with a shower cubicle only on two sides.
In reality, there are several possibilities to choose from:
- modern: they are installed on walls with two free side corners and only one corner protected by glass/crystal.
- with aspecial design: they are created in a niche and remain open or even in the middle of the bathroom, which turns into a shower room.
Materials
The panels can be:
- made of acrylic material with prints and designs or semi-transparent, cheap and easy to clean.
- in tempered glass with different finishes. crystal is more valuable and beautiful. The panels in this case can be transparent, screen-printed, printed, feathered and satin-finished.
The choice of panels is also influenced by the type of opening that the water jet will reach and the type of entrance to the shower enclosure.
There is a choice of shower tray :
- made of acrylic, is the best solution in all cases where a made-to-measure shower tray is needed as this material can be cut to size.
- made of resin: durable material suitable for any environment.
- in a mix ofmarble or natural mineralpowdersand resins: non-slip and stain-resistant, and customisable.
- in a mix of minerals, resins and gels: very durable and easy to clean because they are non-porous.
Then there are plates made of other materials: those in transparent resin set with stones or pebbles, those simpler in place made of tiles, smooth, knurled, non-slip, stain-resistant, or in natural stone.
Shower Set
A shower set consists of:
- A hand shower (shower head):
The hand shower is the main element of the ensemble. Possible choices vary between:
- round, square or rectangular, depending on the shape and setting of the nozzles, the overhead showers provide different water jets.
- single jet, a true classic, the overhead jet is often switched off for an even spread;
- multijet, very comfortable. Three or more jets give a very pleasant massaging effect;
- Water-saving and anti-limescale are some of the options you will find on the most sophisticated overhead showers;
The strength varies depending on the material from which it is made.
The shower hose consists of a plastic tube sheathed by a hose of different qualities, with a standard diameter for all models.
When choosing the right shower hose, several criteria must be taken into account:
- Variable lengths. They range from 1.25 m to 2 m. To make the right choice, the length should be about 10 cm longer than the height of the tallest member of your family.
- Different materials. You can choose between plastic, brass and stainless steel. Steel hoses are spiral, while plastic hoses can be smooth.
- Simple or double crimping. If it is double, the pipe is more flexible and has a lower risk of cutting. Single crimping is cheaper.
- The shower bar. It must be the right size. It must be comfortable for all family members.
