A quadrant shower enclosure remains one of the most efficient and attractive ways to make the best possible use of a bathroom footprint. Whether you're working with a compact 700 × 900 quadrant enclosure, a large quadrant layout for a spacious en-suite, or a more specialised offset quadrant or pentagonal shower enclosure, getting the installation right is essential for long-term reliability.

This professional setup guide has been written specifically for bathroom installers, plumbers, and competent DIYerswho want a clear, dependable walkthrough. As with all Allbits guides, it’s grounded in real-world installation practice, minimising call-backs, ensuring secure sealing, and helping you finish with a polished, watertight result.

Before You Start: Choose the Right Enclosure

Many installation issues stem from using the wrong enclosure for the space. If you haven’t yet selected one, consider the following:

Quadrant Shower Enclosure

Compact, curved, and ideal for corner spaces. Popular in en-suites, rental flats, and family bathrooms.
Browse options: /quadrant-shower-enclosures/

Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosure

Provides a more generous internal footprint thanks to its extended shape on one side. Great for users who want more elbow room.
See options: /offset-quadrant-shower-enclosures/

Pentagonal & Pentangle Shower Enclosures

These five-sided enclosures offer a stylish geometric look while keeping a flat frontal line, excellent for modern bathrooms with angled features.
See options: /pentagonal-shower-enclosures/

Hinged Quadrant Enclosures

Offer a more premium feel and wider entry compared with sliding systems. Ideal where outward door space isn’t an issue.
See: /hinged-quadrant-shower-enclosures/

Shower Side Panels

Useful for creating a full corner installation or forming a walk-in style with additional panels.
See: /shower-side-panels/

Once the correct unit is chosen, whether 1000 × 900 offset, 700 × 900 standard, or a bespoke large quadrant, installation can begin.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

• Spirit level

• SDS or combi drill

• Tile drill bits (carbide-tipped or diamond)

• Screwdrivers

• Silicone sealant (high-quality, mould-resistant)

• Sealant gun

• Tape measure

• Pencil/marker

• Cleaning cloths and isopropyl alcohol

• Rubber mallet

• Torx or Allen keys (usually provided with the enclosure)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Prepare the Area

Before fitting any quadrant shower enclosure, ensure the tray is correctly installed, level, and fully sealed.
A poorly installed tray is the number one cause of leaks, especially with offset quadrant and large quadrant enclosures where the wider footprint demands more precision.

Check:

• The tray is level in both directions

• Waste connection is fully tightened and tested

• The silicone bead around the tray perimeter has cured (typically 24 hours)

Tip: Clean the tray edges with isopropyl alcohol before you begin, silicone bonds better to a clean surface.

2. Assemble the Frame

Most quadrant shower enclosures, whether 700 × 900 or 1000 × 900, follow a similar assembly method.

The basic frame setup includes:

• Two curved or straight glass panels

• Two vertical wall profiles

• A curved top and bottom rail (for classic quadrant models)

• Fixings and corner seals

Professional tips:

• Always assemble the frame on a protected floor surface to avoid scratching the aluminium

• Do a dry fit first, especially with hinged quadrant doors, to understand tolerances

• Keep fixings finger-tight until the frame is placed onto the tray

For pentagonal shower enclosures or pentangle versions, expect an additional angled panel and more corner brackets, but the fit-together logic remains similar.

3. Fix the Wall Profiles

Position the wall profiles against the tiled walls, ensuring they sit exactly at the tray’s edge.

How to get this step perfect:

1. Hold the profiles in place and check for plumb using a spirit level.

2. Mark the drill holes with a pencil.

3. Drill using a low speed and cooling mist if drilling porcelain tiles, this prevents cracking.

4. Insert wall plugs suitable for your substrate.

5. Apply a vertical bead of silicone behind each wall profile before fixing.

6. Screw the profiles in firmly, being careful not to overtighten.

Note: Some installers skip silicone behind the wall profile. Don’t, it creates a secondary barrier and prevents water tracking.

4. Install the Glass Panels

Slide the glass panels into the wall profiles and loosely secure them with the screws provided.

Installer-level tips:

• Leave sufficient movement to adjust the curve alignment

• Ensure bottom seals are properly seated to prevent capillary leakage

• Use a rubber mallet only if absolutely necessary (and very gently)

For offset quadrant and pentagonal shower enclosures, aligning the angled or extended panel is crucial to avoid a twisted frame. Check level and alignment at every stage.

5. Fit the Doors

Whether you’re installing sliding doors or hinged quadrant doors, accuracy here defines the finished quality.

For sliding doors:

• Ensure rollers are tightened evenly

• Confirm smooth travel along the top/bottom rails

• Check magnetic seals meet cleanly

For hinged doors:

• Ensure hinges are perfectly aligned to avoid sagging

• Adjust tension screws so the door closes firmly without slamming

• Check outward swing space is unobstructed

Hinged doors on quadrant units often require more careful alignment, especially on larger configurations.

6. Final Securing & Adjustments

Once everything sits correctly:

• Tighten all frame screws

• Fit cover caps

• Double-check rail alignment

• Test door movement repeatedly

• Ensure all magnetic or overlapping seals engage cleanly

This is also the time to trim any excess plastic seals or adjust rollers for perfect action.

7. Silicone Sealing (Critical Step)

A common installer rule:
Never silicone seal the inside of a shower enclosure.
Water must be able to drain out from inside the frame.

Seal only the outside, applying silicone to:

• The full length of the wall profiles

• The exterior tray connection

• Outer edges of fixed glass panels

• External edges of shower side panels (if used)

Use high-quality mould-resistant silicone for best results.

Allow 24 hours curing time before use.

Common Installation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Installing the tray out of level

Leads to water pooling and leaks, always correct before fitting the enclosure.

2. Over-tightening wall profile screws

Can cause cracking in tiles or twist the frame.

3. Sealing inside the enclosure

This traps water and causes rot, mould, and eventual leaking.

4. Cutting seals too short

Always dry-fit seals before trimming.

5. Poor measurement for 700 × 900 or 1000 × 900 enclosures

These sizes look similar but require precise tray-to-wall positioning.

6. Incorrect door alignment on hinged quadrant units

Check repeatedly during installation.

Maintaining a Quadrant Shower Enclosure (Post-Install)

Advise your customers (or follow this yourself as part of aftercare):

• Wipe down glass after each shower

• Use a mild bathroom cleaner, not abrasive products

• Check seals annually

• Reseal external silicone every 3–5 years

• Treat glass with a protective coating where possible

A well-installed enclosure, especially premium pentagonal or offset quadrant models, should last many years with minimal maintenance.

When to Choose a Different Enclosure Type

Although quadrant shower enclosures suit most corner bathrooms, some situations call for another style:

Choose a walk-in shower or wet room when:

• You want barrier-free access

• You're working with a very large bathroom

• You prefer minimal framework
  See: /walk-in-showers/

Choose a square enclosure when:

• You want straight lines rather than curves
  See: /square-shower-enclosures/

Choose a pentagonal shower enclosure when:

• You want something modern and distinctive

• You want a wider entry than some quadrant models provide

Final Thoughts

Installing a quadrant shower enclosure, whether 700 × 900, 1000 × 900 offset, large quadrant, hinged quadrant, or a pentagonal shower enclosure, should be a smooth and rewarding job when approached with precision. With careful preparation, accurate alignment, and professional sealing, the final result will be durable, watertight, and visually excellent.

If you’re planning your next fitting, exploring options for a customer, or replacing an older unit, browse the full Allbits range of:

• Quadrant Enclosures

• Offset Quadrant Enclosures

• Pentagonal & Pentangle Enclosures

• Hinged Quadrant Models

• Shower Side Panels

Visit Allbits today and find the perfect enclosure for your next installation.