The Complete Shower Enclosure Buying Guide
Choosing a new shower enclosure sounds simple enough — until you start looking.
Quadrant or offset quadrant? Sliding, hinged or pivot door? Walk-in or fully enclosed? What size do you need? Does the shower tray have to be exactly the same size? And what happens if your bathroom walls aren't perfectly square?
There are plenty of decisions to make, but don't worry. The Allbits Bathroom Academy is here to make choosing your new shower enclosure considerably easier.
Whether you're creating a compact en-suite, replacing an existing shower or planning an entirely new bathroom, this guide explains the main types of shower enclosure, what to consider before buying and how to find the best option for your space.
You can also browse the complete Allbits Shower Enclosures & Doors collection while you work through the guide.
What Is a Shower Enclosure?
A shower enclosure creates a dedicated showering area within your bathroom, helping to contain water while providing a comfortable and practical space to shower.
Most enclosures consist of toughened safety-glass panels combined with a shower door or entry system. They are normally installed onto a compatible shower tray, although certain walk-in and wet-room arrangements can be installed directly onto a suitably prepared and waterproofed floor.
The right enclosure depends on much more than appearance.
You'll need to consider:
- The available bathroom space
- Where the enclosure will be positioned
- The required width and depth
- How the shower door opens
- Access into the enclosure
- Shower tray compatibility
- Wall and plumbing positions
- The overall style of your bathroom
Getting these decisions right before ordering can save a considerable amount of head-scratching later.
Which Type of Shower Enclosure Should I Choose?
There isn't one enclosure that's best for every bathroom. Different designs solve different problems.
Here are the main options you're likely to encounter.
Quadrant Shower Enclosures
A quadrant shower enclosure fits neatly into a corner and features a curved front.
Because there isn't a projecting square corner, quadrant enclosures can be particularly useful in smaller bathrooms and en-suites where floor space is limited.
They also tend to work extremely well with sliding doors because nothing needs to swing out into the room.
Quadrant enclosures are ideal for:
- Smaller bathrooms
- En-suites
- Corner installations
- Rooms where outward-opening doors would be awkward
- Creating a softer, curved bathroom design
Shop Quadrant Shower Enclosures at Allbits
For a more detailed look at this particular style, read our Ultimate Guide to Quadrant Shower Enclosures.
Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosures
Think of an offset quadrant enclosure as the quadrant's roomier cousin.
It retains the curved front but has one side longer than the other, providing additional showering space without requiring a completely rectangular enclosure.
They're an excellent compromise when you want more room inside the shower but still need to make sensible use of the available floor space.
Offset quadrants are available in different orientations, so make sure you check whether you require a left-hand or right-hand configuration before ordering.
Browse Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosures at Allbits
Bathroom Academy Guide – Coming Soon:
Quadrant vs Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosures
Square Shower Enclosures
Simple, practical and easy to incorporate into many bathroom layouts, a square shower enclosure is exactly what it sounds like.
They're particularly useful in corners and can be paired with several different door styles depending on the range.
Common sizes make square enclosures a popular option for both replacement installations and new bathrooms.
You can browse square designs alongside the rest of our Shower Enclosures & Doors collection.
Rectangular Shower Enclosures
If you've got a little more room to play with, a rectangular shower enclosure can provide a wonderfully spacious showering area.
The additional width can make everyday showering feel less restricted and can work particularly well in larger bathrooms and family bathrooms.
Rectangular configurations are also available with different door arrangements, allowing you to choose something that suits both your available space and preferred style.
Explore Shower Enclosures & Doors at Allbits
Shower Door Types Explained
Here's where things get interesting.
The enclosure itself is only part of the decision. How you get into it matters too.
Your available clearance around the shower can determine which door style is most practical.
Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding doors move along the enclosure rather than opening into the bathroom.
That means they require virtually no external door clearance, making them an excellent space-saving solution.
Best for:
- Smaller bathrooms
- En-suites
- Bathrooms with furniture or toilets close to the shower
- Wider shower openings
Allbits Tip: Always look at the actual entry width as well as the overall enclosure dimensions. A wide enclosure doesn't necessarily mean an equally wide opening.
You can find sliding options within the Allbits Shower Enclosures & Doors collection.
Hinged Shower Doors
A hinged shower door opens much like a conventional door.
They can provide a generous, straightforward opening and create a beautifully clean appearance, but you need enough clear floor space for the door to open safely.
Before choosing one, check for nearby:
- Toilets
- Basins
- Vanity units
- Radiators
- Towel rails
- Bathroom doors
Nobody wants to discover that their beautiful new shower door introduces itself to the vanity unit every morning.
Browse Allbits Shower Enclosures & Doors
Pivot Shower Doors
Pivot doors rotate around pivot points rather than being hinged directly at the edge.
Part of the door can move into the showering area as the remainder opens outward, which can reduce the amount of external clearance required compared with some conventional hinged designs.
They're a versatile choice for many medium-sized bathrooms.
View Pivot and Other Shower Door Options at Allbits
Bi-Fold Shower Doors
Bi-fold doors fold inward as they open.
They're particularly useful when external bathroom space is extremely limited because most of the door movement takes place inside the shower area.
For compact bathrooms and en-suites, they're definitely worth considering.
Explore Bi-Fold and Other Shower Doors at Allbits
Bathroom Academy Guide
Sliding vs Hinged vs Pivot Shower Doors
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What About Walk-In Showers?
A walk-in shower takes a slightly different approach.
Rather than completely enclosing the showering area with doors, walk-in designs typically use one or more fixed glass panels to create an open entrance.
The result is contemporary, spacious and wonderfully simple.
Walk-in showers can be particularly effective in:
- Larger bathrooms
- Modern bathroom schemes
- Accessible bathroom layouts
- Minimalist interiors
- Bathrooms where easy entry is important
However, because the showering area is more open, positioning and overall dimensions become particularly important for controlling water spray.
Walk-in panels and showerwalls can be found within the Allbits Shower Enclosures & Doors collection.
Bathroom Academy Guide
Walk-In Shower vs Shower Enclosure: Which Should You Choose?
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How Do I Know What Size Shower Enclosure I Need?
Never choose an enclosure based purely on what you think will fit.
Measure first.
And then measure again.
For an existing shower tray, take measurements at several points because walls aren't always perfectly straight or square.
Measure:
- Along the edge where the enclosure will sit.
- At the bottom of the installation area.
- Higher up the wall.
- Between walls if fitting into a recess.
- Any nearby obstacles that could affect door movement.
You should then check the manufacturer's stated adjustment range for the enclosure you're considering.
Why is the adjustment range important?
An enclosure advertised as a particular nominal size may have an adjustment range allowing the profiles to accommodate slight variations in the installation.
Never assume that the number in the product title tells you everything you need to know.
Check the actual technical dimensions before purchasing.
Bathroom Academy Guide *
How to Measure for a Shower Enclosure
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Does My Shower Enclosure Have to Match My Shower Tray?
The enclosure and tray need to be compatible in both size and shape.
A quadrant enclosure requires a suitable quadrant tray, for example, while an offset quadrant needs the correct size and orientation.
It's also important to check the manufacturer's specifications rather than assuming products from different ranges will automatically work together.
Where possible, selecting a recommended compatible tray and enclosure can make planning considerably simpler.
What Thickness of Shower Glass Is Best?
You'll see shower enclosures offered with different glass thicknesses.
Common specifications include:
- 6mm glass
- 8mm glass
- 10mm glass
Thicker doesn't automatically mean "better" for every installation.
The design, supporting hardware, dimensions and intended use of the enclosure all matter.
For many everyday bathroom installations, quality 6mm toughened safety glass can provide an excellent combination of durability and manageable weight.
8mm glass is frequently found on more substantial or premium enclosures and walk-in panels.
10mm glass can provide an especially solid feel and is commonly associated with premium fixed-panel designs.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation and handling instructions.
Bathroom Academy Guide
6mm vs 8mm vs 10mm Shower Glass
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What Is Toughened Safety Glass?
Bathroom shower glass isn't ordinary window glass.
Reputable shower enclosures use toughened safety glass, manufactured to provide greater strength and safer behaviour should breakage occur.
When comparing enclosures, always check the product specification and applicable safety information rather than purchasing purely on appearance or price.
Easy-Clean Shower Glass – Is It Worth Having?
Many modern shower enclosures feature an easy-clean or protective glass coating.
These treatments are designed to help reduce the build-up of:
- Soap residue
- Water marks
- Limescale
- Everyday bathroom grime
They don't make the enclosure magically self-cleaning — sadly, bathroom technology hasn't quite rescued us from that job yet — but they can make routine cleaning easier.
Regular use of a shower squeegee after showering can also make a surprisingly big difference.
Bathroom Academy Guide
How to Clean Shower Glass and Prevent Limescale
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Which Shower Enclosure Is Best for a Small Bathroom?
When every centimetre counts, concentrate on door movement and footprint.
Some of the strongest options include:
Quadrant Enclosures
Their curved footprint helps preserve usable floor space.
Browse Quadrant Shower Enclosures
Sliding Door Enclosures
No outward door swing is required.
Bi-Fold Doors
The door folds predominantly into the shower area.
Compact Square Enclosures
A straightforward corner solution when dimensions allow.
And don't automatically assume the smallest possible enclosure is best.
If your bathroom can comfortably accommodate a slightly larger shower, those extra centimetres can make the enclosure considerably more pleasant to use every day.
For more help with compact spaces, read our existing guide to the Best Quadrant Shower Enclosures for Small Bathrooms. *****************
Where Should I Position My Shower Enclosure?
Most shower enclosures are installed either:
- In a corner
- Between three walls in a recess
- Against a single wall using additional panels
Your existing plumbing will obviously influence the decision when renovating, but in a completely new bathroom layout it's worth thinking about movement through the room as well.
Ask yourself:
Can I comfortably enter the shower?
Can the door open without hitting anything?
Is there enough drying and changing space outside it?
Will water spray towards nearby furniture?
Can the enclosure be cleaned easily?
A bathroom can look fantastic on a floor plan and still be annoying to use. Everyday practicality should always get a vote.
Don't Forget Your Shower Tray
The shower tray is quite literally the foundation of your enclosure.
When choosing one, consider:
- Shape
- Width
- Depth
- Height/profile
- Waste position
- Compatible waste
- Installation requirements
- Enclosure compatibility
Low-profile shower trays are particularly popular in contemporary bathrooms because they create a sleek, understated appearance.
Installation conditions will determine what's achievable, though, particularly when it comes to waste pipework and floor construction.
Browse the Allbits Shower Tray Collection
Bathroom Academy Guide
How to Choose the Right Shower Tray
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Choosing the Right Finish
Chrome remains enormously popular for shower enclosure frames and hardware because it's versatile and works with almost any bathroom style.
But modern bathrooms increasingly feature alternative finishes such as:
- Matt Black
- Brushed Brass
- Brushed Nickel
- Gunmetal
Matching your enclosure hardware with your shower, taps, accessories and other brassware can help create a much more considered bathroom design.
You don't necessarily need every single component to match perfectly, but repeating the same finish around the room usually produces a more cohesive look.
Once you've chosen your enclosure, you can also browse the complete Allbits Shower collection to find a shower to complete your setup.
Shower Enclosure Checklist
Before ordering your enclosure, check:
- Enclosure type
- Width and depth
- Adjustment range
- Shower tray dimensions
- Tray shape
- Left/right-hand orientation where applicable
- Door opening direction
- Entry width
- Clearance around the door
- Glass thickness
- Frame/hardware finish
- Wall conditions
- Waste position
- Manufacturer installation requirements
Five minutes checking these details can prevent a very expensive game of bathroom Tetris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shower enclosure for a small bathroom?
Quadrant, sliding-door and bi-fold enclosures are particularly useful where space is limited because they minimise the amount of clear floor space required around the shower.
The best choice ultimately depends on your room dimensions and layout.
For more advice, see our guide to Quadrant Shower Enclosures for Small Bathrooms.
Is a 6mm shower enclosure good?
A well-designed enclosure manufactured from 6mm toughened safety glass can be an excellent choice for everyday bathrooms. Glass thickness should be considered alongside the overall enclosure design, construction and manufacturer specification.
Is 8mm shower glass better than 6mm?
8mm glass generally provides a heavier and more substantial feel, but that doesn't automatically make it the right choice for every bathroom. Both can be suitable when incorporated into a properly designed enclosure.
Do shower doors open inward or outward?
It depends on the design. Hinged and pivot doors may open outward or use a combination of inward and outward movement, while sliding and bi-fold systems operate differently. Always check the individual product specification.
Can I fit a shower enclosure myself?
Installation requires accurate measurement, levelling, drilling, sealing and correct assembly.
An incorrectly installed enclosure can cause leaks, poor door operation or damage, so if you're unsure, using a suitably experienced bathroom installer is usually the sensible option.
Can I fit any enclosure onto any shower tray?
No. The enclosure and tray need compatible dimensions and shapes. Always check the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing.
You can compare the Allbits Shower Enclosure range with our Shower Tray collection when planning your installation.
How do I keep shower glass looking clean?
Regularly removing water with a shower squeegee can reduce water marks and limescale build-up. Use cleaning products suitable for the enclosure and any protective glass coating, following the manufacturer's care instructions.
Find Your Perfect Shower Enclosure at Allbits
The perfect shower enclosure isn't necessarily the biggest, most expensive or most elaborate.
It's the one that fits your bathroom properly, works with the way you use the room and gives you a comfortable showering space every day.
At Allbits Plumbing Supplies, you'll find shower enclosures, shower trays, showers and bathroom products for everything from compact en-suites to complete bathroom renovations.
And if you're not sure which size, style or configuration you need, get in touch with the Allbits team. Sometimes a quick conversation before ordering can save a lot of hassle afterwards.