How to choose a shower enclosure
Quadrant, sliding, hinged or walk-in? This guide walks you through shapes, sizes, glass and trays so you get it right first time — whatever your budget or bathroom size.
1. Start with your space
Before you fall in love with an enclosure, measure the space it has to live in. Note the wall-to-wall width, whether walls are square (they rarely are — enclosures include adjustment for this), where the door will swing or slide, and where your waste pipe runs. A 900×900mm footprint is the comfortable minimum for most adults; if you can stretch to 1000mm or more, you’ll feel the difference every morning.
2. The four main enclosure types
Quadrant & offset quadrant
The curved corner classic. Quadrants tuck into a corner and their rounded front means no sharp corners to squeeze past — the best use of space in compact bathrooms and en-suites. Offset quadrants add extra elbow room on one side. Our range runs from 800mm quads up to 1300×800mm offsets.
Sliding door
Sliders suit alcoves and longer walls: the door glides on rollers rather than swinging into the room, so you can fit a big 1000–2000mm enclosure even in a narrow bathroom. Smooth-action rollers and quick-release cleaning positions make modern sliders far better than the ones you remember.
Hinged & pivot door
A hinged or pivot door gives the widest, most inviting opening — the feel of a walk-in with the warmth of an enclosure. You’ll need clearance for the door swing, so check the arc against basins and toilets before ordering.
Walk-in & wet room panels
A single fixed glass panel, no door at all. Minimal, architectural and the easiest to clean, walk-ins suit larger spaces (allow at least 1400mm of tray so spray stays inside). Pair a wet room panel with a low-profile tray for that boutique-hotel look.
| Type | Best for | Typical sizes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadrant | Corners, small bathrooms | 800–1000mm | Curved trays must match the enclosure radius |
| Sliding | Alcoves, narrow rooms | 1000–2000mm | Minimum widths — sliders need room to slide |
| Hinged/pivot | Wide openings, easy access | 700–900mm doors | Door swing clearance |
| Walk-in | Larger rooms, wet rooms | Panels 700–1200mm | Allow enough tray length to contain spray |
3. Glass, height and finishes
All our enclosures use toughened safety glass. Thickness is the main quality cue: 6mm is the sweet spot of solidity and price for most homes, while 8mm glass on premium ranges adds a reassuring heft. Standard height is 1900mm — check your ceiling and any sloping walls. Finish-wise, chrome remains the safe classic, but matt black frames make a striking statement and brushed brass brings warmth; we stock all three across the AquaGlass range, so your enclosure can match your taps and towel rail.
4. Matching the tray
The enclosure and tray are a partnership — the tray must match the enclosure’s footprint and shape exactly, including the radius on quadrants. Modern 40mm low-profile trays look sleek and are easy to step into; if your pipework runs above floor level, an easy-plumb riser kit lifts the tray and hides the plumbing behind a panel. Don’t forget a high-flow waste: a 90mm fast-flow waste keeps up with today’s powerful showers.
5. Quick buying checklist
Measure wall to wall at tray height, not floor level. Confirm the shape suits the room: quadrant for corners, slider for alcoves, hinged for wide openings, walk-in for space. Choose 6mm+ toughened glass at 1900mm height. Match the tray shape, size and radius to the enclosure. Add a 90mm fast-flow waste, and a riser kit if plumbing runs above floor. Finally, check door clearance against basins, toilets and radiators.
Ready to find yours?
Browse over 150 enclosures, screens and wet room panels — all at least 20% off RRP with free delivery over £200. Or call our Exeter team on 01392 682879 for free advice.
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