Rectangular showers: types and rules of choice

Showers today are becoming a complete replacement for classic bathtubs. They are functional, take up much less space and do not require special installation conditions. In the article we will get acquainted with the varieties of rectangular shower cabins, as well as with the rules for choosing such designs.

Rectangular showers are increasingly found in modern bathrooms. All thanks to the versatility of such models, as well as the huge number of positive aspects that users encounter when using this technique.

Consider the main advantages and disadvantages in the operation of rectangular showers.

• Ergonomics Due to the closed form, as well as the possibility of installation in narrow spaces and corners, such shower cabins take up very little space. The elongated rectangular shape allows you to use such structures anywhere in the bathroom - in the corner, near the wall or even in the center.

• Ease of installation. Most models of showers do not need any special installation technology. Their installation does not require advance planning during the repair process in the room. In addition, some rectangular shower enclosures can be made to order to fit the dimensions of an already completed font.

• Scope for action. Rectangular shower cabins are quite voluminous inside, which allows you to freely use bath accessories, take a shower, bend over or even sit down with a special pedestal on the pallet.

• Versatility and design. Modern showers can be made from a number of environmentally friendly materials that will fit perfectly into any interior.

• Convenient use. The classic rectangular shape allows you to use all kinds of doors to enter the cabin (swing, sliding and folding).

• Security. In the new generation of rectangular shower enclosures, there are special trays with anti-slip, embossed coating. In addition, handrails can be installed inside the cabin, which will insure you against accidental slipping.

• Multifunctionality. New models of such cabins are usually equipped with a wide variety of functions for comfortable water procedures. Among these options can be hydromassage, multimedia integrated installations or even chromotherapy.

In addition, when using such structures, you need to be very careful not to touch the frame of the cabin or doors, which are usually made of glass or not particularly strong polymers.

Experts today identify several classifications of rectangular shower enclosures depending on the design, shape and height of the pallet, as well as the type of door.

Let us consider each of them in more detail.

The most common variety among the rest. These models are equipped with a pallet, are covered by walls on all sides and have all the necessary set of functions, and in addition to the main ones, they can be equipped with handrails, hydromassage and other options. Such designs can be either open (without a ceiling) or closed type (with a roof).

Such models have only three walls and are located in the corner of the bathroom, occupying a minimum of space. In such booths, pallets may not be present - in this case, the bathroom floor is waterproofed with water outlet through the drain holes in the floor. These designs have a lightweight design and therefore are cheaper than traditional booths.

Such rectangular designs are a hybrid of a shower cabin and a conventional bathtub. Usually this type is installed only in large or combined rooms, as it takes up much more space than other types of cabins.

A prerequisite for the installation of these booths is complete tightness. As a plus, these rectangular cabins are often very functional, can be used for showering and bathing, and even suitable for washing two people at the same time. Of course, Such models are very expensive, and their installation requires early planning.

Depending on the type of screen that prevents moisture splashing and allows you to maintain a pleasant temperature, all rectangular models of shower cabins can be divided into options with sliding, folding, and also oar doors.

• Swing type doors and hinged models allow you to enter the shower cabin without obstacles, are freely mounted in any conditions, but can cause inconvenience in small rooms.

• Sliding doors perfect for small rooms, they retain wonderful heat in the shower cabin and can consist of several panels at once.

• Folding doors much less common in showers, nevertheless they make good competition to swing type doors. They are compact and can be quickly assembled, but at the joints of panels can pass cold air.

Low options include all options up to 10-15 cm, high options up to 35; all that are larger are “bath” type pallets.

And also it is possible to divide all rectangular shower cabins according to the shape of the tray: with a rectangular, semicircular, square or even asymmetric tray. The most compact are considered square options.

Pallets are the bottom part of almost any rectangular shower cabins and are responsible for the withdrawal of water, as well as insure a person from involuntary slippage due to a rough or embossed surface.

The pros and cons of each of these materials will be discussed below.

This material is used very often when creating designs for bathrooms, because it has unique characteristics of strength and durability. However, in rectangular shower cubicles, cast-iron trays are not often seen. This is all due to the excessive weight of such elements, which complicates installation, and also because of the enamel coating, which quickly comes off from bumps and scratches. The advantages of cast iron include reliability, as well as low thermal conductivity, which allows it to quickly heat up and retain heat for a long time.

Steel pallets are usually installed in mid-priced cabs. Steel perfectly conducts heat - it quickly heats and cools, but does not tolerate sudden temperature jumps and can be deformed. Since such trays are also covered with a layer of enamel - they should not be cleaned with abrasive detergents. In addition, steel pallets are very noisy during shower operation.

These are expensive options for pallets made of sanitary porcelain or earthenware. Unfortunately, they warm up very slowly, are not very resistant to shock and have the same weight as cast-iron variants.

Acrylic pallet models today occupy a leading place among the rest. They have good strength, heat up quickly, are much lighter in weight than cast iron, and they tolerate even the most gentle use. Acrylic pallets are thought to perform best with rectangular shower enclosures with aluminum frames. Another positive difference between these pallets from others - the ability to recover even after a serious breakdown.

One of the least common materials when creating shower trays. Natural wood needs special care and must necessarily be treated with water-repellent solutions for long-term use. Unfortunately, the unsuitability of such models is only a matter of time.

Material such as artificial or natural stone is very rarely used to create pallets due to the excessively heavy weight of such structures and the small selection on the market. Stone models are different high strength, perfectly retain heat and do not deteriorate from moisture. As one more minus, you can bring enormous prices for natural models of such pallets.

Below you will find the current standard of wall sizes of rectangular shower cabins, with which you can choose the optimal dimensions for your bathroom.

Narrow and compact shower cabin models include all models with sizes from 70 to 100 cm: 70x70, 70x90, 70x100, 60x80, 80x80, 100x70 cm.

Medium-sized showers include models with dimensions from 80 to 130 cm: 100 by 80, 80x100, 100x90, 110x80, 70x120, 120x80, 120x90 cm. The most popular options are 120 by 80 and 100 by 90 cm.

Oversized showers include all models with sizes from 170 cm: 170x90, 170x120, 180x90, 180x120, 190x90,190x120 cm.

Among the modern rectangular shower cabins, one can distinguish several of the most reliable and high-quality models.Their list with names and a brief description will be presented below.

This model of shower has a deep acrylic tray with a height of 45 cm. The frame of the cabin is aluminum, and the side panels are made of tempered glass that can withstand significant loads. An obvious plus of the model is in the matte surface of the frame, on which water stains are almost invisible.

Gorgeous Italian rectangular angular model on a mechanical control. It is equipped with an excellent steam generator and a rather high acrylic pallet of 17 cm. The model contains hydromassage and Turkish bath functions, and the side doors of the structure are made of high-quality tempered glass.

Stylish rectangular model with an acrylic pallet (14 cm high) and tempered glass doors. The model has a full-fledged multimedia center in the form of speakers and radio. In addition to these elements, there is a large mirror and a hydromassage watering can in the booth.

This is one of the most functional boxing models: it is equipped with a deep pan of 45 cm, high-quality ventilation, backlight and hydromassage, and there is also a built-in radio.

Another German model, however, already consisting of two full parts - a shower cabin, as well as a small sauna. The model works on electronic control, a radio, an hourglass are built into the design, there is an acupuncture massage and even a thermohygrograph. The sauna is made of natural wood, the shower cabin consists of an acrylic low tray, a white frame and transparent glass in the doors.

Today, the market is represented by a huge number of different rectangular shower cubicles, therefore, during the purchase of a particular model, attention should be paid to a number of certain factors.

• Bathroom sizes and designs. Too many factors depend on such a factor as sizes when choosing a shower cabin for a bathroom. For example, if you have a spacious bathroom without a lot of plumbing and furniture, it is best to choose a shower box or a traditional model of a cabin with swing doors. If you have a small bathroom (for example, in the "Khrushchev"), it would be more logical to choose an angular model of a shower cabin with sliding doors.

• Design and style. Choose a cabin model design based on the style that has already been formed in your bathroom. The material of the pallet and the walls of the cabin, the dimensions of the selected model, as well as the need to choose a model with a frame will depend on this. Do not forget to pay attention to the color of the shower cabin and the general color background in the bathroom - they should be in harmony.

• Pallet. When choosing a cabin, pay attention not only to the manufacturing material of the pallet, but also to its height or depth. For example, for families with older people, low pallets will be the most convenient option, while high ones will serve as a bath for children or for washing clothes. In addition, you should pay attention to the shape of the tray: the most compact a priori will be square - for narrow booths or corner - for corner shower structures.

• Functionality. Decide what you want to achieve from the shower. Today in stores you can find models with a huge number of different functions. Among the most popular and in demand are the following: ventilation, aroma and chromotherapy, built-in radio, remote control, rain shower, hydromassage and even ozonation.

You can watch a video about choosing shower cabins below.