Shower enclosures: materials, sizes and selection rules

In any bathroom or bathroom, where there is a shower, there is always a fence. Everyone wants to arrange partitions in the bathroom to their taste, so that the layout corresponds to individual ideas of comfort. To choose the right shower enclosures for your bathroom, we recommend reading this detailed review of their manufacturers and varieties.

Shower enclosures come in many forms. They are made by various technologies, performing in different configurations and from different materials depending on the purpose. Installation and installation also have their own characteristics in each case.

Among the most common partitions can be called such types.

• Pallet Designs - wall for a shower, “corner”. A fairly complex element of the bathroom, which includes a platform that serves as the basis of the shower, where water is collected. It may also include a siphon and a moisture shield. It is equipped with a rigid frame.
• An ordinary shower wall can also have a tray. Walls are often installed due to their practicality and ease of installation. They always represent a rectangular glass panel - a canvas in a metal frame, which is vertically mounted in the bathroom and is attached to the walls and floor with the help of special fittings.
• Partitions with a pallet may include, for example, “corner” constructions, although they do not always have a pallet. The advantage of such fencing with a pallet is their increased functionality and protection of the floor from water, of the minuses - the complexity of installation.
• Without pallet

Partitions without a pallet can be a leaf shutter or a screen, a spray barrier, glass doors for a shower.

A screen for cabs is also a fairly popular design. Its main purpose is visually separate the shower from the rest of the bathroom. The screen device is somewhat more complex than the walls, as it consists of several panels, also enclosed in a frame made of stainless steel or other metal. Such flaps can open in one or both directions.

Shower Barrier Does Not Separate The Room Completely (may have a small height) and is installed on the floor to protect it from dripping water. This design, compared with others, is lightweight, but quite functional and is often mounted in bathrooms near shower cabins.

Doors made of glass panels are also often mounted to perform partition functions. They are installed inside a special prefabricated frame.

This large category includes shower enclosures of any type, including those described above, if they have a rigid frame - most often made of metal. Stainless steel or aluminum frames greatly simplify the installation of glass panels and increase overall structural strength.

Practicality distinguishes frame fences, since metal bearing parts are difficult to break, and in case of deformation, bending, they are quite easy to straighten. However, manufacturers are trying to minimize the area of ​​metal elements in the shower enclosure, as they have one uncomfortable property - high thermal conductivity. They heat up easily from hot water and steam, which can lead to inconvenience.

On the other hand, if you do not expect a large load on the partition, or it consists of a simple fixed panel, or is made of durable hardened canvas, as manufacturers of popular frameless models do, you can install a shower enclosure without a frame. Such partitions are in demand due to the simple and at the same time elegant appearance, which does not spoil the presence of any metal structures.

A great advantage of using frameless fencing is a significantly wider selection of sizes. Since the dimensions of the glass panel are no longer limited to a metal frame, which usually has standard factory sizes, you can order the manufacture of a partition suitable for you.

This last of the varieties considered here includes partitions, which are needed in order just to isolate one part of the bathroom from another. Plumbing partitions are often used to hide pipes, taps and valves that violate the style of the bathroom interior, and for other similar tasks.

Often they can be made of plastic or laminate.

In addition to glass, shower partitions can be made from specially designed polymers - for example, from plastic for the shower. Plastic partitions are cheaper, usually have less weight, so they are easier to install. Plastic fences, like glass fences, do not respond to high temperature, are resistant to high humidity, and can be washed without problems.

However, plastic has several disadvantages compared to glass.Often, stains form on the surface of plastic panels, and in terms of strength and durability, it cannot compete with high-quality glass. Unlike the latter, damp fungus may form on plastic. So if you are willing to pay, you may prefer glass. However, keep in mind that when choosing glass for shower enclosures, you also need to understand the varieties of this material.

For fences use tempered glass, it has a very high strength. The exact characteristics depend on the particular manufacturer, but it is usually very difficult to break such a glass, and even then it does not form sharp cutting fragments.

Of the advantages of glass as a material, it is worth noting environmental friendliness compared to almost the vast majority of other options. The only material that can argue with him in the sense of ecology is wood, namely pure wood. But walls in bathrooms are rarely made of wood.

Other types of materials can be used for sanitary partitions - for example, polycarbonate and PVC, which are close to plastic in characteristics, or from laminated particleboard.

Walls for bathrooms vary greatly in shape, and the complexity of their installation significantly depends on this. The simplest option is a straight wall, with or without a frame, which is installed perpendicular to the room wall and is fixed with metal or plastic mounts.

More complex solutions include corner constructions, which can be used to separate a rectangular area in a corner of a room. The U-shaped fence differs from the angular in that it has another, third plane. Thus, it can be installed next to any of the walls of the bathroom, and access to the enclosure is usually provided due to the fact that one of the panels is movable and is an opening sash. Pentagonal shower screens and corners are also popular.

Walls of any shape have the dimensions exactly specified by the manufacturer - either exact factory, or corresponding to the individual order of the consumer.

In the modern interior design of the bathroom, it is considered a good form to give additional space to the room through the use of transparent glass. Such walls give the bathroom the impression of airiness and spaciousness.

Showers and their enclosures themselves strive for simple and elegant forms without additional decorations and elements. Metal and other hardware in the walls also often serves as an element of design. The frame and door handles are decorated with various patterns, performed in the style of a loft.

A popular design solution is also panel tinting. Different colors are often given to plastic walls; color is also often added to transparent glass during manufacture. As a result, the bathroom gets quite an interesting color effect.

It is recommended to purchase walls for a shower from official suppliers of products of trusted manufacturers. Among the countries producing such products, one of the leading places is Germany - German glass panels for showers from brands such as RGW and Orans although they are expensive, they are in demand due to unsurpassed quality.

RGW corners and screens made of transparent glass are made at the highest level of quality, safety and environmental friendliness. You can order them from a dealer with installation, there are models with acrylic pallets, opening sashes and adjustable sizes.

Kermi is another German brand that stands out from others for its successful innovation.. In the production of such simple things as glass partitions, the progress of the latest technologies is also important, and Kermi products meet the most modern technical requirements, while having excellent quality.

Huppe products are also highly rated in the European sanitary ware market. This German brand has been popular for a very long time. Customers appreciate the quality and tightness of Huppe glass walls, their stylish design.

Italy also has its own popular brands, Vegasfor example, one of the leading plumbing companies in Europe. Great assortment of this brand - From shower enclosures to screens and glass doors, as well as spare parts for them.

In Russia, they make fairly high-quality plumbing, including equipment for showers. Aquaton products are of good quality, low price in Russia. Manufacturers pay tribute to their appearance - with partitions from Aquaton, your shower room will look stylish.

Ravak has been known for its plumbing in the domestic market since the mid-90s. This brand has a modern design, constantly updated line of models and wide distribution both in our country and abroad.

Bas is also in demand not only in the domestic market, but also in the CIS countries. The brand offers quality tempered glass walls with tinting in various shades, suitable for any interior.

For those wishing to purchase inexpensive modern shower walls, decorated in a modern style, We recommend the River brand (China). Although he is quite young, these products have proven to be very competitive. The secret to success is in providing high quality goods at affordable prices. Attention is also paid to ergonomics and a variety of shower equipment.

Another Chinese manufacturer is Gemy. This company, on the contrary, has a long and strong position in the market, including in Russia (since 1990). The model range is actively developing, quality also does not stand still. The company's products have a certificate of conformity of the EAC customs union.

Roltechnik is a Czech brand of sanitary ware, popular in Europe. The products are of high quality, the demand for them has not been falling for many years. There are official suppliers in Russia. All shower walls are made in strict accordance with technical standards and from materials that meet the environmental standards of the European Union.

Appollo is one of the oldest brands in the industry in China. It was under the Apollo brand that the first Chinese equipment for showers and bathtubs was produced. At the same time, the company has a serious staff of specialists responsible for the introduction of innovative technologies in production.

The young Chinese brand Erlit, founded in 2006, specializes in shower walls and corners. In their production, emphasis is placed on environmental friendliness and compliance with technical standards, as well as safety requirements.

AM. PM is a large international plumbing company in Europe with a strong market position. A brand has been formed from several companies located in Germany, England and Italy, relatively recently, but now the technical production facilities of this new brand are really impressive. A customer-oriented approach has been implemented - the consumer can really get what he needs at a stable price.

Terra is one of the leading manufacturers of sanitary ware and ceramics in Russia, He has significant experience working with bathroom equipment; products are popular in Europe. Users note the high quality, practicality and good appearance of Terra shower walls.

It’s worth buying only high-quality branded products. The manufacturers listed above are responsible for ensuring that their goods at the proper level meets the needs of the buyer.

Much depends on the amount that you are willing to spend. Walls of German, Italian production have the best quality, but also cost more.With a modest budget, domestic or Chinese brands are of most interest.

Walls in the bathroom must be washed regularly. In the case of glass fencing, this is simple, and besides, mold does not form on them.

How long the walls will last without maintenance depends on the quality of their installation.

A good example of the use of such walls is their harmonious combination with the interior, when the transparency of the glass adds volume to the room, and the cabin and the partition itself look light and elegant. It matches modern or any other style.

Sometimes tinted windows look very successful.

Opening sashes and stems can be very convenient and functional. Thus, you can design the fence in the bathroom in the most comfortable way for you.

The shower enclosure Appollo TS-6377 is shown below.