Shower Cabins

Understanding the Benefits of Shower Cabins

Like all types of shower enclosures, shower cabins also offer a range of practical benefits that make them a popular choice for many UK bathrooms. One of the main advantages is their fully enclosed design, which helps contain water and greatly reduces the risk of leaks or splashing outside the shower area.

Since shower cabins typically come with integrated wall panels, they often require little to no tiling, which can greatly reduce installation time, costs, and disruption to your day-to-day life.

Another major benefit to shower cabins is that they often come with built-in features such as body jets, handsets, rainfall shower heads, seating, and lighting. Do note that these features can vary greatly depending on the model.

Popular Size and Shape Options for Shower Cabins

Due to the popularity of shower cabins in the UK, they are available in many different sizes and shapes to suit a variety of bathroom layouts. In terms of size, the most popular options include:

• 800mm x 800mm
• 900mm x 900mm
• 1000mm x 900mm
• 1000mm x 1000mm
• 1050mm x 850mm
• 1100mm x 700mm

As far as shower cabin shapes are concerned, when you browse through this page, you'll come across quadrant, offset quadrant, rectangular, and square shower cabins. So, no matter the size of your bathroom or what your personal preferences might be in terms of shower area, there's a high chance we have the perfect shower cabin for you.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Shower Cabins

When choosing a shower cabin, there are several important factors to consider to ensure it's suitable for your bathroom's layout and meets all your everyday requirements. They include:

Size and Available Bathroom Space

The first thing you need to consider is how much available space you have in your bathroom and how big of a shower cabin the room can comfortably accommodate. Remember, the goal isn't to buy a shower cabin that is as big as possible - it's to choose an option that meets your needs without overwhelming the space.

Cabin Shape and Layout

Once you know what size shower cabin you can fit in your bathroom, think about what shape cabin you want. At H&P, we offer four different shapes, including quadrant, offset quadrant, square, and rectangular.

Glass Thickness

Not all shower cabins are made the same, so another important consideration is the thickness of the glass. It will play a key role when it comes to durability, safety, and overall feel of the shower cabin.

Entry Type and Door Opening

Different door mechanisms suit different bathroom layouts, so it's important to consider how much clearance is available around the shower area. If you have little to no clearance, a sliding door would be a good choice. If you have plenty of space in the bathroom, then you have more flexibility when choosing the entry type.

Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

And last but not least, consider the amount of effort you're willing to put into cleaning and maintaining your shower cabin. If you want to keep upkeep to a minimum, look for a shower cabin with smooth internal panels and easy-clean glass coatings.

These will help reduce the buildup of limescale, water marks, and soap residue, which will make regular cleaning quicker and easier.

Shower Cabins vs Standard Shower Enclosures: Which is the Better Choice?

Both shower cabins and standard shower enclosures are popular choices among UK homeowners, but they're designed to suit different needs, layouts, and installation requirements. As a result, the best choice for you will depend on your specific bathroom setup and priorities.

Choose a Shower Cabin if:

• You want a fully enclosed, self-contained solution
• You are looking to minimise tiling and installation work
• You want improved water containment and minimal risk of leaks
• You prefer an all-in-one unit with integrated features (such as body jets)
• You want a quicker and more straightforward installation process

Choose a Shower Enclosure If:

• You value design flexibility and customisation
• You are planning a wet room or bespoke bathroom layout
• You prefer a lighter and more open aesthetic
• You are working with a specific layout that requires a tailored solution
• Your walls are already tiled

Installation Tips for Shower Cabins

Shower cabins are renowned for their ease of installation. Still, there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure the installation goes smoothly and the cabin performs as intended. They include:

• Make sure all measurements are accurate before purchasing
• Check that the floor is level and offers enough support for the cabin and the tray
• Ensure all plumbing connections align with the cabin's inlet and outlet points
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during the installation process
• Seal all joints properly to prevent leaks and water damage

If you ever feel unsure or don't fully trust yourself with installing the shower cabin, think about hiring a professional installer who can handle the installation for you.

Shower Cabin Maintenance & Aftercare Requirements

Proper maintenance and aftercare are key to keeping your shower cabin looking good and performing well over time. Fortunately, shower cabins are designed to be low maintenance, which makes them a practical choice for busy households.

Still, regularly cleaning the glass, wall panels, and tray using non-abrasive cleaners will help prevent the buildup of water marks, soap residue, and limescale. To minimise upkeep, wipe down all surfaces using a squeegee after every shower.

It's also good practice to periodically check all seals, fixings, and moving parts, such as doors and rollers to ensure every component of your shower cabin remains secure and operates smoothly.

Why Buy Your Shower Cabin From Heat and Plumb?

At Heat and Plumb, we place the satisfaction of our customers at the heart of everything we do. That's why we stock over 100 different high-quality shower cabins and sell them at the most competitive prices. In addition to the above, other reasons why you should buy your shower cabin from Heat and Plumb include:

• We offer free and fast shipping to 98% of all UK addresses
• Every shower cabin we sell is of the highest quality
• All shower cabins come with a long manufacturer guarantee
• We have over 25,000 positive reviews across Google and Trustpilot

So, whether you're buying a small cabin for an en-suite or a large model with a variety of features for your family bathroom, you can rest assured that the shower cabin you buy will last for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Cabins

Are shower cabins suitable for small bathrooms?

Yes, they are. Since shower cabins are available in many different sizes, they can work well even in compact bathrooms and en-suites where every inch counts.

What is the best shower cabin size?

That really depends on how much space you have in your bathroom and how much showering area you need to feel comfortable. The most popular shower cabin size at H&P is 900mm x 900mm.

Can I install a shower cabin myself?

Most shower cabins are fairly easy to install, so if you have the necessary tools and prior DIY plumbing experience, you may be able to install one yourself.

How long does a shower cabin last?

It depends on the build quality of the shower cabin, whether it's installed and used properly, and how well it's maintained over the years. Provided your shower cabin is made of quality materials, installed correctly, and maintained properly, it can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

What water pressure do shower pods and cabins require?

Most shower pods and cabins are designed to work with standard household water pressure, which makes them suitable for most UK homes. Typically, 1 bar of water pressure is enough for the shower cabin to function properly.

If you want a model that features body jets, an overhead rainfall shower, or multiple outlets, you may require at least 2 bars or more for the shower pod or cabin to perform as intended.