Shower Enclosures & Shower Cubicles

Types of Shower Enclosures

There are many different types of shower enclosures in the UK, each of which offers its own blend of style, practicality, and space-saving benefits. In the section below, we will break down some of the most popular types of shower enclosures to make choosing the right one for your bathroom much easier.

Quadrant Shower Enclosures

Quadrant shower enclosures are designed to fit perfectly into the corner of the bathroom. They also feature a curved front that saves valuable space. As a result of their space-saving design, quadrant shower enclosures are an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms and en-suites where maximising floor space is essential.

Walk-In Shower Enclosures

Walk-in shower enclosures often use one or more fixed glass panels to create that modern and spacious feel many homeowners look for. With no doors to open or moving parts to maintain, they offer easy access and a clean, minimalist aesthetic that can work beautifully in any contemporary bathroom design.

Sliding Door Shower Enclosures

Shower enclosures with a sliding door are another suitable option for bathrooms where space is limited. The doors of this shower enclosure are designed to glide smoothly along a track, so they don't require any outward clearance.

This makes them a practical solution for narrow or compact spaces while still offering a generous amount of space for showering.

Hinged Door Shower Enclosures

Hinged door shower enclosures feature doors that swing outward, in a similar way to traditional doors. This type of shower enclosure provides a wide and comfortable entry point and can enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom.

They are, however, mostly suitable for larger bathrooms as the outward swing requires sufficient clearance in front of the enclosure.

Bi-Fold Door Shower Enclosures

Bi-fold door shower enclosures are designed to open neatly into the shower without taking up valuable floor space. This makes them suitable for bathrooms that don't have enough room for a hinged door to swing outwards.

Wet Room Screens

Wet room screens are large glass panels that are fixed into place. They are most commonly used to create walk-in shower spaces. Their stylish, easy-to-clean, and sleek design makes them a suitable choice for homeowners who want to achieve a modern and open-plan look in their bathroom.

Corner Entry Shower Enclosures

Corner entry shower enclosures use two sliding doors that meet in the middle, which allows entry from the corner of the unit. As a result, this type of shower enclosure is ideal for bathrooms with limited wall space or awkward layouts where a traditional front-entry enclosure may not fit comfortably.

Frameless vs Framed Options

Shower enclosures typically fall into one of two categories - frameless and framed. Framed shower enclosures, as the name suggests, feature a supporting frame around the glass. As a result, this type of enclosure is usually very durable and tends to be the more budget-friendly option.

Frameless shower enclosures, on the other hand, are the more premium option. This type of enclosure uses thicker glass and minimal hardware. This results in a clean and minimalistic look that is perfect for any modern bathroom design.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so the right choice ultimately depends on your preferred style and budget.

Shower Enclosures in Every Size

Shower enclosures don't just vary in design - they are also available in many different sizes to suit almost any bathroom layout. Here are some of our most popular size options:

700mm - 799mm

These are some of the smallest shower enclosures you will find. They are the perfect choice for compact bathrooms where space is limited. Despite their small, space-saving design, they still offer a comfortably-sized shower area.

800mm - 899mm

Shower enclosures in the 800mm to 899mm range are the perfect middle-ground. They offer a bit more room inside the enclosure without overwhelming the space, making them an excellent choice for standard-sized bathrooms. 

1000mm - 1200mm

Our 1000mm to 1200mm range of shower enclosures are the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a more spacious shower area. A shower enclosure within this size range provides a generous amount of space and can be paired well with both sliding doors and walk-in configurations.

Small bathroom options

If you have a small bathroom and need to make the most of the little space you have to work with, you have three main types of shower enclosures to choose from - quadrant, bi-fold doors, and sliding door enclosures. All three are designed with the goal of saving space without compromising comfort.

Large walk-in designs

For bigger bathrooms, walk-in enclosures and wet room screens are the most common choice - and it's easy to see why. They have an open and streamlined design, which can create a spacious and luxurious feel that you'll struggle to achieve with small and medium-sized shower enclosures.

Why Choose Our Shower Enclosures?

Our shower enclosures are the preferred choice for thousands of UK homeowners each year. Here are some of the reasons why you should too:

Toughened safety glass

The safety of our customers is our number one priority. That's why every shower enclosure we sell features a toughened safety glass. It is not only up to five times stronger than standard glass, but also designed to break safely in the unlikely event of an accident.

Aside from the safety aspect, our shower enclosures also feature glass in varying thicknesses, ranging from 5mm to 10mm. This allows you to choose a panel that matches your preferred balance of strengths, rigidity, and overall feel.

Easy-clean glass technology

A large portion of our shower enclosures feature easy-clean glass technology, which reduces the build-up of limescale, soap scum, and water marks. The protective coating that is applied to the glass helps water slide down the surface more easily, which results in cleaner glass for longer while making routine cleaning far simpler.

Space-saving designs

Whether you're working with a compact en-suite or a standard family bathroom, each of our shower enclosures has been designed to make the most of the available space you have.

From quadrant enclosures that can fit neatly into the corner of your bathroom to sliding and bi-fold doors that don't require extra clearance, the smart designs of our shower enclosures will help you maximise your floor space without compromising comfort.

Modern, minimalist finishes

At H&P, our shower enclosures come in a large variety of modern and minimalist finishes that will suit a range of bathroom designs. From classic chrome frames to on-trend matt black and the sleek simplicity of frameless glass panels, we offer options that can help you achieve the exact aesthetic you're striving for.

Leak-proof seals

All our shower enclosures are fitted with high-quality seals, which create a reliable barrier around the edges of the glass. When the shower is being used, the seals will help prevent water splashes, drips, and moisture from escaping into your bathroom floor and causing water damage.

Long manufacturer guarantees

Every shower enclosure that you come across on this page comes with a long manufacturer guarantee - ranging anywhere from 10 years up to a lifetime, depending on the brand and the model.

Buying a shower enclosure with a long guarantee will give you added peace of mind, as any manufacturer faults and material defects will be covered and won't cost you a penny to fix.

Compatible with all major shower trays

Our shower enclosures are designed to be compatible with a wide range of shower trays. This makes it much easier for you to pair your chosen shower enclosure with a tray that suits your bathroom's layout, preferred style, and installation requirements.

Trusted Brands You Can Rely On

At Heat and Plumb, the satisfaction of our customers is one of our biggest priorities. That's why we don't stock just any shower enclosure. Every model you'll find on this page comes from a trusted manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and long-term performance.

That way, whether you're buying a quadrant shower enclosure for a compact en-suite or a walk-in shower enclosure for a large, modern bathroom, you can trust that you're getting a product that will last for many years to come.

How to Choose the Right Shower Enclosure for Your Bathroom

Choosing the right shower enclosure for your bathroom is crucial. It will not only determine how comfortable and practical your showering space will feel, but also how well the enclosure will complement the overall design and layout of the room. To make the right choice, make sure that you:

• Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where you'll install the enclosure
• Think about the shape and design of the shower enclosure
• Consider the thickness and style of the glass
• Ensure compatibility with your existing shower tray (if applicable)
• Factor in cleaning and maintenance requirements

By keeping all of these points in mind, you'll have a much easier time narrowing down your options and choosing a shower enclosure that looks great, fits perfectly, and performs reliably for many years to come.

Why Choose Heat and Plumb?

For over 20 years, we have put our customers' satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do. From carefully sourcing reliable and long-lasting shower enclosures to providing clear advice and competitive prices - our goal has always been to make upgrading your bathroom as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Other reasons why you should choose H&P when buying a shower enclosure include:

• Fast, free, and reliable delivery across 98% of UK locations
• 190+ shower enclosures to choose from
• Very long manufacturer guarantees (from 10 years up to a lifetime)
• 25,000+ positive reviews (we are rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot)

And if you have any questions, concerns, or need help with choosing the right shower enclosure for your bathroom, our expert customer support team is always here to help.

FAQs About Shower Enclosures and Shower Cubicles

What is the difference between a shower enclosure and a shower cubicle?

Although the terms "shower enclosure" and "shower cubicle" are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them and how they are typically understood.

The term shower enclosure usually refers to the glass structure that surrounds the shower area. A shower cubicle, on the other hand, generally refers to an all-in-one, self-contained unit, which includes the walls, roof/ceiling panel (if any), a shower tray, and other features such as body jets, lights, shelves, and built-in plumbing.

What size shower enclosure do I need?

That will depend on your bathroom's layout and the amount of space you have available. To choose the right size shower enclosure, make sure to:

• Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where the enclosure will be installed
• Check for door clearance if you're using hinged or pivot doors
• Match the enclosure to the size of your tray (if you already have one)
• Consider the amount of space you'll need to move comfortably inside the enclosure

What is the best type of shower enclosure for a small bathroom?

There are a few types of shower enclosures that can be ideal for a small bathroom. However, if we had to pick one, we would choose corner quadrant enclosures.

This type of enclosure is specifically designed to save space by fitting neatly into the corner, while its curved front helps maximise the usable showering area without taking up additional floor space.

Corner quadrant enclosures also typically come with sliding doors, so you won't need to allow additional room for a door to swing open.

Do shower enclosures come with trays included?

Sometimes they do, but in most cases, you will have to buy the shower enclosure and tray separately. This is because bathrooms vary widely in terms of layout, drainage positioning, and design, so separating the components allows homeowners to choose a tray that fits their exact requirements.

Always read the product description, so you not only know if a tray is included in the price but also understand which tray styles and sizes are compatible with the enclosure.

Is toughened shower glass safer?

Yes, toughened shower glass is significantly safer than standard glass. It is specifically designed to withstand daily use, impact, and temperature changes, making it far less likely to crack or shatter under normal conditions.

And in the unlikely event that it does break, the toughened glass will shatter into small, blunt pieces rather than large, sharp shards. This will greatly reduce the risk of serious injury, which is why it has become an industry standard for all modern shower enclosures.

How hard is it to install a shower enclosure?

Installing a shower enclosure can range from straightforward to fairly challenging, depending on the style of the enclosure, the layout of your bathroom, and, of course, your DIY experience.

Many standard enclosures, such as quadrant models, are designed with DIY installation in mind. So, if you have access to all the right tools and are comfortable using them, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and you shouldn't have any problems.

On the other hand, there are shower enclosures such as frameless and hinged door models, which require very precise installation and may require you to drill into tiles or compensate for uneven walls. These tend to be much trickier to install, in which case, we'd recommend you hire a professional.

What glass thickness is best for a shower enclosure?

It depends on the style of the enclosure you're going for and the level of stability you want. The large majority of shower enclosures are made from toughened safety glass, so you don't need to worry about the panels being too thin or fragile. That said, the thickness of the glass can still vary.

At Heat and Plumb, the glass thickness of our shower enclosures ranges from 5mm to 10mm, with the most popular options being 6mm and 8mm. They offer an excellent balance between durability, stability, and overall value.

Do shower enclosures come with a warranty?

Yes, all shower units in the UK come with a warranty. Do note that it can vary from product to product, so always refer to the product documents for the exact terms. There, you will find the length of the warranty, what's covered, and any conditions that you should be aware of.