Sliding Shower Doors

Why Sliding Shower Doors Are a Popular Choice in the UK

Despite being around for decades, sliding shower doors remain one of the most preferred options among UK homeowners. This is largely due to their practical design, ease of use, and ability to work well in bathrooms of all sizes.

Thanks to their smooth sliding mechanism, sliding shower doors don't require any outward clearance, which makes them particularly well-suited to smaller bathrooms and en-suites. At the same time, their wide opening and secure fit make them a reliable and convenient choice that can be safely used by young and old on a daily basis.

Popular Sizes Available for Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors are available in many different height and width combinations to suit different space, installation, and aesthetic requirements. Some of the most popular dimensions for sliding shower doors among UK homeowners include:

• (H) 1850mm x (W) 1000mm
• (H) 1850mm x (W) 1200mm
• (H) 1900mm x (W) 1400mm
• (H) 1900mm x (W) 1500mm

In addition to the popular dimensions mentioned above, as part of our collection, you'll also find sliding shower doors in many smaller, larger, taller, and shorter sizes.

Key Considerations When Buying a Sliding Shower Door

To make sure you buy a sliding shower door that meets all of your personal preferences and installation requirements, there are a couple of key considerations that you need to take into account. They include:

Shower Tray Compatibility

If you already have a shower tray installed or are planning to install one as part of your bathroom project, it's important to make sure that the sliding shower door you choose is compatible with the size, shape, and installation style of the tray. This is crucial for ensuring a secure and watertight fit.

Door Height & Width

To suit different shower spaces and installation requirements, sliding shower doors are available in different heights and widths. Choosing the right dimensions for your space is key to achieving a proper fit, effective water containment, and a clean look.

Track Type & Maintenance

Sliding shower doors typically use either a bottom-rolling or top-hung track system, both of which are designed to be stable and reliable over the long run. Before deciding on either one of them, consider your preferences and the maintenance requirements that come with each option.

Roller or Wheel Quality

The quality of the rollers or wheels that your sliding shower door will glide on plays a key role in how smoothly and quietly it'll operate over time. We always recommend our customers to go with high-quality rollers or wheels, as they are designed to handle everyday use without sticking or becoming noisy.

Glass Thickness

The thickness of the glass will directly affect how durable, stable, and secure your sliding shower door will be. At H&P, the glass thickness of the sliding shower doors we carry varies from 5mm to 10mm, so carefully consider your requirements before deciding on the option that's right for you.

Glass & Frame Finish

If you're trying to achieve a particular aesthetic in your bathroom, don't forget to take into consideration the glass and frame finish of the sliding shower door. At H&P, we have sliding shower doors in a variety of glass and frame finish options, so take your time and consider your personal style preferences before choosing your shower door.

Easy-Clean Coating

If you want to minimise the amount of time you need to put into cleaning the glass of your sliding shower door, make sure to buy a model that features an easy-clean or anti-limescale coating. These types of coatings create a protective layer on the surface of the glass, which helps it repel water, limescale, and soap residue before it builds up and needs to be scrubbed off.

Sliding Shower Doors vs Hinged Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors and hinged shower doors are two of the most popular options for modern bathrooms. If you're trying to decide between the two, to help you make a more informed decision, below are a few scenarios that can help you determine whether a sliding or hinged shower door is the right fit for your space.

Choose a sliding shower door if:

• Your bathroom doesn't offer enough outward clearance for a hinged shower door
• Your shower area is part of a compact en-suite or small bathroom
• You prefer a door that offers smooth and space-saving operation
• You want a practical solution that works well in busy or shared bathrooms

Choose a hinged shower door if:

• You have enough floor space to allow the door to fully open outwards
• You want a wider and more open entry into the shower area
• Ease of access is a key priority for you and your loved ones
• You prefer a more traditional door-opening style

Tips for Installing Sliding Shower Doors Correctly

Installing your sliding shower door correctly is crucial not only for achieving a secure and watertight fit, but also for achieving a professional finish. In addition to following the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sliding shower door, here are a couple of additional tips that will make the entire process much smoother:

• Make sure the walls and floor are level and structurally sound before you begin
• Take precise measurements before fixing any components in place
• Carefully align the tracks to ensure the shower door slides smoothly and evenly
• Tighten all fixings securely, but avoid overtightening to prevent damage to the glass
• Test the sliding mechanism before finalising the installation

If you're not sure whether you can handle the installation of your sliding shower door by yourself, don't hesitate to hire a local professional. They'll not only help ensure the door is installed safely and securely, but also minimise the risk of issues such as leaks, poor alignment, or uneven operation.

Maintaining Your Sliding Shower Door

Maintaining your sliding shower door correctly over the years is key to preserving its appearance and smooth functionality. The good news is that shower doors with a sliding mechanism aren't all that difficult to keep in good condition. All you typically need to do is:

• Wipe down the glass after each shower (use a squeegee if possible)
• Keep the tracks clean and free from soap residue, hair, and debris
• Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth or sponge for regular cleaning
• Keep an eye on the rollers, seals, and fixings to ensure everything is working as intended

As a side note, please make sure that you never use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the protective coating on the glass and the finish of the frame.

Why Buy Your Sliding Shower Door From Heat and Plumb?

At Heat and Plumb, we put the satisfaction of our customers at the forefront of everything we do. That's why we've sold thousands of sliding shower doors and have accumulated 25,000+ 5-star reviews over the years.

In addition to our reputation as one of the leading suppliers of sliding shower doors in the UK, we often carry 70+ different models and their respective variations, making it much easier to find a sliding shower door that perfectly fits your budget, installation requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Other reasons why you should buy your sliding shower door from H&P include:

• All our sliding shower doors are eligible for free and fast shipping in the UK
• Our sliding shower doors can be delivered to 98% of UK addresses
• Every sliding shower door comes with a long manufacturer's guarantee
• We have an exceptional customer service team that's always ready to help