Dimensions
It is essential to have clear the spaces that we would like to dedicate to our shower enclosure:
- the space for opening the door: sliding or accordion (perfect for small spaces), opening outwards (for spacious rooms).
- the distance from other elements in the bathroom area (fixtures, doors, windows, furniture)
- the dimensions of the elements inside the shower (showerhead, faucets, soap holder).
To these elements must be added the most important one: the type of tray and, therefore, the size of the entire shower.
Standard measurements are:
- for square shower trays: 70×70 cm or 80×80 cm
- rectangular shower trays: 120×80 cm or 80×100 cm or 70×90 cm.
But many shower structures can be customized according to needs and position.
For minimal spaces, one possibility is given by the choice of a rounded shower enclosure, which combines characteristics of little bulk and good comfort.
Shower trays must be chosen based on the needs of the bathroom. They can be:
- raised, elevated from the floor level, so it creates a step. It is the most used where there are drainage slope problems because you can take advantage of the tray height to give more slope to the water drainage pipe.
- flush with floor, between the tray and the floor no step is created, but it is as if the shower tray were a continuation of the floor itself. The drainage hole is larger than that of raised trays to favor the drainage of water.
- recessed, this is partially inserted into the screed but still forms a small step with the floor.
Positioning
Most traditional bathrooms have the shower positioned in a corner, with the creation of a shower enclosure on only two sides.
In reality there are several options to choose from:
- modern: are installed on walls with the two side corners free and only one corner protected by glass/crystal.
- with particular design: they are created in a niche and remain open or even in the center of the bathroom that transforms into a shower room.
Materials
The panels can be:
- in acrylic material with prints and designs or semi-transparent, economical and easy to clean.
- in tempered glass with different finishes. Glass is more valuable and beautiful. The panels in this case can be transparent, screen-printed, printed, feathered and satin.
The choice of panels is also influenced by the type of opening that will reach the water jet and the type of entrance to the shower cabin.
As for the shower tray there is the possibility to choose it:
- in acrylic, it is the best solution in all cases where you need a custom shower tray as this material can be cut to size.
- in resin: durable material suitable for any environment.
- in a mix of marble powders or natural minerals and resins: with anti-slip and anti-stain characteristics, and workable to size.
- in a mix of minerals, resins and gel: very resistant and easy to clean because non-porous.
Then there are trays in other materials: those in transparent resin with inlaid stones or rocks, those simpler in work made up of tiles, smooth, knurled, anti-slip, anti-stain, or in natural stone.
Shower Set
A shower set consists of:
- A showerhead (overhead shower):
The showerhead is the main element of the set. The possible choices vary between:
- round, square or rectangular, based on the shape and setting of the nozzles, the showerheads provide different water jets.
- single jet, a true classic, the rain jet is often turned off for uniform diffusion;
- multijet, very comfortable. Three or more jets provide a very pleasant massaging effect;
- water-saving and anti-limescale are some of the options you can find on more sophisticated showerheads;
The resistance varies depending on the material it is made of.
The shower hose is made up of a plastic tube sheathed by a flexible hose of different qualities, with a standard diameter for all models.
To choose the right flexible hose for your shower, you must consider several criteria:
- Variable lengths. They range between 1.25 m and 2 m. To make the right choice, the length should exceed the height of the tallest member of your family by approximately 10 cm.
- Different materials. You can choose between plastic, brass and stainless steel. Steel hoses are spiral, while plastic ones can be smooth.
- Single or double crimp. If it is double, the tube is more flexible and has a lower risk of cutting. Single crimp, on the other hand, is more economical.
- The shower bar. It must be the right size. It should be comfortable for all family members.
