Any bathroom should be equipped quality plumbing. Shower cabins are increasingly winning the hearts of consumers with their stylish modern appearance, compactness and many functions. There is no interior for which a shower cabin would not be suitable. In this article, we will help you choose the shower stall that is right for you!
Shower cabin design
Shower cabins are produced in various shapes and sizes, so choosing the right model is not a problem even for the bathroom of a small apartment . There are cabins suitable for taking both a shower and a bath, due to the fairly wide and deep trays.
Shower cabins can be open or closed. Most often this determines their price.
Dimensions of shower cabins
The parameters of the shower stall are limited by the area of the bathroom and the dimensions of the users. All family members will want to wash themselves in the hydrobox; you should add a few centimeters to the parameters of the largest user in the arm span for comfortable hygiene procedures.
Standard sizes of square pallets are: 70x70, 75x75, 80x80, 85x85, 90x90, 95x95 and 100x100 cm. More convenient options are in the range of 110x110, 120x120, 130x130 cm.
Pallets are rectangular: 70x90, 85x70, 75x90, 70x100, 100x80, 110x80, 120x90, 120x80, 100x120 cm. The following deserve special attention:
- radial - one corner is rounded;
- pentagonal - the angle is beveled in a straight line;
- semicircular - placed with the flat side facing the wall.
Pallets differ in depth. The deepest side has a height of 100 cm, the middle one - 40...80 cm, the flat one - 0...35 cm. The depth of the pallet does not affect the cost, the price is determined by the design, size, material, functionality.
Types of shower trays
Shower trays come in different sizes and designs, as they are combined with a glass enclosure. If the size of the room allows, you can choose a shower stall with a tray in the form of a small bathtub.
Shower cubicle with full bath
The height of the pallet sides varies from 100 to 600 mm. Depending on whether you plan to take water procedures in a sitting or lying position.
Shower cabin with high tray
There are cabins without a pallet. This design is usually installed in a private home. Good waterproofing is first ensured and water is drained.
Shower cabin with a minimum tray size
Pallets are made from cast iron, steel, acrylic, ceramics or artificial stone. The cost of the product depends on the material. To choose the right pallet material, you need to study its performance characteristics.
Open showers
An open-type plumbing fixture is characterized by the fact that there is no ceiling in its design, and it itself is limited only by the side walls. The height of shower stalls can be different, it all depends on the model. They mainly differ in their affordable price with a set of only basic functions.
This type of booth is most often installed in a corner or niche, which is especially important in small apartments. This type of plumbing fixture gives the interior of the room a certain airiness and special elegance.
Cast iron pan
- Cast iron trays and bathtubs have proven to be reliable, which is why they are still in great demand. Enameled cast iron is also less susceptible to scratches and other damage. A bowl made of this material will last a long time without restoration.
Cast iron pallet
Cast iron pallets are installed on a frame with adjustable legs, which are covered with a decorative screen.
The disadvantage of cast iron pallets is the lack of variety of shapes. They are either rectangular or with one semicircular side. But the depth of the bowl can be chosen.
Shower floor
The tray is the basis of the shower box; the following materials provide stability and reliability of the structure:
- Acrylic. Lightness, reliability, ease of installation are the main differences of the material. Acrylic easily hides scratches and damage. Allows cleaning with household products; visible damage can be polished with a special paste. The material provides instant heating of water, maintains temperature for a long time, but can withstand light loads.
- Steel and cast iron. Strong, durable bases are rarely used by manufacturers due to gravity and prolonged heating.
- Faience. Beautiful, inexpensive, heat-resistant material has the ability to absorb sound, at the same time, it is fragile and requires maintenance.
- Quaril is a successful combination of acrylic and quartz sand. The material is stronger than acrylic and comes in a variety of shades.
- Ceramics is a fragile solution that requires careful care and a high probability of cracks.
- Artificial marble, which includes a polymer resin with dolomite, is beautiful, silent, and retains heat for a long time. The strength of cast marble is many times higher than natural marble. The choice of shades is varied, and the price of the pallets is reasonable.
Acrylic tray
- Acrylic pallets are gaining popularity nowadays. Perhaps thanks to the elegant appearance of the bowls and the variety of tray shapes. In addition, acrylic is pleasant to the touch and has a comfortable temperature for the body.
Acrylic tray
Acrylic trays heat up quickly and retain heat well. Their advantages also include wear resistance. Unlike cast iron, they are more susceptible to scratches, but they are almost invisible and can be masked by treating them with regular sandpaper.
Acrylic pallets must be installed on a special frame. This is necessary in order to prevent deformation of the material when exposed to high temperatures. A disadvantage of acrylic can be considered its comparative fragility, but this factor also depends on the quality of the material and the careful use of the bowl.
Which is better: a shower stall or a corner
Shower corner
The variety of plumbing fixtures on the market does not allow us to say unambiguously which device or design is the most ideal choice. Firstly, it all depends on personal preferences, and secondly, you should take into account the parameters of the bathroom itself.
A shower stall is chosen if you do not want to spend a lot of time installing a plumbing structure, but you still need to create comfortable conditions for hygienic procedures. The cabin can be chosen with a deep tray, as well as with various additional elements (radio, massage shower, shelves, mirror, thermostatic mixer, shampoo dispenser, etc.).
If taking a short shower is a priority, then arranging a standard corner will be enough. In addition, such plumbing will cost several times less, and the small dimensions offered by manufacturers will save space in the bathroom.
Steel pallet
Enameled steel pallets are the most affordable and quite durable. But they have one big drawback - they are very noisy. However, if you cover the outer surface of the pallet with a layer of polyurethane foam or glue an anti-noise kit made of special foam material onto it, you can eliminate this drawback.
A steel pallet is inexpensive. And this covers all its shortcomings.
Shower cabin material
The “body” of the shower stall itself is made of either plastic or tempered glass. Using tempered glass will be a good choice because it is very durable and has an affordable cost. Therefore, it is usually used in conjunction with a stone tray - such a shower indicates a certain status of the owner.
Doors, in turn, can also be made of plastic or glass.
Both glass and plastic can be transparent or matte. However, it is common for plastic to fade during use.
It is worth paying attention that the thicker the walls of the shower, the warmer you will be in it.
Artificial stone tray
Artificial stone usually imitates marble or granite. It is made from stone chips and polymers.
Stone pallet
Pallets made of artificial stone have high strength, low thermal conductivity and are pleasant to the touch. In addition, the surface made of artificial stone does not slip. This is very important, especially for children and the elderly. Shallow pallets are usually made from this material, which makes them difficult to use in an apartment. In addition, this material is quite expensive.
Description of shower doors
Based on the opening method, shower doors are divided into the following designs:
- sliding;
- swing
Sliding doors are provided for the vast majority of commercially available cabins. The door plate, placed on special rollers, takes up minimal space and provides maximum comfort and safety when showering.
Hinged doors are more likely to be installed according to individual preference and require much more space, since in cramped conditions it will simply be impossible to use the doors.
However, any type of installed door must be smooth when opening and closing and not lock. Don't forget to make sure that the sashes fit snugly against each other (this is ensured by high-quality seals). If everything is in order in this regard, then neither your singing nor the flow of water will disturb anyone - noise and waterproofing are provided.
Hydromassage in the shower cabin
- Hydromassage produced using jets of water under pressure. This is one of the most popular features. The number of nozzles that deliver jets of water can be from 1 to 20. The intensity of the hydromassage depends on this indicator.
You can choose a cabin with rotating nozzles and adjust the direction of the water jets.
- An air massage (also built into a wall-mounted panel) supplies pressurized air into the water. This creates bubbles that produce the massage.
- The combined option combines both aeromassage and hydromassage. The nozzles supplying air and water are located at different levels, which allows you to massage individual areas of the body.
The intensity of the air and water jets varies depending on which part of the body is affected. At the level of the lumbar zone the jets are more intense, and in the area of the calves and neck the pressure is a little softer.
Cabins with a hydromassage function are an excellent way to relieve fatigue, normalize blood circulation and relax muscles. If it is possible to install a model of a shower cabin with hydromassage, you should definitely use it.
How to choose a shower cabin
There are important parameters that must be taken into account when choosing the best option. It’s good if the device has a hydromassage function, as this will help you relax as much as possible and get a lot of pleasant sensations from water treatments.
The height of the shower stall from the floor and the size of the tray must also be taken into account. The best option would be a plumbing fixture, the height of which is 2 meters, and the dimensions of the tray are 80x80 or 90x90 cm. And if the tray is also deep, then you can wash things in it. It is also necessary to take into account what material the cabin is made of.
Before purchasing this plumbing fixture, the height of the shower cabins is also selected. Low or too high may not be entirely convenient to use, so be sure to take into account the size of the bathroom, as well as the height, weight and individual characteristics of all family members.
Steam generator
The steam generator is designed to maintain steam at varying degrees of heating. It’s as if you’re in a sauna—at maximum humidity, the cabin maintains a high temperature. This feature significantly increases the cost of the cabin.
Its mechanism is located behind the shower counter. It heats the water, turning it into steam at a temperature of 45÷50˚С. Steam is supplied to the cabin through a special window. This steam temperature is optimal for heating the body, cleansing the skin and the entire body of antioxidants and excess fluid.
If you decide to choose a cabin with a steam generator, opt for glass doors. Heating plastic results in the release of toxic substances.
A ventilation system is installed in conjunction with the steam generator, which provides intensive air circulation and removes waste steam. These devices can only be installed in a closed shower stall model.
Cabins equipped with a steam generator are most often equipped with seating.
If you're worried about the size of this cabin, you shouldn't be. The optimal size for it is only 900 mm - such a space warms up faster with low energy consumption.
Cabins with a steam generator have a very high price. Therefore, the steam generator is often purchased and installed separately.
Selection criteria: what to consider
Deep tray design
The choice of corner depends on many factors: personal preferences, functionality, configuration, size and shape.
First of all, you should decide what exactly is required from this plumbing design. Will it be used for a quick shower or for relaxation? In this case, the equipment plays a major role.
Equipment
The shower corner can be with or without a tray. And the very first selection criterion is the presence of a shower tray. Arranging a corner without it requires appropriate preparation of the place. A drainage ladder is required. If this was not provided for in advance, then it is better to choose a standard kit with a pallet.
When choosing a corner with a pallet, you need to decide on the material from which it will be made. Pallets are made of cast iron, acrylic, ceramic and steel. The most common option is acrylic. It has an aesthetic appearance, is durable, and can withstand maximum load. It is inexpensive in price, unlike cast iron or ceramic.
Pallet height
The deep tray is ideal for a young family with small children. In this case, such a product can serve as a bathtub.
A low design will be appropriate when the shower enclosure is designed for quick showers, and is also ideal for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Location, shape and size
Often the location and shape of the shower enclosure have a connection with each other. If this plumbing structure is supposed to be located in the corner of the room, then models with square, rectangular, asymmetrical, multifaceted and quarter-circle shapes are suitable. If you choose a semicircular model, then it is installed only on one wall.
The size of the shower enclosure directly depends on its shape. The most optimal parameters for square, polyhedral and quarter-circle models are 80x80, 90x90 and 100x100 cm. Rectangular and asymmetrical - 80x120 cm.
Doors and how to open them
The number of doors and the method of opening them is selected depending on convenience, as well as the space occupied. A swing door is the most convenient, but it also requires a lot of free space. A sliding door, whether one or two, practically does not require any free space, since the method of opening it is to move the door along a mechanism installed along the perimeter of the shower structure.
Accessories
When choosing a product, a thorough inspection of not only the entire package, but also the accompanying fittings is required. It should be durable, reliable, easy to clean, not afraid of water, and also be completely compatible with the entire structure of the shower.
Shower cabin care
Don't forget to take care of your shower stall. This will ensure its long service life and presentable appearance. It is better to do this with any detergent after each procedure. But avoid using powders with abrasive elements.
By making your own list of all the necessary qualities and functions, based on the recommendations given, you can easily select a suitable shower stall for yourself.
Let your bathroom become a source of inspiration, and let your shower give you daily joy and relaxation!
We are glad that our article was useful to you!
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Enclosed showers
The closed type design, which is also called a shower box, looks quite stylish and original. The height of the shower cabin is 200 cm with a roof. The structure is closed on all sides by walls.
Such devices are simple and multifunctional. If desired, you can choose absolutely any shape of boxes.
Closed cabins are characterized by the fact that they completely enclose a niche or corner for water procedures. Such plumbing fixtures are sealed and often equipped with many additional functions.
