Shower enclosures: materials, sizes and selection rules

In any bathroom or toilet with a shower, there is always a fence. Everyone wants to arrange partitions in the bathroom to their taste, so that the layout corresponds to individual ideas about comfort. To choose the right shower enclosure for your bathroom, we recommend reading this detailed overview of their manufacturers and varieties.

Shower enclosures are of different types. They are made using various technologies, performing in different configurations and from different materials, depending on the purpose. Installation and assembly also have their own characteristics in each case.

Among the most common partitions are these types.

• Pallet constructions - shower wall, "corner". A rather complex element of the bathroom, which includes a platform that serves as the basis for a shower stall where water is collected. May also include a siphon and a moisture shield. Equipped with a rigid frame.
• A regular shower wall can also have a tray. The walls are often installed due to their practicality and ease of installation. They are always a rectangular glass panel - a sheet in a metal frame, which is vertically installed in the bathroom and attached to the walls and to the floor using special fittings.
• Partitions with a pallet can include, for example, "corner" structures, although they do not always have a pallet. The advantage of such fences with a pallet is their increased functionality and protection of the floor from water, of the minuses - the complexity of installation.
• Without pallet

Partitions without a pallet can be a curtain or screen, a splash barrier, glass shower doors.

The screen for cabins is also a fairly popular design. Its main purpose is visually separate the shower cubicle from the rest of the bathroom space... The device of the screen is somewhat more complicated than that of the walls, since it consists of several panels, also enclosed in a frame made of stainless steel or other metal. Such doors can open in one or both directions.

The shower barrier does not completely divide the room (may have a low height) and is installed on the floor to protect it from water droplets. This design, in comparison with others, is lightweight, but functional enough and is often installed in bathrooms next to shower cabins.

Glass panel doors are also often installed to serve as a partition. They are installed inside a special prefabricated frame.

This large category includes shower enclosures of any type, including those described above, if they have a rigid frame - most often made of metal. Frames made of stainless steel or aluminum greatly simplify the installation of glass panels and increase the overall strength of the structure.

Frame fences are distinguished by their practicality, since metal load-bearing parts are difficult to break, and in case of deformation or bending, it is quite easy to straighten them. However, manufacturers are trying to minimize the area of ​​metal elements in the shower enclosure, since they have one inconvenient property - high thermal conductivity. Hot water and steam heat them easily, which can lead to inconvenience.

On the other hand, if the partition is not expected to be heavily loaded, or it consists of a simple fixed panel, or is made of durable tempered fabric, as is the case with popular frameless manufacturers, you can install a frameless shower enclosure. Such partitions are in demand due to their simple and at the same time elegant appearance, which does not spoil the presence of any metal structures.

A big plus of using frameless fences is a much wider range of sizes. Since the dimensions of the glass panel are no longer limited to the metal frame, which usually has standard factory dimensions, you can order the production of a partition of the size that suits you.

This last of the varieties considered here includes partitions, which are needed in order to just to separate one part of the bathroom from the other... Plumbing partitions are often used to hide pipes, taps and vents that interfere with bathroom décor and other similar tasks.

They can often be made of plastic or laminate.

In addition to glass, shower partitions can be made of specially designed polymers - for example, plastic for showers. Plastic partitions are cheaper, usually lighter, and therefore easier to install. Plastic fences, like glass ones, do not react to high temperatures, are resistant to high humidity, and can be washed without problems.

However, plastic has several disadvantages compared to glass.Often, streaks form on the surface of plastic panels, and in terms of strength and durability, it cannot compete with high-quality glass. Unlike the latter, fungus can form on plastic from dampness. So if you are willing to pay, you may prefer glass. However, keep in mind that when choosing glass for shower enclosures, you also need to understand the varieties of this material.

Tempered glass is used for fences, it has a very high strength. The exact performance varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it is usually very difficult to break the glass and even then it does not produce sharp cutting fragments.

Of the advantages of glass as a material, it is worth noting it environmental friendliness in comparison with almost absolute majority of other options... The only material that can compete with it in terms of ecology is wood, namely pure wood. But walls in bathrooms are rarely made of wood.

For plumbing partitions, other types of materials can also be used - for example, polycarbonate and PVC, which are similar in characteristics to plastic ones, or from laminated chipboard sheets.

Bathroom walls vary greatly in shape, and the complexity of their installation depends on this. The simplest option is a straight wall, with or without a frame, which is installed perpendicular to the wall of the room and fixed with metal or plastic fasteners.

More complex solutions include corner structures, which can be used to separate a rectangular area in the corner of a room. The U-shaped fence differs from the corner one in that it has one more, third plane. Thus, it can be installed next to any of the bathroom walls, and access to the inside of the fence is usually provided due to the fact that one of the panels is movable and is an opening sash. Pentagonal shower screens and corners are also popular.

Walls of any shape have dimensions exactly specified by the manufacturer - either exact factory, or corresponding to the individual order of the consumer.

In modern bathroom interior design, it is considered good practice to add additional volume to the room through the use of transparent glass. These walls give the bathroom the impression of airiness and spaciousness.

Showers themselves and their enclosures strive for simple and elegant forms without additional decorations and elements. Metal and other fittings in the composition of the walls also often serve as a design element. The frame and door handles are decorated with various patterns, made in the loft style.

A popular design solution is also tinting panels... Plastic walls are often given different shades; color is also often added to transparent glass during manufacture. As a result, the bathroom gets a rather interesting color effect.

It is recommended to purchase shower walls from official suppliers of products from trusted manufacturers. Among the countries producing such products, one of the leading places is occupied by Germany - German glass panels for showers from brands such as RGW and Orans although they are expensive, they are in demand due to their unsurpassed quality.

RGW corners and screens made of transparent glass are made at the highest level of quality, safety and environmental friendliness.... You can order them from the dealer with installation, there are models with acrylic pallets, opening doors and with adjustable sizes.

Kermi is another German brand that distinguishes itself from others by its successful implementation of innovations... In the production of such simple things as glass partitions, the progress of the latest technology is also important, and Kermi products meet the most modern technical requirements, while having excellent quality.

Huppe products are also highly rated in the European sanitary ware market. This German brand has been popular for a very long time. Customers appreciate the quality and tightness of Huppe glass walls and their stylish design.

Italy also has its own popular brands, Vegas, for example, one of the leading companies in Europe for the production of sanitary products. The assortment of this brand is wide - from shower enclosures to screens and glass doors, as well as spare parts for them.

In Russia, they make fairly high-quality plumbing fixtures, including equipment for showers. Aquaton products are of good quality, low prices in Russia... Manufacturers pay tribute to their appearance - with Aquaton partitions your shower will look stylish.

Ravak has been known for its sanitary ware on the domestic market since the mid-90s. This brand has a modern design, constantly updated line of models and is widespread both in our country and abroad.

Bas is also in demand not only in the domestic market, but also in the CIS countries. The brand offers high-quality tempered glass walls with tinted tints to suit any interior.

For those wishing to purchase inexpensive modern shower walls decorated in a contemporary style, we recommend the brand River (China). Although quite young, these products have proven to be very competitive. The secret of success is in providing high quality goods at affordable prices. Attention is also paid to the ergonomics and variety of shower equipment.

Another Chinese manufacturer is Gemy. This company, on the contrary, has a long-standing strong position in the market, including in Russia (since 1990). The lineup is actively developing, quality also does not stand still. The company's products have a certificate of conformity of the EAC customs union.

Roltechnik is a Czech brand of sanitary ware popular in Europe. The products are of high quality, the demand for them has not fallen for many years. There are official suppliers in Russia. All shower walls are made in strict accordance with technical standards and from materials that meet the environmental standards of the European Union.

Appollo is one of the oldest brands in the industry in China. It was under the Apollo brand that the first Chinese equipment for showers and baths was produced. At the same time, the company has a serious staff of specialists responsible for the introduction of innovative technologies into production.

Erlit, a young Chinese brand founded in 2006, specializes in shower walls and corners. Their production focuses on environmental friendliness and compliance with technical standards, as well as safety requirements.

AM. PM is a large international European sanitary ware company with a strong market position. The brand has been formed from several firms located in Germany, England and Italy relatively recently, but now the technical production capacity of this new brand is really impressive. A customer-oriented approach has been implemented - the consumer can really get what he needs at a stable price.

Terra is one of the leading manufacturers of sanitary ware and ceramics in Russia, has extensive experience with bathroom equipment, the products are popular in Europe. Users note the high quality, practicality and good appearance of the Terra shower walls.

It is worth buying only high-quality branded products. The manufacturers listed above are responsible for ensuring that their product meets the needs of the buyer at the proper level.

Much depends on the amount you are willing to spend. Walls made in Germany, Italy are of the best quality, but they are also more expensive.With a modest budget, domestic or Chinese brands are of greatest interest.

The walls in the bathroom should be washed regularly. In the case of glass barriers, this is easy, and mold does not form on them.

How long the walls will last without maintenance depends on the quality of their installation.

A good example of the use of such walls is their harmonious combination with the interior, when the transparency of the glass adds volume to the room, and the cabin and the partition itself look light and elegant. It matches modern or any other style.

Sometimes tinted glass looks very good.

Opening sashes and rods can be very convenient and functional. This way, you can design your bathroom railing in the way that is most comfortable for you.

Shower enclosure Appollo TS-6377 is shown below.