Shower enclosures

Why get a shower enclosure and what does it solve?

Shower enclosures are ideal for anyone who prefers quick and refreshing hygiene over a long bath. The main reason for getting one is savings – both space and water. A typical shower uses up to two-thirds less water than a filled bathtub.

Beyond economics, bathroom shower enclosures also enhance safety. Low or zero-threshold entries minimize the risk of tripping. Modern glass shower enclosures also visually maintain the room’s sense of volume, which is particularly appreciated in apartment bathrooms.

What to consider before buying a shower enclosure?

Choosing new bathroom equipment starts with understanding the technical possibilities of your space. Before deciding on a specific enclosure, consider these essential questions:

• How much space do you have? Accurate measurements are key. Don’t forget to account for the space needed to open doors.
• Where will the enclosure be placed? Will it stand in a corner, against a wall, or in a niche?
• What will the enclosure be installed on? Do you want shower enclosures with a tray, or a modern solution like a walk-in shower without a tray?
• Who will use the enclosure? For seniors or people with limited mobility, barrier-free walk-in showers are ideal.
• What is the condition of the walls? Are the walls perfectly straight, or will adjustable profiles with greater flexibility be needed?

How to choose the right shower enclosure?

The choice depends on your bathroom layout and personal preferences.

Size and shape of the shower enclosure

If every centimeter counts, focus on quadrant shower enclosures. Their rounded corners save space outside the enclosure. On the other hand, square enclosures provide symmetry and sufficient comfort for medium-sized bathrooms. Rectangular enclosures are suitable for medium to large bathrooms.

Understanding shower enclosure dimensions

Shower enclosures are commonly available in sizes from approximately 70 × 70 cm up to 160 × 120 cm.

Pay attention to:

• longer and shorter sides
• space for door opening
• drain location

Shower door types

• Sliding – space-saving, water flows into the tray.
• Hinged (swing) – wide entry, requires space in front of the enclosure.
• Pivot – modern rotating mechanism with long durability.

Type of enclosure infill

• Glass enclosures – tempered safety glass, 4–8 mm thick. Can be clear, frosted, or textured.
• Plastic enclosures – lighter and more affordable.

Construction type

• Framed – robust, stable, better sealing.
• Frameless – luxurious look, glass held by hinges or brackets.

Frame colors

Besides classic chrome and white, black shower enclosures are very popular today, adding an industrial style to the bathroom.

Modern technologies and surfaces

With modern shower enclosures, you no longer need to spend hours cleaning. Choose a shower enclosure with a special coating that repels water and prevents limescale buildup.

Tip SANITINO: Even with a protective glass layer, we recommend using a squeegee after each shower. This prolongs the lifespan of the coating and keeps the enclosure looking new.

Shower enclosures for small bathrooms

Every detail matters in small spaces. If you don’t have room for hinged doors, choose sliding or folding doors. Frosted glass enclosures are also a great solution for privacy, or clear glass variants that visually do not obstruct the space.

Recommendation: For extremely small bathrooms, consider a solution where only shower doors are used in a niche. This way, you utilize three walls and save on additional side panels.

Trayless enclosures and floor slope

If installing directly on tiles with a shower channel, you must ensure proper floor slope. To allow water to drain smoothly and not remain in corners, a slope of at least 1.5–2% towards the drain is required – equivalent to 1.5–2 cm per meter of length.

Shower enclosure installation

A common question from customers is how much installation costs. Prices vary by complexity and location but usually range from 3,000 to 7,000 CZK. 

Tip SANITINO: Installation is just the beginning. Use quality sanitary silicone for proper sealing and regularly check the condition of seals and sliding mechanisms.

Shower enclosure brands

In our selection, you will find shower enclosures from trusted manufacturers such as Ravak, Gelco, Mereo, Polysan, RONAL, Ideal Standard, JIKA, Aqualine, and others.

Why buy shower enclosures from SANITINO?

We understand that buying a shower enclosure is a long-term investment. That’s why we offer not only a wide selection but also professional technical guidance. Our specialists will help you choose compatible trays or recommend suitable shower screens.

SANITINO sources directly from manufacturers, allowing us to maintain favorable prices and guarantee 100% product authenticity. Many models are in stock for fast delivery, and selected products come with free shipping. Shop where bathrooms are understood and where experts are happy to help you choose.

 

A shower enclosure offers an elegant and highly practical solution for both small and large bathrooms. Compared to a bathtub, shower enclosures provide faster, more comfortable, and more economical washing. They also often serve as the main feature of a second bathroom in family houses or villas. 

We know that choosing a shower enclosure can be a challenging task due to the wide range of options available. The right shower enclosure should not only match your bathroom aesthetically, but also provide maximum comfort and functionality. And of course, it must meet the technical requirements of your interior. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips on what to consider when choosing a shower enclosure. 

In our range, you’ll find a wide selection of shower enclosures from renowned brands such as AQUALINE, GELCO, Ideal Standard, POLYSAN, KOLO, Lansanit, Cersanit, Geberit, Kermi, Mereo, and others. We also offer high-quality Czech shower enclosures from RAVAK and JIKA.

How to choose a shower enclosure?

Choose a shower enclosure according to the layout of your bathroom. The overall look of the interior is influenced not only by the size of the shower enclosure itself, but also by its shape. First, consider whether you want a shower enclosure with a tray or installed directly on tiled flooring.

With a shower tray or on tiles?

A shower enclosure with a tray is a popular classic that is easy to install in any bathroom. It is no longer true that a shower tray must look unattractive—modern technologies allow manufacturers to create a wide range of products in various colors, sizes, and shapes. You can choose a white, dark, or colored shower tray, square, rectangular, quarter-circle, or custom-shaped. Various materials are available, such as acrylic, cast marble, enamel, or ceramic. The tray can be deep or shallow to blend in seamlessly with your floor.

A shower enclosure on tiles looks elegant, clean, and integrates more naturally with the bathroom. However, it must be properly sloped so that water drains into the shower channel rather than spreading across the bathroom floor. The slope of the shower area and the drain channel with siphon are key elements for proper function. Installation requires work on the floor, which is not possible in every bathroom. Even with shower channels, you can choose from various sizes, colors, and materials. 

Size and shape of the shower enclosure

Next, choose the appropriate shape and size of the shower enclosure. Carefully measure the available space and select the shape and size accordingly. In our range, you’ll find square, quarter-circle and corner, rectangular, as well as semi-circular shower enclosures in various sizes. Generally, the larger the shower enclosure, the more comfortable the showering experience. However, in small bathrooms, dimensions must be adapted to the space. One of the best-selling sizes is 90 × 90 cm, though many customers also opt for 90 × 120 cm or larger. If standard sizes don’t suit you, you can order a taller, wider, angled enclosure, or one with shortened side panels. We also offer the very popular walk-in shower enclosures.

SANITINO TIP: Remember to allow enough internal space so you can turn around comfortably.

Door opening

The type of shower door opening also affects comfort when using a shower enclosure. The most popular option is traditional hinged shower doors that open outward and require enough free space in front of the enclosure. Another favorite is sliding shower doors, which consist of multiple panels that slide parallel to each other. This is an ideal solution for small bathrooms where space is limited. Another option is pivot shower doors, mounted on pivot hinges, where part of the door always swings inward when opened. Bi-fold shower doors fold inward into the shower area.

Shower enclosure material

Manufacturers also offer various materials and surface finishes for shower enclosures and doors. Clear glass shower enclosures look elegant and clean, but their maintenance is more demanding. If you choose a glass enclosure, opt for a model with an easy-clean coating, frosted glass, or textured glass. Plastic shower enclosures are also popular—they are much cheaper and lighter, but unfortunately their durability and lifespan cannot match that of glass enclosures.

With a frame or frameless?

The appearance of a shower enclosure is also influenced by its frame. Frameless shower enclosures are versatile and very popular in recent years because they look airy and clean. If you prefer a framed enclosure, be sure to match the frame color with your taps. If you choose trendy black taps, opt for a black shower enclosure as well—otherwise, the bathroom may look visually unbalanced.

Installation and maintenance of the shower enclosure

Also consider how demanding the installation of the chosen shower enclosure will be. Some models require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by yourself. Pay attention to ease of maintenance as well—for example, glass with an anti-limescale coating will be easier to clean.

Choosing the right shower enclosure is key to creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom. Carefully consider all the factors mentioned above and choose a shower enclosure that meets your needs and expectations. Whether you opt for a minimalist design or a luxurious model with many features, the most important thing is that it provides maximum comfort and enjoyment for everyday use.