Shower stalls are a stylish, incredibly practical solution for people with small bathrooms. We invite you to discuss in more detail the choice of cabin and bathroom design.
So, in the West they have been using booths for a long time. However, they began to become widespread here almost a decade ago. Of course, what could you expect during the Soviet Union, when everything of the same type was on the assembly line, and even in not too large quantities.
Naturally, there wasn't much to choose from. Although it is very strange that in our country, where there are a lot of small-sized apartments, shower stalls are naturally not in demand. Just like in the West.
Besides, taking a bath and lying in it for a while is not to everyone’s liking. They relax perfectly, no questions asked. But, in the morning, for example, you need to cheer up! And the procedure of taking a shower has certain advantages over taking a bath. Namely:
- Saving. After all, taking a bath will require much more water than showering. On average, the amount of water consumed in one session is almost 4 times less than during the period of taking a bath.
- Efficiency. In fact, people take showers much faster than they relax in the bath. There is no need to wait at all for the bathing container to fill with water. Naturally, the procedure itself takes place in a minimum amount of time without any splashing.
- Compactness. After all, even if the cabin is spacious enough, it will still take up less space than a large bathtub.
- Hygiene ensured by running water. It regularly washes away bacteria and dirt that do not really have time to accumulate, or at least in smaller quantities.
Material for making the pallet
Acrylic
One of the most common ones used for making shower trays. This is due to many reasons:
- Acrylic is quite malleable, as a result of which it can be given any shape. Thanks to this, the shape of the product can be any, while being very beautiful and stylish. You can also create various add-ons. And this version of the pallet will last about twenty years!
- Acrylic is quite easy to care for. It is easy to clean, no special products are needed, and its appearance is maintained for a fairly long period of time.
- By using a special paste, you can correct any mechanical defects during operation, so the pallet can be used even longer.
However, acrylic pallets bend and may break as a result. If the pallet is not reinforced with metal plates during production, you will need to buy an additional frame.
Cast iron
These options are the most durable and indestructible. If they are used correctly, they will last for many decades. They are able to heat up quickly, but also cool down just as quickly, and they release heat very slowly. In addition, these pallet options are quite inexpensive and fall into the category of budget models.
Their disadvantage is their large weight, as well as their limited shape. After all, they are produced only in certain few models.
Steel pallets
They are opened with enamel. Compared to cast iron they are more beautiful. Although, they will also heat up very slowly. They also have a fairly low sound insulation threshold. Depending on what enamel is used in the manufacture of the pallet, its service life depends.
Ceramic products
They are beautiful and quite easy to care for. Warmer than steel/cast iron, although very fragile.
Stone Bathroom Shower Trays
Durable, stylish, and most importantly, they warm up in a short period of time. Marble or other types of stone are chosen for the base. The disadvantage is that it is expensive, which is why materials that are somewhat cheaper are used. For example, porcelain stoneware, which has a high degree of strength and similarity to natural types of stone, is perfect. Thanks to this, this material is popular enough to create shower trays.
Wood
Natural wood pallets are more suitable for summer cottages. In addition, if the material is not properly processed, it will only last for a very short period of time.
However, in showers it is permissible to use only some decorative elements, for example, to decorate the bottom on which people stand during hygiene procedures. This method will allow you to feel comfortable, since wood is a natural material.
Selection of components
Faucets
The main requirement for a faucet equipped with a tap intended for a shower stall is reliability and functionality. With such a mixer, water treatments in the shower will only be a pleasure. There are no leaks or rust in the shower hose, the faucet does not fall off... Beauty!
When purchasing a mixer you should consider:
- The principle of the cabin design . Depending on your needs - a regular shower or with a massage.
- Manufacturing company . Buy products from trusted brands.
- Manufacturing material - it must be resistant to aggressive substances and water, which is characterized by increased hardness.
- Mixer design: with taps or lever type.
Despite the demand for the former, products with separate taps have their own advantages:
- last longer;
- with their help it is easier to regulate the water temperature;
- the tap that opens the water has a small turn (for some models);
- valves made of special material do not heat up (for some models).
On a note! If the bathroom is very small, you can use a shower stall with a separate faucet for washing.
Watering can
Criteria to pay attention to when choosing a shower head:
- Option for mounting the watering can: on the side partition in a small booth, on the ceiling or on the wall of the room. If the watering can has a rigid fastener, water will pour from above, which allows you to wash yourself both completely and partially. Special, non-rigid fastening: if you take the watering can in your hands, you can direct the stream of water and choose its height.
- What material is the shower hose made of ? Rubber and silicone products are more durable and stronger at bends than their metal hose.
- The ability of a watering can to pass water is determined by the number of holes . Numerous holes provide more powerful pressure and spray.
An experienced seller will be able to select a faucet for a specific model of shower stall, taking into account the wishes of the buyer who has planned a renovation.
An interesting aspect is the choice of shower head from a medical point of view:
Selecting material for partitions
Waterproof curtains
Using curtains in showers means using banal partitions that you make yourself. In general, they are echoes in the use of the most ordinary baths, where it is unthinkable to take a shower without curtains, otherwise the entire bathroom will be flooded with water.
Another nuance that should be taken into account is that the curtains must be secured both at the top and at the bottom if you do not want all the water from the stall to spill onto the bathroom floor.
PMMA
As for PMAA, plexiglass, acrylic, such materials are in demand and of high quality enough to make partitions. The material is easy to clean and looks quite stylish.
Plastic
Lightweight and cheap, it is very easy to organize partitions. The cabin can be assembled from it very easily with your own hands. Using plastic for the bathroom is not very comfortable. With it, the room can resemble a hospital environment, or like a cheap recreation center.
Tempered glass type
Compared to ordinary glass, the tempered version is very simple and almost impossible to break. Tempered glass is stylish and makes the room look lighter and has a certain charm.
At the same time, a deposit of lime will remain on the glass, which is why the glass should be thoroughly wiped dry after taking a shower. As an alternative, a frosted version of glass can be used, on which practically no streaks are visible.
Shower stall: making a corner and installing fences
The shower corner is the simplest in terms of construction. In fact, it is built into a corner, meaning the construction of internal walls is not required. You just need to think about where to place the hood. As a rule, it is decorated on interior walls.
Usually the walls are made of tempered glass, covered with a special film that will protect against splinters. In a private house or on the street, the option of erecting glass block fencing is quite acceptable. They consist of glass, which means they will transmit light, but will not be translucent.
Polycarbonate has also proven itself well as a material for the construction of partitions and fences. Its undeniable advantage is that it can be given even the most intricate curved shape. With its help, the corner booth can be designed in a semicircle.
A glass booth is unthinkable without doors. Built-in doors can be hinged, sliding, and there are also options for installing accordion doors. To install them, you need a certain set of fittings that are attached to the frame.
All of the materials listed have good performance characteristics and can provide decent waterproofing.
To build fences, you will need to build a frame into which the main materials - glass or plastic - will be built.
You can assemble a corner or a simple booth with a pallet according to the following scheme:
- First make a frame. As a rule, such a structure is made of metal profiles, corners, and guides. It will securely hold fairly weighty glass or plastic. But if there is no need for a heavy frame and a lightweight material is used, then its analogue can be made, for example, from nickel pipes.
- Place a wall profile on the edge of the pallet and align it strictly vertically. Mark the drilling points for subsequent fixation of the profile.
- In non-impact drilling mode, make the required holes. Install the dowels into the holes and mount the profile.
- Hang wall panels. The seal should not interfere with free closing, but it should fit well to the base.
- Secure doors and walls.
If you need to build a barrier-free space, you need to know that doing it right is not an easy task. The main thing here is the installation and installation of the floor. But such a cabin will delight you with its modern design for a long time. You can conveniently arrange shelves in it, equip it with a seat, and install a good shower with a massage effect.
The sequence of work is as follows:
- drill holes for mounting frame parts;
- secure profiles;
- install partition walls along with seals;
- Next comes the fastening of the door frame;
- installation of special fittings and installation of door(s);
- cabin sealing - all seams are treated with silicone sealant.
When the shower cabin body is completely assembled, you can take care of installing the remaining plumbing: faucets, taps, shower heads. Soap dishes, handles, holders, mirrors and other accessories are attached through seals. And finally, you can connect the water supply, check everything for tightness and leaks. If the latter are not available, then we can say that the hydrobox is finally assembled.
Choice of equipment
Faucet selection
The mixer must be of high quality. It should not rust after a few months or fall off. To choose a truly high-quality option, you should contact an experienced specialist. Which will help you choose the most suitable option for a shower stall in each individual case. An expert will tell you what types of products behave consistently with respect to microelements in water, which manufacturers have better quality products, and other points.
However, it is worth remembering the following nuances:
- Compared to levers, taps will break less often.
- Adjusting the temperature using separate taps is accurate, but much slower.
- The faucets must have a minimum non-metal shell, since it will simply be impossible to turn off a “hot” faucet after heating.
- It is practical for taps to be opened with one turn rather than multiple twists.
Shower Heads
- The density with which the water will flow depends on how often the holes are located in the watering can. For example, it is quite difficult for those with long hair to wash their hair if water starts flying in all directions.
- The watering can also be mounted in the ceiling, bathroom wall, or shower wall. Then while taking a shower you will need to put a special cap on your head, or wash it every time. The best option is a hose with a fastener, thanks to which the watering can can be removed at any time, while you can adjust the height and direction of the water jet yourself.
- We recommend choosing a hose made of silicone or rubber, since ordinary spiral hoses fail very quickly.
We also advise you to look through the photos of shower cabins presented on our website, get inspired by ideas and create your own, individual image in the bathroom.
Types of showers
To find out how to choose a shower stall, you need to understand the varieties of this convenient device. The main types include shower cabins:
- open type, in the form of a small tray with two partitions, compact and inexpensive;
- closed type, in the form of a hermetically sealed capsule. They are installed in any place where water pipes can be reached.
The advantage of shower stalls is that they can be equipped with a variety of convenient add-ons.
Each photo of a shower cabin in the bathroom interior presents a variety of design options. Let's look at the differences between existing models:
- The shower corner is the simplest and most common open type model with a rectangular or semicircular shape. You can choose from a frameless, framed or framed shower equipped with internal partitions.
- Shower stall with an open top, closed with partitions on all sides. Its installation is justified if the ceiling height does not reach two meters and if the user’s height is above 195 cm.
- A shower capsule with a completely sealed design that can be installed in any convenient place. In these models you can often see built-in additions for convenience. Along with many advantages, they have a significant drawback - the considerable cost of the capsules.
- A combined cabin, or hydrobox, will be the best option for a large family with children, as well as a good choice for those who like to relax in a warm bubble bath.
Bathroom lamps - photos of the best modern bathroom lighting trends
The latter option has two serious drawbacks: the size, which requires a lot of space, and the price tag.
