Shower Enclosures are one of the important aspects of bathroom construction, both with respect to design and functionality. A suitable enclosure enhances the daily showering experience for you.
Hence, it is important to have the right information regarding various types of shower enclosures for bathroom's visual appeal, usability and safety.
If you're contemplating the essential attributes to evaluate when selecting the optimal shower enclosure for your bathroom, then here are the things you must consider:
- Harmony with design theme
- Accessibility
- Structural integrity
- Water containment
- Slip resistance
- Glass safety
- Visual space
In this guide, we'll assist you in selecting the right shower enclosures for your bathroom needs. First, let's start with understanding shower enclosures and their types.
Understanding Shower Enclosures
Credits: Jaquar
Shower enclosures are basically structures that encapsulate the shower area to prevent water from splashing out into the rest of the bathroom. They ensure that water is contained within a specific boundary or place of the bathroom. These enclosures differ in style, structuring and material.
Jaquar’s shower enclosures are recognised for their simple installation process, variety, effective pricing and premium quality. They offer shower enclosures that vary significantly in design, material and size depending on individual needs.
There are broadly two contenders while selecting shower enclosures.
Framed shower enclosures are covered with frames from all sides of the glass. They are more traditional looking than their frameless counterparts.
On the other hand, frameless shower enclosures don't relly on any metal supports, instead of frames they are supported with thick glass on each side - giving a better modern look and appeal.
Framed Shower Enclosures : An Overview
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Jaquar offers pre-assembled framed shower enclosures that stand as an indispensable addition to every bathroom. The enclosures offered come with a variety of options in shape such as square, semi-circle, quadrant models and rectangular shapes. They are easy to install, with safeguards that minimise the chances of any slip or falls.
Key Features of Framed Shower Enclosures
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- Different Sizes
Framed shower enclosures come with an extensive array of sizes to suit different bathroom dimensions and layouts. They are available in multiple sizes, offering solutions for every setting.
- Easy Installation
As compared to frameless enclosures, framed ones are quick and easy to install as they have frames in corners making them easier to fit in the bathroom.
- Brass Hardware:
Framed enclosures that utilize brass hardware as a material for structural support frame, hinges and handles give your bathroom elegance and a classic look.
- High Quality Hinges
As brass is famous for its durability and anti-corrosive benefits, the hinges manufactured in brass are high quality and versatile in nature.
- Warranty
Jaguar offers 5 years warranty for framed shower enclosures as they are built with quality material making them durable for a long duration.
- Safe & Durable
Framed shower enclosures come with safety benefits as they are composed of brass and sturdy frames making them highly safe and durable. They are leak free giving a clean and slip free look to your home.
- Cost Effective
Framed shower enclosures are more affordable as compared to frameless ones. They are stylish yet affordable options. Their durability also adds to the cost-effectiveness.
Considerations for Framed Shower Enclosures
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Framed shower enclosures are a great option for bathroom design with benefits of cost, safety and functionality. They are the best choice if you are someone who is looking for a reliable and budget-friendly shower solution.
But they come with certain considerations which you must keep in mind before you come to any conclusion. These include:
- Design Flexibility
As framed Shower enclosures come have standard options that might limit your choices on deciding the perfect layout that suits your bathroom design.
- Maintenance Issue
Due to the presence of frames in all corners, framed shower enclosures are difficult to clean effectively. It can be trickier for you to clean around the frame, thus, making it a more complex task and requiring cleaning often.
Hence, Jaquar’s framed shower enclosures come with embedded anti limescale treatment which involves a protective coating applied, which prolongs the clarity and transparency of the glass.
The Appeal of Frameless Shower Enclosures
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Frameless shower enclosures are preferred in modern bathroom designs, as they provide minimalistic and sleek appearance. Frameless shower enclosures do not rely on metal frames for support and do not come with limitations of standard shapes, giving more designing choices to you for the bathroom layout. They use thick, tempered glass that is strong enough to stand without frames.
Key Features of Frameless Shower Enclosures
- Safety Glass
Frameless enclosures are supported by thick glass to compensate for lack of frame giving them necessary stability and safety.
- Minimal Hardware
Frameless enclosures use minimal heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or brass. They are attached to glass directly giving them an aesthetic and unobstructed look.
- Customization
Frameless shower enclosures are high in demand is that they are customisable offering design flexibility, making the bathroom appear larger and luxurious.
- Visual Space & Appeal
Without frames, the shower enclosures look more appealing and take lesser space too. They align with interior designs of modern bathrooms making them high in demand.
Benefits of Frameless Shower Enclosures
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- Luxurious Look: Frameless shower enclsoures give enhanced aesthetics and offer a modern look.
- Effortless Maintenance: The absence of frames decreases the nooks and crannies where water and soap scum can accumulate, making frameless enclosures easier to clean and maintain.
- Durability: Tempered glass made of high quality material together with strong hardware, ensures that they last long.
- Light Maximization: The clear glass and minimal use of hardware let in as much light as possible, making both the shower area and the whole bathroom feel brighter and more inviting.
Considerations for Frameless Shower Enclosures
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- Cost: Frameless shower enclosures are generally more expensive than framed options due to the thicker glass and the customization required for installation.
- Installation: Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure precise fitting and to eliminate the risk of leaks as frames are absent.
- Water Containment: Frameless enclosures lack sealing capability of frames, so they are more prone to water escaping if required precautions are not taken.
Factors to Consider for Making The Right Decision
Credits: Jaquar
Factors to Consider |
Framed Shower Enclosures |
Frameless Shower Enclosures |
Design Preferences |
Provide support to the glass with metal frames |
Preferred for aesthetic appeal and open space look, gives a brighter look to the bathroom |
Cost |
More affordable |
Generally, more expensive |
Water Containment |
Less prone to water escaping |
More prone to water escaping, better installation from professional installers can solve this issue |
Ventilation |
Require more ventilation due to metal frames |
May need less ventilation if bathroom has open space and proper ventilation facility |
Maintenance |
Need to be cleaned more efficiently and often due to soap scum accumulation in frames |
Require maintenance, but cleaning may be easier without frames |
Pro Installation and Maintenance Tips for Shower Enclosures
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It is advisable to hire experts for installation of both framed and frameless shower enclosures. Measurements of the area before hand can make it easier to plan installation and saves time.
Framed enclosures offer less flexibility for adjustments compared to frameless ones, hence, one should always consider any unevenness in the walls or floor.
In the case of frameless shower enclosures, one should exercise caution to ensure wall stability as these frameless enclosures rely on walls to hold the glass.
Using mild, non-abrasive cleaners are recommended to avoid any damages to glass and metal of shower enclosures.
Regular cleaning is key to their durability. While cleaning make sure to check seals and hinges, periodically inspect them to avoid any future leaks.
Regular maintenance and safe installation of shower enclosures are important for their long life. Whether you choose a framed or frameless enclosure, careful attention to installation and maintenance is a must for both the designs.
Wrapping up
Credits: Jaquar
While deciding on framed or frameless shower enclosures, it is always good to consider the above factors. This comprehensive guide on choosing the best shower enclosures for your bathroom gives you a clear picture on which one to go for.
Both framed and frameless shower enclosures have their own advantages and disadvantages. Carefully consider each factor and decide as per your specific requirements. Jaquar offers a variety of options in both frameless and framed shower enclosures to meet your bathroom needs.