6 Things To Consider Before Installing A Shower
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A well planned shower can make a huge difference to both the look of the bathroom and your morning shower experience.
So if you are planning on installing a new shower, check out what to consider to get it right!
1. Who will be using the shower?
Is the shower part of an en-suite to the master bedroom or will it be used by children and teens? Who is using the space will really shape all of the features including how luxurious you want it to look and the practicalities including storage and maintenance.
If the shower is going to be used for a busy family then you need to incorporate plenty of storage to make sure you have a home for all of your toiletries without the shower and bathroom looking cluttered. Ideas such as built in recessed shelving in the shower cubicle will add storage space whilst keeping the shower space minimalistic.
Family friendly shower by Simon Merrony Architects
2. What is the pressure like in the bathroom?
If you have low water pressure in your bathroom then you may be left with a slow dribble rather than the spa like experience you were expecting!
Before you choose your shower head, speak to your plumber about your system and the pressure. If the pressure is low, chat through the options - this might include fitting a shower pump, changing your boiler to cope with higher demands or fitting an unvented hot water system. These can be costly solutions so make sure you choose the right option and additional power is actually required.
Contemporary shower by Merrett Houmøller Architects
3. How much space do you have?
Try to maximise the shower space so that you don't feel claustrophobic in your shower. If your shower is going in a corner, consider a quadrant shaped shower enclosure to make the most out of the space - it will also make the bathroom look less boxy.
If you have a fairly small room, turn your morning shower into a spa experience and install a walk-in shower tray or wet-room. By removing some or all of the shower enclosure you will give the illusion of more space.
Walk in showers are a great idea if you are short on space - bathroom by CCASA Architects
4. What kind of shower experience and look do you want?
A very popular trend for showers at the moment is a rainfall flow. This gives a gentle relaxing flow rather than a pressurised shower, which has previously been so popular. But if you would like a power shower to really waken you up in the morning then choose your shower head accordingly.
Also, consider how long you will be planning to live in the property as this may determine the look. If you are considering moving in the near future, go for something neutral and simple. If you plan on living there for the foreseeable future then choose something to your personal taste - you may want to invest more to make it luxurious and unique.
Large family bathroom by Mark Taylor Design
5. How easy is the shower area to clean?
If the shower is going to be used several times a day, you need to make sure that it's easy to clean. A hand-held shower head is a great addition which helps with the cleaning and is also great for washing young kids.
If you don't want to spend much time cleaning then choose the most practical tiles and grouting option. Textured tiles look good but can be really challenging to keep limescale free, so consider keeping them out of the shower area. Similarly, light grout will show up marks very quickly so you may want to choose a darker grout. Large tiles with minimal grouting are a great option and will reduce the cleaning. In terms of maintenance, porcelain is a good option as it's hardwearing and easy to clean.
It's also worth checking with the shower manufacturer what you can do to protect your shower screen - some come protected which means you only need to clean them with water to keep them looking like new.
Large format tiles around the shower area make this easier to clean. Bathroom by Loud Architects.
6. How does the shower work with the rest of the bathroom?
There are so many other practicalities when it comes to the layout and plumbing to give you the best shower experience.
Underfloor heating is a smart option even in very small spaces. It will help dry any water on the floor, stopping the room getting into a wet mess and becoming slippery. It also gives a luxurious feel, particularly in the winter months when tiles can become cold. Check out our article expert advice - underfloor heating to find out more.
If you are choosing a walk in shower or wet room, make sure you leave enough depth so that the water does not spray out of the shower area.
Published: May 26, 2022
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