Quadrant Shower Enclosures

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: What Are They?

A quadrant shower enclosure - also commonly referred to as a surround or simply quadrant shower door(s) - is a space-saving unit best suited to smaller bathrooms and en-suites. Designed in the shape of a quarter circle, a quadrant enclosure saves space versus a square footprint thanks to a curved front portion that makes the surface area around 35% smaller. Furthermore, a quadrant shower is supplied in the form of a frame and door(s); traditional square/rectangular enclosures need to be combined with a side panel for a corner installation, making quadrants an inexpensive and easy-to-fit solution.

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: Pros and Cons

The major advantage of a quadrant shower enclosure is most definitely the space-saving aspect of it - especially when utilised with a sliding door that does not project out into the room when opened. Further to this, their symmetrical design allows them to seamlessly fit into any corner of a room; something an offset or rectangular enclosure cannot necessarily do. These enclosures are also noted for their simplicity and ease of installation and maintenance - often the doors come with quick-release rollers that make cleaning them a breeze!

Some of the main disadvantages of a quadrant enclosure are down to their size (or lack thereof). A typical quad enclosure will measure either 800mm x 800mm or 900mm x 900mm, and thus they usually have a smaller entry width of around 450-530mm, which is not suitable for all users. What's more, the internal area is far smaller than a square/rectangular enclosure, which may make movement and entry/exit a struggle for elderly or disabled users.

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: Features to Consider

Easy-Clean Glass: Some models in our range include easy-clean glass, sometimes called by that brands own trademarked variant. In all cases, the glass itself is treated with a solution that helps to repel water, leading to less droplets remaining on your shower. Upgrading to a quadrant enclosure that includes easy-clean glass is a no-brainer, with the price difference being so small versus the noticeable long-term benefits of this technology.

Quick Release Rollers: Most quadrant enclosures come with sliding doors - designed to save space - and they are operated by one or more sets of rollers. Cleaning in between the runners can be annoying, but with quick release rollers this becomes a thing of the past. Another worthy upgrade!

Easy-Fit Assembly: A patented system offered on certain ranges of our quadrant doors, easy-fit assembly dramatically reduces the time it takes to install an enclosure, and allows the job to be made that little bit easier for the DIY-er. This feature is a must for anyone without experience of fitting enclosures!

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: The Main Differences

Glass Thickness/Style: All quadrant shower enclosures are manufactured from toughened safety glass, but it is often available in varying thicknesses. The most popular enclosures are fitted with 6mm glass, with 8mm considered a premium and 10mm thick enclosures at the very top end of what is available on the UK market. For those looking for a bargain, some quads are available with 4mm and even 3mm glass. For the most part, standard plain glass is used in shower surrounds. However, several designs include a modesty panel or even a fully-obscured satin or smoked style. Ultimately, there are no real performance differences between glass types, save for a sturdier and weightier unit.

Frame Style/Adjustment: Many of our quadrant enclosures come with a polished chrome/silver frame - essentially polished aluminium designed to try and mimic a similar hue to taps, showers and other brassware. Towards the more premium end of our quadrant offerings you will find partially-framed and even frameless enclosures. These styles represent the ultimate in luxury. One major advantage of a larger enclosure frame is the ability to adjust the enclosure to better fit your space. To compensate for out-of-true walls and different tile thicknesses, all enclosures come with an adjustment range to ensure a water-tight fit can be created! In some cases, extension pieces can be added; very handy for older properties!

Door Type/Style: Often overlooked, the shower door operation is one of the most important parts of your new quadrant shower. Usually there will be a choice between 1 or 2 doors that slide together and apart. However, on more premium models, you may come across hinged doors. It is important to consider the swing depth of a hinged door, especially if you are installing your enclosure in a tight space. Secondly, the handle style of the door(s) should not be overlooked. Whilst some of the models in our quadrant enclosure range utilise thick T-Bar handles, some are characterised by smaller, minimalist D-shaped handles, or even eyelet holes! If you are going to be using the shower enclosure often, make sure you choose an enclosure with handles suited to your particular tastes!

Width/Depth/Radius: The most popular quadrant enclosure sizes are undoubtedly the 800x800 and 900x900 measurements, though some 1000x1000 quads are available, as well as various bespoke sizes in between. Our best-selling quadrant size is 800mm x 800mm. However, we recommend trying to install the largest size possible for your space. It should be noted that these sizes are all nominal, and every quadrant surround includes an adjustment range that allows for installation on uneven walls. Nearly all of the models on the market are manufactured to be compatible with a 550 radius tray - 550 being the length from the corner until the point where the curve starts. Whilst most shower trays/bases are compatible, we recommend choosing a tray from the same brand where possible, for ensured compatibility.

Height: Our range of quad enclosures range from heights of 1800mm up to around 2100mm for certain luxury models (with many other measurements in between). With the average UK room size measuring in at 2400mm, you probably won't have to worry about your new enclosure being too big - but if you do have a less-than-average room, you need to consider the height of the surround, shower tray, possible riser kit and leaving some clearance for ventilation! In general, our more premium quadrant shower enclosures are also taller, when compared to their entry-level counterparts.

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: What Else Do I Need?

Before You Buy: Our quadrant enclosures - not to be confused with shower cabins or other self-contained units - are designed to be installed in a corner against a waterproofed wall (usually in the form of tiles or shower panelling). If you are looking for a self-contained cubicle, you can visit our Shower Cabins page!

Shower Tray/Base: Many of our quadrant enclosures are supplied as the entire "surround"; that being the curved frame and any door(s) associated with it. To complete the installation, you will require a shower tray to install beneath your enclosure. Where a tray is not supplied with the enclosure itself, we will offer a suitable base (or in some cases a variety of options) as part of our optional extras on each product listing page - see the "You May Need" tab on your desired enclosure. It is especially important to consider the radius of the quadrant shower tray - if you are looking at a bespoke shape then you must purchase the matching bespoke tray. Certain shower enclosures are also suitable for installing directly onto a wet room floor, if you so wish. On frameless models in particular, this can help achieve the desirable look of a walk-in or a wet room. Whether you choose a raised or level access tray/former, you will need to ensure you select a shower waste to aid with water drainage. Each tray either comes with a waste trap as standard or has a compatible option available. Always choose a waste from the same brand to ensure compatibility.

Riser/Easy Plumb Kit: If you are able to plumb in your new quadrant enclosure beneath the floorboards, you will not require a riser kit. However, if you are installing your new enclosure on top of an obstructed floor (concrete, for instance) then you will require an easy-plumb kit to connect up your pipework. Whilst many riser kits are universal, we always recommend choosing one from the same range/brand as the shower tray. We will always offer a compatible riser/easy-plumb kit where possible.

Shower: Your new quadrant shower enclosure will need a shower unit to go inside it! Unless explicitly specified in the product information, all of our quad enclosures are suitable for use with all types of shower - including power showers. Why not check out our comprehensive ranges of popular complete showers, electric showers, or shower towers after deciding on your new enclosure?!

Quadrant Shower Enclosures: Further Assistance

If you need a bit of help choosing your brand new quadrant shower enclosure, consider giving our sales team a call or using the live chat facility. We are more than happy to help you determine what size enclosure will fit in your room, which style will fit your surroundings, and even which model can be delivered to you the quickest!