CrossTeam Properties Offers Advice on Home and Garden Improvements

If you decide to have a separate shower in your bathroom, you will need to consider what kind of shower tray you need. Size is important, because you have to consider the limitations of the room. Even if you are stripping everything back, you still have the restriction of the actual room size to consider.

Bearing this in mind, you have to decide on the largest tray the room can practically accommodate. A basic square shower tray is the simplest you can buy, so you need to think about where in the bathroom you want the shower to be. Mark out the size of the shower tray using lengths of tape or string so that you have a good idea of how the unit would actually fit into the room. If you think you can fit a bigger shower tray into your bathroom, repeat the exercise until you find the ideal fit. Be sure to lay out the exact dimensions, but don’t forget that you must take account the other items that will be in the room, such as sink, bath and toilet. Make sure you have sufficient space for all of them without the room being overcrowded.

It might appear that you can accommodate a large shower tray, but it may not always work in practice. If you would still like a bigger unit, remember that some shower trays have a corner that is cut off and this can make quite a difference. Consider all the options before choosing the right shower tray for your needs.

Shower trays are simply the floor of the shower, also sometimes referred to as shower bases, shower pans and shower receptors. Shower trays come in two standard varieties, those of hand tiled and prefabricated. The prefabricated kind is by far the most common and popular, available in pretty much every country in the world.

Their popularity is understandable given that they are made from hard acrylic polymer, a very durable polymer which is also very practical for use in both home and work situations. As this acrylic polymer can also be moulded into almost any shape, it is therefore ideal and can come in either a smooth or a textured surface and in almost any choice of colour scheme. Individual choice will of course depend on the consumer’s taste and bathroom design.

Because these prefabricated shower trays are also incredibly simple to install, coming with drain holes that can be positioned to suit the bathroom configuration of anyone who installs it,  they are far more popular than the other variety, hand tiled shower trays.

Hand tiled shower trays are, as the name suggests, shower trays which are tiled by hand, with grout or mortar lined with tile. Tiles come in stone, marble, cultured marble (which gives the look of real marble but is far cheaper and is also stain resistant) and various other materials, and there is a virtually endless list of design choices, with the relatively inexpensive cost another feature which makes it very appealing to many consumers. Bathroom suppliers such as UK Bathrooms can help you design your bathroom and help you choose the right shape and style of shower tray.

Corner baths are an extremely popular item for those remodelling their existing bathroom. Recently the demand for corner baths has risen due to the fact a corner bath is often more practical and stylish in appearance than a standard bath.

Not only does the corner bath look good, it is also perfect for those with smaller bathrooms who do not wish to resort to losing their bath altogether by replacing it with a shower cubicle. A shower can be fitted over a corner bath, just as it can with a standard style bath, so there is no loss of versatility when choosing a corner bath over any other kind.

Bathroom cabinets can be fitted over a corner bath as an added feature. This means that there is no need to get out of the bath to access personal care items.

Bathroom accessories such as a shower curtain can also be fitted around the bath on a curved rail; this gives added privacy and also stops any splashing if an overhead shower is to be used.

Some very modern corner baths have Jacuzzi style outlets fitted which brings a unique feature into the bathroom area. Bathroom tiles can be placed around the side panel of the corner bath to give a ‘fitted’ appearance to the bath, alternatively, for the more adventurous, the corner bath can be sunk all or part way into the floor making it a very attractive piece of bathroom furniture that will impress your friends.

The shower tray plays a very important role in the bathing experience, but it is probably never given a second glance, when entering or leaving the shower cubicle. The shower tray comes in various shapes and many different sizes so there is something to suit every size bathroom. Shower trays also come in different heights, some are even height adjustable making them ideal for any space.

Low profile shower trays have an average height of 40mm, making them ideal for creating a wet room type look in the bathroom. These are perfect for the less mobile as there is no ‘step’. With careful fitting they can also be made to be completely flush to the floor which makes access even easier.

Adjustable height shower trays have an average maximum height of 220mm. These are ideal for those who wish to make a statement about their shower cubicle area. They can be installed easily and the adjustable legs are suitable for safe installation on a slightly uneven floor.

Most shower trays are white but there are other colours available to suit any existing bathroom decor. There are various shades of grey available and for the really daring; a red or blue shower tray will really make an impact. It is a good idea to use a slip resistant mat in a shower tray to avoid the risk of slipping. Some shower trays come with an anti slip bottom but can feel a little rough on the feet.

If your bathroom could use a little sprucing up but a full remodel is just not in the cards, replacing outdated bathroom accessories is a cheap and effective way to give your loo a lift.  The right bathroom and shower enclosure accessories can transform a common bathroom into a peaceful retreat.

No matter what style suits your taste, you’re sure to find just the right bathroom accessories to compliment your decor.  Simple items like wastebaskets, towels, wall hangings, bath curtains, throw rugs, and bathroom mirrors in coordinating colours or patterns, can bring life to an otherwise dull space.  Even shower accessories like organisers and showerheads can add to the overall look. 

Bathroom accessories also add to the functionality and comfort of your bathroom.  A thoughtfully placed towel bar prevents that dreaded after-bath chill, while a cluster of aromatherapy candles turns an ordinary soak in the tub into a luxurious experience.  A fogless shaving mirror makes for a quicker morning routine, and a handy soap dispenser makes washing up a breeze. 

Be sure to choose bathroom accessories that are properly sized and proportioned for your room to increase their practicality.  If your space is small, use simple accessories that won’t clutter the room; if your bath is larger, feel free to experiment with colour, pattern, and shape to add visual impact.    

Whether you fancy spa-like elegance, modern sophistication, or a bit of whimsy, choosing bathroom accessories carefully is the easiest way to achieve your design goals.

If you are considering a bathroom remodel, odds are you are overwhelmed by the many decisions that must be made. Do you want a proper shower or a shower cubicle? Which heated towel rails should you choose? Will you want an illuminated mirror? Must all of the shower accessories and hardware match?

Sometimes it helps to make one small decision, just to take the pressure off. So, let’s start with the shower enclosure. All you really need to do is decide what kind of shower door – or shower doors – you want, and that narrows the options.

Shower enclosures come with one shower door or two, or you can opt for the walk-in style. If you want one shower door or two, just decide whether it or they will be hinged, sliding or bi-fold. Hinged is the most basic, and won’t stick like a sliding or bi-fold shower door may over time.

If you decide to go the no-door option, that works, too. Many shower enclosures are set up so that you have a separate drying area within the shower enclosure. That can be nice on cold, winter days.

Once you have decided on the shower door – or doors, or no door – for your shower enclosure, then it’s just a matter of picking a style. Shower enclosures, for the most part, look pretty similar, so this last part of the decision shouldn’t take long at all. Then, you can go back to stressing about your illuminated mirror.

If you do not own a shower enclosure but have a shower/bath combination in your bathroom you have probably at some point bought a new shower curtain, taken it home to hang in the bathroom and realised you’ve forgotten to buy either shower hooks or rings.

While they are items most of us never give a thought to, the range and styles of these important little fixtures is amazing and may be the difference between a perfect bathroom and a merely functional one.

To begin with, decide whether you prefer a shower ring or a hook. Although your budget may not accommodate power-glide rings, these are the favoured choice of most interior designers. Usually made of stainless steel, these are generally attached to tiny rollers, which makes for optimum smoothness of use and are guaranteed not to rust, an important consideration if buying cheaper snap-on wire rings.

Again, it is not crucial to buy the most expensive shower hook, but the more money you spend, the greater the quality and range of design. Most good-quality hooks have a high level of decorative workmanship and therefore make it that much easier to match up with the rest of your bathroom accessories.

Another good tip is to avoid the snap-on plastic rings, which are priced at the lower end of the market. Although they may look sturdy enough when initially fitted, prolonged use often results in them breaking, often at the most inconvenient moment.

Be careful to check just how many rings and hooks come in a packet. The vast majority of shower curtains are fitted with twelve holes. This is by no means the case with packets of either shower rings or hooks.

Once your new shower curtain has been fitted you can be safe in the knowledge that your next power shower won’t leave water all over your bathroom floor.

Space is always a problem in a family home and nowhere more than in the bathroom. In particular, mornings can be a nightmare. Yet with a little careful planning there are simple ways to maximise the space in the bathroom and avoid full-scale family arguments.

Try dividing the room into clearly defined sectors. Separating the shower enclosure and bath into its own space and doubling the sink capacity is a useful aid to increase the number of people able to use the bathroom at any given time. Another idea is to create one long vanity unit, again with a double sink and installing a continuous mirror along the wall is another. Walling off the toilet is a good aid to privacy.

If you have small children, safety should be the watchword. Be sure to include a small step to enable them to get in and out of the bath safely. Non-slip bath mats should be included both inside and outside of the bath.

Be sure to fix safety catches on the toilet seat. If the children are slightly older and trusted to shower on their own, adjustable showerheads should be fitted as standard.

Perhaps the most important safety point is to place the medicine cabinet at as high a point as possible and always fit a childproof lock.

If these criteria are borne in mind, then sharing a bathroom may not be quite such a nightmare after all. More importantly, everyone will be safe.

Installing a shower enclosure in your bathroom is rarely going to come cheap, but if you do some shopping around and a little research into fitting shower cubicles you could save a substantial amount.

Of course, the most basic designs come recommended for anyone on a budget and, if you are able to provide the space for a standard size shower tray (usually measuring around 100cm¬2), this will also help reduce the cost. Square shower trays are easily the best option and will also be easier to fit, therefore also reducing labour costs.

Both square and rectangular shower trays can be fitted with a standard open-and-close door, whereas curved trays will come fitted with a curved frame and door which could add more to the cost. Square shower trays usually measure between 75cm2 and 120cm2, but if you are stuck for room in your bathroom, another option well worth considering is a pentangle shape, which is not only able to fit into a tight corner, but can also be fitted with a regular open-and-close door. This is easily the best option if you are trying to fit your shower enclosure between the toilet and bathroom sink, and will also add a touch of style to your suite.

Also recommended is to install your shower enclosure close to the existing pipe work, as there could be increased fitting costs if the job takes more time than usual. Power-showers and heads will also vary in price and a bit and shopping around is sure to help you stick to your budget.

There are many factors you will need to take into consideration when choosing the right shower cubicle for your bathroom suite. Of course, size is always the main issue, but fortunately there are many different options on the market and you are sure to find the right one to meet your needs.

Corner units are easily the more popular choice for people stuck for space. As well as taking up less floor area, another convenient feature of this type of shower cubicle is that its curved face will allow for sliding doors, leaving more room in your bathroom. However, if you are paying someone to install your shower, the extra work involved in installing these units will undoubtedly come at a cost.

The wide range of designs means there will always be an option to suit the rest of your bathroom fittings and furniture. Of course, you will find that the majority of choice will cater for more modern-style bathrooms, but there are more simple and authentic-looking designs that will be ideal for a traditional bathroom. The swinging-door shower cubicle is probably the most common and if you have the room, will be the most hassle-free solution. They can also be fitted to the wall or ceiling.

Frosted glass is also a familiar sight with the latest modern cubicles and can add a touch of class to your new bathroom suite. Of course choosing the style that is most in-demand is not going to come cheap and the higher-end of shower cubicles on offer can reach prices of up to £1000.