Shower corner: how to make the right choice?

The shower angle is becoming increasingly popular today. It is fairly easy to install and does not take up much space. To make the right choice and buy a quality shower corner, you need to pay close attention to the recommendations of specialists.

The shower enclosure is a closed construction, similar to a shower cabin, but in a simplified version. There are two of four walls that limit the water in it - these are the walls of the room (there is an option with one wall and three glass partitions). There is also no upper lid here, functionally in the shower corner it all comes down to the standard shower.

The design features determine the operational specificity of the shower corner, which, in turn, affects the positive and negative aspects of this comfort. For this sanitary characteristic significant advantages are characteristic.

• Simplicity of design. Provides several advantageous features at once.
• Ease of installation. The minimum number of components simplifies the method of creating a shower corner, the cost of time and effort to install it.
• Cheaper products. The minimum set of plumbing fixtures: drain and water supply, a simple faucet, two - three polymer or glass walls, a tray or its absence results in a small amount, more affordable than a new bath or shower.
• Simplified maintenance and replacement of components in case of breakage. The simple open design of the shower enclosure does not require much effort in its care; in the event of a malfunction, you can simply replace the part without having to break the tile or climb into the narrow space under the bathroom, where the work is much more difficult.
• Compactness of dimensions. The shower corner occupies the smallest space in comparison with competitors in the given area: a bathroom and a shower cabin,which is very important for miniature bathrooms "Khrushchev" and "Czeches" and other economy-class housing.
• Operational versatility. In addition to the bathroom, the shower corner is also placed in other rooms, which is ensured by the availability of darkened and dull walls of the product. Often, apartments with small bathrooms, combined with a toilet, re-plan in such a way that the shower is transferred to the kitchen, and the bathroom is reduced to the size of the toilet.

Variability of execution. If there is a shower tray, the shower corner allows you to draw water according to the height of the ledge to bathe children or animals, soak and wash clothes.

The corner, executed according to the floor pattern, has its advantages:

• It is more convenient to use, you do not need to step over, you do not have to cling to it, it is easier to clean;
• Reduces injury from stumbling on the side and falling;
• Reduced cost - no need to pay for a pallet.

• Reduced trauma. Bath is quite dangerous because of the height of the board, which needs to climb over a slippery surface, plus the tray is made of plastic with reduced slip and may have a corrugated surface.
• Economical water consumption. To receive a bathroom, on average, it takes 2.5-3 times more water, which, if there is a meter, significantly affects the payment for utilities.
• Save time. To wash, it does not take time to fill the bath with water.

Negative points when using shower corners are also present.

• Marcos glass surfaces. Glass or polymeric transparent walls without a special film will have stains from dried water and hands. Thus, the excellent aesthetic qualities of the shower corner will be somewhat reduced.
• Rectangular products minus useful area.
• Pallet Lug When the doors are open, the pallet projection remains an “invisible” obstacle that regularly falls under the feet.
• Tightness of shower corners. The compact size also imposes a negative impression: for people with higher-than-average body size, it will be inconvenient to turn, and it is almost impossible to lift a fallen soap or tube with shampoo.
• Less comfort. Bathing is accompanied by both a comfortable posture and more pleasant sensations of relaxation, although shower jets have a massage effect, which can be considered a good counterbalance in this matter.
• Requirements for adjacent surfaces.The shower corner can be mounted only to walls and a ceiling with the carried-out alignment. Otherwise, the lack of a tight fit of the wall and doors will lead to dampness of the walls and the appearance of fungal mold, and an uneven floor will lead to permanent “hesitations” of the shower corner with a tray. If the corner without a pallet when finishing the floor should take into account an inclined level for draining water.

Shower cubicle and corner - very similar solutions for the bathroom. To understand the intricacies, it is necessary to conduct a visual comparison of the main parameters.

• cost - corners are sold at a price of 11 thousand rubles, cabins - from 17 thousand rubles;
• service life - the corners are distinguished by their simplicity of construction, which prolongs the service life, the booths use a more complex water supply system and more parts subject to wear, thus the corners are more durable;
• maintenance - the design of the corners does not require maintenance; for booths, as well as washing machines, regular inspection is necessary for normal operation;
• cleaning - glass or transparent polymer, as well as the back walls, covered with tiles, are easy to clean, it is more difficult to clean the acrylic composite of the shower enclosures, for the same reason there is often fungal mold in the shower enclosures, but not in the corners;
• mounting options - the corner can have a pallet or be on the floor, the cabin is installed only on the pallet;
• requirements for the installation site - for the corner, the prerequisite is aligned walls and the floor; there are no special conditions for the booth;

• universality - arrangement of a corner in any room, except the bathroom, will require additional costs for surface finishing, the cabin can be installed wherever there is a supply and drain of water;
• functionality - the corner is used exclusively for taking a shower, there may be various types of hydromassage in the booth, built-in bath or sauna;
• reliability - corners serve without problems for a long time, the manufacturer is important for the booth, cheap versions are constantly subject to repair and improperly working additional functions;
• water filtration - an ordinary water from the system is suitable for a corner, a filter is necessary for booths in the presence of hydromassage, otherwise small nozzles will quickly get clogged up;
• design - the minimalist simplicity of the corners fits into almost any style of the interior of both the bathroom and other rooms, the booths have a specific design and in some variants, for example, when the interior is in the classical style, will look out of place.

Shower corners are represented by a rather wide assortment, which can be distinguished by several criteria: the presence of a pallet, the shape of the pallet (corner shape), the height of the pallet, the material for the manufacture of the pallet. And also it is possible to note various door systems: single, double, triple.

Depending on the presence or absence of a pallet, the location of the corner directly on the floor plane with a drain, shower corners are divided into two types:

• with a pallet - in this embodiment there is no need to carry out additional leveling and lining the floor with a waterproofing coating, it is possible to take a bath while sitting (depending on its height);
• without a pallet - especially in comparison with a corner on a high pallet, it is notable for its convenience and reduced risk of injury, excellent elegant appearance.

From a geometrical point of view, shower corners mounted on a pan can have a different shape, while Popular options include:

• square, rectangular: this form "eats" the useful area of ​​the bathroom, but it is very convenient to fit into a niche or other opening in a room with a modern renovation;
• round, oval: corners with such a geometry are better suited for standard layouts, where the streamlined shape does not impede free movement in conditions of limited bathroom space.

The convenience and functionality of a shower corner largely depends on this parameter. conditionally they can be divided into two types:

• With a minor pallet: this option is very convenient, especially for people with disabilities, looks more pleasant in appearance, requires finishing the floor before installation;
• With medium and larger pallet: A deep pan allows you to take a certain amount of water in which you can take a sit-down bath or soak things.

From the material of which the pallet is made, depend on the operational features and the cost of the shower enclosure.

Different materials are used for production.

• Acrylic. The most popular option, excellent durability against pressure loading, will withstand the most dimensional users. Good combination of price and quality. Low resistance to mechanical shock and scratching,This minus is especially relevant when washing pets that can scrape its surface with nails.
• Cast iron. Enameled products made of such a metal have excellent strength, but require special installation, and also have a high cost.
• Ceramics. The high durability of ceramic pallets is combined with excellent resistance to minor damage, very easy cleaning using any detergents. The negative side is fragility before shock loads and a long period of heating the surface: it will be cool to wash in a poorly heated room.

• Steel. Enamelled steel is characterized by high strength and wear resistance, the only big minus is the “drum effect” created by water falling onto the tray.
• Brick. Such pallets are laid out of brick, and then covered with tiles. Possess excellent performance, from an aesthetic point of view, can be performed in any variations, limited only by the range of tiles and imagination. Relative minus is a rather long process of building such a pallet, compared with other types.

Shower corners can have a different overall configuration. The choice of a particular option depends on the free space, determined for these needs, the financial side of the issue and other aspects. The required space inside the corner should be sufficient for a normal shower in accordance with the user's constitution.

The common formats of shower corners include several sizes.

• 90x90 cm is a standard universal option, there is enough space inside to wash with the convenience of one thin or medium build person. Such economical options are in great demand because of the price ratio and the amenities provided, combined with a very compact size. And also in connection with the mass character of products of this format the assortment with various appearance and various prices is very extensive.
• 120x80 cm - one of the most common types of rectangular corner, more spacious and convenient option. It allows you to wash at the same time two people of poor build, very important for young families, where, getting ready for work, everyone needs to be washed first and right now.For the price is in the middle category, it easily fits in the corner of the bathroom.

• 80x80 and 70x70 cm - mini options for tiny bathrooms. With convenience in such a corner only a thin person will wash, with the average build will have to make room. Before dwelling on such options, it is better to test the possibilities of your being in it at the exhibition stand: turns and bends immediately show whether it is worth stopping at a purchase or not.
• 100x100 cm - this option can be called the "golden mean" for taking a shower by one person. Combines convenience and comfort with slightly larger sizes than 90x90 cm. When variations with a low basement and excellent design, typical for this size range, a shower corner will provide a pleasant operation and delight with a stylish appearance.

The market of shower corners, as well as the market of shower cabins, is rather extensive, this type of sanitary convenience gains the increasing popularity, therefore it is necessary to begin with the checked producers.

• Ravak - a large Czech company, the leader of its country in the production of plumbing. It produces shower enclosures from economical to luxury, high quality combined with a wide range.
• Koller pool - Austrian manufacturer of sanitary ware with an affordable pricing policy, an extensive selection and reliable quality guaranteed by European product certification.
• Eger - Hungarian company that sells economy and premium-class shower corners, reliable quality of sanitary ware is provided with modern equipment and high-quality raw materials.
• Among the manufacturers of quality products can be identified Cezares, Radaway and RGW. They have a high rating and many positive reviews.

When choosing a shower enclosure, it is worth considering a number of factors that are essential for its further operation.

• deciding to buy a corner in parts, you first need to determine the size of the pan, so that it fits in the bathroom, and that it is convenient to be in the shower corner with such dimensions;
• the corrugated surface of the pallet reduces the slipperiness of the floor construction, thereby reducing the chance of injury when falling;
• The optimal material for the pallet is acrylic, it combines good durability with an acceptable price, it heats up quickly and keeps its temperature for a long time, increasing comfort;
• when choosing a pallet, it is important to test it for strength, for this you need to stand in the middle: a quality pallet will not sag - it has stiffening ribs, and in the best version, except for the four legs along the perimeter, there is a fifth in the center of the product;

• selecting spare parts, it is better to stop at the choice of components from the same manufacturer, it happens that with the same overall dimensions, parts from different manufacturers do not butt together, do not fit tightly and without play;
• When choosing between glass and acrylic doors, it is important to remember that tempered glass is stronger and safer, easier to clean, although it costs more;
• the sliding door system is of two types: roller and hook; the hook system is less durable, often fails, works less smoothly and requires more physical effort;
• doors covered with a special layer repel water and get dirty less; hands do not slip off them, as a rule, it is applied to quality products;
• choosing a ready-made shower corner at the stand, you should try to shake the design, a quality product completely monolithic, there are no backlashes and cracks.

The creation of a shower enclosure consists of several successive stages, the implementation of which will provide a quality result and will long be pleased with its excellent performance and reliable performance. These include several required steps.

1. Place preparation. First of all, you need to level the surface on which the pallet is installed, you can lay out a pedestal of brick, it will serve as an excellent support for the pallet, reducing stress points and distributing the weight over the entire plane. A layer of rubber should be placed between the brickwork and the pallet to prevent damage to the product from movement. If the corner does not imply the presence of a factory pallet, you need to equip the floor plane under the drain or create a tank of bricks and tiles (brick pan).
2. Sewerage equipment. When using a corner with a low pallet, it is necessary either to break the floor, if there is no drain connection, and to install pipes, or to build a pedestal, inside of which a flat siphon and drain pipes will be located.After supplying the sewage, the drain of the pallet is connected to it, with its installation it is necessary to use a sealant that provides reliable waterproofing of the space under the corner.
3. Frame Metal strips supporting glass or polymeric doors are connected to a single frame, they are fixed to the wall with screws with dowels, and the working holes are also treated with sealant.
4. Walls are put on the frame. This should be done very carefully, the fall of the product made of acrylic is likely to cause a crack, tempered glass with a strong blow can also crack, scratches are another problem during installation. A seal is attached along the edges, the doors are placed on the sliding mechanism, if their opening causes difficulties - the mechanism must be adjusted. All metal elements subject to corrosion are treated with sealant.

When buying a shower corner in parts for subsequent installation, you need to understand what are the main components of the design.

• Water pipes. Before starting the installation of the corner to the place of work, you need to bring cold and hot water, it is better to prefer plastic solder pipes.All related elements: faucets and fittings must be installed before mounting the corner.
• Drain It must also be equipped before the installation of the pallet, before the leveling tie is poured into which the drain pipes are to be embedded. Preference, as with the supply, it is better to give high-quality plastic, diameter not less than 80 mm, for low pallets need a flat drain siphon, for higher pallets to choose.
• Pallet. After all the work on the arrangement of the supply and discharge of water, the pallet is mounted or laid out, if the choice fell on a brick or a stone. When laying, it is important not to forget about the level of the shower corner, which should correspond to the level of the toilet pipe.
• The doors. This part is made of polymer and glass, the texture can be transparent, as well as matte, containing additional decorative patterns. There are options for shower enclosures without doors, but with one or two side walls of the same material.

• A great combination of two-color tiles and slats on the Ravak Supernova shower enclosure that blends in harmoniously with the bathroom.The brick pedestal is equipped with a small pallet, a door of 4 segments: two fixed and two sliding.
• A corner of KolpaSan Terra without a door with one fixed glass partition, a wall painted in “water” color, contrasts well with the overall design in gray tones.
• A shower corner without a tray with high brick walls lined with “brick”, in combination with floor tiles that have a similar texture, create an image design of the bathroom and serve as an excellent waterproofing that contributes to a long service life of the shower.

How to choose a shower corner, see the video below.