Choosing a shower enclosure isn’t just about deciding between glass or plastic: it’s about understanding how you use the bathroom, how much space the tray allows, who will use it (grandparents, children, cousins coming from the gym?), and how much time you want to spend cleaning the seals. Here you’ll find a practical, comprehensive guide — and why not — with a touch of irony so you don’t end up with a shower that’s more dramatic than a soap opera.

1 — First question: what need do you have to solve?

Limited space → you need a space-saving solution (corner, semicircular, sliding enclosure).

Accessibility (elderly, disabled) → walk-in, flush with floor or very low threshold, functional towel racks.

Design & home enhancement → transparent tempered glass and minimal profiles (frameless or semi-frame).

Ease of maintenance → glass with “easy-clean” treatment, reduced profiles, accessible seals.

Tight budget → prefabricated enclosure with aluminum profiles; but watch out for durability.

Heavy use (large families) → sturdy materials, thick glass, reliable mechanisms.

2 — Main types and what they address

Corner enclosure (90×90, 80×80, etc.)

Perfect for small bathrooms: uses the corner, available in sliding, hinged, or semicircular. Good compromise between bulk and comfort.

Semicircular enclosure (“half-moon”)

Aesthetic space-saver: nice to look at, convenient when the opening is sliding. Ideal for narrow but deep bathrooms.

Sliding enclosure

Great for spaces with entrance doors nearby: no door swinging out. More parts that need to slide well: check rollers and tracks.

Hinged / folding enclosure

Wide opening, more “noble” but requires space in front. Elegant in medium or large bathrooms.

Folding enclosure (bi-fold)

Perfect for niches or for those who want an economical, space-saving solution. More joints = more maintenance on seals.

Walk-in / Open shower (flush with floor)

Maximum practicality and accessibility. Super modern. Needs to be well designed for waterproofing and drainage. Great in homes where the bathroom becomes a “personal spa.”

Niche (enclosure on three sides, with one existing wall)

Simple and economical solution: one side is already done. Can be the most practical choice during renovation.

Bathtub enclosure (combined tub-shower)

Replaces the curtain: better aesthetics and less splashing. Watch out for measurements and fittings.

3 — Finishes and materials: what to look for

Tempered glass (mandatory for safety): 4–6–8–10 mm. Thicker = more rigidity and sense of quality.

Frameless: pure aesthetics, easier cleaning but more expensive fixings and attention to thick glass.

Semi-frameless / with profiles: good price/resistance compromise.

Glass with anti-limescale treatment (Easy-Clean): yes, please. It will save you time and sponges.

Anodized or chrome aluminum profiles: corrosion resistant; avoid very cheap finishes that oxidize.

Seals: interchangeable and easy to remove for cleaning.

Shower tray: ceramic, acrylic, resin, sintered stone, or tiled (flush with floor). Choose based on aesthetics, durability, and anti-slip.

Siphon and drain: accessible for cleaning; high flow rates (l/min) if you have large shower heads.

4 — Openings: pros and cons

Sliding: + space-saving, − tracks to clean.

Hinged: + wide opening, − requires front space.

Folding: + space-saving, − more joints = more maintenance.

Fixed (walk-in): + immediate access, + easy cleaning, − can splash if not well designed (need extra panels or screens).

5 — Standard sizes and tray choice

Common enclosure sizes: 70×70, 75×75, 80×80, 90×90, 100×80, 120×80, 140×90.

Shower tray: raised (10–15 cm) or flush with floor (more “open” effect).

Practical rule: if you can, aim for at least 90 cm depth for comfortable showers. Under 80 cm becomes a “compromise.”

Accessibility: be guided by the most “fragile” user: threshold < 3 cm or flush with floor if wheelchair access is needed.

6 — Design and integration with the bathroom environment

Large shower = bathroom that “sells”: high aesthetic value if integrated with quality coverings and fixtures.

Fixtures: thermostatic mixer recommended (temperature safety). Wall or overhead shower heads for a spa effect.

Niches and shelves: integrated into tiles or panels for shampoo without sticky shelves.

Lighting: LED spotlights or strips above/inside the shower for atmosphere and safety.

7 — Installation and waterproofing: not a job to improvise

Waterproofing under the tray or in the screed (liquid membranes or sheets) is essential.

Flush with floor requires correct slope and adequate drainage: technical design is mandatory.

Professional installation recommended for sealing, glass installation, and sealing.

Prefabricated shower = fewer sealing problems, but pay attention to the quality of materials and seals.

8 — Maintenance: how to do it without going crazy

Anti-limescale treatment on glass → fewer cloths and fewer morning curses.

Clean the tracks (sliding) regularly: prevent dirt buildup and blockages.

Replace seals when worn (don’t wait for them to crumble).

Products: neutral pH or specific for treated glass; avoid aggressive bleach on aluminum.

Siphon check: clean occasionally to avoid stagnation.

9 — Mistakes to avoid (real blacklist)

Measuring “by eye”: order the enclosure based on precise measurements.

Neglecting door clearance: door that doesn’t open = unusable shower.

Choosing glass that’s too thin for frameless solutions: it vibrates and feels cheap.

Not planning for proper slope and drainage for walk-in or flush with floor tray.

Buying the cheapest product without warranty and qualified installation.

Forgetting anti-limescale treatment in hard water areas.

Focusing only on aesthetics and forgetting maintenance: transparent glass = visible dust and fingerprints.

10 — Budget: how much does it cost and where to save (without regrets)

Low cost: prefabricated enclosures with cheap profiles and thin glass. Good for rentals or student housing.

Mid-range: good 6–8 mm glass, aluminum profiles, anti-limescale treatment. Best quality/price ratio for family use.

Top of the range: 10 mm glass, frameless, resin or stone tray, thermostatic fixtures, custom installation. Worth the investment if you’ll stay in the house for a long time.

Where to save: choose a standard ring/frame instead of custom solutions if space allows. Where not to save: waterproofing and drainage.

11 — How to choose, step by step (mini-purchase checklist)

Measure the actual space (height, depth, any obstacles).

Decide the type (sliding/corner/walk-in) based on use and space.

Choose the tray (material and height) or flush with floor.

Opt for tempered glass with anti-limescale treatment.

Check glass thickness and manufacturer’s warranty.

Check type of opening and maneuvering space.

Request a quote with installation and waterproofing included.

Sign a contract with installation times and final test (sealing test).

12 — Quick FAQs

Is transparent or screen-printed glass better?

Transparent visually enlarges the bathroom; screen-printed gives privacy and hides splashes. Choose based on design and privacy needs.

Flush with floor or raised tray?

Flush with floor is elegant and accessible but requires proper design and drainage. Raised tray is simpler in renovation.

How long does a shower enclosure last?

Well installed and maintained: 10–20 years. Quality glass and profiles last longer; seals need replacing.

Can I install it myself?

If you have a standard sliding kit and good manual skills, yes. For walk-in, flush with floor, or waterproofing work, call a professional.

In a nutshell

The perfect shower enclosure isn’t the most expensive one, but the one that solves your daily problem: getting in, washing well, not slipping, not having to scrub glass every weekend, and feeling good about your home’s aesthetics. Measure carefully, prioritize sealing and ease of use, don’t skimp on waterproofing, and above all, choose a solution designed for those who use the bathroom (not for Instagram).

If you want, Gruppo Impianti Ristrutturazioni can: do a site inspection, offer you tailor-made solutions, manage waterproofing and installation to perfection. If you tell us the bathroom measurements and your indicative budget, we’ll prepare an initial list of practical solutions with pros/cons (and a few jokes to make the choice less boring).