Glass for a shower cabin: how to choose and install it yourself

Types of fences without pallets

Another important feature of palletless glass railings that deserves special consideration is the wide range of designs. Models can differ both purely aesthetically and in configuration - let's get acquainted with the most common options.

First of all, shower structures are distinguished by the type of doors:

• Swing - pendulum or drop-down walls inside the door. These traditional models take up quite a lot of space, so they are recommended for use only in spacious baths.
• Folding - doors sliding apart by means of rollers and folding inside the fence.

Do-it-yourself installation of a glass shower cabin

Also, shower structures differ in the type of glass used - it can be not only a transparent canvas, but also more spectacular options:

1. Tinted - with the addition of color color directly to the glass mass.
2. Matte - processed by sandblasting, which deprives the glass of its usual shine.
3. Patterned - with applied embossed repeating print.
4. Stemalit - with full or patterned staining with ceramic compounds.
5. With photo printing - with the application of full-color photographic images.

Installation of a glass door: the subtle nuances of proper installation

First of all, it is worth saying a few words about the mechanisms for opening / closing the door to the shower. They can be divided into two broad classes:

• for wall-glass mounting;
• for glass-glass installation (mounted to the shower cabin itself).

In most cases, these doors have an argument mechanism. This is done in order to eliminate the risk of strong slamming.

Structural materials that are used to organize a shower cabin:

• glass;
• plasticmetal.

An in-depth article describing shower enclosure design techniques for space-constrained spaces.

Not sure how to choose a quality shower enclosure? This article will answer all your questions

A short video will demonstrate the progressive installation of a shower cabin by qualified specialists:

Do-it-yourself accordion door to the shower

For self-manufacturing of folding floors, wood, MDF, chipboard and plastic are used. The design of the canvas is 1- and 2-leaf, in which 2 leaves move from the walls to the center.

The subtleties of making an accordion partition:

• Structural design. At this stage, the length and width of the opening are calculated, the sheets are marked from the selected material. Wood slats are impregnated with an antiseptic, stained and varnished. A PVC edge is glued to the ends. With glass and plastic shutters, such procedures are not carried out.
• Marking on the panels of the places for installing the hinges and drilling holes. Fastening loops (from 3 to 5 depending on the size and weight of the lamella) using self-tapping screws.
• Making grooves for the handle and lock on the last lamella.

The finished sash is hung on fasteners installed in the opening.

Installation subtleties

Work must begin with the installation of a guide profile. If necessary, excess material is trimmed with a hacksaw. Before hanging the canvas on the profile, a latch is attached. It should be located on that part of the opening from which the sash will move. After that, you need to enter the axis of the end panel into the latch.

Further, the landing plates are brought together with the slider of the carriage into the guides, the profile is attached to the opening. The next step is to install the receiving plate under the lower axle (for the lower corner of the opening). To adjust the position of the sash, you need to tighten or loosen the end nuts on the carriage and axles.

To fix the sash in the desired position, install stoppers. They are fixed on the horizontal bottom rail. They are installed in wide openings - more than 1 m. A narrow accordion door does not require fixation, it opens and closes completely.

Material selection

When making your own shower cabin, it is important to choose the right materials. They must be durable, reliable and not be afraid of exposure to moisture and steam.

wall material

In fact, almost any material can be used to decorate the walls of a hydrobox. The main thing is that it is resistant to moisture. Even wood treated with special antiseptics and water-repellent compounds can be used.

The most common option is ceramic tiles. Partitions can be made of brick, foam concrete blocks or moisture-resistant drywall.

Walls can be completely made of glass. This design will look as light as possible, airy.

Type and material of doors

Sliding doors are usually installed in ready-made hydroboxes. But for homemade shower designs - this is not the best option. Special expensive accessories are required, which are subsequently difficult to care for. Stone accumulates on the guides and carriages; for complete cleaning of it, the structure will have to be disassembled. Swing doors are much easier to install and maintain.

The shower cabin can be equipped with glass, acrylic or polycarbonate doors. In this case, glass is used especially strong, tempered or triplex. The latter is a material of several layers of glass, between which polymer reinforcement is laid. Breaking such a canvas is problematic, but even in this case it does not shatter into small fragments.

Acrylic is a more budgetary and lightweight material. He is not afraid of moisture. Its main disadvantage is the instability to scratches. Polycarbonate can be monolithic or cellular. It is not recommended to use the latter for mounting hydrobox doors, since water can flow into its cells.

pallet material

A shower cabin with a tray is a more familiar and practical option. Its height may vary. Low pallets - up to 100 mm high replace the base of the floor. However, they can be caught by the foot. A more optimal option is 120-150 mm. In this case, the sides are clearly visible, but it is easy to step over them. Models with a height of 200-300 mm can be used as a footbath. Deeper structures with a height of 400-500 mm can be used as a sitting bath, but it will not be so convenient to enter such a cabin.

As a pallet, you can use a ready-made structure made of acrylic, metal, artificial or natural stone. Another option is to build it with your own hands from brick or concrete mix. In this case, ceramic tiles are usually used as a facing material.

At the same time, it is important to ensure reliable waterproofing of such a structure.

Budget analogue - polycarbonate partitions

Cellular polycarbonate is also used for partitions in the shower room: it is much lighter, more practical and cheaper than cast.Of the advantages of the material should be highlighted:

• hygiene - easy to clean, does not absorb water and odors;
• safety - upon impact, it does not crumble into traumatic pieces;
• easy to mount, if necessary, you can replace the damaged sheet.

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate shower screens is that they can be easily scratched, especially if abrasive substances were used during cleaning.

Most often, matte or transparent material is used for showers. If you want to make an interesting accent, you can also install colored polycarbonate. It is mounted in an aluminum profile frame or plastic rails. During installation, the ability of polycarbonate to expand under the influence of elevated temperatures must be taken into account.

polycarbonate shower screens

How to choose

On average, shower doors open and close 8-10 times per day, so the door reliability criterion should be decisive. Preference should be given to European manufacturers.

The duration of the period of operation also depends on the thickness of the door material. It is recommended that it be at least 4 mm. To extend the life of the door for the shower structure, sticking a special film on its outer side will help - it will reduce the force of mechanical impact, and if the glass is damaged, it will not allow it to crumble. Such films are available in transparent and tinted variations.

If the choice is on a plastic cabin door, then you should stop using a colored canvas, because after a while its shade will fade, and the structure itself will take on a dilapidated, sloppy look.

Doors and partitions made of glass for the shower: design features

Today, the distribution network presents doors and partitions made of glass of various modifications; when choosing, it is important to build on the area of ​​​​the bathroom, as well as on the overall design

Sliding doors: save space in the shower

Sliding doors are similar to wardrobes, glass panels move freely along horizontal rails. Users note the following design advantages:

• universal doors are suitable not only for the shower area, but also for isolating niches or bathtubs;
• compact models, their installation does not require additional space.

The designs have only one drawback: roller mechanisms can fail over the years. Therefore, before buying sliding glass shower doors, you should check the quality of the fasteners and give preference only to the best manufacturers.

Sliding doors are the most convenient to use

In the video you can see the principle of operation of the sliding glass door to the shower:

Watch this video on YouTube

Pendulum doors for shower

Pendulum doors are a kind of sliding structure, only the canvas does not move along the rails on the pallet, but moves away from itself and towards itself. The model is installed without a frame, the door is fixed on one side to the vertical axis. The main disadvantage of this option is the high cost.

Pendulum doors require space both inside and outside the booth

Swing glass shower doors

Swing doors are a classic shower option. This design requires space for the free opening of the sash.

Among the numerous advantages of the design, we highlight the main ones:

• inexpensive cost - this is one of the most affordable models;
• the universal model can be installed not only in the shower, but also in the bath;
• practicality - the design does not have complex fasteners, only hinges and handles are needed.

Swing doors open traditionally

Folding glass shower doors

Folding glass shower doors open like an accordion. Models are not often found on sale, since their cost is much higher than analogues. Design advantages include:

• compactness;
• simple and convenient use;
• aesthetics.

Accordion doors to the shower can have 2 or more wings

Revolving glass shower doors

Rotating sashes - this is the most dimensional design, it is only suitable for spacious rooms. Cloths with a width of 80-120 cm are fixed with magnets mounted on a fixed profile on the side

When choosing, it is important to correctly calculate their dimensions and opening radius so that the sashes do not touch the plumbing during movement

Revolving glass doors require space

Glass fixed shower screens

Stationary partitions protect the shower area from the rest of the bathroom space. The positive qualities include its durability, a simple opening mechanism practically eliminates the possibility of breakage and increases the life of the entire structure. The only negative is that in a spacious bathroom, heat is not retained behind a glass sheet.

The partition separates the "wet" area from the common space

Bathroom decor options

A large selection of glass structures allows you to decorate bathrooms with shower cabins, embodying bold design solutions. Appearance selection:

• Transparent - a universal classic decor option.Such blocks transmit light, creating the effect of spaciousness in a small room.
• White matte - used to create comfort. They do not let in a lot of light, closing the space for taking a shower.
• Colored - with their help, they perfectly emphasize the chosen style in the bathroom. For intensive lighting use additional light sources in the interior.
• Patterned - used to create individuality, choosing for installation glass partitions with printed patterns, made by engraving or sandblasting surfaces.
• Stained glass - used to create a stylistic effect in the bathroom. This decoration option will provide 100% originality of the interior.

Photo 1. Shower enclosure BRAVAT DROP BS090 in the interior. The cab is made of 6 mm thick tempered glass with an Easy Clean coating for easy cleaning.

In addition to different types of glass, structures are made in various geometric shapes, with or without pallets made of acrylic, cast iron or artificial stone; with folding, sliding or revolving doors-sashes. It all depends on the chosen style, financial capabilities, design ideas. Regardless of the type of tempered glass, you must not forget about its quality installation.

Is it worth it to make a cabin yourself

When comparing a hand-made design and a purchased model, both positive and negative sides are highlighted.

Advantages:

• long period of use without repair work;
• the absence of a large number of moving elements that have the property of rapidly collapsing;
• a homemade shower room has more options for alternative solutions, which makes it possible to choose the view to your taste;
• savings.

Flaws:

• some limited cockpit functionality;
• during dismantling, difficulties may arise;
• the mechanism of connection to the sewerage is more difficult;
• for self-assembly, you should have basic knowledge and skills.

Can glass panels be cut?

In the case of tempered glass, all procedures for cutting, drilling holes, shaping, etc., should be carried out before tempering, since after the procedure, mechanical impact on the glass can lead to destruction and sprinkling of the product into many small fragments with non-sharp edges.

If necessary, cutting can be carried out using special equipment - a water-cooled diamond blade or re-firing.

Cutting triplex is also not recommended, because there is a high probability of damage to the product.

Ordinary glass can be easily cut with a glass cutter, even at home. An exception may be old (dry) material: there is a possibility of cracking.

Advantages of glass over plastic

Since many owners now prefer a small and practical shower bath, the design of the cubicle and its partitions play a big role in the interior of the bathroom.

In addition to beauty, they must correspond to their functional purpose, namely:

separate the shower room from the rest of the bathroom space;
do not allow water to enter the area outside the shower while bathing;
hide being in the shower, and this is very important with a combined bathroom.

Partitions in the shower room can have a frame made of plastic or metal, or they can be frameless, that is, they can consist only of glass or plastic panels.

A spectacular shower cabin serves as a luxurious decoration of the bathroom, so it is not uncommon to turn to real design masters for its design.

There is a variant of a cylindrical partition; special radius glass or curved plastic is used for it.

When comparing materials for fencing, you need to consider all their pros and cons. So, plastic has the following advantages:

• low price;
• pliability, the possibility of bending to give the product any shape;
• lightness and strength.

As you can see, this material is suitable for a shower cabin due to its high practicality. Many people prefer plastic products, polycarbonate is especially popular.

A shower cabin with a round shape at the base has one clear advantage - it saves a lot of space in the bathroom, which is often cramped

But plastic has one significant drawback - with prolonged contact with moisture and exposure to high temperatures, it quickly loses its appearance and can crack and become moldy. For this reason, plastic fences are very short-lived.

Glass partitions do not have this disadvantage. They also have other undeniable advantages:

• ease of installation - only a few special fasteners are required;
• durability - with proper care, glass railing lasts a very long time;
• resistance to all kinds of influences - glass, as a material, is not affected either by high humidity and temperature, or by chemicals, or by the occurrence of fungi and mold;
• aesthetics - a glass shower screen looks very impressive. The surface of the panels can be painted in various colors, covered with patterns, decorated with sandblasting, and pasted over with a special decorative film.

In addition to the advantages listed above, glass also has some disadvantages:

• fragility - accidentally breaking the partition while swimming, you can seriously get hurt;
• high cost - glass doors and railings are much more expensive than plastic counterparts;
• daily care - every time after bathing, the shower cabin needs to be cleaned.

But, despite these shortcomings, glass partitions are becoming increasingly popular. It is not difficult to explain this.

To achieve greater strength, you need to choose a tempered glass fence - this is not a cheap pleasure, but having spent it once, the owner will receive a magnificent shower for many years.

If you cover the glass with a special film or purchase triplex glass, then even with a strong blow it will not crumble, but will only be covered with a network of cracks

If, nevertheless, there is not enough money for tempered glass, then there are simpler options - cover the glass with a special film, several layers of acrylic in order to increase strength, or purchase triplex glass. After the impact, it does not shatter into sharp pieces, but is only covered with small cracks.

Making a corner and installing fences

The shower cubicle is the simplest in terms of construction. In fact, it is built into a corner, that is, the erection of internal walls is not required.You just need to think about where to place the hood. As a rule, it is made out on internal walls.

Usually the walls are made of tempered glass, covered with a special film that will protect against splinters. In a private house or on the street, the option of erecting glass block fences is quite acceptable. They are made of glass, which means they will transmit light, but they will not shine through.

Even as a material for the construction of partitions and fences, polycarbonate has proven itself well. Its indisputable advantage is that it can be given even the most intricate curved shape. With it, the corner booth can be framed in a semicircle.

A glass cabin is inconceivable without doors. Built-in doors can be hinged, sliding, and there are also options with the installation of accordion doors. To install them, you need a certain set of accessories that is attached to the frame.

All of these materials have good performance characteristics and can provide decent waterproofing.

You can assemble a corner or a simple booth with a pallet according to the following scheme:

• First make a frame. As a rule, such a structure is made of metal profiles, corners, guides. It will securely hold a fairly weighty glass or plastic. But if there is no need for a heavy frame and a light material is used, then its analogue can be made, for example, from nickel pipes.

• Install a wall profile on the edge of the pallet, align it strictly vertically. Mark the drilling points for the subsequent fixing of the profile.

• In non-impact drilling mode, make the required holes. Install the dowels in the holes and mount the profile.

• Hang wall panels.The seal should not interfere with free closing, but at the same time it should fit well to the base.

• Fix doors and walls.

If you need to build a barrier-free space, then you need to know that doing it right is not an easy task. The main thing here is the installation and installation of the floor. But on the other hand, such a booth will delight with its modern design for a long time. You can conveniently arrange shelves in it, equip it with a seat, put a good shower with a massage effect.

The sequence of work is as follows:

• drill holes for mounting frame parts;

• fix profiles;

• install partition walls together with seals;

• next comes the fastening of the door frame;

• installation of special fittings and installation of the door (s);

• cabin sealing - all seams are treated with silicone sealant.

When the body of the shower cabin is fully assembled, you can take care of installing the remaining plumbing: faucets, faucets, shower heads. Soap dishes, handles, holders, mirrors and other fittings are fastened through seals. And finally, you can connect the water supply, check everything for tightness, leaks. If the latter are not available, then we can say that the hydrobox is finally assembled.

door tinting

Tool

• First of all, head to prepare the knife and most importantly, it must be sharp;
• A rubber spatula will come in handy, you need not very soft;
• Prepare a soap solution and a spray bottle;
• The film is tinted.

We apply the film

This issue can be divided into two stages, this is the preparation of the material and a bright installation. during the whole process should not be rushed.

Do your job carefully:

• First of all, we select a hard and even surface and roll out a roll of film on it.We put glass on it and cut it to the required size. We do this so that there are no folds, and later they are not so evened out. When cutting, it is necessary to increase the film by a couple of cm on each side;
• Now the surface of the glass should be scrupulously cleaned from grease stains, dust and dirt. This is done by applying a soap solution to the surface and then we drive the liquid off with a rubber spatula. We carry out a spatula a couple of times, we must have a completely clean surface;
• Now we apply a soap solution on a clean surface with a spray gun;
• Now we remove the protective layer from the film, it is called the "Liner". This work is best done together;

• We apply a soap solution to the adhesive layer of the film, in this way we neutralize it for a certain time. Then the film is simply much easier to attach and does not stick to the surface immediately, which allows it to be placed correctly;
• Now we apply the film to the surface and immediately smooth it over the plane with our hand;

• Now go do the same with a spatula. All water from under the film must be removed;
• Then trim the edges with a sharp knife. Then we pass along the edge of the cut again with a spatula and press the film completely.

Types of shower screens made of glass for the shower in appearance and structure

There are several essential features that underlie the different classifications of shower screens. First of all, designs differ depending on the presence or absence of a frame.

Frameless partitions have a more airy, even weightless look. In a small room, visually increase the space.At the same time, due to the lack of a sealant, such structures do not have reliable protection against moisture and are more susceptible to mechanical damage.

Framed shower screens are more durable than frameless designs

Frame models are more reliable, since profile protection prevents water from splashing behind the partition. Frames are made of metal or plastic. A silicone profile is placed between this material and glass. If you add equipment, a few accessories and additional fittings, the design can easily be transformed into a comfortable shower cabin.

The disadvantage of the partition in the frame is that dirt can accumulate at the junctions of glass and metal and, as a result, fungus can form. If the chrome coating is damaged, rust can occur on metal parts.

Partitions are divided into several types, based on their shape. In particular, they are angular, U-shaped, triangular, multifaceted and even rounded. At the top, the structure can be flat, arched or wave-shaped.

Depending on the glass structure of the partition wall, there are matte, transparent, tinted, stained-glass windows, decorated with photo printing or other types of decoration. According to the principle of mobility, stationary or mobile structures are distinguished, the location of which changes with the help of special rollers.

The shower enclosure can be entirely or partially made of glass.

Classification of partitions for a shower room according to functional features

In the presence of partition doors, based on the method of opening them, they are divided into swing, sliding, pendulum and accordion-type products. Swing models are installed in shower rooms with a large area. A separate view in this classification is made up of structures that do not have doors at all - with a simple opening.

The functionality of the partition depends on the material used. In accordance with this sign, the structures are divided into those made of thin sheet material and glass blocks. Light transmission also underlies a separate classification. Products can be transparent, translucent or opaque. Impenetrable ones are usually used in a shared bathroom (in order to use the bathroom at once by two family members).

An accordion partition is the perfect solution for small bathrooms.

Mobility also underlies the classification. On this basis, stationary partitions and transformers are distinguished. The latter can be easily reinstalled in any convenient place or simply removed. For movement, a roller mechanism is used. Depending on the purpose, partitions are used for mounting shower cabins or for functional zoning of space in a shower room or bathroom.

Classification of door structures

Doors in the shower box perform 2 functions - practical and decorative. Thanks to properly selected doors, you can save free space in a small room, conveniently arrange plumbing, and bring originality to the interior. There are several types of door structures, each of which has its own advantages.

Swing and sliding

These are the 2 most popular types of canvases. Swing doors open outwards. They are:

• 1-leaf;
• 2-leaf (with the possibility of opening both outward and inward).

Designs are fixed on loops. Their number varies from 2 to 4, depending on the dimensions of the canvas. The advantages of swing doors include ease of installation, long service life and maintainability. When opening hinged doors, a lot of space is required, which is why they are not recommended for installation in a small bathroom.

Sliding structures do not differ from analogue doors mounted in wardrobes. Depending on the model, they have from 1 to 4 doors. The advantages include the compactness of the system, due to which such canvases can be installed in confined spaces, ease of use, and practicality. The disadvantages of sliding doors are complicated installation, frequent breakdown of the roller mechanism.

pendulum system

Such sashes are a type of sliding structures. The difference between them lies in the movement of the canvas not along the "sled" on the pallet to the right and left, but in its movement towards and away from itself. For its installation, a shower box is not required - the product is installed in a niche on 2 mounts. When using a stopper from a pendulum door, you can get a swing model.

Folding harmonica

Folding models are rarely found on sale. Such canvases are:

• soft;
• tough.

The latter are difficult to install, since high-quality fittings are required to achieve sealing of the system elements. Advantages of "accordion" - saving free space, the possibility of partial opening of the door leaf, ease of use. The shortcomings of the folding system are unreliable isolation and quick failure of mechanisms.

Features of custom-made shower screens

The choice of fences as separate elements in serial production is small: in most cases, manufacturers offer only shower cabins and doors to them. Most often, you have to order the manufacture of glass shower partitions in specialized workshops. In addition, non-standard dimensions of the structure also influence the preference for an individual order of a purchased model.

On the market, you can most often find products with parameters of 2,000 × 900 mm. If the ceilings are higher or lower, the consumer will have to apply for individual production. Its cost is slightly higher compared to serial partitions. On an individual order, you can choose a canvas with different decoration for a certain style of bathroom.

Custom fencing can be made

Benefits of glass bathroom partition

The main advantages of glass partitions lie precisely in the material from which they are made, since tempered glass itself has a number of advantages:

1. Shockproof. Almost complete resistance to mechanical damage is guaranteed by a fairly thick glass of 5-12 mm, which is hardened at high temperatures.
2. Ensuring hygiene. Glass panels can be washed using a variety of abrasives without fear of clouding or damage.
3. Safe use. Even in the extreme case, when the glass does break, it does not pose a threat. This is due to the fact that very small fragments without sharp edges are formed, and a special protective film prevents their scattering.
4. Universal design. Glass partitions for a shower room will ideally fit into any interior.
5. Compactness.On an individual order, partitions of small sizes with low weight are made, which allows them to be used both in spacious bathrooms and in compact bathrooms.
6. Aesthetics. Stylish and beautiful appearance, as well as the possibility of decoration deserve special attention. Glass partitions look amazing. They serve as an excellent addition to the interior, while protecting the environment from the harmful effects of moisture. And the ability to make a product to order allows you to purchase a practical thing in accordance with the overall design.
7. Tightness. Fastening to the wall using special seals and high-quality fittings provides reliable protection against water penetration outside the partition.

In addition to its direct purpose, a glass partition serves to create a unique bathroom design.

Aesthetics and tightness of the partition in the glass bathroom

Using the design in combination with appropriate lighting will add style to it, giving the room an extravagant look. If the general interior is supplemented with original accessories and bathroom decor elements in the form of glass shelves, chrome-plated holders, hangers and hooks, style consistency and comfort are guaranteed.

Along with the aesthetic characteristic, the partition performs another important role, ensuring the tightness of the room. Reliable fastening, the use of silicone seals and special profiles exclude any possibility of leakage. For use in conditions of high humidity, the highest quality fittings are used, which do not require special processing. It is enough to wipe the products of branded manufacturers with a soft cloth to make them shine like new.

In order for the partition to serve for a long time, it is necessary to choose high-quality fittings and sealant

There are three degrees of tightness of partitions in the bathroom:

1. Contour provides protection against dripping and spreading splashes along the entire line.
2. Profile thresholds and seals prevent water from flowing out at the bottom of the glass shower cabin.
3. Partitions without a contour, a protective profile and a threshold have the lowest level of impermeability. Such designs are installed as a decor, and not for the sake of tightness.