Three-sided Shower Enclosures: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Shopping for the perfect shower enclosure can be tricky as there’s a lot of information to take in before you can make the right purchase decision. How do you know which style, size or door design is right for your bathroom?

Choosing the best shower enclosure doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. In this guide, we will answer all your questions about three-sided shower enclosures, including what size and style you should choose, what the pros and cons are and whether this type of enclosure is the best finish for your bathroom.

What is a three-sided shower enclosure?

A shower enclosure (or a shower cubicle) is the contained area of your shower unit that prevents water from spilling out. Shower enclosures may either feature a shower door or be doorless in favour of a stylish walk-in access entry point.

There are many different shower enclosure styles and sizes to choose from. A three-sided shower enclosure, for example, has three “exposed” panels (including the door or entry point) with just one of its sides fitted against the wall.

A three-sided shower enclosure differs from most other designs in that it only requires one wall to be fitted against (other enclosures require a corner fitting). This makes the three-sided shower enclosure a very versatile choice, as the unit can be placed in different locations of your bathroom without the restrictions found with other enclosure types.

What sized three-sided shower enclosure do I need?

It’s fairly straightforward to calculate the best size shower enclosure for your bathroom. You just need to know the size of the space you’re working with.

Start by measuring the area where you intend to install your three-sided shower enclosure. Next, make sure you identify and mark where the waste pipe will be to allow room for fitting. Finally, consider the height of your shower tray to make sure you choose the right height for your shower space.

Check out our guide on how to measure a shower tray for more advice.

Choosing the right sized three-sided shower enclosure

When it comes to sizes of three-sided shower enclosures, there’s plenty of choice, with widths starting from 900mm and reaching 1800mm. Three-sided shower enclosures can also range in heights between 1900mm and 2000mm.

Generally speaking, the two most common dimensions for small shower enclosures are 800x800mm and 900x900mm. If you require or simply prefer a smaller shower, shower pods or self-contained shower cubicles are both great space-saving options. If this is what you have in mind, we’d recommend considering one of our Kinedo cubicles.

If you’re looking for a larger unit, you can find three-sided shower enclosures of widths up to 1800mm within ShowerstoYou’s extensive range.

Choosing a frame style for your three-sided shower enclosure

At ShowerstoYou, you will find three frame styles to choose from: framed, semi-framed or frameless. Each style has something different to offer.

A framed enclosure is often made of thinner glass, finished with metal framing around each panel and door. It’s the perfect affordable option for all.

A frameless shower enclosure will be made of stronger tempered glass without any support structures. These tend to be highest in price due to the quality and look of the glass used.

Finally, a semi-framed enclosure features some framing and some frameless counterparts. It’s a great middle-ground option for those who want to save some cash whilst purchasing an elegant three-sided shower enclosure.

It’s worth noting that all of the glass we supply is toughened safety glass and is virtually unbreakable.

Pros and cons of three-sided shower enclosures

Pros of three-sided shower enclosures

• A versatile option that can be fitted against any wall of your bathroom.
• There is a wide range of sizes to choose from.
• You can choose from a range of entry points, such as sliding or hinged doors or an enclosure with walk-in access.

Cons of three-sided shower enclosures

• It can be too large for a small bathroom (a corner-entry shower enclosure might be better suited).
• Walk-in designs can allow water to escape from the shower enclosure, even with good drainage.
• It can be pricier than other styles, such as quadrant shower enclosures.

You can also find many suitable accessories available to buy for your three-sided shower enclosures on ShowerstoYou.

Is a three-sided shower enclosure right for my bathroom?

Not sure if a three-sided is the best shower enclosure for your bathroom? Don’t worry, you still have plenty of other designs to choose from.

Check out our expert guide to buying a shower enclosure for more inspiration.

Why buy a three-sided shower enclosure from ShowerstoYou?

ShowerstoYou has been offering expert advice and outstanding customer service for 38 years. We can provide you with free valuable technical advice not only on three-sided shower enclosures, but also on the full range of contemporary bath and shower products.

You’ll find a vast range of top-quality products on our website, all supplied from trusted leading manufacturers for highly competitive prices.

Not satisfied with your purchase? A full manufacturer’s warranty is included with every purchase, and we’re always on hand to talk through any issues with our customers.

Frequently Asked Questions - three-sided shower enclosures

What type of door do I need for my three-sided shower enclosure?

There are three types of door you can choose for your three-sided shower enclosure: sliding, hinged or walk-in.

The type of door you will need depends on your taste and budget. Would you prefer a compact door that doesn’t take up any space (sliding)? A traditional door entry that’s easy to use and clean (hinged)? Or a doorless entry to your shower that looks elegant (walk-in)?

Considering these factors and browsing our selection on ShowerstoYou will help you find the perfect shower door.

Can I install a shower enclosure myself?

Yes—it’s easier than you think to fit a three-sided shower enclosure. For step-by-step instructions, check out our straightforward guide on how to fit a shower enclosure.

How expensive are three-sided shower enclosures?

Here at ShowerstoYou, we’re proud to offer a range of shower enclosures to suit every budget. How much a shower enclosure costs depends on the size, style and finish you choose.