Corner Entry Shower Enclosures

FAQs

What is a corner entry shower enclosure?

A corner entry shower enclosure is a space-saving cubicle designed to fit flush against two walls in the corner of a bathroom. It features dual sliding or folding doors that meet at the diagonal front corner, providing easy central access without needing clearance for a swing door. 

Key Benefits & Features

• Space-Saving Design: Ideal for en-suites, cloakrooms, and compact bathrooms, as the corner-entry style avoids taking up valuable central floor space. 

• Square or Rectangular Shape: Unlike curved quadrant enclosures, corner entries feature straight glass panels for a neat, geometric finish. 

• Dual Access: Doors slide or fold inward from both sides, creating a generous entryway. 

• Versatile Entry Options: Explore a wide variety of dimensions and frame styles through dedicated retailers like Mira Showers, Aica Bathrooms, or Royal Bathrooms to see how they integrate into different layouts.

Are corner entry shower enclosures good for small bathrooms?

Yes, corner entry shower enclosures are excellent for small bathrooms. They utilise underused corner space and feature doors that open from the center, freeing up valuable floor space. 

Exploring the pros, cons, and different design styles can help determine the best fit for your space. 

Advantages

• Space-Saving: By using two existing walls, they create an efficient, compact footprint.

• Accessibility: Sliding or bi-fold doors open into the shower rather than swinging out into the room, making them ideal for tight floor plans.

• Aesthetic: The seamless glass panels provide an open, airy illusion, preventing the bathroom from feeling cluttered. 

Disadvantages

• Smaller Entryways: Because the doors open from the middle, the entry width can be restricted.

• Leak Risks: Poorly installed or cheap magnetic seals can result in leaks where the doors meet. 

What is the difference between a corner entry and quadrant shower enclosure?

The main difference is the physical shape of the front glass panel and the matching shower tray: quadrant enclosures feature a curved, rounded front, while corner entry enclosures have an angular, straight-edged front. While both sit in a corner and save space, they function differently regarding bathroom foot traffic, internal room, and style.

What sizes are available in corner entry shower enclosures?

Corner entry shower enclosures are available in standard width and depth dimensions ranging from 700mm to 1200mm, with a standard height profile of 1850mm to 2000mm. They are designed to fit perfectly onto standard square or rectangular shower trays. 

The sizing configurations are split into square profiles (equal sides) and rectangular offset profiles (one side longer). 

Square Dimensions 

These are ideal for compact square bathrooms, en-suites, and cloakrooms. 

• 700mm x 700mm: The most compact, space-saving option available.

• 760mm x 760mm: A highly popular UK standard size for tight layouts.

• 800mm x 800mm: The balanced standard that offers a comfortable showering room.

• 900mm x 900mm: Generous elbow room while maintaining a neat square footprint.

• 1000mm x 1000mm: Large luxury size for spacious corner installations. 

Offset Rectangular Dimensions 

These allow you to enjoy a longer showering area if you have an elongated wall space, while keeping the entry points at the corner. 

• 800mm x 700mm

• 900mm x 760mm

• 900mm x 800mm

• 1000mm x 760mm

• 1200mm x 800mm

• 1200mm x 900mm 

Are corner entry shower enclosures easy to clean?

Yes, corner entry shower enclosures are generally considered easy to clean. Their sliding or folding door designs eliminate the need for exterior swing space. Maintenance can be significantly simplified by choosing the right features and employing a few quick habits.

What glass thickness is available for corner entry shower enclosures?

For corner entry shower enclosures, the most widely available and recommended glass thickness is 6mm, which offers an ideal balance of durability, smooth rolling movement on sliding doors, and affordability. You can also find options in 4mm and 8mm. 

The industry standards and features break down as follows:

• 4mm to 5mm: An inexpensive, lightweight choice suitable for lighter budgets, though the doors can sometimes feel less rigid. 

• 6mm: The industry optimum for corner entry enclosures. It provides a sturdy, premium feel without overloading the sliding door rollers. Explore options like the Carina Chrome 6mm Square Enclosure for a standard setup.

• 8mm: Found in higher-end models, offering excellent stability and a luxury feel. 

• 10mm: Highly robust, but rarely used for corner entry sliding designs due to the heavy weight of the glass. This thickness is typically reserved for walk-in or wet room screens. 

Do corner entry shower enclosures leak?

When installed and sealed correctly, corner entry shower enclosures do not leak. However, because they are compact and feature doors that meet right at the outer corner, they are statistically more prone to water escape than other designs if poor installation practices are used.

Can a corner entry shower enclosure be installed on a shower tray or tiled floor?

Yes, a corner entry shower enclosure can be installed on either a shower tray or a tiled floor. Installing on a shower tray is the most common and straightforward method, while installing directly on a tiled floor provides a flush, modern finish but requires careful waterproofing and drainage. 

1. Installation on a Shower Tray

• The Process: The enclosure's wall channels and glass panels are installed on top of a pre-leveled shower tray.

• Pros: Trays act as an all-in-one water containment solution, dramatically reducing the risk of water leaking onto the surrounding bathroom floor.

• Setup Requirements: The tray must be perfectly level and properly plumbed before installing the enclosure. 

2. Installation on a Tiled Floor 

• The Process: The enclosure sits directly on the floor. For a corner entry, the enclosure usually requires a frame to ensure the doors can slide or pivot without dragging on the floor tiles. 

• Pros: Offers seamless, step-free access and a minimalist aesthetic. 

• Setup Requirements: This approach requires high-level preparation. The tiled area must be fully waterproofed ("tanked") to prevent water from soaking into the subfloor. Furthermore, the tiled floor must have a proper gradient or "fall" (usually a drop of ≈ 10 to 15 mm per meter) directed toward the drain so water doesn’t pool or escape the enclosure.