Shower enclosure vs cabin

[zemphis]

Im in the process of refitting my bathroom and need some advice for the shower. Is a normal shower enclosure best or would a cabin be better? What are the advantages and disadvantages for each regarding installation and maintenance?

Can anyone advise on which type of unit would be best; I need an easyplumb tray and 900 quadrant or larger if possible.

Other queries:
1. The cabins come with thermo shower valves, are they changeable if needed?
2. Would the interior of the cabin need tiling?

thanks for any help.

Here are examples of the type of units i have found on the web so far:
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...did=10567859&ecamp=trf-005&CAWELAID=429747556
http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/hydrolux-quadrant-shower-3027-20440?CAWELAID=441321436
http://www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk/sh...utm_source=gps&utm_medium=pc&utm_campaign=gps
http://www.bathsuperstore.com/showe...s-75/tc-sierra-quadrant-shower-cabin-941.html

 

[Whitespirit66]

A shower cabin will undoubtably be quicker and easier to install than a conventional tiled shower. It may arguably be more watertight than a tiled shower. The interiors of the cabins have plastic panels that don't need tiling.

The main issue for me is that nothing looks better than a properly installed and tiled shower IMHO. Compare the B&Q example you give to some of the cabins.

I'm afraid the cabins are ugly, and have plastic walls constructed of creaky plastic. They look too much like the disabled showers that you see advertised in the back of the Daily Mail, epecially the ones with seats.

But then, each to his own.

 

[rojaca]

shower cabins are vile abominations of nature.

 

[Whitespirit66]

I was trying to be tactful. Glad I'm not the only one who hates them. You're right - vile!

 

[Axel]

shower cabins are vile abominations of nature.

And that's written in the bible, somewhere.

 

[JMLanders]

shower cabins are vile abominations of nature.

And that's written in the bible, somewhere.

I seem to remember Moses coming down the mount with tablets of stone and not preformed plastic

 

[zemphis]

So i take it cabins arent very popular?

The odd thing is that some of the cabins ive looked at are around the £1000+ mark. Whereas normal quadrant enclosures are perhaps £400-500 or less. Fair enough the cabins come with a built-in shower valve and no need for tiling. But still its a high price for a cabin compared to a normal quad being less than half the price.

Anyone know why cabins are so expensive?

I can understand if they are made of plastic how it may look and feel cheap. But even most retailers dont seem to have cabin display models. Still cant decide what to do. Leaning towards normal enclosure though.

 

[JMLanders]

When you add on the need to prepare the wall for tiling - maybe aquapanel and studwork, or tanking an existing wall. Then add on the cost of the tiles themselves, plus a half decent adhesive. Then the grout, tape and mastic. Add on the time taken to actually install all of this.

Suddenly, the price of a cabin unit becomes comparable (you also state that these come with a mixer included)