How to fit Quadrant Shower Enclosures
| Last updated Jul. 16, 2024 |
Expert Tips for Installing a Quadrant Shower Cubicle
Upgrading your bathroom with a new quadrant shower enclosure can transform the space. This complete expert guide will cover how to fit a new shower enclosure, ensuring a high-quality finish.
However, it's crucial to note that bathroom installations should ideally be carried out by professional tradespeople to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Learn what a Quadrant shower is, the tools you’ll need, the cost of hiring a tradesman and the easy steps to fit a quadrant shower enclosure.
The best part?
It can all be done in one day!
So if you want to quickly fit your quadrant shower cubicle, you’ll love today’s step-by-step guide.
Let’s dive right in…
What is a Quadrant Shower?
A quadrant shower enclosure is a standalone cubicle, typically featuring a curved front and sliding doors, designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom. This design helps save space and gives a modern look to your bathroom.
The curved shower enclosures vary in style, shape, and design, making them a versatile choice for contemporary bathrooms.
What is the difference between a Quadrant and an Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosure?
Quadrant Technical drawing
Symmetrical quarter-circle shape, best for small to medium bathrooms.
Offset-Quadrant Technical Drawing
Asymmetrical with one side longer, the Offset Quadrant is ideal for larger bathrooms or when more showering space is needed.
Tools You’ll Need
To fit a quadrant or offset quadrant shower cubicle, you will need a variety of tools to ensure the installation is smooth and secure. Here’s a list of the essential tools:
| Tools: | What it's needed for: |
| Adjustable Wrench | For tightening nuts and bolts, particularly useful for acrylic shower trays. |
| Bucket | Essential for mixing mortar if you’re using a stone shower tray. |
| Claw Hammer | Useful for general construction tasks. |
| Electric Drill | Required for drilling holes into the wall for the shower enclosure channels. |
| Tile or Pilot Drill Bit | Required for drilling into tiles or pilot holes for wall plugs. (it may be necessary to contact your tiling supplier about the correct method of drilling your tiles) |
| Hacksaw | Needed for cutting metal or plastic parts to the correct size. |
| Jigsaw | Used for cutting precise holes in the floor or panels, especially for stone shower trays. |
| Sealant Gun | For applying silicone sealant around the edges of the tray and enclosure. |
| Quality clear silicone sealant | It’s used to seal the edges where the shower tray meets the wall and the enclosure. |
| Spirit Level | Ensures that the tray and enclosure are level during installation. |
| Standard Screwdrivers | Both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers will be needed for various fixings. |
| Tape Measure | Essential for accurate measurements. |
| Wood Chisels | Useful for any woodwork adjustments. |
| Rubber Mallet | To gently tap parts into place without damaging them. |
| Pencil or Marker Pen | For marking positions on the wall and floor. |
| Safety Equipment | Including safety goggles and gloves for protection during the installation process. |
Materials and Fixings You’ll Need
- Glass Panels: The main components of the enclosure.
- Frames (Channels): Used to fix the glass panels to the wall.
- Door(s): The entryway to the shower enclosure.
- Door Handle(s): For opening and closing the door.
- Fixings: Brackets, screws, rawl plugs, and other necessary fittings.
- Shower Tray: The base of the shower enclosure.
- Shower Tray Waste: Drain water from the tray.
- Building Sand and Cement: For creating a mortar base if not using a riser kit.
- PVA Glue: For prepping the floor surface.
- Shower Door Seal Strips: To ensure the door is watertight.
- Silicone Sealant: For sealing around the edges of the tray and enclosure.
Having these tools and materials ready will make it much easier to install your quadrant or offset quadrant showers, giving you a professional and long-lasting finish.
Preparation
Before you start installing your shower, let's make sure you're all set! Go through these four simple checks:
✓ Make sure you have all the necessary tools.
✓ Confirm that the installation site fits the size of the door.
✓ Verify that you have all the enclosure components.
✓ Ensure the installation kit is complete.
Once you've ticked off everything on this list, you'll be ready to begin the installation!
Inspect the Shower Enclosure
Before you start, unpack everything and check for any damage or missing parts.
If you find anything wrong, let your supplier know right away so it can be sorted out before you begin the installation.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Make sure to turn off the water at the mains before you start any work.
Follow the Instructions
Be sure to read and follow the manual that comes with your shower enclosure installation instructions.
It has all the details you need for a smooth installation.
Cost of Professional Installation
Hiring a professional to install your quadrant shower enclosure usually costs between £500 and £700, though this can vary.
While doing it yourself can save money, we recommend professional installation for the best safety and quality results.
Fitting Your Quadrants Shower Enclosures
There is a wide range of shower enclosure shapes and sizes. In this article, we cover how to fit an offset quadrant shower enclosure.
We always recommend having two capable individuals for the job to assist with heavy lifting and positioning.
Installation Site
- Ensure the top surface of the shower tray on which the enclosure will be installed is level in every direction.
- The tiling or other wall finishing should be effectively sealed at the tray edges, do not angle out the bottom tile.
- Tiles should extend at least to the corners of the tray and a minimum of 2 metres from the top of the tray.
Install Fixed Panel & Guiding Rail
Step 1:
- Slide the seal onto the top and bottom edges of the fixed panel.
Step 2:
- Loosen the clip on the fixed panel.
- Insert the fixed glass panel into the clip.
- Secure the fixed panel to the top and bottom profiles with screws.
Step 3:
- Repeat the process for the top of the panel and the curved fixed panel.
- Remove the bottom fixed glass clips.
- Apply a small amount of silicone in the corner between the glass and the profile where the fixed glass clip attaches to the bottom profile.
- Reattach the fixed glass clip.
- Clean off any excess silicone once the upright seals are in place (See Step 14).
Fixed Framework
Step 4:
Position the wall profile 20mm from the edge of the tray and make sure it’s perfectly vertical.
Step 5:
Mark where you need to attach the wall profile to the wall.
Step 6:
Drill holes at the marked spots using a 6mm masonry drill bit and insert the wall plugs.
Step 7:
Secure the wall profile to the wall with screws.
Tip: If the enclosure is a tight fit, you can attach the second wall profile to the door frame before lifting it onto the tray.
Note: Only apply silicone to the wall profile after it’s fixed to the wall (refer to the sealing section). Do not put silicone on the back of the wall profile before attaching it to the wall.
Install Moving Panel
Step 8:
Place the assembled frame onto the tray and slot it into the wall profiles.
Step 9:
Attach the top and bottom double rollers to the holes on the moving panel (C). See (X & Z). Slot the top rollers into the top profile and clip in the bottom rollers, as shown in steps (A, B & C).
Step 10:
Drill 5 evenly spaced holes with a 3mm drill bit through the nylon clip, wall profile, and frame. Make sure there is a minimum of 9mm from the front edge of the frame. Secure the frame with screws.
Step 11:
Attach the wall profile trim strip.
Tip:
Adjust the rollers so the doors roll smoothly and the magnets align when closed.
Loosen the top roller nut slightly, no more than half a turn, as shown in (X) and use a hex key to adjust the roller up or down (Y).
Tighten the nut once finished.
Do not overtighten the bottom rollers to the glass, see image (Z)
Finishing & Sealing
Step 12:
Attach the upright cover caps and wall profile cover caps with screws.
Step 13:
Install the handle onto the moving panel (A):
- Insert the brass screws through the glass from the inside.
- Screw them into the outer handle (without grub screws). Do not over-tighten.
- Ensure all washers are on both sides of the glass.
- Attach the inside handle (with grub screws facing down) onto the brass screw.
- Tighten the grub screws with the hex key.
Step 14:
Attach the seals:
- Attach the longer upright seal to the back of the moving panel.
- Attach the shorter seals to the front of the fixed panels. The seal with the longer fin goes on the straight fixed panel.
- Make sure the seals rest on the bottom fixed glass clip.
- Remove any excess silicone from the fixed glass clip where applied earlier.
Step 15:
Seal the shower enclosure with quality silicone sealant
Sealing Inside:
- Seal from top to bottom on the inside between the wall profile and the wall.
- Do not apply sealant on the inside of the tray.
Sealing Outside:
- Seal along the bottom rail on the outside between the profile and the tray, and about 50mm up between the wall profiles and the wall.
- Seal where the bottom profile and upright profile join, and where the wall profiles and frame profile overlap 50mm up.
And there you have it—your brand new quadrant shower enclosure is ready to use!
Final note,
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to upgrade your bathroom with a sleek and functional quadrant shower enclosure.
Remember, professional installation is recommended for the best results, but with the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking finish in just one day.
If you need any advice, Contact Us Here and speak to one of our friendly team members. Or, if you're ready to explore more options, check out our full Shower Cubicle Collection.
Happy renovating!
Karoline Hermansen: Your Showering Expert
Meet Karoline, our resident expert at TUB, where she brings her design degree and extensive background in all things shower-related. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Karoline delivers fresh insights and updates to keep you informed on everything showering.