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Whether you are replacing an existing ceiling shower, or planning a complete bathroom overhaul complete with a new rain shower, getting the showering space right is key to creating a bathroom that not only fulfills your needs but brings you enjoyment and has the staying power to last for years to come. Used on a daily basis, the shower space needs to tick all the boxes, whether you are looking for a wall-mounted or ceiling shower, the family-friendly credentials of a thermostatic shower, or the spa-feel of a rain shower. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to make all the right choices…

How to get started

Your water pressure may dictate what kind of shower you can have. Older properties that might still have a gravity-fed water-system, with a cold water storage tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard, generally have low water pressure. Properties with a combi boiler, where hot water is on demand and there are no storage tanks, tend to have higher water pressure. Water pressure can be boosted with a shower pump, so your therapeutic rain shower isn’t interrupted with a drop in water flow. If you are unsure what your water pressure is, ask a professional to find out for you.

(Pictured: Roca’s Terran Stonex® shower tray)

Selecting a shower tray

Choosing a shower tray might seem like the easiest part of designing a new showering space, but there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, what’s going on with your pipework underneath? Shower trays can either be recessed into the floor for a flush and seamless design, sit flat on top of the floor, or raised up on feet. If the pipework is below floor level – you can go for a slimline tray either recessed, or sat on top of the floor. If the pipes are exposed above floor level – you would need a tray with adjustable feet to disguise them.

Where you are fitting the shower will govern what kind of shape you go for – rectangular, square or quadrant for corners. And, with most shower trays having slip-resistant features and designs, you may want to consider a material with a textured surface such as Stonex® or Senceramic®. Shower trays made with non-slip properties are ideal to be used in wet areas especially if you have young children.

Then of course, you’ll want to consider the enclosure and whether the shower tray will complement your choice – if you’ve gone for an on-trend Crittal-style enclosure for example, you might want to go for an equally contemporary matt black finish to your shower tray and brassware.

(Pictured: Roca’s Terran Stonex® shower tray)

Finding a shower head

Think carefully about how you want to use your shower before deciding on a shower head. Do you want a fixed head, installed in the wall, or a ceiling shower? Or do you prefer a riser rail that the hand shower attachment can slide up and down? There is of course the option to have both a static ceiling shower and a riser, which is ideal for a family bathroom – a soothing rain shower for the adults, and a practical handheld attachment for showering the kids, as well as making cleaning the enclosure much easier.

There is also massage jets to consider – a tempting addition if you want to create a spa-like experience, or could benefit from hydromassage after a workout.

(Pictured: Roca’s Rainsense)

Choosing the right shower… thermostatic or manual?

There are two main types of controls – a manual and a thermostatic shower. Manual mixers are easy to install and use, taking water from both cold and hot water supplies. You control the combination of hot and cold water to get the right temperature each time you use it. If you have young or elderly people in your household then a thermostatic shower can be a wiser choice as it reduces the risk of scalding. With a thermostatic shower you can set the temperature, adjusting it as needed, but it crucially keeps at a constant temperature while in use, so there are no sudden changes in temperature.

(Pictured: Roca’s T-1000)

A smart shower might be the smart option

For the ultimate showering experience it’s worth considering a smart shower. Taking your morning shower to the next level, you can preheat to your ideal temperature, ready for you to jump straight in, as well as pause it to lather with the tap of a button, and regulate the temperature and modify the flow, so that is your perfect shower.

(Pictured: Roca’s Smart Shower)

What else is there to consider?

The little extras are often an afterthought when it comes to planning a bathroom, but it’s these little touches that can make your shower space more user friendly. Shelves within the shower will ensure your shower tray isn’t cluttered with bottles, and will keep your essentials to hand, while a robe hook within easy reach of the shower enclosure will make stepping out of the shower more comfortable.

(Pictured: Roca’s Deck-T shower column, Terran Stonex® shower tray)

So now you know how to get started, you can begin looking at the perfect style to complement your bathroom scheme! For even more advice on what to consider visit How to pick the best showering options for you.

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