How to Choose a Shower Enclosure: The Complete 2026 Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right shower enclosure is one of the most important decisions in any bathroom project. With dozens of styles, glass options and hardware finishes available, this guide breaks the choice down into five practical factors so you can specify with confidence.
1. Pick the right type
- Frameless — minimalist all-glass look with thick 8–10 mm tempered glass and slim brackets. Best for modern wet-rooms and barrier-free designs.
- Framed — aluminium frame around the glass; sturdy and budget-friendly, ideal for high-traffic rentals and hotels.
- Sliding — space-saving bypass doors, perfect for alcoves and bathtub-shower combos.
- Walk-in — open entry, no door or track; the ultimate in accessibility.
- Quadrant / curved — quarter-circle footprint that makes efficient use of corner space.
2. Glass thickness & safety
Residential enclosures typically use 6–8 mm tempered safety glass; frameless designs use 8–10 mm. Always specify glass certified to EN 12150 / ANSI Z97.1 / AS-NZS 2208 with SGCC marking.
3. Frame & finish
Match the hardware to your project: polished chrome for classic, matte black for industrial-modern, brushed gold for luxury. HOOBOW frames use corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy with 304 stainless rollers.
4. Size & layout
Measure the opening width, height and whether you need a left- or right-hand entry. Standard sizes run 800–1800 mm wide and 1900–2000 mm high; OEM/ODM custom sizes are available.
5. Certifications & supplier
Work with a manufacturer that holds ISO 9001, CE, SGCC, ANSI and AS/NZS and can show a real factory. HOOBOW has supplied 60+ countries since 2002.