When there is not enough space in the bathroom to install a traditional bathtub, it's time to think about alternatives. The most affordable and popular replacements are a shower stall and a shower corner. In the article, the reader will get acquainted with their differences, and will also be able to unambiguously decide for themselves which is better: a shower cabin or a shower corner.
There is no single recipe
Strictly speaking, it is impossible to unequivocally and uncompromisingly answer the question of what to choose - a shower cabin or a shower corner. After all, each option has its own disadvantages and advantages. The main difference in price. The cost of a shower corner lies in a cheaper price segment. There is such a steady trend that it is better to completely abandon the shower than buy a budget model. Everything is poor in them: design, type of material and plumbing. But on the other hand, it’s quite possible to get a good shower corner for the same price.
The second significant factor is ease of installation. This item includes both the wall material and the installation location. But before proceeding to a comparison of the two options, you need to clearly understand what the difference is between a shower corner and a shower cabin.
What's the Difference?
It seems intuitively that the shower enclosure is simpler and more intuitive. And this is the correct assumption. Its installation and installation are much faster than the shower. After all, this is only a pallet and a glass door, if you look, therefore, there are no difficulties here, as there is no rich functionality. The shower cabin, on the contrary, represents a whole range of functions for carrying out hygienic procedures, but its installation requires more time.
It is worth mentioning a tangible difference. The corner has no roof, and it is also leaky (unlike the cabin). That is, you need to consider the features of the room. When making a choice, a shower cabin or a shower corner, in a wooden house, for example, you should stay on the cabin.
Comparison
In addition to the main differences, there are a number of points, familiarity with which will help to make the right choice. The list includes the above differences, but in a detailed form.
- Price. For the cost of a cheap cabin (about 10000-12000) you can buy a shower corner of good quality (about 11000). This is an important criterion.
- Corners are more durable, they practically do not require maintenance and special care (glass is easy to clean). On the contrary, you need to carefully monitor the condition of shower cabins and wash them quite difficult (acrylic is prone to dirt accumulation).
- For a shower cabin preliminary preparation of the room is not required. It is enough to have a sewerage and water supply, and for the corner you need a number of additional work. This wall decoration with waterproof material, flat floor and supply, installation of a faucet with shower.
- Which is better, a shower corner or a shower cabin? The issue of longevity is uniquely resolved in the direction of the first option.
- For a shower cabin installation of filters for water is required, and also it does not fit into each design of a bathroom. For example, strict classic. The corners are made in the style of minimalism, so they always fit.
- The pallet at the cabs can be anything, but at the corners only low.
These are the main differences, but it is worth considering certain nuances, so as not to make a mistake in the choice.
Who is suitable for
In addition to the technical characteristics, it is important to choose the option for your needs. If you need a place to take a shower, and only then a shower corner will do. In the event that there is a desire to use features such as a Turkish bath, hydromassage, lighting and a high pallet, then the choice should be made in favor of the cabin.
The area for installation matters. It is incorrect to assume that the shower cabin takes up little space. This is a rather bulky design, especially if the pallet is tall. The corner is mounted directly to the wall, taking up less space. Therefore, the answer to the question, which is better: a shower cabin or shower corner, remains open.
For shower enclosures, the material of the tray is of several types, but the most common is cast iron. It has excellent conductivity, but is too heavy and prone to damage. The second place is taken by steel, favorably characterized by lower weight and greater durability, but there is also a significant drawback. This material is quite easily deformed due to its small thickness.
What else to consider
Caring for a shower cabin is very different from rubbing a corner. If you choose from the point of view of practicality of cleaning, which is better: a shower cabin or a shower corner, the second option definitely wins. It is easier to bring in perfect look. In the shower cabin, after a year or two of use, mold forms (especially in rubber overlays on the wings), filters for different functions become clogged. Cleaning shower stalls must be done carefully and constantly, otherwise they will quickly become worthless.
According to reviews, a shower cubicle or a shower enclosure is installed approximately the same in complexity, but for a corner it is advisable to pour a concrete pallet in advance and tile it on the outside. It is not recommended to completely lay out the structure with tiles, especially if the shape is radial (round). Even a mosaic. Moreover, slipping on such material is very easy.
It was mentioned above about the shortcomings of the most popular materials for a pallet, so it is worth taking a closer look at acrylic configurations.
Many buyers pay attention to stylish models with tinted doors, relying on their convenience. But this advantage has a downside. Any pollution is visible on a dark surface much better.
Reviews
Which is better: shower or shower enclosure?
According to statistics, showers receive more negative ratings than corners. And the point is not that everyone is eager to buy a cheap model, but that caring for them is too “confused." Corners are in great demand due to their low cost and ease of use.
Analyzing reviews, you can understand what is better: shower enclosures or showers in terms of operating time. You can come to the simple conclusion that even cabs of average and slightly above average prices can become worthless in just a couple of years. Perhaps this is due to the lack of proper cleaning in the bathroom, but it is also likely that manufacturers are saving on materials.
If the water is hard, then all equipment for additional functions will become unusable faster. We need good water filters, as users note.
Conclusion
Summing up, we can say that there is no clear recipe for choosing a shower cabin and a corner. You can, of course, go from the opposite. If, for example, installation of a corner is simply not possible due to the covering of the walls. The choice always depends on the specific circumstances.
After reading the information to the buyer it will be easier to decide. Choose a shower cabin or shower enclosure, what is the difference, you now know.