Choosing the Right Shape and Size
Shower baths generally come in three main shapes. A P shaped shower bath has a curved, rounded end that widens out to give you extra elbow room while showering, making it one of the most popular choices for family bathrooms. An L shaped shower bath offers a similar widened showering end but with a squared off, more angular profile, which suits contemporary bathrooms with clean lines. A straight or standard shower bath keeps the classic rectangular shape throughout, which works well if you're replacing a like for like bath and want a simpler installation.
Most of our shower baths come in left hand and right hand versions, so check which way round you need the wider showering end before you order, based on your plumbing and door position. Size matters too. Our range is largely built around the popular 1700mm length, which gives enough room to stand and shower comfortably while still fitting the vast majority of UK bathrooms. If a shower bath isn't quite right for your space, our freestanding baths and roll top baths are worth a look too.
Materials, Style and Finish
Because you stand up in a shower bath rather than lying down, it needs to be built to handle that kind of everyday use. Our acrylic shower baths are reinforced for extra strength and rigidity underfoot, while still being lightweight, warm to the touch and easy to keep clean. If you prefer a more traditional look, we also stock shower baths with classic roll top styling and a choice of leg finishes, including chrome, white and black, so you can match the rest of your suite.
Our range spans budget, classic, contemporary and heritage styles, so a shower bath doesn't mean compromising on the character of your bathroom. Whether you want a crisp modern white finish or something with a bit more period charm, there's an option to fit the room you already have.
Completing Your Shower Bath
A shower bath is only half the job without the right screen and fittings. We stock a full range of bath screens designed to fit our shower baths, keeping water where it should be while still letting light into the room. It's worth measuring your bath's width and screen position carefully before ordering, as fit varies between straight, P shaped and L shaped models.
Don't forget the finishing details either. A shower bath needs a bath and shower tap rather than a simple bath filler, a bath panel to hide the underside neatly and a waste that copes well with frequent use. Most shower baths will also require a compatible bath panel unless the surrounding area is being finished in another suitable way. If you're not sure what you need for your chosen model, our team can talk you through compatible screens, panels, tap options and wastes so everything works together on installation day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bath with a shower called?
A bath designed to provide additional standing space for an over-bath shower is usually called a shower bath. It's shaped with a wider end for standing room, unlike a standard straight bath.
Is a shower bath a good idea?
Yes, for most UK homes. A shower bath is a practical way to fit both bathing and showering into one room, which is especially useful if you only have space for a single bathroom.
Can any bath have a shower fitted over it?
Not always comfortably. A standard bath can technically have a shower fitted over it, but dedicated shower baths are designed with a wider showering area and, depending on the model, may include additional base reinforcement for greater stability.
What is the difference between a P shaped and an L shaped shower bath?
A P shaped shower bath has a curved, rounded showering end, while an L shaped model has a squared off, more angular end. Both give extra standing room compared with a straight bath, it mainly comes down to which look suits your bathroom.
Do I need a special screen for a shower bath?
Yes. Shower baths need a screen shaped to match their profile, whether straight, P shaped or L shaped, to keep water contained properly while showering.
How much does it cost to add a shower to a bath?
Costs vary depending on whether you're replacing an existing bath with a shower bath or adding a shower over a standard bath. Choosing a dedicated shower bath with a matching screen from the outset is usually the simpler and more cost-effective option long term.
