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Bath Out, Shower In For Disability Bathroom Project

August 29, 2018

We were recently asked to replace a bath with a shower as part of the redesign of a customer’s bathroom in Bere Regis, Dorset. As an elderly and disabled lady, the client needed a bathroom that would offer ease of use and long-term convenience. By replacing the existing bath with a large shower, the design would work for the client now, and continue to meet her needs in the future.

Future-proofing with a walk-in shower

Replacing baths with large walk-in showers is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many people – not just the elderly or disabled. The convenience and practicality of replacing a bath with a shower gives a long-term solution for people looking to future-proof their homes, enabling them to remain independent as they get older. With the demand for these sorts of bathroom makeovers, manufacturers are now offering a wider range of large shower trays and doors with this type of project in mind. This opens up more opportunities to embrace style alongside functionality.

The disabled bathroom project’s challenges

Underfloor pipes in disability bathroom renovation
We were asked to remove the client’s bath and replace with a shower and tray to accommodate her specific needs. There were a few issues we had to overcome, which became apparent as the project evolved. To start with, we had to re-run radiator pipes under the floor and reconfigure the water supply and drainage pipework. Initially, we were only going to remove the tiles in the area of the bath, however the client then decided to remove all the tiles in the bathroom and replace with white tiles, which gave a nice sleek look. We also found that after plastering and re-tiling, the slider we’d quoted for (Simpsons Elite 1700mm) wouldn’t fit, so we had to find another with a different adjustment.

Bathroom installation considerations

Fiora shower tray in new disability bathroom
As with any bathroom design and installation, there are many things to consider to ensure the end results meet the customer’s requirements. With this particular project, we had to make sure the bathroom met the client’s needs as an elderly and disabled lady and would continue to do so over the coming years. For ease of access, we used a sliding shower door, so it wouldn’t protrude into the room and cause an obstruction and potential hazard. The walk-in shower needed a level-access shower tray and we made sure the drawers on the basin unit were easy to use too. We also had to consider the location of the seat within the shower, as well as the grab bars.

Materials used to replace the bath with a shower

Disability shower seat and grab bars in walk in shower area
We used the Fiora Silex Black slim shower tray, which was made to measure to fit the space. While Fiora do supply a 1700×700 shower tray specifically designed for replacing baths, this standard size wouldn’t fit for this particular bathroom installation. We used the Prestige 1700mm sliding door and a chrome-finished shower column from Vado, along with a Cassellie Bali Ash white unit and shower seat. To complement the black level-access shower tray, white suite and tiles, we finished the bathroom off with Karndean Opus flooring.
Easy access disability shower area with glass sliding door
Room H2o bathroom installer, Steve, sums up the project: “We removed the bath, toilet, flooring and all the tiles. We prepared the walls for plastering and tiling, installed the shower screen and vanity unit and painted the ceiling. In total, it took three weeks to replace the bath with a shower and complete the bathroom installation.”
The outcome is the client now has a highly functional and stylish bathroom that will continue to work for her in the years to come. The total cost of the bathroom installation was £8,000. Any customers who are registered disabled don’t have to pay VAT, which gives significant savings on bespoke disability bathrooms.
To find out more about our bathroom design and installation services, and to view our displays, please visit our large showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

Introducing Bushboard Bathroom & Shower Wall Panels

July 25, 2018

For style, practicality and ease, Bushboard Nuance wall panels are the perfect way to bring panache to your bathroom. The Bushboard shower wall panels are extremely versatile and, with a choice of textures, colours and finishes, allow you to create a luxurious look, at a sensible price.

Luxury shower room featuring Nuance Turin marble effect wet wall panels

As a chic and low-maintenance alternative to tiles, the Bushboard bathroom wall panels are 100% waterproof and cleverly designed to fit together without the need for metal joining, corner profiles or grout lines, creating a seamless finish that doesn’t attract dirt or lime scale.

Easy to install wet wall panels

Nuance Calacatta Staturio white marble effect wet wall panels installed in a shower

Bushboard wall panels are exceptionally easy to install and look after, offering a far less time-consuming wall covering for any wet room or new bathroom. Simple to cut and clean, they just slot together to give you a gorgeous and stylish finish. As well as working beautifully in any domestic bathroom, shower room or wet room, Bushboard wall boards are the perfect choice for commercial refurbishment and fit-out projects, where there are tight deadlines and flexibility is needed for quick installation. They can also be installed over just about any surface, including existing tiles.

Guaranteed style and glamour

Luxury bathroom featuring travertine and wood effect bathroom wall cladding

Available in a fabulous selection of styles, colours, textures and sizes, you’ll find the perfect bathroom wall cladding for any kind of décor – from traditional to contemporary. The Bushboard collection includes delightful wood effect wall panels, such as Driftwood, which flawlessly mimics the beauty of real wood, with delicate knots and grains in a stunning pewter grey colour. For timeless charm, the exquisite range of stone effect wall panels offers a variety of reproductions, in an array of wonderful tones. The luxurious marble effect wall panels bring instant elegance to any bathroom, from the dark hues of ‘Noir’ to the glorious white with grey veins of Calacatta Statuario. And, all Bushboard bathroom wall panels are covered by a 15-year guarantee, so you can be assured of a high-end look that will last.

Exceptionally versatile

Seamless bathroom wall panels in travertine effect from the Nuance collection by Bushboard

The Bushboard bathroom panels can be used in a variety of ways to bring sophistication to any bathroom or wet room. You can create a stylish splashback around the shower or toilet area, create a feature wall for a statement-making centrepiece, and even make vanity countertops, bath casings and sink casings for a wonderfully seamless style. The possibilities are endless and the luxurious look is outstanding.

Visit our showroom in Wareham, Dorset, where you can see our Bushboard Nuance wall panel displays and see samples of all the styles available. We can also install your panels for you if you want us to.

Creating Bathrooms for the Elderly That Are Safe & Stylish

June 27, 2018

With 18% of the UK population now aged 65 or over, ensuring that our homes are suitable for old age has become increasingly important. A critical concern for many elderly people is to continue to live comfortably and safely in their own home for as long as possible. But did you know that 20% of adults today find difficulty in everyday tasks such as personal care and this often goes unchecked and unremedied?

A bathroom created by Room H2o for a disabled customer in Dorset by Room H2o

We need to make sure that our bathrooms are adapted for the changing needs of our families and that bathroom aids for the elderly, including bath seats for the elderly and walk in showers for the elderly, are a priority within this so that the older generation can see out their golden years in comfort and style.

Room H2O suggests a few practical ways below in which you can make your bathroom a safer and easier place to manage as you, or a family member, ages.

An accessible bathroom layout

There are several space-specific factors to consider where accessible bathrooms for the elderly are concerned:

  • Where does the bathroom open out to (e.g. a hallway or bedroom) and is there enough space to manoeuvre a walking frame or wheelchair?
  • Is the doorway wide enough for an older person with impaired mobility to enter and exit comfortably?
  • Is the layout easily accessible e.g. is the shower placed straight in front of the doorway so it’s easy to get to without negotiating corners and turns? Is there enough room between the toilet and the wash basin for legs and/or a walking frame or the addition of a support frame?
  • Are the bathroom suite products chosen and positioned with care e.g. is there any need for a floating sink so that a wheelchair can fit underneath or a swing skin that can be moved away from the wall? Is there any need for a lavatory or bath with an adjustable height so that it’s easier to access?

Plans for and easy access disabled bathroom by Room H2o for a customer in Dorset

If executed by a skilled and experienced bathroom design company such as Room H2o, you could have an accessible bathroom that has as much style as any regular bathroom while considering comfort and safety for all. It’s possible to make your facilities suitable for the entire family, from young children to elderly relatives, and we can show you how we will achieve your vision with our in-house CAD bathroom design software.

Strike it safe with bathroom lighting

Good lighting in any bathroom is essential. Dim or insufficient illumination that hides potential trip and slip hazards makes accidents less avoidable and more likely. Make sure the lighting is bright and consistent, particularly around the toilet, hand basin and shower/bath areas. You could even consider adding low level floor lighting to these key areas to provide extra clarity.

This does not mean that functionality has to supersede flair, as well as the choice of cool (white-toned) crisp lighting and warm (yellow-toned) subtle lighting options that compliment your interior design theme you can opt for mood-lighting (including lights of different colours, contrasts and tempos) in and around the bath or shower to aid the relaxation of the bathing ritual.

You should also consider light switches, are they easy for those with impaired mobility to reach and operate? Trends are leaning towards lights with motion sensors, which are not always ideal for those who may be seated for extended periods, and large wall pads with an easy click on and off without strain.

Bathroom mirrors and shelving solutions with built-in border or back lighting can add seamless style as well as extra light while LED ceiling spot lights can add a good overall natural-light feel to brighten smaller or darker spaces that do not benefit from windows or a sky-light.

Consider a walk-in bath or walk-in shower

This luxury walk-in shower provides easy access for disabled or elderly people

Traditional baths have high sides, which can be tricky for people with limited mobility or balance issues to get in and out of. And, while useful short-term, bathtub steps for the elderly are not always the ideal future-proofing solution. Both height-adjustable baths and walk-in baths both are available as excellent alternatives.

While adjustable baths can be lowered to a more manageable step-up height, walk-in baths can be entered at ground-level and then, once the door is shut, filled to temperature. But the water will need fully draining before you can get back out of the bath. Bath seats for the elderly are also a wonderful solution for those who can’t submerge but still enjoy a good soak.

Those who would still like the occasional use of a bath with the more regular use of a shower for everyday ablutions, should consider a modern ‘shower bath’ options. A bath/shower can be fitted with a semi-frameless or frameless glass shower enclosure to make access easier. These modified designs provide adequate room for you and a carer to assist, if required.

Even a small change, such as installing a slim shower tray, will help keep the floor level and minimise tripping hazards. We can also fit shower seats for the elderly complete with foot rests, making things more comfortable if you have difficulty standing for any length of time. Shower chairs or stalls could be wall-mounted for extra stability or foldable to save space when not in use.

Remember, Room H2o are specialists in made-to-measure shower enclosures so we can design and install a walk in shower for the elderly to suit your exacting requirements and budget.

Those with limited mobility may want to consider the installation of a complete wet room – this comprises a fully waterproof level tiled floor throughout the bathroom with no ledges or trip hazards. Most contemporary wet rooms are suitable for individuals who need wheelchair access or require a shower seat on wheels.

In terms of the shower itself, it’s best to opt for a shower hose with a longer length and to have a shower head fitted on a riser, rather than in a fixed position, and on a side wall that’s easier to reach when seated. The ability to adjust or even remove the shower head means that it can used when standing or seated.

Slip-resistant bathroom floor coverings

Slip resistant black floor tiles in a wet room shower

The most obvious and important aspect of any bathroom is the floor. Remember, there is no such thing as anti-slip flooring for bathrooms. Whether you choose vinyl, porcelain tiles or natural stone make sure that you choose one which has a high degree of slip-resistance – wet or dry. Textured finishes, such as matt or brushed, are best and something like a porcelain tile that has a high water-resistance is good too. The tiling professionals at our sister company UK Tiles Direct can advise you on the best choice of slip-resistant flooring as a bathroom aid for the elderly.

The addition of an extractor fan is also good to reduce the level of ambient moisture in the bathroom during and after use. Less condensation, especially on the floor, means less chance of a slip hazard. Don’t use any rugs or mats which do not have a slip resistant backing and keep carpeting to a minimum for maximum hygiene and ease of negotiating a wheelchair or walking frame around. Underfloor heating is an excellent way to keep damp bathroom floors dry but it’s not always suitable for use with vinyl floor coverings so take this into careful consideration when choosing a surface that will tick all your boxes for practically and safety.

Use of different types, finishes, colours or patterns of floor covering could help the visually-impaired to navigate their way around the different areas of the bathroom with more ease. Eyesight often deteriorates with age and it’s not always practical to shower with your specs on!

Stylish grab rails for the elderly and accessible toilets

Stylish stainless steel grab rails installed in a shower by Room H2o in Dorset

For many older people moving from standing to sitting, or vice versa, can be difficult. This is a particular problem with modern toilets, which can be quite low to the ground. Consider replacing your facilities with a raised toilet, available in a range of stylish designs and colours and in heights from 390 mm to 460 mm. Alternatively, a lavatory with an adjustable height could be a good option.

Grab rails positioned at strategic points in the shower, bathtub or around the toilet are a must for an accessible bathroom or washroom. Modern designs with stylish finishes, such as chrome or stainless steel, which match taps and towel rails avoid the functional ‘hospital’ look while contrasting metals alongside concrete or stone-effect tiles could add an urban-chic to your overall bathroom design.

For more information, ideas or to view our selection of safe luxury bathroom displays simply contact us or visit the Room H2O Bathroom and tile showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

Afford Your Dream Bathroom With Interest Free Credit At Room H2O

May 30, 2018

Room H2o is proud to now offer 0% finance on all bathroom and shower product transactions of £500 or more with a 10% down-payment. You could visit our Dorset showroom and leave knowing your dream bathroom will be winging its way to you without the risk of paying more and waiting longer.

Luxury modern bathroom with dark wood vanity unit and walkin shower enclosure

You know that fabulous Drench DECO Black Shower Screen has been calling to you. Wouldn’t that sleek Fiora Silex Low Profile Shower Tray be just the ticket? The Alessa Period Freestanding Bath still looks divine… It’s no use, you need to dive in and create that dream bathroom! Now you can without draining your bank account thanks to our new interest free credit (0% APR representative) option for orders of £500 and over.

Interest free credit banner

Whether you’re living in a town house in Bournemouth, you’re renovating a seaside chalet in Swanage or you’re about to buy a New Forest lodge in Brockenhurst, the perfect bathroom will be one of your top priorities. It’s the place where we prepare for the day ahead and wash off our worries as the sun goes down – this should be your haven and have everything you need, no expense spared. But we appreciate that not everyone has the cash handy to pop out to a bathroom showroom like ours and buy an entire new suite, fixtures, fittings and all.

This is where our friends at Omni Capital come in. When you visit our showroom and apply for 0% finance, they’ll provide your credit decision in a matter of seconds. Once accepted, all we ask is that you pay a small deposit on the day and agree to pay the balance over twelve or twenty-four months – whichever you agree.

It’s not just bathroom and shower products that are up for grabs, our sister company UK Tiles Direct is offering the same deal on their tile collections and tiling products. This means, when you visit our Dorset Showroom, you could walk out with everything you need for your perfect bathroom – plus all the tiles and trimmings that go with it – and have up to two years to pay the balance. Not bad, huh?!

UK Tiles Direct website

For more information about Room H2o’s interest free credit for bathroom and shower products, please contact us. To find out more about UK Tiles Direct’s similar offering, check out their website.

Why We Are Shower Enclosure Experts

April 25, 2018

At Room H2o we pride ourselves on our extensive levels of expertise when it comes to shower enclosures. From our survey and shower installation services, to our shower enclosure design, we help our customers create the perfect shower experience, with a service that’s second to none.

Large industrial style black shower enclosure with grid style glass by Room H2o

Survey and shower installation

Often, space constraints don’t allow for standard, ‘off-the-shelf’ shower enclosures, and awkward angles such as in loft conversions can require more complex solutions. With our survey and shower door installation expertise, we can help you create the perfect made to measure shower – whether you just want a site survey by one of our expert technicians or a survey with installation too.

Room H2o shower technician measure for a bespoke shower enclosure

Our head technician, James Foster, has 20 years’ experience of both standard and bespoke showers and has specialised in bespoke frameless glass showers for the last decade. Available in Greater London, Berkshire, Bucks, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex, our professional shower installation and survey service can help you transform any space into a luxurious shower.

Bespoke shower design service

Using the latest in 3D shower design software, alongside our knowledge, experience and technical ability, we can design a completely bespoke shower enclosure – from highly stylish and contemporary grid showers to made to measure shower trays, with easy access showers in between.

A design for a large frameless glass shower enclosure created by Room H2o

We know that sometimes our customers are looking for something innovative or unusual. While a shower needs to be practical, it doesn’t have to be boring. Adding personality and character to your shower enclosure, with our made to measure solutions, means you can create the ultimate indulgent experience.

Frameless loft shower enclosure with large angled side panel by Room H2o

We’re specialists in disability and easy access showers, creating stunning bathrooms to offer both practicality and style. We take time to understand the individual – and often changing – needs of our customers, so our shower design service ensures functionality for both now and in the future.

Innovative shower products

We offer the most up-to-date products, from a variety of manufacturers, including the revolutionary Drench Showers, which perfectly combine the demands of both comfort and style, to create a luxurious addition to any bathroom or wetroom.

A black Drench walkin shower enclosure with white Fiora shower tray

Our own exclusive brand of frameless made to measure shower screens offers stunning solutions. Each is individually manufactured, to the highest quality, to meet your own specific requirements, and can be engineered to fit into virtually any area – from indulgent walk-in showers to angled shower enclosures where space is tight or awkward.

A large frameless shower enclosure with gold fittings in a wetroom by Room H2o

We also have a stunning range of coloured standard and made to measure shower trays, offering the perfect bespoke finishing touch to your shower enclosure. Exceptionally strong, our shower trays come in a choice of three finishes and eight gorgeous colours (or any RAL colour for an extra charge).

A made to measure slim shower tray in rich sand colour with cut away side by Room H2o

A comprehensive service

Our customer service and project management is unrivalled. We’ll look after your complete shower or wetroom project for you – from measuring and specification, to design and shower installation. And, whether you want a standard shower or a made to measure enclosure, you’ll always get the same top-quality service from us.

We undertake projects in both domestic and commercial settings and always strive to offer fast turnaround, alongside our highly competitive prices. We also offer finance on all shower enclosures, shower trays and bathroom products (excluding survey and installation costs).

To view our fabulous range of shower enclosures, or to discuss your bespoke project, please contact us or visit our large showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

The Must Have 2018 Bathroom Design Trends

January 23, 2018

Over the coming months, we’re set to see some exciting new interior design trends influencing bathroom ideas and styling all around the home. The ‘urban luxe’ blend of contemporary and vintage is going to continue its rise in popularity, alongside bold new pattern and colour ideas and some new twists on old classics.

Colours

Luxury bathroom featuring earth toned split face stone tiles with beige and chocolate brown wall tiles

Earthy shades and warm neutrals will reign for bathrooms this year, with designers embracing shades of brown, beige and cream. Grey maintains its standing as a highly popular choice, but we’ll see warmer shades emerging, alongside tones of rust, tobacco, brown-black, berry red and burnt yellow. Sparkle still has a place in 2018 interior design trends, with metal grey and gold being used to both enhance and balance modern colour schemes.  The industrial look, currently so popular, will drive alternatives to chrome for brassware and show screens, with black particularly popular and the trend for grid style shower enclosure set to continue.

Finishes

This luxury bathroom features Porcel-Thin matt stone effect porcelain tiles with gold taps and mirror

Powerful without being overwhelming, matte tiles and accessories are set to be big this year, for both style and practicality in busy bathrooms and wet rooms, although glossy finishes will still hold their own. We’ll also see the two combined, bringing understated elegance and dramatic sophistication together to create a captivating effect. Metallics carry on shining with copper and bronze being high on style and perfect for adding warmth and elegance to contemporary bathrooms – from fixtures and fittings to tiles and accessories, these fabulous metals are a must-have for the coming year.

Materials

Polished concrete bathroom worksurface

Super-chic hotels and restaurants are featuring novelty sinks and these are now starting to make their way into the trendiest of homes, too. Interior design themes will see stainless steel and white sinks being replaced by concrete, stone, copper and granite ones. Concrete is the ultimate choice for the most up-to-the-minute bathroom in terms of accessories, wall coverings, countertops and tiles too, proving the industrial trend is here to stay. Natural stone will continue to be a stylish element of all modern interior designs, encompassing marble, granite and pebbles in everything from flooring to unique carved designs. And accessories will be showcased in gorgeous tones of leather, faux leather, suede and chenille.

Tiles

Burlington graphite stone effect floor tiles create a dramatic effect in this trendy cafe

With the industrial look and nature-inspired interiors being so prominent this year, concrete, wood, marble and natural stone-effect tiles will remain popular. When it comes to wood-effect tiles, we’ll see hues of deep, chocolate brown and, following on from last year’s much-loved herringbone pattern, chevron tiles will be making a stage for themselves in 2018 bathroom design trends. Previously you may have just opted for one material-effect tile, but this year’s creative interior designs will bring them together for a stunning contrast. The mix and match theme will also see matte and gloss tiles, of the same colour, being combined for an amazing light-shimmering effect. Patterned tiles aren’t going anywhere either, as the vintage revival continues to dominate, and textured surfaces and multi-sized tile layouts are growing in popularity, for fabulous statement walls and floors in ultra-chic bathrooms.

For more inspirational ideas, and to find out more about our bathroom design and bathroom installation services, please visit our showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

Endless Possibilities for Awkward Spaces With Room H2o’s Custom Showers

December 14, 2017

Just because you don’t have a large bathroom or you have awkward beams or angles to contend with, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a stylish and luxurious shower enclosure.

Frameless shower enclosure with angled panel for a loft conversion in Crydon by Room H2o

With our range of custom made frameless showers, you can indulge in a magnificent shower, no matter what the size or shape of your bathroom. From a loft shower in an en-suite to an end of bath shower, our custom showers are designed so you can enjoy a functional and stunning experience.

Bespoke frameless shower design

At Room H2o we’re experts in the design, manufacture and installation of custom showers. We can make a fabulous shower enclosure to fit in what may appear to be the most awkward of spaces. Low or sloping ceilings, beams and structural features in bathrooms can all restrict the ability to fit a standard shower door, screen or enclosure. But, with our frameless shower enclosures, we can create a stylish shower in virtually any space.

Frameless bathscreen with fixed and angled hinged panel for a loft conversion Thames Ditton

We design and produce exclusive bespoke frameless shower doors, enclosures and wetroom screens, using state-of-the-art shower design software. Each one is precision manufactured so it needs little or no adjustment. Each features 10mm thick glass, exceptionally high-quality hinges, braces and brackets, and discrete sealing profiles to deliver a stunningly minimalistic appearance. Individually manufactured to your own specific requirements, we can create a custom shower that’s perfectly tailored to your needs and the space you have available.

Small showers and showers for awkward spaces

Some of our most popular custom showers are angled panels and enclosures for loft conversions, a well as end of bath shower enclosures, for creating a full shower in the space at the end of a bath. This usually involves a half-height side panel on the end of the bath, to separate it from the shower.

Frameless shower with dwarf side panel created by Room H2o in the space at the end of a bath

We have unrivalled expertise in designing, manufacturing and installing custom showers for all kinds of awkward spaces including sloping walls with a skylight in loft conversions and around beams and other features in period properties. Usually (but not always) when we design a custom shower, a made-to-measure shower tray will be required too, and we can manufacture custom shower trays in a wide selection of colours and sizes to perfectly complement your frameless shower – from angled and square cut outs to bespoke widths and lengths.

A custom made shower tray with cut away corners produced for Conceptual Homes in Poole Dorset by Room H2o

Custom showers are complex structures, which need precision measuring and manufacturing. This is why we always recommend our measuring and installing services, although we’re also able to manufacture a frameless shower to your own measurements and deliver for you to install yourself if you want to.

To find out more about our how our custom showers can create a luxurious experience in any space, please contact us.

Leaking Shower in Wareham Solved with Made-to-Measure Shower Tray

November 28, 2017

When Mr Smith approached us recently for help with a leaking shower base in his wetroom, we offered the perfect solution with a stylish and ultra-slim made-to-measure shower tray from Fiora.

Leaking shower solved with new flat shower tray and tiling

Built in the 1930s, the property in Wareham, was originally a bungalow and then the roof was raised around five years ago to make a chalet bungalow. Unfortunately, when the work was undertaken the beams weren’t put at the right height, meaning the wetroom had to be built as best as it could. Fast forward a few years and the shower started to leak through to the hallway.

Original wetroom floor that had been leaking water onto the floor joists belowDamage to floor joists caused by a leaking shower in a wetroom

 

Transforming the leaking shower

The Fiora made to measure shower trays can be custom made in widths of between 600mm and 2000mm, and can be angled and have square cut outs. So, we knew this would be the ideal solution to Mr Smith’s leaking shower tray problem.

Repaired bathroom floor following a leaking showerNew made to measure shower tray for a wetroom by Room H2o

 

Steve Armour of Room H2o took on the project, which took a total of five days to complete. Mr Smith chose the stunning Fiora Silex Extra Flat shower tray in the gorgeous Nature Cerene tone. The extra flat shower tray measures just 30mm thick and has a sleek, square waste grate. To perfectly complement the made to measure shower tray, we installed a fabulous Elite walk-in easy access shower enclosure from Crosswater. This stylish frameless enclosure helped to completely transform the tired, dated wet room, with its leaking shower tray, into a luxurious and highly stylish walk-in shower experience.

New Simpsons Elite walk-in shower enclosure installed in a wetroom by Room H2o

Bespoke shower trays are the perfect solution for awkward spaces

Made-to-measure shower trays are ideal for any wetroom, in particular those in tight spaces or with awkward angles. The beautiful ultra-slim shower trays from Fiora come in a vast array of fabulous colours and effects, including smooth, slate and brick, and the customised options allow you to transform any size bathroom into a place of style and indulgence.

Made to measure shower tray with cut away corner in caramel colour by Room H2o

The Kerakoll range of tile grouts and sealants

Mr Smith chose and supplied us with tiles for the project, so we selected the finest products from the Kerakoll range for installing them. We used the Kerakoll Fugabella Eco tile grout, which is flexible, waterproof and scratch resistant, in Jasmin colour, to complement the tiles. This grout has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it ideal for bathrooms and wetrooms, and has a high resistance to dirt. To seal the shower enclosure and made to measure shower tray, we used Kerakoll’s Fugabella AM silicone sealant, which is a solvent-free, anti-mould organic sealant, with high levels of elasticity, also in Jasmin.

Mr Smith was thrilled with not only having the problem of his leaking shower tray solved, but also the transformation of his shower enclosure and the quality of Room H2o’s work. He said on his Google review: “Excellent quality work and service. Will use them again if the need arises.”

Can we help with your shower or new bathroom?

To find out more about the Fiora made to measure shower tray collection, and to view our bathroom displays and tile collections from some of the leading brands in luxury bathroom design, visit our extensive showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

Make Your Bathroom a Safer Place For Old Age

October 24, 2017

With nearly 11 million people now aged 65 or over ensuring that our homes are suitable for old age is becoming increasingly important. Being able to continue to live comfortably and safely in their own home for as long as possible is a critical concern to many elderly people. One of the most essential elements in being able to do this is making sure that your bathroom is both safe and adapted for your changing needs.

Room H2O have put together a few practical ways in which you can make your bathroom a safer and easier place to manage as you, or a family member, ages.

This luxury large frameless shower enclosure features a level access wetroom floor and a shower seat perfect for elderly users

Bathroom lighting is important

Good lighting in any bathroom is essential. Dim or insufficient illumination makes accidents far more likely – hiding both trip and slip hazards. Make sure the lighting is bright and even, particularly around the toilet, hand basin and shower/bath areas.

Consider replacing your bath with an easy access shower

Traditional baths have high sides which can be tricky for people with limited mobility or balance issues. Replacing this with a semi-frameless or frameless glass shower enclosure makes access easier and provides adequate room for both you and a carer to assist, if required. Even a small change, such as installing a slim shower tray, will help.

Showers can also easily be fitted with seats, making things more comfortable if you have difficulty standing for any length of time. Elegant designs for these and foot rests mean a practical but stylish bathroom can be maintained.

For those who have severe access issues you may want to consider the installation of a complete wet room – this creates a level tiled floor throughout the bathroom with no ledges or trip hazards. This is most suitable for individuals who need wheelchair access.

In terms of the shower itself it’s best to have a shower head fitted on a riser, rather than in a fixed position. The ability to adjust or even remove the shower head, means that it can used when standing, seated or for hand washing.

For those who would still like the occasional use of a bath consider fitting one of the modern ‘shower bath’ options, with a built in door for easy access and a discreet shower screen.

Slip resistant bathroom floor coverings

The most obvious and important aspect of any bathroom is the floor. Remember: there is no such thing as anti-slip flooring for bathrooms. Whether you chose vinyl, tiles or natural stone make sure that you choose one which has a high degree of slip resistance – wet or dry. Texture finishes are best. Do not use any rugs or mats which do not have a slip resistant backing.

Underfloor heating is an excellent way to keep damp bathroom floors dry but is not always suitable for use with vinyl floor coverings.

Fitting an extractor fan is also a good idea to reduce the level of ambient moisture in the bathroom during and after use. Less condensation, especially on the floor, means less chance of a slip hazard.

Stylish hand rails and convenient adapted toilets

For many older people moving from standing to sitting, or vice versa, can be difficult. This is especially the case with modern toilets which can be quite low to the ground. Consider replacing with a modern raised toilet, available in a range of stylish designs and colours, in heights from 390 mm to 460 mm.

Hand rails positioned at strategic points in the shower or around the toilet are vital. Modern designs with stylish finishes, such as chrome or stainless steel, which match taps and towel rails avoid the functional, ‘hospital’ look.

For more information, ideas or to view our selection of safe luxury bathroom displays simply contact us or visit the Room H2O Bathroom and tile showroom in Wareham, Dorset.

A Colourful Future For Shower Enclosures?

October 24, 2017

Word famous designer, Giorgio Armani, once said, “The difference between style and fashion is quality”. Whilst he may have been thinking primarily about clothes it’s a statement which holds true for many things: not least of which being the increasing popularity of coloured shower screens.

Looking back to the early 2000’s shower enclosures were almost exclusively only available with polished silver, white or occasionally gold frame around a clear, patterned or frosted glass. Whilst polished silver with clear glass shower enclosures remained a popular choice they were joined in popularity by the frameless or semi-frameless shower screens – utilising slightly thicker glass to offset the lack of framework.

Recently advances in both technology and changing tastes have seen somewhat of a renaissance in the ‘traditional’ options of polished metal, such as bronze, or plain white shower enclosures. Today, matt painted blacks, whites and a large range of varied metal finishes, such as antique gold, bronze or brushed stainless steel shower enclosures are adding to the choices available.

However, rising quickly in popularity a newcomer is starting to make its presence increasingly felt: the coloured shower enclosure.

Whilst innovation and changing tastes can always be relied upon to bring new styles and looks to a market this current trend in abandoning the older gold, white or stainless steel shower enclosures can be traced back to the introduction of coloured shower trays by manufacturers such as Fiora. Most recently, the launch of their ‘Box’ coloured shower wall panels – designed to match the colour of their shower trays – has stimulated the shower enclosure market.

It seems likely that rather than being a simple fad the increasing popularity of coloured shower screens marks a significant trend toward increased customisation – with an ever widening choice available to consumers and bathroom designers. So, what options might we see in the future?

Certainly, both frameless and semi-frameless shower enclosures, featuring the traditional polished meta finishes will continue to be popular – Not everyone is enamoured with the idea of solid black shower screens! However, with an ever growing choice of colours and finishes available premium framed shower enclosures may well see a resurgence in popularity due to designers and shower enclosure manufacturers embracing new methods to drive creativity.

Whilst powder coating will undoubtedly enable customers to match their shower enclosure to a specific colour scheme, as with tiles and shower trays, metal spraying technology will also feature strongly. The ability to offer a wide range of metallic finishes and hues could well invigorate the market for bronze, gold or simple stainless steel shower enclosures again.

Naturally, it seems likely that it won’t just be the colour or finish of the frame which changes when it comes to showers – but also the glass itself. Whilst, coloured glass has been available some time the current trends point strongly to this becoming a much more popular option – after all why not have blue glass to match the frame and tray of your new enclosure?

To us it looks clear that the future colours and styles of shower screens will be far from a black and white choice.