Bathroom Buying Guides

Not sure where to start? These quick guides cover the main things to check before you buy. For help with a specific product, call 0808 188 9058 or email sales@bathotileo.com.

Shower enclosures and trays

1. Measure the space wall to wall and check where the waste and water supply are.
2. Choose the door type: sliding doors suit small rooms, pivot and hinged doors open outwards, bi-fold doors fold back to save space.
3. Thicker glass (8mm) feels more solid, 6mm is lighter and usually lower cost.
4. Make sure the tray size matches the enclosure size exactly.

Baths

1. Standard baths are usually 1700 x 700mm, smaller rooms often suit 1500 or 1600mm.
2. Single ended baths have the taps at one end, double ended baths have central taps so you can lie back at either end.
3. Freestanding baths need space around them and a floor that can take the filled weight.
4. Steel baths are rigid and long lasting, acrylic baths are lighter and warmer to the touch.

Vanity units and basins

1. Wall hung units make a small room feel bigger, floor standing units give more storage.
2. Check the width (from 400mm cloakroom units up to 1200mm double units) and the depth against door openings.
3. Check whether the basin is included and how many tap holes it has.

Showers and taps

1. Check your water system and pressure first: combi boiler, gravity fed or unvented cylinder.
2. Thermostatic showers keep the temperature steady when other taps are used.
3. For taps, match the number of tap holes on your basin or bath.

Radiators and towel rails

1. Size the radiator by heat output (BTU or watts) for the room, not just by width.
2. Check the pipe centres if you are replacing an existing radiator.
3. Electric and dual fuel towel rails can heat the room when the central heating is off.