Are Matki shower enclosures really the best?

[mtfasuncion]

I want to replace the bath in my tiny bathroom with a simple corner shower. I want a base 70cm x 1200cm and a single glass wall. Mumsnetters have recommended Matki, but they do not seem to have a small enough version. Has anyone used their bespoke bathroom service?
John Lewis have small shower enclosures in the same price range as Matki (£900 and rising, shock horror). Do their showers last as well as Matki ones?
Or any other suggestions for something that will look good for a long time? Don't want to do this again for a while.

[LoveGigi]

I have a suspicion that KUDOS make JL enclosures. The one I was looking at was 100% identical in every detail. (kudos infinite 900 bi fold) Other good brands to look at are Kudos and Aqata and possibly Merlyn. Kudos and Aqata re British made and Merlyn are make in Ireland. I did in the end go for a Matki one but it was close.

[mtfasuncion]

Thanks LoveGigi. I will check out the brands you mention.
Is anti-limescale coating standard on all these, do you know?

[LoveGigi]

Yes with these brands it comes as standard. But always please double check.

[kissedbyamoonbeam]

I have one of these shower cubicles. Was already installed when we bought. It's no more special than any other shower cubicle. I have used Victoria plumb for 3 bathrooms now. My latest cubicle from them is gorgeous. Never had a screw missing or a problem with quality.

[Kitsmummy]

We had a Matki enclosure...looked gorgeous, good quality but the plastic strip which stopped water leaking was badly designed and ended up grotty and mouldy and you had to repeatedly take it right off to clean it. I don't have that proble with my Merlyn shower in my new house.

[LizzieMacQueen]

What Matki do (that few others could match) is a really thick glass as standard.

That's what gives it it's 'quality' feel IMO.

[mtfasuncion]

Thanks, kissedbyamoonbeam. I want something that won't look cloudy in a few years' time.

[mtfasuncion]

Hi Kitsmummy. The mouldy bits don't sound good. Do you think it might be the way it was installed or is it definitely a design fault? I'm a bit worried as I am working with more of a handyman than a plumber.

[mtfasuncion]

Hi LizzieMacQueen. Is that 10 mm glass? I think I might be happier with thick glass, as I want only one wall, with the minimum of obvious support.

[Kitsmummy]

Hi, it definitely wasn't an installation problem...it was the plastic seal that fitted onto the bottom of the glass door (it as a hinged door rather than a sliding one), we could remove to clean but it was a bit of a ballache and then the end of it broke off (sorry, hard to explain), just a slightly duff design I think

[mtfasuncion]

Thanks, charleybarley. Will check out Roman, not heard of them before

[mtfasuncion]

Kitsmummy, I want a plain glass wall, so there shouldn't be any removable parts? I am assuming the wall will slot into the shower tray. And I want to put Mermaid panels on the back of the shower, to avoid mouldy grouting between tiles. I never want to see mould again in my bathroom after this venture. Am I kidding myself?

[Schmoochypoos]

Kitsmummy we have had the same problem. The end has snapped off ours too.

[iseenodust]

We've had a Matki for 11years and the glass is in great condition (live in an area of very hard water). Would buy again as proven value for money.

[Needmoresleep]

The plumbers merchant the builder uses is insistent that Simpsons are just as good as Makti and cheaper. I don't feel like arguing with the builder so have given in. We shall see.

[mupperoon]

We have a Simpsons shower enclosure with 10mm glass, it's lovely!

[Deux]

We have a Matki shower, enclosure and tray.

I would buy the tray and enclosure again but I would never buy their shower again. We've had to have replacement valves, drain, hose and drain cover.

We've had all sorts of problems with it. Next time I'd go for Grohe or Aqualisa shower.

If you do go with Matki make sure your register your guarantee within 30 days.

Their customer service department is very good I've found. I'd suggest you ring them and ask them your question.

[mtfasuncion]

Thanks, everyone, for all the information. In a bit of a panic about all this as I want nice fittings that will last, without wasting money. Checked out Tons of Tiles, and they have great stuff, much, much cheaper than Fired Earth. Waiting for samples to arrive now. Only tiling the floor and going for shower panels and F&B modern emulsion for walls and ceilings.

[Needmoresleep]

I'm a landlord with property in central London and put a couple of Aqualisa showers in in the last couple of years. They look good, I've not had any problems, and tenants have been very positive.

Do you live near a Worlds End Tile Showroom. If so go round the back to their trade counter and ask if they have any end of line stock. Unless you are looking for something specific its almost easier as there is less choice.

I hate the 'shopping' part, and bathrooms are as hard as kitchens.

[ExtraHotLatteToGo]

70x1200?

Have you actually stood inside a shower enclosure that narrow?

That aside, everytime I found a shower base & enclosure I loved it was Matki. But I couldn't justify the expense on the current property. The one I bought in the end came from Eastbrook, with an Aqualisa shower. Its fine.

[justaweeone]

Hi we have just bought some shower panels and you really need to shop around as prices even for the same brand vary between retailers

[mtfasuncion]

ExtraHotLatteToGo, 1200x70 is the size of my bath. The plumber is taking it out and putting in a wet-room type tiled floor with a (Matki) glass panel. It won't be roomy but I think it might be OK? The bathroom is tiny, so I don't have much option.
justaweeone, seen lots of gloss white panels for half the price of Mermaid ones. The plumber seems to like pure plastic ones, not the ones bonded to what looks like plywood. Any advice?
Right, off to start a new thread on toilets, which to buy? Want a close-coupled small one. Advice welcome.

[mtfasuncion]

Needmoresleep, no World's End tile shop nearby. Ordering online and under my desk my at work is slowly filling up with tile samples as I keep changing my mind ... Choosing stuff is driving me mad. So tricky to fit everything into a small space, on a budget.