Best shower system for quality, longevity & men

[bacon]

Designing our downstairs bathroom which will be used mainly for the boys so it will need to be easy to clean, not scratch and overall look timeless.

Is the set tray system still the best? Taking into account that they will enter it muddy so little stones and scratching the surface. Wet rooms are good but I cant have a wet floor and a wall system will block the light.

If I put a double sized tray in what type is a good - ceramic base still the best and what about glass - I dont want to be scrubbing it and cleaning mould. If a glass panel goes in whats the best make and type to use?

I want a system thats easy to clean and look good year after year. Can you help?

ceramic ones are hard-wearing and resistant to cracking or flexing. Be sure to have a trap fitted that can be serviced from above and has a shield over the "plughole" to resist large detritus getting in.

the glaze will eventually be scatched if you are tramping stones into it, but it will last longer than plastic.

a rectangular tray gives more room and makes it less likely that the walls will be bumped. Get somerone experienced and skilful to fit the sealing strips and any silicone needed. It is easy to get it wrong. You will need a waterproof floor for getting out onto, and perhaps a wooden bench outside the cube.

I prefer two tiled walls if you can put it in a corner.

run the pipes to the mixer on the surface, not embedded in the wall, and have a surface mixer. Full-bore service valves above head height. It will makes repairs and replacements a breeze. A rectangular enclosure will give you room not to bump into it.

IMO Aqualisa make first-class mixers, heads and other shower parts.

btw don't forget a powerful extractor that vents through an outside wall and preferably comes on automatically with the light switch, with a timer overrun to defeat people who have an aversion to ventilation. It should not go directly above the shower enclosure, or in the wall above it, as electrical safety regulations are then much more stringent.

Fit a loo as well if you can.

Brilliant, some great tips here. Has anyone got feedback on quality shower doors?

When buying ceramic obviously the brands vary and price - again best brands for good quality.

PigletJohn - whats your opinion on panels in showers or other systems will standard tile grout get icky?

Yes, there will be a loo and sink - I am desperately searching e-bay for a Sanitan suite.

the less humid the room is, the less mould and mildew you will get.

I have little experience of shower panels