PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 22 BathroomProducts


What matters most when the budget is tight?


A lower cost bathroom should not mean having to compromise on quality. Gavin McGarry, technical director at Sonas Bathrooms, looks at what can be achieved on a tight budget.


T


he pressure on household fi nances continues to infl uence spending decisions, but that


hasn’t stopped homeowners from investing in their bathrooms. According to MyBuilder’s 2026 Renovation Nation Report, 26% of UK homeowners say the current economic climate and high mortgage rates make them more likely to renovate their existing property rather than relocate. Among those aged 18-34, this rises to 53%. Customers are looking for


products that off er lasting value, reliable performance, and a modern appearance, all while keeping a close eye on costs. For installers, this means making product choices that balance budget requirements with long- term quality. Products that are easy to


install and designed to withstand everyday use can help prevent issues down the line while giving


Adjustable wall brackets for uneven surfaces


The Duplo One and Duplo S installation frame systems from Roca have been designed to be fi tted by a single person, saving time and labour on site. The Duplo frames have adjustable wall brackets to cope with uneven surfaces, while the Duplo S twist-and-lock cable technology enables fast, tool-free fl ush plate installation. Said to be a great alternative to fi ddly rod systems, the company says it’s a game-changing innovation for busy installers working to tight deadlines. Other highlights on the


company’s stand at the recent InstallerSHOW included a pre- launch preview of two new furniture collections. Designed to make the installer’s life easier, they come with Roca’s space- saving waste included, saving time on getting additional parts


The Sonas SELECT brochure includes a new ‘buy the pic bundle’, featuring all products from the company


customers confi dence that their investment will last. At Sonas Bathrooms, this


Gavin McGarry Technical director at Sonas Bathrooms


thinking is refl ected in our ‘Assured by Design’ philosophy, which focuses on developing products that combine quality and compliance while being design-led. Investing in rigorous


environmental and safety certifi cations, including WRAS approvals for brassware, industry-leading product warranties and the Unifi ed Water Label Association label, ensures that products are designed, developed, and tested with the intention of lasting a long time.


Availability matters Delays caused by stock shortages or sourcing products from


multiple suppliers can quickly impact installation schedules, making availability just as important as price. This idea underpins our


SELECT Trade Counter range. This range has been created to support merchants and installers with dependable products that are available when needed, giving them products that they can trust for every job. Working with a supplier that


can provide a broad range of bathroom products from a single source helps simplify ordering and reduce the risk of delays once a project is underway. After all, when a job is delayed, it takes longer and costs more, which can exceed the budget and negatively aff ect the customer relationship.


Practical solutions Many homeowners continue to take inspiration from current bathroom trends, but some are looking for practical ways to achieve these looks without exceeding their budget. Many of the styles gaining popularity right now, particularly spa- style suites inspired by natural materials and simple shapes, are built on minimalism rather than complexity. By recommending products


that complement one another and are designed to work as part of a wider bathroom scheme, installers can create a polished result while keeping costs under control. And, in the event that issues do arise, there is just one point of contact to liaise with, thereby reducing the time it takes to resolve the problem and off ering their customers a quick solution.


Simple selection With so many products available, specifi cation can quickly become complicated. Using a trade- focused brochure such as Sonas SELECT allows installers to source quality products from a single supplier, reducing the time spent comparing options and helping to streamline the ordering process. As customers continue to


look for value from their home improvement spending, product choice remains one of the most important tools available to installers. By selecting products that combine quality, availability and aff ordability, it is possible to deliver a bathroom that meets expectations and stands the test of time. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/45


Mix and match options for a modern look


The Focus 60 from Abode is said to off er everything needed to create a bathroom that is both modern and functional. Providing customers with ‘mix and match’ options, it includes contemporary mixer taps, stone and steel basins, fl oating basin shelves, LED mirrors and a collection of Uno accessories. Stand-out features include the Levarto deck


mounted tall basin mixer tap in matt black and the new Levarto fl oor standing bath/shower mixer, also in matt black. Available in chrome, matt black, and brushed brass, Uno accessories include 60cm single towel rails and modern toilet roll holders. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/47


and making the furniture faster and simpler to install. Casa is described as a practical


range of vanity units in modern slab styles, with options for doors or drawers to suit diff erent installation requirements. It also includes matching WC units for fl oorstanding back-to-wall toilets. Madera is a fl oorstanding,


traditional-style collection. The fl oorstanding design helps conceal pipework, reducing the need for additional boxing-in and speeding up installation time. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/46


Shower panel range now with more options


Available from Kudos, the Ultimate range of shower panels has been extended with warm brushed copper and contemporary brushed gunmetal grey profi les, available to order at the same price as chrome. Available as a comprehensive range of 8mm fl at


showering panels, it also now off ers the option of 10mm and 8mm curved glass panels too. Kudos also includes interconnectors that allow multiple glass panels to sit side by side to create larger enclosures and a mirrored décor panel too, while on-trend reeded glass panels were introduced earlier this year. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/48


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