PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 20 Showers & Enclosures


How to install doors with ease


Gavin McGarry from Sonas Bathrooms examines different shower door assembly types, focusing on how design choices impact installation efficiency.


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athroom installers are familiar with on-site frustrations, from working in tight spaces to dealing with uneven walls and coordinating with other trades. Installing shower enclosures can be particularly time-consuming, especially


when assembling the door beforehand, as multiple components and careful alignment add to the workload. There are typically three main types of shower door


assembly. Understanding the distinction between the three options is important as installation time and complexity of assembly differ significantly between them and can make a huge difference to the job at hand.


What are the three main shower door types and how are they different? Flat-pack doors are generally the first type that installers may encounter. These arrive as individual components that must be fully assembled on site, which involves fitting rollers, hinges and multiple moving parts before the door can be installed. Quick-fit or easy-fit doors are another option, which aim to reduce the number of installation steps by


The Aspect sliding door in brushed nickel from Sonus Bathrooms


Gavin McGarry Technical director at Sonas Bathrooms


partially assembling some elements in advance. These usually arrive with elements such as hinges, handles or magnetic seals already fitted to glass panels to help simplify installation. However, these still require installers to complete a number of assembly stages which will need to be factored into the installation. Pre-assembled doors are the


final type, where the door itself arrives already built and ready for installation. Rather than assembling the door first, the installer simply fits the completed door into the enclosure profiles.


10-year warranty


Unique lateral water flow system so your feet are not in stagnent water


Biolex material


Why does installation time matter? Every installer knows that bathroom projects rarely run exactly to schedule. Shower enclosures are often installed towards the later stages of a project, when time pressure is already building. Flat- pack doors can add to this pressure as they involve the most fuss before everything is correctly aligned by the final fix. Pre-assembled shower doors help


Cuttable tray


simplify this process. With much of the assembly being completed at the manufacturing stage, the result is a quicker, more straightforward fitting process that can help you stay on schedule.


Easy installation 3 colours


Crafted for comfort, designed for luxury – Your perfect shower tray awaits


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The Kinedo collection of shower trays offers a range of surfaces, colours, sizes and cuttable options to suit every bathroom. The Kinediva is added to our range of luxurious cuttable trays, bringing fresh new colours and a new sleek designer look.


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What is the benefit of having fewer components? Anyone who has installed a traditional enclosure will recognise the challenge of working with multiple small components, fittings and instructions while standing in a confined bathroom space. Pre- assembled doors help reduce this complexity. This has two practical benefits:


it reduces the number of steps required during fitting and it lowers the risk of parts being misplaced or incorrectly installed. Another important factor of shower


door installation is flexibility. Bathrooms rarely provide perfectly square walls or identical dimensions, so adjustability is essential when fitting enclosures. Many modern shower doors


are designed with adjustable wall


profiles that allow installers to accommodate uneven surfaces and slight variations in wall alignment. This flexibility can save valuable time during installation, particularly where walls may not be perfectly straight. Universally handed doors are


another feature installers appreciate. Instead of ordering separate left- and right-handed versions, these doors can be installed in either orientation, making them easier to work with on site and reducing the risk of ordering the wrong product.


How do pre-assembled doors reduce call-backs? All of the features, such as fewer components and installation ease, benefit efficiency during installation; however reliability after the job is completed is equally critical for installers and their reputation. A poorly performing shower door can quickly lead to call-backs, which cost installers both time and money. As pre-assembled doors are built


and tested during manufacturing, key components are aligned and fitted before the product ever reaches site. This controlled assembly process can help ensure smooth operation and consistent performance once installed. High-quality materials also play


an important role in long-term performance. Toughened safety glass and durable aluminium frames provide the strength required for everyday use, while quality fittings help ensure doors open and close smoothly over time. Designing with installers in mind is


essential for ensuring that bathrooms deliver from the point of installation. At Sonas, installers are considered at every stage of the new product development process, ensuring that new products make installation faster and simpler, whilst still being high quality. Pre-assembled doors follow this


same principle. By arriving already built, they allow installers to focus on fitting rather than assembling, helping to reduce installation time and the overall process. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/30


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