What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Concealed Shower?

One emerging trend that is set to really take off during 2024 is the concealed shower. Also known as a built-in shower or hidden shower, this is a sleek and minimalist design. Rather than a glass cubicle or a shower screen held in place with a wall channel, the concealed shower has a purpose-built space.

It can be difficult to decide whether a concealed shower or a more traditional exposed shower would work best for your bathroom. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each option. 

The advantages of a concealed shower

The concealed shower is just that: the valves and pipework are concealed within the wall, leaving just the showerhead visible for a sleek and uncluttered look. This creates a clean and contemporary aesthetic that enhances the overall appearance of the bathroom.

The design can work well in smaller bathrooms, as the hidden fixtures give the illusion of more space. The overall effect is modern and it is also easier to keep clean than a conventional exposed shower, with fewer awkward nooks and crannies to gather mould and mildew. 

This type of shower has customisable controls that can be set to maintain certain water temperature, operational times, and water pressure. This makes them safe and convenient for anyone to use. 

The drawbacks of a concealed shower

A concealed shower is more complicated to install, especially if it is being retrofitted to an existing bathroom. The plumbing and wall dismantling process will usually require professional installation and this will probably be more expensive than installing a regular shower. The upfront cost of this style of shower will also be higher. 

This type of shower installation is much more difficult to access should any repairs and maintenance be required. If any components need to be replaced, then the wall may need to be broken into and then restructured, adding to the costs and potentially damaging any tiling or other decoration.

Furthermore, it may be difficult to spot issues such as leaks or other failings in the early stages, meaning that the problem is not dealt with until a more serious problem has developed. 

Therefore, you should weigh up the pros and cons of a concealed shower carefully. If you are on a restricted budget and hoping to carry out the installation yourself, then a more convenient exposed shower solution will probably suit you best.

Exposed showers are much quicker and easier to install, and require a lower initial investment. Although they may be a little more difficult to keep clean, they are easier to repair and maintain should any faults develop. They can also be combined with an waterfall and handheld shower head, which may be more useful for families with children or dogs.