Geberit, Grohe, Aqualisa and Ideal Standard suites — taps, showers, toilets, accessories — in one catalogue.
A bathroom refurb breaks down at the joins. Mismatched flush plates from a different brand. A waste fitting with the wrong thread. A concealed cistern that doesn't fit the wall frame you ordered three weeks earlier. Every line item is a single-vendor purchase the moment a tradesperson opens the box and discovers it doesn't match.
This guide is built around brand-coherent bathroom sourcing — pick one of Geberit, Grohe, Aqualisa, or Ideal Standard for the suite, layer Aqualisa or Grohe for showers if the suite brand doesn't carry them, and order the whole thing from one supplier that already knows which fittings actually pair. Below: workflow, room-by-room BOMs, brand notes, cost banding by property type, and the UK compliance points your plumber and electrician will check.
If you'd rather skip to your stage, jump to brand selection, workflow, room-by-room BOMs, or compliance.
Refurbing a hotel or HMO instead of a residential property? Read the complete UK hotel and HMO refurb supply guide for the integrated cross-category workflow.
Why brand-coherent bathroom sourcing matters
Mismatched flush plates and threads
Geberit, Grohe, Ideal Standard and other suite manufacturers use proprietary fixing systems for concealed cisterns, frames, and flush plates. A Grohe flush plate won't fit a Geberit Sigma frame. A Geberit fixing pack won't drop into an Ideal Standard concealed cistern. Mixing brands at this level guarantees a snagging issue at second-fix that delays handover by 1–3 days while you source the correct part.
Brassware (taps, showers, valves) is more forgiving on threads — most use British Standard Pipe parallel (BSPP) ½-inch or ¾-inch — but accessory matching (hose clamps, escutcheons, finishes) still falls apart between brands. Standardise on one brand for the suite, one brand for the brassware, and you keep the snagging list short.
Lead-time risk on multi-vendor suites
The bottleneck on a typical bathroom refurb isn't the toilet — it's the concealed cistern, frame, and flush plate trio. These ship as a system from Geberit and Grohe; ordering them from three different vendors stretches the lead time to whichever vendor is slowest. Ordering them as one set from one supplier collapses that risk.
The same logic applies to thermostatic shower valves and matched shower heads. Aqualisa Quartz and Grohe Grohtherm series both ship with brand-matched accessories. Mixing breaks the warranty on most premium ranges.
Choose your suite brand
Most UK bathroom refurbs standardise on one of four brands. Pick by property tier and the type of work the bathroom needs to do.
Geberit — concealed plumbing leadership
Swiss-engineered, the strongest concealed cistern, frame, and flush plate ecosystem in the UK market. The standard choice for wall-hung toilets and minimalist contemporary bathrooms. Range covers Acanto, Smyle, iCon, Selnova, and Citterio. Pair with Geberit Sigma frames and flush plates for guaranteed compatibility.
Where Geberit wins: wall-hung suites, concealed cistern installs, shower toilets (Geberit AquaClean is best-in-class). Where it's weaker: bathroom taps and showers — most Geberit-led refurbs use Grohe or Aqualisa for brassware.
Browse Geberit full range, toilets, toilet seats, cisterns, flush plates, installation frames, shower toilets.
Grohe — taps and showers
German-engineered taps and showers with a deep mid-to-premium range. The most common choice for brassware on Geberit-led refurbs. Grohe BauEdge, Eurosmart, and Grohtherm series cover budget through to premium specs. Grohe also makes a complete sanitary range (Solido frames, Skate flush plates, Bau Ceramic toilets) that competes head-to-head with Geberit on integrated suites.
Where Grohe wins: brassware reliability, premium thermostatic shower valves, kitchen taps. Where it's weaker: rare-finish flush plates and bespoke ceramics — Geberit has more variety.
Browse Grohe full range, taps, basin taps, bath shower taps, kitchen taps, showering, shower valves, toilets.
Aqualisa — UK electric and digital showers
UK-made, the dominant brand for electric showers and digital/smart shower control. Where the property has limited mains pressure or no combi boiler, Aqualisa Quartz electric and pumped systems are the go-to. Aqualisa Quartz Touch and Quartz Blue Smart are the digital-control flagship ranges; Quartz Smart is the entry-level digital. Mixer showers in Visage and Lumi ranges cover non-electric installs.
Where Aqualisa wins: UK low-pressure electric installs, digital and smart control, thermostatic mixer showers. Where it's weaker: tap range is limited compared to Grohe or Geberit.
Browse Aqualisa full range, electric showers, complete showers, shower valves, pumps, shower rail kits.
Ideal Standard — value spec
UK-manufactured value range. The standard choice for budget-conscious specs, social housing, HMOs, and tight-budget hotel refurbs. Quality is solid for the price tier; matched ranges (Tesi, Connect Air, i.life) cover full bathroom suites. Ideal Standard's wall-hung systems are improving but Geberit still leads at the premium end.
Where Ideal Standard wins: cost per fitting, broad UK distribution, fast lead times. Where it's weaker: premium-finish brassware, smart shower control.
Browse Ideal Standard full range, toilets, toilet pans, toilet seats, flush plates.
Refurb workflow — what to specify, in what order
A typical bathroom refurb runs through six stages. The order matters because each stage's first-fix work locks in what later stages can install.
Stage 1 — Survey and water pressure check
Before specifying anything, two checks. Water pressure and flow rate at the inlet — most thermostatic showers need a minimum 1 bar dynamic pressure; Aqualisa pumped systems work below that. Existing soil stack and waste positions — these are expensive to move, so the bathroom layout often follows the existing waste rather than the other way around.
If you're switching from close-coupled to wall-hung toilets, the wall has to take the load — typically a steel frame fixed to studs or a load-bearing wall. The Geberit Duofix and Grohe Solido frames are the two standard options.
Stage 2 — Concealed cisterns and frames (first-fix)
Concealed cisterns and frames go in first because they're inside the wall before tiling. Geberit Sigma, Grohe Solido, or Ideal Standard ProSys are the three standard wall-frame systems. Order with the matching flush plate so the second-fix install drops in cleanly.
Browse cisterns, installation frames, flush plates, flush buttons.
Stage 3 — Sanitary ware (toilet, basin, bath or shower tray)
The visible ceramics. Wall-hung toilets pair with Stage 2 frames; close-coupled toilets are simpler and cheaper. Basin choice depends on countertop or pedestal styling. Bath versus shower tray is the design call.
Browse toilets, toilet pans, toilet packs, toilet seats, baths, shower trays, basins.
Stage 4 — Brassware (taps, showers, valves)
Basin tap, bath tap, shower valve, shower head, hand-held shower. Spec as a brand-coherent set — Grohe Eurosmart, Grohe BauEdge, Aqualisa Quartz, etc. Mixer or thermostatic? Thermostatic adds £50–£200 per shower but is a code requirement in many social-housing and care contexts.
Browse taps, basin taps, bath shower taps, kitchen taps, showering, electric showers, showers, shower valves, shower rail kits, fixed shower heads, handset shower heads.
Stage 5 — Electrical (shaver socket, extractor, demister, lighting)
Bathroom electrics live inside BS 7671 zones. Zone 0 (inside the bath/shower) and Zone 1 (above the bath/shower) require IP67 and IP44 minimum respectively. Zone 2 (within 0.6 m horizontal) needs IP44. Outside Zone 2 you can fit a standard shaver socket.
Spec: shaver socket (just outside Zone 2), IP44-rated extractor fan with humidity sensor, IP44-rated downlights or pendant in Zone 1 (often LED), and demister mirror or heating element in larger bathrooms.
Browse shaver sockets, downlights, light switches (pull-cord type for inside the bathroom).
Stage 6 — Accessories and finishes
Last stage before the bathroom is signed off. Towel rail, shower screen or rail, mirror, bin, hygiene-bag dispenser, soap dispenser, toothbrush holder. Match finishes to the brassware — chrome with chrome, brushed nickel with brushed nickel — or commit to a contrast finish on purpose.
Browse shower accessories, tap accessories, wastes, bathroom accessories, bathroom bins.
Spec sheets by room type
Bills of materials below are starting points. Adjust quantities and finishes to your spec.
Compact en-suite — full BOM
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-hung toilet + concealed cistern | 1 | Geberit Acanto or Grohe Bau Ceramic |
| Wall frame | 1 | Geberit Sigma 8 or Grohe Solido |
| Flush plate | 1 | Match brand and finish |
| Soft-close toilet seat | 1 | Brand-matched |
| Basin (countertop or wall-hung) | 1 | Grohe or Geberit |
| Basin tap (mixer) | 1 | Grohe Eurosmart or BauEdge |
| Shower tray (900x900) | 1 | Acrylic or stone resin |
| Thermostatic shower valve | 1 | Grohe Grohtherm or Aqualisa |
| Fixed shower head | 1 | 200–300mm |
| Handset shower head | 1 | Single-spray or multi-mode |
| Shower rail kit | 1 | Adjustable |
| Shaver socket | 1 | IP44, outside Zone 2 |
| Bathroom mirror | 1 | Demister optional |
| Bathroom bin | 1 | Pedal or sensor |
Family bathroom (with bath) — full BOM
Add to the compact en-suite:
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bath (1700x700 standard) | 1 | Grohe or Geberit |
| Bath shower mixer tap | 1 | Wall- or rim-mounted |
| Bath waste | 1 | Push-fit or pop-up |
| Heated towel rail | 1 | Chrome standard |
| Vanity unit / under-basin storage | 1 | Optional |
Cloakroom / WC — full BOM
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compact close-coupled toilet | 1 | Short projection (under 600mm) |
| Soft-close seat | 1 | |
| Cloakroom basin (300–400mm) | 1 | Wall-hung or countertop |
| Single-lever basin tap | 1 | Mini or compact size |
| Mirror | 1 | |
| Toilet roll holder, towel hook | 1 each |
Accessible bathroom (Approved Document M) — full BOM
Specifications below meet basic Approved Document M (Volume 1) accessibility requirements. Building Regulations may impose stricter Lifetime Homes or M(4)2 standards depending on the property.
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort-height toilet (450mm seat height) | 1 | With grab rail mounting points |
| Wall-mounted basin (lower mount, 720mm rim) | 1 | Open underneath for wheelchair access |
| Lever taps (no twist) | set | Long-lever single mixers |
| Walk-in shower (1200x900 minimum) | 1 | Level threshold or low tray |
| Thermostatic shower valve | 1 | Must include thermostatic for safety |
| Grab rails (chrome or white nylon) | 3+ | By WC, in shower, by bath |
| Folding shower seat | 1 | Wall-mounted |
| Shaver socket at lower height (1100mm) | 1 | |
| Pull-cord switch (for emergency) | 1 |
Wet room — full BOM
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wet-room former / tray-in-floor | 1 | Sloped to floor drain |
| Linear floor drain | 1 | Stainless or tile-insert |
| Tanking system / waterproof membrane | set | Mandatory for wet rooms |
| Thermostatic shower valve | 1 | Concealed install |
| Ceiling shower head or wall-mounted | 1 | Large rainshower (300mm+) |
| Handset shower | 1 | Diverter from main valve |
| Glass screen or panel | 1 | Or open layout |
| Wall-hung toilet + concealed cistern | 1 | Standard for wet rooms |
| IP44 extractor fan with humidity sensor | 1 | Continuous-run preferred |
Cost banding by property type
Indicative starting points only. Brand tier, finish, and tile spec move these up or down significantly.
Compact en-suite (single property)
- Sanitary ware (Geberit/Grohe wall-hung set + flush plate): £900–£1,800
- Brassware (Grohe BauEdge or Eurosmart): £400–£800
- Shower (mixer or thermostatic, basic to mid): £350–£900
- Electrical (shaver, extractor, lighting): £250–£500
- Accessories and finishes: £200–£400
- Total: £2,100–£4,400 (excluding labour, tiling, and cabinetry)
Family bathroom with bath (mid-spec)
- Sanitary ware (full Geberit or Grohe suite): £1,400–£2,500
- Bath + bath taps: £600–£1,400
- Shower (thermostatic, mid-spec): £600–£1,400
- Vanity unit: £400–£900
- Electrical: £350–£700
- Accessories: £300–£600
- Total: £3,650–£7,500 (excluding labour, tiling)
Premium suite (Aqualisa Quartz Smart, Grohe Allure, Geberit AquaClean)
- Sanitary ware (premium suite): £2,500–£5,000
- Smart shower (Aqualisa Quartz Smart): £1,200–£2,500
- Premium brassware (Grohe Allure or Atrio): £1,200–£2,500
- Electrical and lighting (smart): £600–£1,200
- Accessories: £500–£1,000
- Total: £6,000–£12,200 (excluding labour, tiling)
Wet room (residential or commercial)
- Wet-room former + drain + tanking: £600–£1,500
- Concealed brassware (thermostatic + ceiling head): £900–£2,500
- Toilet + cistern + flush plate: £400–£1,000
- Glass screen: £300–£900
- Electrical and ventilation: £400–£900
- Total: £2,600–£6,800 (excluding labour, tanking install, tiling)
Volume discounts available on multi-room orders — contact us with your full scope for a quote.
Compliance and standards
BS 6465 (sanitary installations)
- Defines the number of WCs, basins, urinals, and showers required per occupancy in commercial and accommodation buildings.
- Hotel rooms: minimum 1 WC and 1 basin per room; bath or shower per room.
- HMOs: minimums vary by occupancy and licensing scheme — check with your council.
Approved Document G — water efficiency
- New builds and significant refurbs must hit a target of 125 litres per person per day.
- Most modern dual-flush toilets (4/2.6 or 6/3 litre) and aerated taps meet this without effort.
Approved Document M — accessibility
- M(4)1 — visitable dwellings: a WC at entrance level.
- M(4)2 — accessible and adaptable: comfort-height WC, level-access shower, lever taps, grab-rail mountings pre-fitted.
- M(4)3 — wheelchair-user dwellings: stricter, full wheelchair turning circles, grab rails installed.
BS 7671 zones for bathroom electrics
- Zone 0 — inside the bath or shower basin: IP67 minimum, only SELV (12V or 30V) circuits.
- Zone 1 — directly above the bath or shower (up to 2.25m): IP44 minimum, RCD-protected.
- Zone 2 — within 0.6m horizontal of the zone-1 boundary: IP44 minimum.
- Outside zones — standard shaver sockets and lighting allowed; still RCD protected if added during refurb.
Lead times and bulk ordering
Standard stocked items dispatch same-day or next-day from our UK warehouse. Multi-property orders (typically over £2,500 net) are usually fulfilled within 7–14 working days, with full Geberit and Grohe suite deliveries at 10–15 working days for bulk-ordered concealed cistern and frame sets.
For projects over 5 bathrooms, contact our trade team — we phase deliveries to match your tiling and second-fix schedule.
Trade-account pricing
Trade pricing is available to verified plumbing, building, hospitality, and HMO trade accounts. Application takes one working day. Volume tiers apply at £500, £2,500, and £10,000 thresholds per single order.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most cost-effective bathroom suite brand for a UK refurb?
Ideal Standard typically offers the lowest cost-per-fitting for a coherent suite. Mid-tier value belongs to Grohe Bau Ceramic and Geberit Selnova. Premium specifications go to Geberit Acanto, Grohe Allure, or Aqualisa Quartz Smart for showers.
Can I mix brands across a bathroom refurb?
Mostly yes for brassware (taps and showers usually share BSPP threads), risky for ceramics and concealed cisterns. Always pair the wall frame, concealed cistern, and flush plate as one brand-matched set. Mix Geberit ceramics with Grohe taps with no issue; don't mix a Geberit cistern with a Grohe flush plate.
Do I need a thermostatic shower for a UK refurb?
Not legally for residential, but strongly recommended — thermostatic valves prevent scalding when another tap or appliance changes the cold or hot pressure. For social housing, HMOs, and care environments, thermostatic is effectively mandatory.
How long does a bathroom refurb take from order to install?
Standard product lead time is 5–10 working days from order. On-site install is typically 5–10 working days for a single bathroom (strip out, first-fix, tiling, second-fix, snagging). Plan for 3–4 weeks total from PO to signed-off bathroom.
Can I get a wall-hung toilet without a load-bearing wall?
Yes — Geberit Duofix and Grohe Solido frames are designed to fix to studs or partition walls and take a 400kg dynamic load. The frame is what carries the weight, not the wall. Verify your stud spacing matches the frame requirements (usually 600mm centres).
What's the difference between an electric, mixer, and digital shower?
Electric showers (Aqualisa Quartz, Mira Sport) heat water on demand from cold mains — best for low-pressure UK plumbing. Mixer showers blend hot and cold from existing supplies — needs sufficient hot water flow. Thermostatic mixers add safety control. Digital showers (Aqualisa Quartz Smart) add electronic temperature and flow control via panel or app.
What's the minimum shower tray size for a comfortable shower?
900x900mm is the practical minimum for a single user. 1200x900 is comfortable. Walk-in or wet-room layouts typically need 1500x900 minimum for usability without an enclosure.
Does Geberit AquaClean fit any standard wall frame?
Geberit AquaClean shower toilets are designed to fit Geberit Duofix and Sigma frames. Cross-brand frame compatibility is not supported. Always order the frame and AquaClean unit together.
Are Aqualisa pumps required for an Aqualisa shower?
Only for low-pressure (gravity-fed) systems — typically older homes with hot water tanks in the loft. For combi-boiler installs and modern unvented cylinders, an Aqualisa shower works without a separate pump. Check the system pressure spec on the shower model.
How do I match finishes between taps, towel rails, and shower fittings?
Standardise on one finish family — chrome, brushed steel, brushed nickel, matte black, or matte brass. Avoid mixing within one room. Most brand ranges (Grohe, Aqualisa) offer matched finishes across taps, towel rails, accessories, and shower fittings within a series.
Get a refurb quote
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