Commonly asked questions about bathroom suites

To help make your bathroom buying journey a whole lot easier, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about bathroom suites.

When it comes to choosing a bathroom suite, the process can be super stressful. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, or you’re planning on updating your existing bathroom, the multitude of choices available, and the technical skill required to put it all together can be daunting to say the least. Do you get a 3 piece bathroom suite? Or a 4 piece? Do they even make 6 piece bathroom suites? And while we’re at it, what’s an ensuite bathroom all about?

So, to help you out, we’ve put together a short guide to help answer some of the more pressing questions that you might have about bathroom suites and installing them.

So, what is a bath suite?

Let’s start with the basics, the bath suite. A bath suite is nothing more than a room with a fixed set of objects like a sink, a bath and/or shower and a toilet. It’s the foundation upon which your new bathroom will be built, so it’s worth beginning your project with an understanding of the kind of use your new bathroom suite is likely to get. Do you and your family prefer taking long soaks in a bath or taking quick showers in the morning and evenings? Or both?

It’s important that you take your available space into account too. How accommodating is your current bathroom and is there space enough for a bath and a shower, or can you only commit to one over the other?

What is a 3 piece bath suite?

A three piece bathroom suite is one that contains a basin, a toilet and one other fixture. In most cases the additional fixture is a bath or shower stall, and this represents the most common secondary bathroom configuration amongst homeowners in the UK and Europe as of 2016.

But, just because it’s a common configuration, doesn’t mean it’s the right configuration for you. Many re-modellers have been switching it up and creating three piece bathroom suites that feature “his and hers” basins and vanity mirror combos, in addition to a double-wide shower stall. The name of the game is personal preference and creativity with space.

What is a 4 piece bath suite?

A four piece bathroom suite is one that consists of a toilet, a sink, a shower or bath, and 2 other fixtures. These fixtures usually come in the form of a bidet and a second shower or bathtub fixture. It’s worth mentioning that a second shower or bathtub fixture does not mean two separate shower stalls, but rather an additional fixture in the bathtub itself.

This might not be the best setup for most people but is very commonly used when space is an issue. The combination of bath and shower fixtures, in addition to other bathroom features, makes this a super useful setup for those struggling to convert a smaller bathroom suite into a far more functional one.

What is a 5 piece bath suite?

The five piece bathroom is now a super common form of the full bathroom (more about the full bathroom suite a little later on in this article) and is used, for the most part, in larger family homes where space isn’t as much of an issue as functionality is.

These days, a great deal of five piece bathroom configurations are ensuite too (an ensuite bathroom is one that is connected directly a bedroom) and usually feature a double, “Jack and Jill” sink combo to make getting ready in the morning quicker. A really useful setup for kids who have to share a bathroom.

What is a 6 piece bath suite?

A six piece bathroom suite is rare and often regarded as a deluxe option—one that requires a lot of space. As with all of the other bathroom suites mentioned in this article, the six piece suite describes a bathroom suite that features six different bathroom fixtures.

For many homeowners, the idea of 6 piece bathroom suite is a foreign one, simply because an equivalent level of functionality can be achieved with 3 and 4 piece configurations. However, if you’re in a position where space isn’t a concern, then this type of setup might be the one for you. Featuring 2 sinks, 2 toilets and 2 shower stalls or bathtubs, the six piece configuration is perfect for couples looking for a large ensuite solution.

What is a WC suite?

This is a slightly more obscure term which you may come across when planning your bathroom. To find out more, read our article on WC suites.

What does a full bathroom mean?

A full bathroom is one that contains all of the basics—a basin, a toilet, a bathtub and a shower—and if any of those elements are missing, it cannot be considered a full bath. The maths on this is pretty simple: each bathroom element is counted as one-quarter. So you add and deduct a quarter for each one that’s present or absent as the case might be.

So, a bathroom with a basin, toilet, and shower is considered a three-quarter bath. A bathroom with just a sink and a toilet is a half-bath. A quarter-bath is quite rare for the simple (and hygienic) reason that if you have a toilet, you need a sink in which to wash your hands—and a room with only a sink is just plain odd!

More bathroom suite advice

At Victoria Plum, you’ll find plenty of expert bathroom advice to help you plan your next project, no matter how big or small that may be.

Check out our bathroom layout advice to see examples of some of the bathroom suites mentioned above.

For further information about bathroom suites and the types available, take a look at our bathroom suite buying guide.

You’ll also find advice on bathroom suites for small bathrooms](https://victoriaplum.com/blog/posts/bathroom-suites-for-small-bathrooms), the best suites for loft conversions and a guide to buying the perfect toilet and basin suite.