How to Buy an Ex-Display Bathroom (and Save Thousands on Your Renovation)
A new bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms in the house to fit out, and the largest chunk of that budget is the suite itself: the bath, the basin and vanity, the shower enclosure and the brassware. Buy those ex-display and you can take a big slice off the total without dropping a grade in quality. This guide explains where ex-display bathroom stock comes from, what to check before you commit, and how to plan a renovation around a showroom bargain.
Why ex-display bathrooms are such good value
Bathroom showrooms rotate their displays constantly. Every time a new range lands, a fully plumbed-in suite that cost the retailer a small fortune to build has to come out to make room. That stock has never been lived with, it is in as-new condition, and it is sold off for a fraction of the shop price. It is exactly the same reason our ex-display kitchens are such strong value. If the whole idea is new to you, our complete guide to what ex-display actually means is worth five minutes first, and the buyer's guide to the different clearance labels explains how ex-display differs from ex-demo, graded and end-of-line stock.
What you can buy ex-display
Almost every part of a bathroom turns up on the ex-display market at some point:
- Baths, from simple straight baths to freestanding roll-tops and whirlpool models that would cost thousands new.
- Vanity units and basins, often the priciest single item in a modern bathroom, frequently sold complete with the worktop and tap.
- Shower enclosures and trays, including walk-in wet-room panels and quadrant units.
- Toilets and cisterns, wall-hung and close-coupled.
- Brassware such as taps, showers and radiators, which carry huge margins new and so save the most ex-display.
Browse the current stock on our ex-display bathrooms page to see what is available right now.
What to check before you buy
Ex-display bathroom stock is nearly always excellent, but a few checks protect you:
- Completeness. Confirm exactly what is included. A vanity unit should say whether the basin, tap and waste come with it. A shower enclosure needs its profiles, seals and fixings.
- Ceramics and enamel. Look over baths and basins for chips or crazing, especially around edges and tap holes. Minor showroom marks are normal, cracks are not.
- Glass and screens. Check enclosure glass for scratches and that the coating is intact.
- Water testing. Brassware on display is sometimes plumbed in and sometimes not. Ask whether it has been used and pressure tested.
- Guarantee. Many sellers still pass on the manufacturer's warranty, which matters most on showers and thermostatic valves. Ask, and get it in writing.
Measure up before you commit
Bathrooms are unforgiving on space, so measure the room and, just as importantly, the route in. A freestanding bath or a large vanity unit has to get through the front door, up the stairs and round the landing. Note your existing waste and supply positions too, because moving plumbing is where renovation budgets quietly disappear. Buying ex-display works best when the piece fits the space you already have.
Delivery, collection and fitting
Ex-display bathroom items are usually sold for collection or arranged delivery rather than next-day courier, because they are heavy and fragile. Factor in a van or a delivery fee, and bear in mind that ceramics and glass need careful handling. On the fitting side, treat an ex-display suite exactly as you would a brand-new one: any competent bathroom fitter will install it without a second thought.
How much can you actually save
Savings vary by item, but 30 to 60 per cent off the original price is common, and premium brassware and designer vanity units can be even more. On a full suite that can mean keeping four figures in your pocket, money far better spent on tiling, flooring or a better shower. Because the stock is one-offs, the rule is simple: when you see the right piece at the right price, it will not be there next week.
Start your search
Have a look through the latest ex-display bathroom suites, baths and vanities, and if you are renovating more than one room our ex-display kitchens are worth pairing with it. You can also shop by maker on our A to Z of brands and retailers, and any unfamiliar terms are explained in the ex-display glossary. Buy the showroom model instead of the boxed one, and a new bathroom suddenly costs a great deal less.
