Choosing a shower door for your bathroom can seem overwhelming with all the different styles and options available. From framed to frameless, sliding to hinged, clear glass to textured or colored, the possibilities are endless. This guide will walk you through the basic shower door styles and what to consider when selecting one, so you can find the perfect fit for your bathroom and lifestyle.
Types of Shower Doors
There are a few main types of shower doors to choose from:
Framed Shower Doors
Framed shower doors consist of metal framing around tempered glass panels. The metal frame provides structure, stability and enables installation.
Pros of framed shower doors:
- Tend to be more affordable than frameless
- Offer more flexibility for off-the-shelf sizes
- Framing can match other bathroom hardware and fixtures
Cons of framed shower doors:
- Metal frames may make cleaning more difficult
- Framed doors have a more utilitarian look compared to frameless
- Glass size is limited by the frame dimensions
Framed shower doors work well for contractors or DIY installations where sizing needs flexibility. The framing also helps control costs compared to frameless doors.
Frameless Shower Doors
As the name implies, frameless shower doors do not have any metal framing around the glass panels. The tempered glass is secured with metal hinges and clamps.
Pros of frameless shower doors:
- Sleek, clean, contemporary aesthetic
- Easier to clean without frame grooves
- Custom sizing for an exact fit
- Unobstructed views and natural light
Cons of frameless shower doors:
- More expensive than framed doors
- Requires near perfect measurements for custom sizing
- Not ideal for out-of-plumb walls or uneven surfaces
Frameless doors make a sophisticated style statement in any modern bathroom. The lack of framing highlights the beautiful tempered glass and highlights natural light. Precision measurements are required for a perfect custom fit.
Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding shower doors have panels that slide open along a track system. They can slide along the top or bottom of the enclosure.
Pros of sliding shower doors:
- Space-saving for tight bathroom layouts
- Smooth, effortless sliding access
- Can be combined with fixed panels
Cons of sliding shower doors:
- Tracks along the top or bottom can collect dirt and debris
- Potential for panels to get stuck or come off track
- Limited steam control compared to hinged doors
Sliding doors are ideal when bathroom space is limited. Their smooth sliding access makes getting in and out of the shower easy, without having to open a hinged door into the bathroom space.
Hinged Shower Doors
Hinged shower doors are attached to the enclosure with hinges, allowing the door to swing open and closed.
Pros of hinged shower doors:
- Better steam control when closed
- Can be combined with fixed panels
- Traditional swinging door operation
Cons of hinged shower doors:
- Requires clearance space to fully swing open
- Potential for hitting walls, fixtures or people
- Hinges may loosen or squeak over time
Hinged doors operate just like traditional doors with swinging access. They contain steam better when closed compared to sliding doors. Make sure to have enough clearance for the door swing.
Neo-Angle Shower Doors
Neo-angle shower doors are designed for corner showers with angled walls meeting at 135-degrees. Special neo-angled hinges allow the doors to swing into and out of the corner enclosure.
Pros of neo-angle shower doors:
- Perfect fit for angled corner showers
- Frameless style complements tile and walls
- Hinged access contains steam well
Cons of neo-angle shower doors:
- Only fits 135-degree corner layouts
- Limited sizing and shape options
- More expensive than basic framed doors Neo-angle doors provide a clean finish for corner showers with their angled hinges and joints. This special design is tailored specifically to 135-degree corner enclosures.
Popular Shower Door Styles
Beyond the basic operation, shower doors come in many different styles. Here are some of the most popular design choices:
Clear Glass Shower Doors
Clear glass shower doors keep the enclosure open and airy with full visibility. They work with any bathroom design style from modern to traditional. Tempered safety glass prevents shattering if impacted.
Obscured Glass Shower Doors
Obscured glass shower doors incorporate frosted, patterned, or textured glass for added privacy. The obscured glass lets light in while obscuring clear views into the shower.
Colored Shower Doors
Colored shower doors come in vibrant shades like bronze, navy, or forest green to make the shower a focal point. Color coordinates beautifully with accent tile, walls, or accessories.
Frameless With Glass Panel Return
Frameless with glass panel return enclosures have a door that hinges off a narrow fixed glass panel along the sidewall. This adds stability while keeping an open frameless style.
Glass Block Shower Doors
Glass block doors use blocks of molded, tempered glass tiles for a unique bubble-like aesthetic. Glass blocks diffuse natural light beautifully while obscuring views.
Barn Door Shower Doors
Barn door shower doors slide open along the front rather than into the bathroom space. Perfect for tight spaces, multiple doors provide full accessibility.
Partial Shower Doors
Partial shower doors have either a hinged or sliding door combined with one fully open side. The open side allows for easier access and flexibility in small spaces.
Consider how much visibility you want, as well as the bathroom design aesthetic when selecting a shower door style. Many companies also allow you to mix and match designs, such as a clear door with obscure glass side panels.
What to Look for When Choosing Shower Doors
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting shower doors:
Hinged or Sliding
Consider whether a hinged or sliding door makes more sense for your bathroom layout. Hinged provides better steam control when closed. Sliding offers space-saving, smooth access.
Framed or Frameless
Do you prefer the clean, modern look of frameless or the more budget-friendly framed option? Frameless makes a bold statement while framed offers more flexibility.
Custom Sizing
Look for doors that can be fully custom sized to fit showers of any dimension for a perfect fit.
Quality Materials
Look for full-length steel hinges, durable rollers, and tempered or laminated glass to prevent shattering. Quality materials will provide lasting performance.
Water-Tight Seal
Doors should form a complete water barrier when closed to prevent leaks. Magnetic strips, snap-in seals, and drip rails help prevent water from escaping.
Style and Design
Make sure the aesthetics match your design vision, from modern frameless to neo-angle corner doors to patterned glass.
Easy Clean
Consider how easy the doors will be to clean and keep spotless. Frameless, glass-to-glass hinge joints are best for easy, thorough cleaning.
Certifications
Look for companies that adhere to EN 14428 standards for shower door manufacturing and testing. Certifications indicate quality and safety.
Warranty
A longer warranty provides peace of mind. Many companies offer limited lifetime warranties on glass, 5-15 years on hardware, and 1-5 years for finishes.
Take measurements, select options wisely and order doors specifically made for your shower opening for the very best fit and function.
How to Measure for Shower Doors
Getting accurate measurements is crucial for ordering properly fitting shower doors. Here are some tips for measuring:
- Measure the full width and height of the shower opening at the top, middle and bottom. Use the smallest dimensions.
- For neo-angle doors, measure the two adjacent walls from corner to corner.
- Note any out of square or out of plumb positions on walls.
- Mark down the locations of existing plumbing or fixtures.
- Specify if the shower base is curbed or curbless.
- For framed doors, you ideally need 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance between the wall and frame.
- For frameless, 1/8 to 1/4 inch clearance between wall and glass is ideal.
- Include any special details about the project for recommendations.
Having all the right measurements upfront ensures properly fitting doors and hassle-free installation. Companies can help make recommendations based on your unique specifications.
How Much Do Shower Doors Cost?
The cost of shower doors depends on several factors:
- Size of the enclosure – Larger showers require more materials.
- Type of door – Frameless doors cost more than framed.
- Glass type and thickness – Thicker tempered glass costs more. Obscured costs more than clear.
- Hardware – Higher end rollers, handles and hinges increase cost.
- Customization – Unique shapes, specialty finishes or engraving add cost.
- Labor – Professional installation adds labor fees. DIY saves on installation.
Here are some typical price ranges:
- Framed shower doors – $200 – $800
- Frameless shower doors – $800 – $2,500
- Neo-angle shower doors – $700 – $1,500
- Sliding shower doors – $300 – $1,200
- Custom shower doors – $1,500 – $5,000+
Replacing just the shower door itself instead of the full enclosure can help keep costs lower. Get quotes from several companies before deciding.
FAQ
How do I clean shower doors?
- Use a squeegee to wipe water off glass after each shower.
- Spray vinegar and water to dissolve soap scum and hard water spots. Never use abrasive cleaners.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth for spotless glass.
- Keep tracks and rollers cleaned of debris, soap and hair buildup.
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass goes through a heating and rapid cooling process to increase strength. When broken, it shatters into small rounded chunks rather than dangerous sharp shards. Building code requires tempered glass for shower doors for safety. An etching in the corner indicates it is tempered.
Should I get clear or frosted glass?
Clear glass keeps the shower open and airy, allowing light to fill the space. Frosted, patterned or textured glass provides added privacy and obscures views into the shower while still letting light through. Consider views and privacy needs when choosing.
Do shower doors need a seal?
Shower doors should seal tightly to prevent water leaking out onto the bathroom floor when closed. Self-closing hinges, magnetic strips, snap-in seals, bottom door sweeps and drip rails along the top all help create a watertight seal.
How do I stop my shower doors from fogging up?
Fog and condensation form from the steam and humidity in a shower. To help prevent foggy glass:
- Maintain good bathroom ventilation and exhaust fan use
- Rub a bit of shaving cream on the glass and wipe off for an invisible anti-fog coating
- Use a bathroom dehumidifier to reduce ambient moisture in the room
- Get glass treated with a permanent hydrophilic anti-fog coating
Should I get custom sized shower doors?
Having shower doors fully custom sized to your exact measurements is recommended for the best fit and professional finish. Standard sized doors may have unsightly gaps or not seal properly. The small added cost for custom is well worth it.
Conclusion
The choices for shower doors today offer solutions for any bathroom. Consider the door operation, size, aesthetic style and features that best suit your needs. Measure carefully, look for quality materials and construction, and order doors specifically made for your opening. With the right shower door, you can enjoy a beautiful, water-tight enclosure that enhances your space for years to come.