How to Choose a Glass Shower Door

When you remodel your bathroom one of the most fun things to design is your new shower.

When you remodel your bathroom one of the most fun things to design is your new shower. The shower is often the centerpiece or crowning jewel of the bathroom.  When remodeling it is your chance to add luxury and style, to create your own oasis right in your bathroom.   You carefully select the right materials including tile and plumbing fixtures o achieve the right look and finally you must choose the enclosure for your shower.  Sometimes you are restricted by the location of the shower when it comes to choosing the shape but generally, the possibilities are endless.  Frameless shower enclosures are all the rage right now because they add a seamless, clean look to your shower so that the beautiful tile work and fixtures are on full display without any shower frame to distract from the look.  Once you have chosen your shower frame you then have to choose your shower door.  This may seem simple but there are actually a variety of options from which to choose.

First, there is the option to forego a shower door depending on the style of your shower and the location of your shower head.  There are a variety of factors that will influence your decision whether or not to have a glass shower door.  Having no shower door will open up the look of your bathroom and make it feel more expansive so it is great in a small space but still works well in a large space.  Another benefit of foregoing the shower door is that it saves money so if you are on a tight budget it can help keep you under budget.  The downside of an open shower that does not have a door is that it may not work in every space if the door is needed to keep water in.  Additionally, some people still prefer to have the enclosed, protected feeling that a door provides.  If you have determined that a shower door is best for you, the next step is to choose the right glass door for your needs.  First you will determine whether or not your glass door will have a frame or be frameless.  Doors with frames, and glass shower enclosures with frames in general, are considered to be the more “outdated” look when compared with frameless.  Frames are ideal for supporting thinner glass panels and they tend to be less expensive than their frameless counterparts.  But, the aesthetic appeal of frameless doors, and reduced upkeep (fewer places for dirt and grime to accumulate) tend to appeal to many homeowners.  While frameless glass doors and enclosures are more expensive they provide a much more custom and clean look because the glass is cut precisely to the needs of the shower.  Next, you will determine whether or not you want a sliding glass door or a fixed door.  When there is not space for a door to swing open, a sliding glass door may be the best option.  There are both framed and frameless options of sliding glass doors as well so there are a variety of looks to suit any personal style.  Next, you will determine whether you want a partial glass door or you want to completely enclose your shower.  A partial door allows for steam and moisture to escape and is less costly because it will use less glass.  But, if you are interested in having a steam shower you need a full length door that forms a tight seal to keep steam inside the shower.  If you are unsure what glass door is right for your specific bathroom, consult your contractor for advice.  They will be able to speak from experience and knowledge about what will be ideal for your bathroom and help you weigh the pros and cons of each options so that you can create the spa-like oasis you want in your bathroom.