Types of Shower Enclosures

There are a variety of shower enclosures to choose from. The type you decide on depends on your personal preference and the style of your bathroom.

Frameless glass enclosures are a popular choice because of their clean lines and simple elegance. They complement contemporary bathrooms perfectly.

Framed

Framed shower doors are a great way to upgrade your bathroom. They come in a wide variety of styles and glass options. They are also easy to install and are less likely to leak than frameless doors.

Both framed and frameless doors are made of tempered glass that is clear, opaque, or patterned. They can also be frosted or etched.

The frame is typically a thick piece of aluminum that surrounds the entire pane of glass. This is used to protect the vulnerable glass from bending or breaking. It can be coated in a variety of finishes, including bronze and gold, to give the enclosure a sleek, modern look.

Another option is to have the frame engraved with a pattern, such as trees or flowers. This will add a unique artistic flair to your shower.

Frameless shower doors are also a popular choice for bathrooms with intricate tile work, high-end bathroom fittings, or creative shower designs. They are easy to maintain and offer a beautiful view of the shower beyond.

They are more expensive than framed and semi-frameless shower enclosures. They also require more labor, but they are usually more durable and long-lasting.

There are also a variety of ancillary options available with framed enclosures, such as shower curtain rods and soap dishes. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles to complement the rest of the bathroom’s decor.

One of the major differences between framed and frameless shower enclosures is their hardware. Framed doors have a frame that is mounted on top of the glass and are held together with hinges and clips. The frame is then caulked and sealed to keep water from seeping out.

The door panels are also a bit thinner than frameless doors. This can make them feel a little heavier, but it does give you more flexibility in designing your shower.

Framed shower enclosures can be sliding or stationary, depending on their size and how they are installed. They can swing on pivot hinges or slide along metal tracking (bypass doors).

While both framed and frameless shower enclosures are attractive, it’s important to know their features and benefits before making a decision. This will help you choose the right shower enclosure for your needs and budget.

Frameless

Frameless shower doors are a great option for homeowners who want a modern look for their bathroom. They provide a smooth and sleek appearance without the bulky metal framing that can sometimes appear overbearing or claustrophobic in a traditional bathroom.

They’re also more stylish and easier to clean than framed doors. A framed door typically has a track at the top and bottom that collects water, which can cause it to corrode over time or attract mold and mildew.

Alternatively, a frameless door has no track or frame, so it’s easier to clean and keeps your bathroom looking newer longer. Plus, it’s more likely to be treated with a corrosion inhibitor like Diamon Fusion to prevent water spots.

A frameless shower is more durable and lasts longer than a framed shower, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra to replace it over the years. This means that you’ll get a lot more value out of your shower enclosure than a framed one, which will boost the resale price of your home in the long run.

These enclosures are made from a thick glass that’s 3/8?? to 1/2?? in thickness, which makes them very sturdy and hardy. They’re also available in many different colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect match for your home and style.

They come in hinged, pivoting and sliding designs to suit your needs. They’re also a great option for smaller bathrooms that don’t have as much space for large doors.

Because they’re made from tempered glass, frameless showers are safe to use and won’t warp or break easily. They’re also a great option if you want to keep your bathroom looking bright and clean all the time, as they don’t collect soap scum or other residue that can be difficult to remove.

You can choose from a variety of options to customize your shower with glass that’s etched in unique patterns and designs. These etchings can be applied to both framed and frameless shower doors.

Whether you’re renovating your entire bathroom or just giving your old one a fresh new look, frameless shower doors are the ideal choice for a modern look that will last. They’re also a great option to highlight other fixtures and designs in your bathroom, such as beautiful stone tiles or marble accents.

Tile & Glass

Whether you are updating a master bath or simply want to make your small bathroom feel larger, tile and glass shower enclosures offer many benefits. They help to keep water in the enclosure, reduce splashing on walls and floors, and look clean and modern.

The best thing about glass and tile shower enclosures is that they require little to no maintenance and are a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom. They are also easy to clean and prevent soap scum and mould buildup.

You can choose from a variety of styles and designs, including sliding doors, hinged doors with fixed panels, and more. You can even get a custom shower door designed to fit your specific needs and space.

If you are unsure about what style of glass and tile shower enclosures to choose, you can consult with a professional designer. They will guide you through the process of selecting a design that best suits your bathroom and your budget.

A key consideration when designing a glass shower enclosure is the position of your shower head. You should never have your shower head face the door or other openings, as this can cause leakage. It is recommended that you position your shower head against the wall to allow water to be kept inside the enclosure and not splashed onto your bathroom floor.

The other important aspect to consider is the type of glass used in your shower enclosure. You should consider whether you want a clear or tempered glass. The tempered glass is much stronger and more resistant to breakage than regular, clear glass. It is also less likely to display green tint, which can be a problem for some people.

You should also consider how you will attach the fixed panels to the wall. Some frameless enclosures have a “channel” that fits behind the glass to support the weight of the panels and other models are attached using “clips”. Clips use a notch in the glass that receives the hardware and mechanically attaches the glass to the tile. The notch in the glass also allows for water barriers to be pierced in both vertical and horizontal surfaces, preventing any water issues from occurring.

Hinged

Hinged shower enclosures are a great option for stand-alone shower stalls. They swing out and open to a full 90-degree angle, making them accessible for older adults with changing mobility or people with disabilities.

These hinged doors are available in both framed and frameless styles. In both cases, the hinges are drilled directly into your bathroom wall and then mounted on either side of the door panel.

Unlike sliding doors, they don’t have tracks at the bottom, so cleaning and maintenance are much easier. They also offer a larger opening and better safety for people with mobility issues.

They’re also more affordable than frameless shower doors, so they’re a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. There are a lot of options for these shower enclosures, including a wide range of glass colors, texture and thicknesses.

You can also opt for a single or double door. The single door designs are usually 36-inches wide, and the dual door units can be up to 60-inches wide.

Hinged doors come in a variety of glass types, including bronze and gray tinted options that combine vision-obscuring properties for privacy with easy cleanability. They’re also easy to customize with a range of hardware styles and finishes.

The most common type of hinged shower door is the standard design. It swings out to a full 90-degree angle and typically has a handle attached as a handle-to-door opening mechanism.

These doors are ideal for stand-alone shower stalls, but they do require ample space in your bathroom to allow them to swing outward. They are also not as stylish as frameless shower doors, because they tend to have bottom tracks that take up a lot of room and make cleaning difficult.

A more contemporary type of door is the pivot shower door. These swing outward and can be installed with a handle or on a bar across the entire length of the door. These doors can be installed on a shower stall or in a custom glass enclosure.

The most notable feature of this type of door is that it can be reversible, meaning that you can use it on the right or the left. It can also be equipped with a clear or tinted glass, so you can choose a style that best suits your bathroom’s decor.