Shower Doors add a finishing touch to any bathroom. They can make a small space look bigger or show off beautiful tile work or marble. They also increase resale value.
There are a wide variety of shower door options, from sleek frameless doors to traditional framed options. But how do you choose the right one for your home?
Many people love frameless shower doors for their sleek look and ability to open up a bathroom space. They also allow light to easily enter a room and showcase elegant tiling that could otherwise be obscured with a bulky shower curtain or metal frames. In addition, the glass creates a tight seal that keeps water where it belongs – in the shower.
The lack of a metal frame also means less chance for corrosion, making frameless shower doors more durable. They are easy to keep clean, and can be treated with Diamon Fusion to help prevent water spots and reduce the risk of mildew and mold. Frameless showers and enclosures tend to be more expensive than framed doors because they require thicker, “heavy” glass. This may be a drawback for homeowners who are considering DIY installation of their shower doors or enclosures, as making stock size pieces fit perfectly in a shower requires careful measuring and cutting to avoid large gaps and caulk joints.
While it is rare for a frameless shower door to shatter, there is always the possibility that one could break. However, unlike a traditional shower curtain or metal framed doors, this type of glass shatters into thousands of tiny pebbles rather than jagged shards to minimize the risk of injury.
Another drawback of frameless showers is that they can be more difficult to install than framed doors, since the glass needs to rest on clips attached to the wall rather than a metal frame. These clips need to be perfectly aligned with each other and must be secured with heavy silicone caulk. This makes frameless showers a better option for professionals who have experience installing glass showers and enclosures.
Hinged
Hinged shower doors offer a more aesthetically pleasing look than sliding options. They have minimal tracks, brackets and hinges, which blend into the bathroom area to make it look like a seamless single unit. They’re available in both framed and frameless designs, providing a versatile aesthetic that works with various condo design styles.
They don’t require a bottom track, making them easier to clean and maintain. They also offer larger openings than sliding doors, allowing for wider entry into the enclosure. This is particularly useful for people with mobility challenges, older adults or larger individuals. They can also be made larger with the use of additional side panels which makes them safer for those who may fall into a door opening.
The use of hinges in these doors means that water may spill out onto the floor outside the enclosure when it’s opened, especially if you haven’t used the proper shower curtain or liner to prevent this from happening. They’re also usually more expensive than sliding shower doors, and may require some maintenance to ensure they’re operating properly.
Hinged shower doors can be installed for either left or right-handed openings, depending on your preference and bathroom layout. They’re also available in a variety of glass and hardware finishes, so you can choose the options that best match your home’s overall style. If you’re considering purchasing a hinged shower door, it’s important to work with a licensed and experienced custom glass shop like ABC Glass & Mirror so that your new doors are installed correctly. This will help to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently for years to come. You should also take the time to review your homeowner’s warranty to understand what is and isn’t covered by your installation service.
Pivot
Pivot doors are a great option for those looking to upgrade their shower enclosure with a modern and contemporary look. The doors are easy to install and mount with very little hardware, making them a cost-effective solution. These doors also allow for a larger opening than sliding shower doors, which can create an unobstructed entrance and a more spacious bathroom. Pivot shower doors can be fitted to any type of base, including acrylic, expanded polystyrene, cultured marble, and tile.
Unlike sliding shower doors, pivot doors have no track at the bottom, which can help save floor space. These doors can be paired with a wide range of frameless glass options, creating a sleek and seamless appearance in the bathroom. They are ideal for luxury showers and can be installed as a single door or double doors for a more grand look.
While pivot doors are a great option for most bathrooms, they can present some drawbacks. They can require a larger opening to enter the shower area and may leak water onto the floor when opened. While this can be easily fixed by wiping down the door after each use, it can lead to mold and mildew if left unattended.
A high-quality, tempered glass pivot door can be the perfect addition to your bathroom. These doors are available in a variety of sizes and come with matching hinges, making them easy to install. They are also available in several different finishes, and you can choose from a range of handles and knobs to match your style. Pivot doors are also easier to clean than standard hinged doors because they don’t have any tracks that can trap dirt and grime.
Bypass
As its name suggests, a sliding shower door slides on a track instead of opening inward or outward like hinged doors. They are space-friendly, easy to use and offer the most customization options in terms of glass style, handle design, hardware finish, framing thickness and so on. They are available as framed and semi-frameless models.
Frameless sliding door systems work well with a variety of bathroom decor styles, such as minimalist modern, Scandinavian, and maximalism. They also tend to be easier to clean because they don’t have metal tracks where soap residue can build up.
Bypass doors are a great choice for tub/shower configurations, but can also be used to enclose a walk-in shower stall. They can also be reversible so that the doors open on the left or right side of the enclosure.
Another stylish option is a barn-style sliding door system, which incorporates two panels of frameless glass secured with unobtrusive mounting brackets. The panels can roll past each other or slide across a fixed panel, says ABC Glass and Mirror.
While a framed sliding shower door may be appropriate for some bathrooms, many prefer the sleek look of a frameless system. Sliding door systems can also be reversible so they open on the left or right side of the shower, explains Fleurco.
When choosing a sliding shower door, it is important to carefully measure the size of the shower enclosure to ensure that the doors will fit properly. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional who can help you select the best model for your needs. Sliding shower doors are typically more expensive than other types of shower doors, but they’re a beautiful upgrade to any bathroom and provide added functionality.
Folding
If you want a modern, minimalist look for your shower enclosure, then consider installing a bi-fold door. These doors are a great way to let in light while saving space, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit most shower shapes and alcoves. Frameless bi-fold doors also allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. Just be sure to measure your space carefully before installing to ensure that the doors will fit.
Durovin Bathrooms offers a wide selection of bi-fold shower doors, including models that can be fitted as an extra to your existing shower enclosure. These doors are made from tempered glass, which is safer and more durable than regular glass. They also feature a polished aluminum frame and high-quality hinges, making them a stylish addition to any bathroom. In addition, the doors are available in a variety of colors and finishes to suit any style.
A hinged door, which opens like a sliding or swinging door, is another popular option for your shower enclosure. These types of doors can be made from a number of materials, including glass, acrylic, or even plastic, depending on your preference. Acrylic doors are often more budget-friendly, while glass offers superior clarity and durability.
Pivot doors are another type of shower enclosure door that can be used to replace a traditional hinged one. These enclosures open and close on a pivot hinge, which allows them to save space and keep water from dripping onto the floor or walls. They are usually more affordable than other options, but they may not be as sturdy as a framed or sliding door. In addition, they require more space than a hinged or bi-fold door to open, so they may not be the best choice for tight spaces.