It is estimated that we spend over two years of our lives in the bathroom.
Thanks to bulky tubs, foggy shower doors, and the messy look of shower curt, as it sometimes feels far from an inviting atmosphere. Add in the number of germs and bacteria, and it’s hard to see why anyone would want to spend any time in the bathroom.
You might be surprised at the impact your choice of shower doors can make on the look, feel, and cleanliness of the entire room.
With the addition of frameless glass shower doors, you can create a room that provides a refreshing start to your day or an oasis for relaxation.
Whether you’re making decisions for a brand new house or getting ready to upgrade your bathroom to an elegant space, we’ve got everything you need to know about frameless glass shower doors right here!
Framed vs. Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Understanding the difference between framed and frameless shower doors will help you make the best decision for your budget and your bathroom.
When it comes to the type of glass, tempered glass is usually used for both framed and frameless doors. For framed shower doors, a thinner piece of glass can be used since the surrounding aluminum framing provides needed support.
With the absence of framing, frameless glass shower doors require a thicker piece of glass. The combination of clips, hinges, and caulk joints with the thick glass pane provides stability.
For the most stylish and aesthetically pleasing shower door, frameless doors win every time. However, that’s not the case when it comes to budget. Framed glass shower doors are more common for a reason: a lower price tag.
Don’t let price tags scare you away from an impactful bathroom upgrade. Not only do bathroom upgrades increase the value of your home, but you could see a return on 64% of the cost of a bathroom remodel.
You’ll discover another difference in framed vs. frameless glass shower doors when it’s time to give them a wipe down. With fewer crevices, cracks, and corners, you’ll spend less time scrubbing your frameless shower doors.
This doesn’t just mean your shower will feel and look cleaner, but it will also be less likely to house bacteria and germs that are unavoidably lurking in the bathroom.
If you’re thinking of saving money by forgetting shower doors altogether and opting for a more stylish shower curtain…you should think again. It’s been proven that shower curtains can hold 60 times more microbes and bacteria than your toilet seat.
You won’t regret spending a little more money in exchange for easier maintenance and the stylish looks that frameless glass shower doors offer.
It’s All in the Details
In addition to the many benefits of frameless glass shower doors, they also offer an array of options when it comes to the type of glass you can choose.
For clean, minimalistic looks, you can’t go wrong with simple, clear glass. This option will allow the most light to come in, accenting the beauty of the shower’s tile.
If you like a little more privacy than clear doors give, you can choose from rain or satin etch designs, but no matter the glass you choose, frameless glass shower doors make any room appear larger and more open.
The options for frameless glass shower doors don’t stop at types of glass: you’ll need to pick between swinging or sliding glass doors.
Swinging or hinged doors are a better option if you’re tight on space. They offer versatile mounting options and can be attached to another piece of glass or directly to a wall.
If you prefer the look of sliding glass doors, space is a major factor in being able to use them. Sliding doors require the use of two usually full-size panels that are attached to a track and bypass each other to open.
A great bonus of sliding doors is the option to access the shower from either side, perfect for those showers with dual showerheads.
A more uncommon option is pivot shower doors. They offer the benefit of being able to open your shower door in or out. They are not the cheapest option but might be a great solution for your specific space.
Lastly, don’t forget to choose the color for your hardware. With hardware options in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, you can achieve the exact look you want or easily match the pre-existing hardware in your bathroom.
Impacts on Price
There are several factors that impact the final price of your frameless shower doors, but we don’t recommend cutting corners here.
The available DIY shower door kits are an extremely tempting way to save pennies on your project. If you choose to DIY, you’ll be limited to the pre-sized pieces of glass and also risk improperly installing or sealing your doors.
Since improperly installed shower doors can lead to mold, mildew, and costly water damage, frameless glass shower door installation is one part of your bathroom upgrade that should be left to professionals, even if it is more expensive.
When you choose to trust a professional with installation, you can feel good knowing you have optimized your space with a custom-made frameless shower enclosure.
In addition to the size and shape of your space, your choices for glass type, hardware, and door style will all contribute to the price on the final invoice.
Frosted glass is going to be a little higher in price than clear, but that added bit of privacy might be worth the extra money. Also higher in cost are sliding doors. They save you on space but do cost a bit more than hinged or pivot doors.
Since all frameless glass shower doors have unique features, it’s impossible to know exactly how much they will cost. It’s best to speak with a professional and get an accurate estimate. If you’re located in the Las Vegas area, we’re here to help with a free in-home quote.
The Perfect Shower Does Exist
It’s time to say goodbye to your outdated, germ-filled shower curtains and framed glass doors.
By replacing them with stylish frameless glass shower doors, you can simultaneously increase the value of your home and give yourself a relaxing place to catch your breath.
With options for every size and space, we’re confident we can create the perfect look for you. Check out our project gallery and start planning your dream bathroom today.