Top 10 Considerations When Choosing a Glass Shower Door
Renovating a bathroom is not something most people do very often. It can be costly but done correctly with good choices, can be a long-term solution to keep your home looking up to date. The shower is going to be one of the major expenses in a bathroom remodel and there are many options to consider.
1. Do you want a framed or frameless glass shower door?
One of the biggest decisions you make when remodeling a bathroom is choosing between a framed or frameless shower enclosure. Either choice can be a good one as long as you are aware that there are several factors to consider including your budget.
Framed shower enclosures are the more traditional choice. You will recognize them by the metal frame that goes completely around the glass and along the top and bottom of the door. The is coated with a choice of a bronze, silver, or gold color.
Unlike framed glass shower doors, frameless shower doors do not need metal support to function. They are known for their clean, modern appearance and can show off beautiful tilework or other features.
Still not sure? Click here to read our previous article detailing all the differences between a framed or frameless glass shower door.
2. Is clear or obscure glass a better choice?
You may love the clean, modern look that only clear shower doors have. If you have beautiful custom tilework, clear doors can allow unobstructed views. Clear doors also tend to be less expensive but tougher to keep spot-free. If you are not a fan of the greenish hue of standard glass doors, you can also choose a crystal clear, low-iron option.
You may decide that frosted privacy glass fits better with your bathroom’s overall look and function. Either way, it is best to keep a squeegee in the shower to keep up with spots,
3. How do I protect my new glass from spotting?
Many people believe that is solid enough that will not absorb minerals from hard water. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Without protection, your glass shower door can eventually become permanently spotted with hard water stains.
No matter if it’s framed or frameless, ensure that the glass for your shower door, ensure is treated with surface protection. This will help water to bead off the surface. Also, be sure to ask about maintenance and if the reapplication of glass surface protection is needed.
4. What about safety glass?
Safety glass is a needed option for anyone installing a new glass shower door but especially if you have children or elders who may need the extra security, Shower doors do not explode often but it can happen. Check into security glass with an invisible film on the outside that can help keep the glass from creating long dangerous shards upon breakage.
5. How will your glass shower door function?
This is a complicated question and there is much to think about.
Do you want your shower door to slide, pivoting, or do you simply want to be able to walk in?
Where will the shower head and controls be located and on which side will you enter the shower?
If you have a framed shower, how tall must the frame be so you don’t hit your head on the way in or out?
If you have a slider, will it open from just one side or both? If only one, is it the right or left?
Will the opening be wide enough for everyone in the house to be able to get in comfortably?
Will there be an issue with water spilling out if you choose a certain type of door?
6. Should I consider a curved glass shower door?
Consider a curved glass shower door in a small alcove shower or other places where a little extra room is needed. They may not have to break the budget either. Most standard sized curved glass shower doors are very comparable to other glass shower doors.
7. What is the right finish for shower door hardware?
Plain, metallic finishes for shower door hardware like brass or chrome are not only outdated, they can be hard to keep spotless and may even get pitted over time.
While black matte looks great in modern farmhouse decor, there are many others to choose from: brushed gold, bronze or nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, antique pewter, and others that will update your bathroom’s look and be much easier to maintain.
8. What type of shower door handle should I choose?
Door handles can change the total look of a shower door. From door pulls or knobs, to vertical handles or horizontal space-saving towel bar handles, there are many types to choose from.
9. What if I want a steam shower?
Installing a steam shower is one situation where a frameless shower door is not the best choice. A steam shower requires a tight fit and frameless showers tend to have narrow gaps on each side. The best bet is to go with a tightly sealed framed shower door.
10. What if I need handicapped accessibility?
In order for a shower to be ADA compliant you will need at least a 36” opening at the entry of the shower from the top to the floor. Unfortunately, most shower doors are not this wide.. s Ensure you are working with someone that understands all ADA compliance and safety rules.
We are here to help with all your shower door questions
For over 60 years, Southington Glass Company provides a variety of glass products to enhance your home and business. Call us at 860-628-2438, visit our website at www.southingtonglass.com, or come see us at our showroom at 416 North Main St. Southington, CT to view a quality selection and advice on shower and tub enclosures, custom glass, and mirror products, windows and more.
We will meet with you to discuss design options, explain the installation process, and go over project costs, so you can make an informed decision concerning the style, type of glass, and fixture replacement, to determine what’s right for you and your bathroom.