Top 5 Considerations When Choosing The Perfect Glass Shower Enclosure
A glass shower door is a great way to modernize your bathroom, but how do choose the right one? There are many types, styles, hardware, and more to think about. Here are the top five factors to consider.
Bathroom Size and Functionality
What is your current bathroom size? Is it currently set up in a way that is the most functional?
When redesigning your bathroom, the shower will naturally take up the most space so begin with its placement first. Ensure that there is easy access to the shower. Decide where the plumbing makes the most sense. It may be on the left side, right side, or even the center depending on the layout and size of the shower stall.
If your shower needs to stay in its current spot due to size or budget restraints, what size would be best? You will want to make sure that you have enough room both in and around the shower.
If you currently have a tub/shower combination, is it possible to eliminate the tub and install a larger walk-in shower?
Style
What is your house’s current style and what would you like it to be? If you are staying with your current style for budgetary reasons, what will fit in while still giving your bathroom an updated look and feel?
There are literally hundreds of shower styles available. You can go ultra modern and sleek with glass on 2 or 3 walls. You could choose a futuristic style with curved walls. You could stay traditional with tiles or fiberglass on 3 sides and glass only on the front. No matter what, adding glass will allow more light in your space and upgrade the overall aesthetic. Here are some common types:
By-Pass Doors do not swing into or out of the shower area so they are the most space-efficient for a smaller bathroom. They can either have a set pane with one side sliding on a track or both panels of glass can slide open.
Framed Doors are made with thinner glass since the frame offers more support. The frame often is made of aluminum and can be coated, painted or finished in a variety of colors.
Hinged Pivot Doors are usually installed without a tub.
Frameless Doors do not have a supporting frame so the glass is much thicker resulting in a more expensive but beautiful option.
Glass Type & Hardware
All shower door glass has safety glazing with tempered glass the most common type. In case of breakage, tempered glass will shatter into small pellets, rather than large shards which could be much more dangerous.
A less common option is laminated glass. This usually has two pieces of glass surrounding a layer of plastic which helps keep the glass from falling out if there is a crack or breakage. Unfortunately, moisture may find its way in over time so tempered glass is the better long-term choice. While clear tempered glass is the favorite choice, other pattern and texture choices include frosted or patterns.
Laminated glass is another safety glazing option, though not as common in shower doors. Laminated glass consists of at least two pieces of glass and one plastic interlayer that form a glass sandwich. If the glass breaks, the plastic interlayer holds it in place, keeping the glass from falling out. However, moisture from the shower can cause issues with the lamination over time. Therefore, tempered glass is usually the better choice.
Shower hardware is varied and can be chosen in a number of styles and finishes. Nickel, bronze, or chrome finishes are the most common but gold, copper, or custom colors are also options. Usually, it is best to stick with the same hardware type and finishes throughout the bathroom.
Accessibility
Even if you do not have accessibility concerns at the moment, it may be a good idea to think long-term when redesigning a bathroom. After all, you are hoping that this bathroom remodel lasts for some time. It may be a good idea to think about door widths, maneuverability, and access. Would a walk-in shower be better than one with a tub? What about grab bars? Will the walls of your new shower have the strength behind them to easily add bars later?
Budget
The single most important aspect to consider when remodeling is your budget. While a major bathroom renovation might be the dream, it is important to keep your budget in mind to ensure you can get the most for your money.
Fortunately, when it comes to your shower there are many styles and sizes to choose from. You can choose bypass, framed or frameless, and traditional or modern. Not only should you calculate the cost of your new shower door, but be sure to talk to a trusted contractor about the installation costs.
Choose the Best
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.