The shower door is safe and stylish, durable, and easy-to maintain, with a plethora of styles and designs that add ambiance to your room. Because it is glass, you know the maintenance will probably just involve a glass cleaner and some paper towel to remove any soap or water spots. The hinges it will swing on will probably not need anything but a gentle cleaning from time to time also. If you’re confident in the glass shower door you want, it’s easy to begin the purchase process using the three steps below.
If there’s an existing door already in place, choosing a door shape is limited since you’ll need to follow the structure of the enclosure. Nonetheless, there are many choices and styles to flatter your already-existing structure. You could choose from new hardware or type of glass you like so that you are updating along with the frameless style of the door. However, if you're constructing a new shower without an enclosure already in place, there’s a plethora of door shapes and options to choose from. It’s easy to simplify your style with the available options.
Single door styles are popular because they will pull open allowing you to step directly into the shower enclosure. The neo-angle shower door is another popular style offering an intriguing look. This style will have stationary walls, either glass or tiled forming the enclosure with a door at the entryway. There’s the sliding shower door as well featuring just one sliding door that includes three panels. As you slide the door open, the panels align beside each other so that they stack on the side. The sliding shower door is easy-to operate, stylish, and available in your choice of several designs.
Glass used for frameless shower doors is heavier than the glass used in a framed door. The heavier weight of the glass makes it easy to support the enclosure without a frame. Several glass thicknesses are available to accommodate your needs. The ⅜” thick glass is oftentimes selected for the frameless glass shower doors. It is the smallest glass thickness available, as well as the most budget-friendly of the options. It is thick enough to provide strong, sturdy support for your shower door, but can easily sustain damage.
The ½” thick glass is oftentimes used in storefronts. It is high-quality and durable and feels substantially more durable than the ⅜” glass. Although costlier, many homeowners find the costs worth the expense since the glass is safe and sleeker than the alternative. The ½” thick glass is resistant to cracks, which is yet another benefit. While each has its cost differences due to thickness, glass shower doors will allow the light to shine through, so you won’t feel like your enclosed in a dark space. Sure, that might be relaxing to some, but to others it may make you feel more secluded and uncomfortable.
Creating a unique and intriguing bathroom style all your own is simple with the plethora of hardware options designed to enhance the addition. Door pull styles include knob, towel bar, handle, and combination. It’s important to carefully select the best pull style for your needs, since this is the way the door is opened and closed. Once you’ve selected your preferred pull style, decide the finish most appealing to the look you’re creating. Most often, home renovations will try to include materials that most closely match what is already there, but you can make this into an even more unique space in your home based on your choices.
Stainless steel, brass, chrome, and brushed nickel finishes are among the available choices, each providing its own distinguishing features and look. Finally, decide the attachment you’ll use to hold the glass to the enclosure. Metal clip attachments complete a totally frameless style while the U-Channel option consists of a long rail that your glass fits inside. When looking at your options consider which is easier for you to clean and maintain while keeping your door free from water that could be splashed out while showering.