Shower doors have become a standard fixture in most bathrooms, replacing the conventional curtains. Their modern style and unique configurations add a classy touch to the most frequented part of your home. Installing a shower door increases the functionality of your bathroom and even raises the value of your property.
Glass shower doors are broadly classified into framed and frameless categories. Framed doors with metal frames are a common sight as they structurally support your shower enclosure glass panels. The glass of the door and the metal finish are often customized as per your preference.
Today, homeowners find the design and look of frameless glass shower doors to be ultramodern and stylishly appealing. Frameless doors make your bathroom look spacious with their durable glass. They also gel beautifully with the elegant tiles and fittings present therein.
Consider the following factors before installing your shower glass doors:
Decor Compatibility
When remodeling your bathroom, choose a shower door style that complements your interior decor. Avoid opting for a trendy door which proves to be a complete misfit in your given space. The door chosen must match your existing layout and personal requirement.
Design and Functionality
Framed doors, though sturdier, make smaller bathrooms appear even more restrictive. Their design does not suit a limited space, unlike the frameless variety, which adds depth. Whether your bathroom is large or small, frameless doors make the area appear virtually bigger.
Long-Term Maintenance
The metal frames on framed shower doors attract mold and mildew, which is hard to clean even with a wet brush. Metal also rusts with time, making it lose its visual appeal. In contrast, frameless glass doors are easier to maintain and clean. There are no awkward spots that need rigorous cleaning.
Enumerated below is a comparative analysis of the relevant aspects of both shower doors to help you make an informed choice:
Enclosure Material
Glass shower doors, whether framed or frameless, are made from tempered glass. The glass panel used in framed doors is comparatively thinner so that the frame can support it. While firmly fixing the glass to the frame, careful attention prevents any cracks from leaking.
On the other hand, the glass panel used in frameless shower doors is thicker. The glass is attached with clips and hinges, and a thick silicone coating around the edges permanently seals it.
Overall Style
Sliding doors are a perfect combination for framed shower doors with pivoting ones becoming a rarity. Frameless glass doors come with a variety of style options. You can opt for stationary or moving panels and even French-style doors. The bottom line is that framed doors give you a more traditional vibe than the contemporary feel of frameless shower doors.
Installation Process
Glass shower enclosures must be installed by professionals irrespective of the specifics. Frameless doors are more demanding when it comes to installing them. Elements like their hinges and clips need to be well-attached to prevent the door from sagging.
The lighter weight of framed doors and the fact that all clips and hinges are attached to the frame is a boon. In this case, the installation process may take 2 to 3 hours instead of the concentrated 4 to 5 hours you need for frameless installations.
Durable Quality
Framed and frameless shower doors usually have a lifespan ranging between 20 to 30 years. The aluminum frames present on framed doors may collect mineral deposits and corrode with time.
Even the tracks present across the frame tend to gather water, which eventually breeds mold. Frameless doors are free from similar pain points owing to the lack of metal.
Cost Factor
What contributes to the overall cost of your shower door is whether it is custom-built or readymade. The former increases your material and installation costs. Even the type of glass used, size, and height of the door affect the pricing.
For your 60-inch shower, a framed sliding door in stock costs approximately $200 to $300 and an additional $100 for installation. A similar-sized frameless door ranges between $600 to $800, with installation charges around $300 to $400.
Chances of Water Leaks
With framed doors, there is a lesser chance of water leakages because of the sturdy metal frame. Rubber gaskets are fitted to the frameless shower door’s edges to prevent water from seeping out. These, however, can crack with time and need to be replaced whenever necessary. A little alertness helps you to nip the problem in its bud.
Give your bathroom a welcome makeover by prioritizing what personally matters most to you.
