If you’re renovating your bathroom or designing the bathroom for your new home, and you plan on having a shower enclosure, then you’ll need to decide what kind of door will work best for you. You can choose between frameless and framed glass doors, and each offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Use the questions below to decide which type of glass shower door will work best for your bathroom.
How Big Is Your Budget?
First, start with what kind of a door is possible for your budget. If you want to keep things as affordable as possible, you’d be better off with a framed shower door. Since framed shower doors have thinner glass and are easier to install, you’ll save a substantial amount of money if you choose this type of door. Frameless doors are much thicker, and they require careful and precise installation to work properly. These attributes make them significantly more expensive. Do You Want a Sliding Door?
If you want a shower door that slides, a framed door is your only option. A frameless door can’t slide along a track. If you don’t have much space in your bathroom and want a sliding door, you only have one choice. However, if you have the space for a shower door that opens and shuts, then you can choose whichever option appeals to you most.
Do You Want a Traditional or Contemporary Look?
Framed doors are classic and traditional, while frameless doors are more contemporary and minimalist. While a framed door’s metal edging calls attention to itself, a frameless door will make your bathroom feel larger and show off any beautiful tile work you have inside your shower. Both of these types of doors can be elegant and beautiful. You just need to choose the option that works best with your décor.
Are You More Worried About Leaks or Mold?
To be clear, you can prevent leaks and mold no matter which type of shower door you choose. However, the shower door style does influence which problem you’re more likely to have. Framed shower doors are better at forming a seal than frameless shower doors, which means that they are less likely to leak. However, framed doors also collect water because they’re made of more than one piece, and this water can exacerbate mold and mildew. On the other hand, frameless doors are less likely to contribute to mildew and mold. If you want a frameless door but don’t want leaks, talk to your glass specialist about your options. If you choose an experienced and reputable professional, they can install the shower door with precision so that it’s not likely to leak. On the other hand, if you want a framed shower door but don’t want mold, just make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated and gets cleaned regularly.
How Easy Should Cleaning Your Bathroom Be?
Since frameless doors come in one piece, they are very easy to clean and maintain. However, framed shower doors tend to be more difficult. If you prefer to just wipe the shower door and be done, frameless could be your best option. A framed door could still be a great choice for other reasons like cost, but if you choose one, you’ll need to spend time scrubbing the accumulated debris out of the corners of the frame.
Both framed and frameless shower doors work very well and can last a long time. Your choice comes down to what attributes you prioritize: would you rather save time on cleaning or save money on installation? Think through what matters most to you, and speak with Martin Glass. We’ll help you find the perfect shower door.