After years of dealing with shower curtains and hooks, you have decided it is finally time to make the switch to a frameless shower door. It is likely one of the best decisions to make for your home, but there are few things to consider first. While improved aesthetics is likely a big driving factor in your choice, you should also be mindful of functionality, security, and safety as well.
Here are the top 10 things to keep in mind when selecting your frameless shower door:
Opening - Whether you go with a sliding or pivoting style door depends on how much space the opening has.
Budget - There are a variety of frameless shower doors, which can make choosing one overwhelming. Your budget and style of door play a big part in narrowing your choices down. Generally, swing style doors cost more than sliding doors.
Frequency of Use - Consider how often this door should be used. You do not have to worry about durability as much if it is just going in a spare bathroom. If the door is for your kids' bathroom, then sturdiness is a significant factor to consider.
Towel Bars - You might prefer the idea of having a towel bar attached to the glass door to save yourself bathroom wall space. Some people might like the idea of putting a wet swimsuit inside the shower - ideal for guest washrooms.
Turning Water On - An overlooked factor is whether you can turn the water on before you enter the shower. If this is something you do often, keep it in mind when choosing which way your frameless shower door sings or slides open.
Wall Studs - Some frameless shower doors use wall mounted hinges, which can be tricky if your wall studs are in an awkward spot. This means the hinge side of the door is secured to the sidewall, putting a lot of weight on the tile and durock only if it is not secured into a stud. This puts pressure on the wall and could cause the door to pull away, creating a hazardous situation. Use a pivot style hinge instead so that the weight is transferred to the horizontal threshold rather than the vertical wall.
Glass Thickness - Most frameless shower doors are 3/8" thick, but there are 1/2" thick types available. While thick glass is more durable, you must make sure it is supported adequately if you choose this option.
Transparency - Ultra-clear glass costs more than generic clear, but it has less of a greenish tint to it. The tint is noticeable if you have light coloured tiles. You also need to decide if you want any type of frosting on the glass for added privacy.
Water Source - It is crucial to consider which direction the water in your shower comes from. If you have multiple shower heads spraying in different directions, you need to be mindful of where the opening of your shower door is.
Door Installation - Consider whether the door should be directly on the floor or mounted on a curb. It decides what type of hinge is used and where the door should be attached.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.