When you’re renovating your shower—or constructing a new bathroom altogether—careful consideration should be given to every faucet—err, facet. The tiles, toilet, vanity, cabinets, and so much more should all be carefully planned. Your shower door is no exception. And believe it or not, there are plenty of options to choose from. But before you get too dizzy thinking about them, there’s one choice you can make to eliminate contenders: framed or frameless glass shower doors? Each style has its own look, along with functional advantages and drawbacks. Take your visual preferences and personal needs into account to determine which one suits you better. To help you out, we’ll go over the big differences between these two options so you can confidently make your choice.
What are Framed Glass Shower Doors?
Framed glass shower doors are exactly what they sound like. They feature a metal frame that reinforces the edges with metal. The frames provide added support for the door, and they’re usually made from aluminum or stainless steel, providing plenty of durability and stability. These doors are generally more affordable than their frameless counterparts, meaning they’re a popular choice among many homeowners whose budget requires it. However, framed glass shower doors are frequently chosen for their looks, depending on the customer.
Pros and Cons of Framed Glass Shower Doors
Pros
- More often than not, framed doors are the more wallet-friendly option, making them a cost-effective choice for the budget-conscious homeowner.
- The frames provide sturdier construction, meaning they’re at lower risk of breaking as a result of any unfortunate occurrence.
- Thanks to the tightened seal provided by the metal frames of these doors, leaks are less likely to occur, and the water will better stay within the shower, where it belongs.
Cons
- Be aware that framed glass shower doors have a bulkier build that may not suit the visual preferences of the modern- or minimalist-minded homeowners.
- While glass is relatively easy to clean if you know what you’re doing, the metal frames are more susceptible to mold and mildew—and they’re tougher to clean, as well. More frequent maintenance may be required.
What are Frameless Glass Shower Doors?
On to the option that many would describe as sleek and modern. Frameless glass shower doors may seem like nothing more than a well-sized glass sheet, but they’re much more than that. They’re made from tempered glass that’s thicker than their framed counterparts, making them more than able to withstand the expected use (and occasional abuse) of everyday shower activities. You’ll find no bulky frames here, and they’re right at home in a bathroom that tends to keep things simple and sleek.
Pros and Cons of Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Pros
- With very little hardware to speak of, these doors create a clean, modern look that’s perfect for the more contemporary-minded.
- The lack of frames means cleaning and maintaining these doors is a breeze. Not only is glass simply easier to clean, but there are few nooks and crannies for grime to settle into.
- Since they’re all transparent (but not invisible, so don’t worry about that), they give off the illusion of a larger space. As a result, they’re perfect for maximizing visual space even in small bathrooms.
Cons
- These shower doors will generally cost more than framed options, thanks to the more expensive glass that needs to be used in them. Because of this, frameless options aren’t as suitable for tighter budgets.
- Precise installation is key to avoiding issues down the road—moreso than framed glass shower doors.
- With a lack of frames, there’s more potential for water to leak out when the shower is in use. Take this into account when planning your bathroom construction or renovation.
Which Glass Shower Doors are Right for You?
There are a few other factors you should consider before you make your choice. Take into account:
- Budget: If you’re on a somewhat tight budget, framed doors are generally a more economical option.
- Bathroom Size and Style: A framed door can complement more traditional home styles, while the frameless options can work well in a more modern setting.
- Maintenance: If you don’t want to worry about cleaning, consider frameless glass shower doors as their upkeep requirements aren’t as strict.
- Durability: A framed shower door is known for structural support, while frameless options require more precise installation to maximize longevity.
When it comes down to it, your choice depends on visual preference, budget limitations, and maintenance tolerance.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Whether you choose a framed or frameless shower door, you have unique features, benefits, and drawbacks to take into account. If you need a little help with these considerations—or if you’ve already decided and want to get the ball rolling—get in touch with The Glass Guys! We know our way around glass shower doors—framed and frameless. We can’t wait to get to work for you!
