We’re all familiar with the feeling we get when one aspect of a big project isn’t quite right. Maybe it’s the tile you selected for a backdrop, or the light fixture that isn’t as pretty as you initially thought. Or maybe it’s the shower door. What if you installed a sliding door and ultimately wanted a hinged one (or vise versa)? When you’re building your dream bathroom, you want every aspect of it to be perfect, so weighing the pros and cons is necessary. Let’s take a look at two options for your custom glass shower doors, and what they offer for your bathroom.
Sliding Glass Shower Doors
First up is sliding doors. Also known as bypass doors, they consist of two glass panels that slide open. They each move along a set of tracks that are installed at the top and bottom of the doorway to your shower. Typically, one slides behind the other to create an opening, but some configurations allow both panels to slide, allowing entry on either end of the shower.
Pros of Sliding Glass Shower Doors
One huge benefit of sliding glass shower doors is their space-saving features. Since they don’t swing out, there’s no need to leave a big open space to make leeway for the door. They stay within the shower’s footprint, meaning they’re ideal for small bathrooms and other tight-quarter configurations.
Additionally, their sleep, modern look can enhance the appeal of your bathroom if you’re going for a contemporary look. Clean lines and minimalist features provide an aesthetic that many of today’s homebuyers find attractive.
Cons of Sliding Glass Shower Doors
On the flip side of this coin are a few drawbacks. The tracks these glass shower doors slide along can accumulate dirt and grime, so cleaning will likely be required more frequently. To compound that, the tracks themselves are difficult to clean thanks to the tight spaces you’ll need to access. These tracks also present potential issues, as their mechanism can wear down over time or become misaligned. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the doors operate smoothly.
One more thing to be aware of is that typically, sliding doors offer a smaller opening than hinged ones. If you have mobility issues, this is something to consider.
Hinged Shower Doors
These are the more traditional glass shower doors you’ll find in bathrooms with classic designs and architecture. Also known as pivot doors, they’re mounted on—you guessed it—hinges that allow the door to swing open just like a typical door that leads from one room to another. The hinges themselves are attached on one side (generally the side that connects to the bathroom wall). Most of them swing outward, but the beauty of custom bathroom design is that you can configure them to swing inward if you want.
Pros
When there are no sliding door tracks to worry about, there’s not as much cleaning to worry about! There are no bottom tracks, so soap scum and other grime doesn’t have as many places to accumulate and hide. Additionally, hinged doors generally have a wider opening, providing a big benefit for accessibility.
Generally speaking, hinged shower doors offer a more timeless and elegant aesthetic that looks right at home in a wide range of bathroom styles. They can easily fit into a large number of classic and contemporary spaces.
Cons
Hinged doors aren’t as suitable for small bathrooms, however. Because of their swinging design, they require plenty of space for opening and closing. Because of this, they aren’t great for small spaces.
In addition, the installation of these doors is generally more complex and costly than those of sliding doors. The need for such precise alignment and sturdy hinge support means the equipment and craftsmanship needs to be top-notch (we’ve got you covered in that regard, though).
Factors to Consider
Before making a final decision on your glass shower doors, there are a few things you should take into account.
Bathroom Size and Layout
The layout and size of your space play a big role in the options available to you. As we mentioned above, you should consider sliding shower doors if you’re working with a small, compact bathroom. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a way to leave plenty of space for a swinging door to open and close. Additionally, many bathrooms place the toilet next to the shower/tub. This can be a determining factor in which end of the shower the entrance is on and how the door swings.
Budget
As with any home project, there’s always a budget to contend with. Since sliding doors have a simpler installation process, they’re typically less expensive. On the other hand, hinged doors will likely mean a steeper up-front investment but offer more appealing long-term benefits.
Maintenance and Durability
Speaking of long-term benefits, don’t forget to consider the durability of your doors. While we can ensure you’re getting quality glass in your project, the hinges and tracks may need maintenance over time. Sliding doors require more frequent cleaning and maintenance than hinges, so keep that in mind.
Personal Preferences and Style
And of course, your glass shower doors should with your personal style. Some people are drawn to the minimalist modern look, while others find a traditional aesthetic to be more in line with their tastes. Sliding doors scratch that modern itch, while hinged ones provide a classic look that adds elegance to your bathroom.
Conclusion
It may seem like a simple choice, but weighing the pros and cons of glass shower doors requires careful consideration. After all, this is a space you’ll be using multiple times a day. You should take the time to make sure it’s perfect!
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your style preferences and your budget. If you like the latest looks and don’t mind dealing with more frequent maintenance, the sliding glass shower doors are for you. If you want doors you don’t have to tend to as often in a bathroom that has a classic feel, go with the hinged doors!
No matter what you decide, The Glass Guys are here to make sure your bathroom truly is your oasis. We’ll provide expert custom glass shower doors that you won’t regret installing. Get in touch today and let’s make your dream bathroom a reality!
