When it comes to bathroom renovations, a common dilemma is deciding between framed and frameless glass shower doors. Each style has its unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. To help you make an informed decision for your bathroom renovation, here’s a brief overview of the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Framed Glass Shower Doors
Framed glass shower doors have metal edges — typically aluminum — around the doors, panels, tops and corners of the shower enclosure. They can either swing on a hinge or slide on tracks. They’re generally more budget-friendly than their frameless counterparts. They also get points for sturdiness, as the frame surrounding the glass provides additional structural support. Framed doors also tend to be better at preventing water from leaking onto the bathroom floor.
Framed glass shower doors have some drawbacks, however. The frame can make them harder to clean, as soap scum and mould-causing bacteria can accumulate in the crevices. Additionally, from a design perspective, the frame can be visually intrusive, breaking up the clean lines of your bathroom and potentially making it appear smaller and more cluttered. It can also give your bathroom a slightly dated look.
Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Frameless glass shower doors consist of tempered glass panels that don’t need the support of a frame. Their various configuration options include sliding, pivot and hinged styles, allowing for more customization to suit your design preferences. Renowned for its sleek, modern appearance, frameless glass can make your bathroom look spacious and sophisticated. With no frame to worry about and few places for mould and soap scum to hide, they’re easy to clean.
Before committing to the frameless option, however, take note of their disadvantages. Frameless glass shower doors typically cost more than their framed counterparts due to the need for thicker glass. Although these doors are robust, the absence of frame support can make them more vulnerable to impact or excessive force. Additionally, installation can be more time-consuming, requiring precise measurements and professional expertise.
Consult a Pro for Experienced Guidance
When you’re choosing between framed and frameless shower doors, your final decision should align with your budget, design vision and how much effort you can invest in maintenance. Having a professional evaluate your budget constraints and the ways you use your space can make the difference between an okay renovation and the bathroom of your dreams. They can help you arrive at a solution that pleases you functionally and esthetically.
Glass Shower Doors in Northwest Canada
Whichever style you choose, All-West Glass is the place to purchase your new glass shower doors. We carry a wide range of functional and elegant designs, and we can also custom-build a unique glass shower enclosure to perfectly fit your bathroom. Contact us today and find an All-West Glass location near you, with 18 locations serving Northwest Canada including Grande Prairie, Fort St. John, Houston, and Whitehorse.