Have you finally decided to ditch your shower curtain in favour of something more durable and stylish?
While it does keep your bathroom floor dry (mostly), a glass shower door from Academy Glass and Mirrors is a far more functional solution. In fact, the right one can improve the overall look of the space while offering ease of access, privacy, and water-tightness, along with other benefits.
Before investigating your options online or walking into a store, take these factors into consideration. They’ll ensure that you find the best option for your space and make a good investment.
Glass Shower Doors: 5 Tips to Consider
When it comes to choosing the right glass shower door, take these factors into consideration before buying.
1. Your Budget
Set your budget first. This helps limit how much you spend. Unsure how much you should set aside? Then contact The Reno Superstore. We can give you an accurate idea about how much you might need, depending on the dimensions of your shower area and the design you choose.
Along with finding out the material costs, you can also get a rough estimate of installation charges. However, to receive a quote, you will have to get an estimator or technician to measure your bathroom and assess your requirements. Since every home is different, many factors will likely affect the final cost.
2. Shower Area Design
Once you have an idea of your costs, you need to choose a good fit for your bathroom. Generally, showers are categorized into three types: walk-in ones that are located in a corner, bathtub showers, and stand-alone or alcove stalls.
A barrier-free shower is a subset of the corner or alcove shower. This type comes without a door, making it suitable for contemporary bathrooms, and is wheelchair accessible.
Your bathroom’s layout must also be taken into consideration, as there must be enough clearance for the shower door. The space surrounding the shower dictates whether it will open in or out.
The shower opening’s dimensions are also important to note. Since standard shower doors are sized anywhere between 22” and 36”, it helps to know whether a door panel is required. You will also find out whether you need to purchase a glass shower door designed for openings wider than 36 inches.
3. Type of Door
There are numerous types of shower doors. Here are some of the most common.
- Hinged
Glass shower doors often come with a swing option that features small hinges that allow them to operate like standard doors. The hinges are typically located on the side of the panels which are themselves mounted on the bathroom wall. Note that these types of glass shower doors don’t require an additional upper frame.
- Pivoting
Pivoting glass shower doors typically contain two pintles; one mounted on the bottom of the panel and another at the top. This allows the glass shower door to pivot on the lower and upper frame. Since the doors rest on the lower one, their weight is supported by the bathroom floor.
- Sliding
Also referred to as the bypass door, sliding glass shower doors feature two panels that slide back and forth along a track. Both can bypass one another when opening or closing the door. However, they require a large area to function properly, making them suitable for big shower areas.
4. Frame Design
Glass shower doors are typically available in two designs: framed and frameless. Which is most suitable for your space?
- Framed
These shower doors typically have a stainless steel, composite (usually a mix of carbon parts and alloy), or aluminum frame to support the glass panel. You may choose from a wide range of finishes to ensure they complement your decor. The tracks trap and collect water so require cleaning.
Another thing to keep in mind is that framed glass shower doors are designed to open outward. So if you don’t have enough clearance in front of your shower, you will have to consider other options.
- Frameless
Frameless doors have a contemporary design and come with through-the-glass mounted hardware in varying thicknesses of glass. They are much easier to clean than their framed counterparts and create a sense of spaciousness. These doors can open both inwards and outwards, making them suitable for bathrooms of all sizes.
5. Accurate Measurements
Your next step is to take accurate measurements of the shower area to ensure you receive the correct quote and product recommendation. No matter the type of door you choose, the measurements will dictate whether it fits perfectly. So, be patient and double-check everything before getting in touch with your glass shower provider. Alternatively, you can ask an expert to take the measurements for you.
By taking these five factors into account, you can select a suitable glass shower door for your bathroom. It will allow you to make critical decisions that can transform your bathroom, whether you’re purchasing a product in-store or online.