Framed or Frameless Shower Doors: Which Is Right for You?

October 1st, 2021

Your bathroom likely gets more use than any other room in your house. So, it should be no surprise that it’s one of the most common places that homeowners choose to remodel.

And since the shower is such an integral part of our daily routines, it’s natural to want one that offers not just utility but beauty and luxury.

One of the first things to consider is the style of shower door you’d like. There are two main types: framed and frameless. If you’ve never had a frameless shower in your Toronto home, there are several reasons why you may want one. But are they better than standard framed shower doors? And what are their drawbacks?

Here, we offer a detailed comparison of framed versus frameless shower doors in Toronto.

What Are the Differences Between Framed & Frameless Shower Doors?

Differences-Between-Framed-&-Frameless-Shower-Doors

Figuring out whether you want a framed or frameless shower door can be a little confusing so doing your research is key. Understanding their differences is a necessary step in getting the look of your bathroom right. Here are a few key differences.

Cost 

There can be a significant price difference between framed and frameless shower doors. For each type, there is a wide range of prices based on the size of the enclosure, the height of the door, and the kind of glass used. Moreover, custom installation may be required depending on the space. Generally, you pay more for a frameless configuration, but the additional investment is well worth it for many homeowners because the end result is so aesthetically pleasing.

Materials 

Most shower enclosures and doors use the same types of tempered glass, but the key difference is in the thickness of the glass. Framed showers usually use thinner glass because of their weight, and there is also a frame for supporting the door. The metals commonly used are aluminum or brass, which come in different shades, colours, and finishes.

Installation 

Frameless shower doors are more difficult to install than framed doors for two reasons.

First, they weigh a lot more. This is because the glass has to be thicker to withstand the lack of additional support provided by a frame.

Secondly, frameless doors are attached to the bathroom walls and floors using clips. This makes the installation process challenging because the glass has to be positioned correctly against the walls and floor while the clips are put in place.  Also, the heavy glass doors mean that if the clips aren’t put in the right places, then its weight won’t be distributed correctly and it will start to sag.

On the other hand, the glass of a framed shower door is lighter, and the weight is evenly distributed within the frame. It is also easier to attach the frame to the walls and floor. In the end, it can take twice as long to install a frameless shower door.

Maintenance 

Frameless shower doors require less upkeep. Many homeowners opt to wipe them down with a squeegee when they finish showering. This is a quick and easy way to keep it looking clear and bright. However, you’ll still want to wipe it down with a cleaner every now and then to keep it looking like new.

With framed showers, you need to get into the nooks and crannies. Otherwise, mould and mildew will buildup in the crevices. Between the metal, caulking and different parts used in framed shower doors, there are simply more spaces for mould and mildew to grow and hide.

Potential for Rusting 

Framed shower doors have a significantly higher potential for rust and decay. However, there are metal parts on a frameless shower door as well, including the mounting clips, hinges, and sliding rods. But on a frameless shower door, these pieces are a lot smaller and have fewer ridges and places for water to collect and cause corrosion.

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, people often want the look of a frameless shower door, especially if they are going for a contemporary style. Frameless shower doors are certainly an excellent choice. They are also less noticeable, so if you have a smaller bathroom, they can create the illusion of space. A framed door is your best option if you are going for a vintage style.

Framed Shower Doors Are More Watertight

Because framed doors use more metal throughout their structure for support, they are better sealed. On the bottom of the door, seals or sweeping devices keep water from leaking anywhere it’s not supposed to be. However, with a frameless shower, controlling the water becomes more difficult to manage. With very little metal or attachments running through the glass, there is nowhere to attach the seals and it’s more difficult to keep the water in the shower or bath. But there are still ways to maintain a clean, dry bathroom outside your shower walls, even when you have a frameless shower door.

Both framed and frameless shower doors are available in a wide variety of glass designs, shapes, and opening options. Moreover, both of these glass shower doors are made from tempered glass which can be coated in a protective layer to prevent the glass from getting watermarks. If you have questions regarding framed versus frameless shower doors and other bathroom design topics, book an appointment with our experts today.