Upgrading or completely remodeling a bathroom? Here are some shower door selection tips to help with your decisions.
What type of shower will you have? There are basically just three variations: bathtub showers, walk-in showers designed into a corner of the room, and shower enclosures that stand alone. You may also consider a barrier-free configuration, which can feature a fixed protective panel near the shower head and adjacent to a wider, doorless entry that accommodates wheelchairs.
Sliding door panels on tracks have the advantage of needing no floor space to open. They’re probably your best choice for bathtub installation and walk-in showers in smaller bathrooms, because they’re made to enclose wider spaces.
On a corner or stand-alone shower that’s too narrow for a sliding panel, you have the option of installing a door hinged on the left or right, depending upon your available space. Make sure to allow enough clearance for it to open all the way. These doors can be either flat or rounded.
No matter which type of shower door you select, be sure to measure the width and height of the space to the nearest 1/16-inch before you buy. For new enclosures, it’s wise to wait until the work is finished.
An opening wider than 36 inches could require either a door that’s larger than the maximum standard size or an additional stationary panel. Also, decide whether you want it to open to the left or to the right.
Glass shower doors can be either framed or frameless. You’ll find that the more contemporary frameless doors are easier to keep clean, contribute to a sense of spaciousness, and often offer the option of being opened inward instead of out. Framed doors are on a track and surrounded by stainless steel, aluminum, or composite material that requires cleaning.
The glass in shower doors can be clear, frosted, textured or patterned, depending upon the look you want to create. At MBR Glassworks, we have over 28 years of experience installing, repairing, and creating custom glass pieces for our customers and will always be happy to provide our expert design consultation when you need it.