When it comes to bathroom renovations, selecting the right glass shower doors can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which type of shower door will best fit your needs and budget. To help you make the best choice for your home, here are three key questions you should ask yourself before shopping for glass shower doors. 

1. How can I determine whether I need a standard-sized shower door or a custom shower enclosure?

Standard-sized shower door glass can often save you money over a custom frameless glass shower enclosure. However, many homes don’t have a shower base that fits these standardized dimensions, especially if your home is a few decades old. Standard-size shower doors typically measure around 60” x 72”. However, standard 60” shower door glass actually fits openings from 56” to 60” wide, so if your shower base measures within this range, you’re eligible for a standard-sized shower door.

However, if you have a large shower stall or narrow shower stall or are looking for a custom look, you may opt for a custom shower enclosure. Custom frameless glass shower enclosures can be made to fit any size shower stall, and they offer a unique look that can’t be achieved with a prefabricated shower door. While they cost slightly more than prefab options, they can increase your home’s value by highlighting your bathroom’s design and making it appear larger and brighter than traditional framed shower doors or shower curtains.

2. What are the different types of shower door glass?

There are several different types of glass shower doors, including sliding shower doors, walk-in shower doors, and pivoting glass shower doors. Each type of door has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before committing to one for your bathroom renovation.

Sliding shower doors are a great option if you’re looking for a simple door that you can easily open and close. These are a more traditional style found in most households, where one door slides past the other. This option is best where bathroom floor space may be tight, or you otherwise don’t want the door opening into the bathroom. This style also helps prevent water from dripping onto your bathroom floor since all elements of the shower enclosure remain inside the shower base.

Pivoting glass shower doors are ideal for those looking for a door that swings open and allows for easy access. This style acts just as any typical door in your house would, opening into the bathroom from a hinge on one side of the door. This functionality makes it easier to walk into your shower if you have limited mobility. These doors are also best for showers in a corner of the room or where the shower opening is narrow and won’t accommodate two sliding doors.

Finally, there are walk-in showers. With walk-in showers, you can either have one fixed piece of glass anchored to the wall or you can have a partially pivoting door. This style is best for a modern bathroom design where a sleek and minimal look is desired. It’s also a great option for homeowners seeking accessibility, as they can be designed to accommodate a wheelchair and other mobility equipment.

3. What is my budget for glass shower enclosures?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask when choosing your frameless glass shower enclosure. Shower doors come in all price points, so you’ll need to consider whether you’re looking for top-of-the-line, mid-grade, or budget shower door glass.

Budget shower door glass is best for quick flips of lower-priced homes. The glass will typically be approximately ⅛-inch thick and will have visible framing. The hardware will also be cheaper and the shower doors may even be shorter.

Mid-grade shower door glass will be slightly thicker (typically ¼-inch thick) and typically semi-frameless or frameless. The doors will also be taller to give a more elegant and luxurious appearance.

Luxury shower door glass can be as thick as ½-inch and will typically always be a frameless glass shower enclosure. Luxury frameless glass shower enclosures will have limited hardware, but the hardware it does have will be solid and highly engineered.

If you’re a homeowner looking to install new frameless glass shower enclosures, look no further than the experts at Golden Glass. We’re the nation’s premier residential architectural glazing contractors, with decades of five-star ratings to attest to our quality craftsmanship. Let Golden Glass help you create the frameless glass shower enclosure that best enhances your home’s style by calling 800-64-GLASS or filling out our online contact form today. One of our team members would be happy to talk you through our services and give you a free quote for your next project.