Sliding vs. Pivoting Glass Shower Doors: Which are Better?

Replacing your shower curtain with glass shower doors is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Glass shower doors instantly elevate the look and feel of your bathroom – plus, they eliminate the nuisance of water spilling onto your floor after a shower.

When installing a new glass shower enclosure, you’ll generally have to choose between two types of doors: sliding and pivoting. So, how do you know which glass shower doors are best for your space?

Which Glass Shower Doors are More Affordable?

If budget is your top priority, sliding glass shower doors are going to be your best bet. Compared to pivoting doors of the same size, sliding shower doors are generally the more affordable option.

Which Glass Shower Enclosures Work Better in Small Spaces?

If you’re installing a shower in a tight space, you might not have enough room for pivoting doors. Because they swing out, pivoting glass shower doors need plenty of space around them – otherwise, they’ll hit the next closest fixture (or person) whenever they’re opened. For this reason, you’ll likely want to install sliding doors in your smaller bathrooms.

What Difference do Tracks Make?

Another key difference between sliding and pivoting glass shower doors is that sliding doors operate on tracks: the metal component at the base of a shower that allows the doors to slide back and forth.

While functional, tracks quickly attract soap scum, dirt and even mold. They’re tight, tricky spaces that can be difficult to keep clean – something you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing new glass shower doors.

Because pivoting glass shower doors don’t need tracks, they’ll cut down on your weekly cleaning checklist by giving you one less thing you have to scrub.

What Kind of Glass Shower Enclosure Best Suits a Corner Shower?

Corner showers help to conserve space in smaller bathrooms. They’re also a bit of an awkward shape, which can make it tricky to install sliding glass doors. 

Because of their positioning, pivoting glass shower doors often work better for corner showers. Tucked away in a corner, pivoting doors have the space they need to swing open without bumping into your sink, toilet or other installations.

There’s a lot of decision-making that goes into home renovations – especially when it comes to your bathrooms. Working with Golden Glass is one choice you won’t ever have to think twice about. Our family-run business has fabricated and installed high-quality glasswork for decades. 

Whether you’re looking for new glass shower doors, double-pane windows or other custom glass pieces, our contractors will exceed your expectations. Visit us online or call (800) 644-5277 to let us know how we can service your needs.