Frameless vs. Framed Shower Door: Which one is best for your Bathroom?

For most homeowners, the bathroom is one of the essential rooms in the house. It’s a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, and it’s also a space that needs to be functional and stylish.

When choosing the right shower door for your bathroom, there are two main options: framed and frameless. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so weighing your options before deciding is crucial.

Framed Shower Door

Framed shower doors are made with an aluminum frame that surrounds the glass door. The door frame can be either square or round and is available in various finishes. In addition, different types of glass can be used for framed shower doors, including clear, frosted, or tinted.

Advantages of Framed Shower door

It offers flexibilityThe frame in the glass shower door can be designed to fit the style of the bathroom. For example, the frame can be made to match the tile, paint color, and fixtures in the bathroom.
You can also customize the frame to fit any size shower. There are many sizes and shapes of frames: squared or rounded aluminum. The shower door frame can also be made to match the door handle.

The glass in a framed shower door is also available in different types: clear, frosted, or tinted. Clear glass is the most popular because it provides the most natural light and makes the bathroom appear more prominent. Frosted or tinted glass can provide privacy while allowing light into the shower.
It is easy to InstallFramed shower doors are easy to install because the frame comes with pre-drilled holes. The door handle can also be attached to the edge. This type of door is a good choice for do-it-yourselfers or someone who wants to save money on installation costs.
Also, the sealant used for a frameless shower door needs to be applied perfectly to avoid any water leakage. Therefore, if you are not confident in your DIY skills, it is better to hire a professional glass specialist to install the frameless shower door.
It is more affordableFramed shower doors are a more affordable option than frameless shower doors. They are also a good choice for someone who wants the look of a frameless door but does not want to pay the higher price.
Provide more stabilityThe framed shower door is more stable than the frameless ones. The frame provides more support to the door and prevents it from wobbling or swinging open too far. The frame in the glass door also helps to keep the glass in place so that it doesn’t break if someone bumps into it.

Disadvantages of Framed Shower door

Not as sleekThe frame around the glass door can make the door appear bulky. The frame can also be visible through the glass, removing the sleek look of a frameless shower door.
More challenging to MaintainThe frame of the door may collect dirt and soap scum, making it harder to clean. It also needs regular cleaning to ensure that dirt will not accumulate and make the door difficult to open. The frame may also rust in the long run.
Can be outdatedThe style of a framed shower door may be outdated compared to the frameless shower door. The frame can make the bathroom appear dated, especially if it is not in a modern style.

Frameless Shower Door

A frameless shower door is a glass door not held in place by a metal frame. The glass panels of a frameless shower door are usually held together by metal hinges. The lack of a metal frame around the door gives it a sleek and modern look.

Frameless shower doors are usually made of tempered glass, which is a type of safety glass that is designed to shatter into small pieces if it breaks. This prevents severe injuries from occurring if the glass door break.

Advantages of Frameless Shower Door

The frameless shower door has a few advantages:

1. Design and Style

There are many different designs and styles of frameless shower doors, depending on your taste and preference. However, some of the most popular designs include the following:

The classic frameless shower door is a simple, elegant design that will never go out of style.
The contemporary frameless shower door features clean lines and a minimalist look.
The rustic frameless shower door has a more rustic and country feel.
The vintage frameless shower door is perfect for those who want a more antique or old-fashioned look in their bathroom.

2. Ease of Maintenance

If you have a frameless shower door, you know that they are beautiful and add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. But what you may not know is how easy they are to keep clean and look new. Compared to framed shower doors, frameless shower doors need very little maintenance.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your frameless shower door clean and look new:

Use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the door after each use. This will remove any soap scum or water spots that may have formed.
Once a week, use a glass cleaner and a soft brush to clean the door track. This will remove any dirt or debris that has been collected there.
If you have hard water, you may need to wipe the door more often with a vinegar solution to prevent mineral deposits from forming.

3. Enhances the Value of the Property

When you are planning to sell your property, one of the things that potential buyers will be interested in is the quality of your bathroom. If you have a frameless shower door installed, this can be a big selling point that can help increase the value of your home.

A frameless shower door gives your bathroom a sleek and modern look that can make a big impression on potential buyers. It also shows that you have invested in your home and are willing to put money into improving its appearance.

If you are considering selling your property soon, consider installing a frameless shower door. It could be the difference between selling your home quickly and for a reasonable price or having it sit on the market for a long time.

Disadvantages of Frameless Shower Door

Frameless shower doors also have a few disadvantages:

CostThe cost of frameless shower doors can vary depending on the size and style of door that you choose—generally speaking. However, frameless shower doors will cost more than their framed counterparts. This is because frameless doors require thicker glass as it has no frame to support them.
Prone to water leakageFrameless shower doors are prone to leakage. This is because there is no metal frame around the door as a barrier. As a result, water can easily seep through the cracks and gaps around the door, causing leaks.
You can use a silicone sealant around the door to prevent or lessen leakage. This will create a waterproof barrier to prevent water from seeping through. You may also install a drip edge on the bottom of the door. This will catch the water that drips down and prevent leaks.
It can be hard to InstallationA frameless shower door can be challenging to install. They are more delicate without frames to support the door. If you attempt to do it yourself, be careful and take your time.

If you need a glass for your glass shower door, contact One Day Glass!

Posted on 2022/10/27