The Different Types of Shower Doors

When you are remodeling your bathroom, one of the decisions you have to make is what type of shower door to install. There are many different types of shower doors on the market. So you need to understand the options to decide which one is right for you. This article will discuss the different types of shower doors available and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Table of Contents

Frameless Doors

Frameless shower doors are made of tempered glass and have no metal frame. Instead, they are held in place by hardware mounted to the shower wall. Frameless doors are sleek and modern, and they give the illusion of more space in the shower.

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern look for your bathroom, frameless shower doors are a great option. Frameless shower doors have no metal or plastic frame around the glass, which gives them a clean, minimalist look.

Frameless shower doors are also easy to keep clean because there’s no place for soap scum and mildew to build up.

One downside of frameless shower doors is that they’re more expensive than other types of doors.

Advantages of Frameless shower doors:

They are easy to clean because there is no metal frame for soap and dirt to build up in.
They have a sleek, modern look.
They make the shower appear larger.

Disadvantages of Frameless shower doors:

They are more expensive than framed shower doors.
They require more precise installation.

Framed Shower Doors

Framed shower doors have a metal frame around the perimeter of the door. The frame can be made of aluminum, plastic, or another material. Framed doors are less expensive than frameless doors and are available in various styles.

If you’re looking for a more traditional look for your bathroom, framed shower doors are a good option. Framed shower doors come in various styles, including those with glass panels and those with solid metal or plastic panels.

Framed shower doors are also easier to install than frameless shower doors because the frame provides stability during installation.

One downside of framed shower doors is that the metal frame can rust over time, and the plastic frames can be yellow.

Advantages of Framed shower doors:

They are less expensive than frameless shower doors.
They come in a variety of styles to match your bathroom decor.
They are easier to install than frameless shower doors.

Disadvantages of Framed shower doors:

The metal frame can rust or corrode over time.
Soap and dirt can build up in the frame, making it difficult to clean.

Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

These shower doors are tempered glass and have metal frames on either side. The metal frame can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. The structure typically has a finish that will match the hardware in your bathroom, such as brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

The most popular type of semi-frameless shower door is the bypass door. This type of door has two panels that slide past each other on tracks. You can also choose a semi-frameless pivot shower door with a hinge on one side that opens like a swinging door.

Advantages of Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

Semi-frameless shower doors offer several advantages over traditional framed shower doors.

They are more affordable than frameless shower doors.
They are easier to install because the metal frame is more straightforward to attach than the metal frame on a frameless door.
Semi-frameless shower doors are more versatile because they can be used with a shower curtain or shower rod in addition to the door.
If you want a more modern look for your bathroom, a semi-frameless shower door is a good option.

Disadvantages of Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

The main disadvantage of semi-frameless shower doors is that they are not as durable as frameless ones.
The metal frame can rust over time, and the tempered glass is more likely to break than the thick, tempered glass used in a frameless shower door.
If you are looking for a shower door that will last a long time, you may want to choose a frameless shower door instead.

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors have two panels that open and close by sliding on a track. These doors can be installed to open on either side of the shower. Sliding shower doors are a good choice if you have a smaller bathroom because they don’t require any extra space to open.

One thing to keep in mind with sliding shower doors is that they can be more challenging to keep clean than other types of doors because there are more nooks and crannies for soap scum and mildew to build up.

Advantages of Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors don’t require any extra space to open.
Those are a good choice for smaller bathrooms.
Sliding shower doors are often less expensive than other types of shower doors.

Disadvantages of Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors can be more challenging to keep clean because there are more nooks and crannies for soap scum and mildew to build up.
They also require a strong water sealant around the door to prevent water from leaking out.

Glass Tub Enclosures

These doors are designed to fit your bathtub and provide a clear glass panel for a shower. They typically have a metal frame and can be either hinged or sliding.

Advantages of Glass Tub Enclosures:

They provide an unobstructed view of your bathroom and can make your space feel larger.
They’re easy to keep clean since there are no nooks and crannies for dirt and soap scum to accumulate.
They can be used with a shower curtain or without one.

Disadvantages of Glass Tub Enclosures:

They can be more expensive than other types of doors.
The metal frame can rust over time.
The clear glass can show water spots.

If you have a bathtub and want an unobstructed view of your bathroom, a glass tub enclosure is a good option. However, keep in mind that they can be more expensive than other types of doors, and the metal frame can rust over time.

Pivot Shower Door

Pivot shower doors are another popular type of shower door. They are made up of one hinged panel that pivots open. Pivot shower doors can be either frameless or have a frame. These shower doors take up less space than other types of shower doors and are easy to clean.

It is a good option if you have a small bathroom as it doesn’t open outwards and doesn’t need any extra space. It doesn’t open outwards and so doesn’t need any extra space. These doors usually come in two parts which make them easy to clean.

Advantages of Pivoting Shower Door:

Some advantages of pivoting shower doors are:

They don’t require extra space in your bathroom as they pivot inward.
They’re easy to clean because they come in two parts.
They usually have a sleek, modern design.

Disadvantages of Pivoting Shower Door:

Pivoting shower doors don’t always offer the best watertight seal, leading to water leakage and damage to your bathroom.
They can also be tricky to get in and out of, especially if you have an ample shower space.

Bi-Fold Shower Doors

Bi-fold shower doors are one of the most popular types of shower doors. They are made up of two hinged panels that fold in on each other. Bi-fold shower doors can be either frameless or have a frame. These types of shower doors take up less space than different types of shower doors and are easy to open and close.

Advantages of Bi-fold Shower Doors:

They are easy to open and close.
They take up less space than other types of shower doors.
They can be either frameless or have a frame.

Disadvantages of Bi-fold Shower Doors:

They can be challenging to clean.
The hinges can become loose over time.

Partial Tub Enclosure

These types of shower doors are installed on only part of the tub, usually on the side where the showerhead is located. This type of door is a good option if you have a smaller bathroom as it will make the space appear larger.

Advantages of Partial Tub Enclosure

Partial tub enclosures are a great choice if you want to save space in your bathroom.
They also allow more natural light to enter the room, making it feel brighter and more extensive.

Disadvantages of Partial Tub Enclosure:

Partial tub enclosure shower doors can be challenging to clean, as the water and soap often accumulate on the other side of the door.
They also can be dangerous, as they can easily trap steam and heat in the bathroom.

Hinged Shower Door

Hinged shower doors are similar to partial tub enclosures, except they are installed outside the tub. This type of door is a good option if you have a larger bathroom as it will make the space appear smaller.

These doors are also a good choice if you have young children as they can be opened easily in case of an emergency.

Advantages of Hinged Shower Door:

Hinged shower doors offer several advantages over other types of shower doors.

They are easy to open and close, making them a good choice for young children or anyone with limited mobility.
They also take up less space than other types of shower doors, making them a good option for smaller bathrooms.
Hinged shower doors are also less likely to leak than other types of shower doors.

Disadvantages of Hinged Shower Door:

Hinged shower doors have a few disadvantages as well.

They can be more challenging to clean than other types of shower doors because the hinges can trap dirt and soap scum.
They also require more space to open and close, so they may not be a good choice for smaller bathrooms.
If not correctly installed, hinged shower doors can also leak.

Panel Shower Door

A panel shower door is a single piece of glass that is attached to the shower wall with hinges. This type of door is very easy to keep clean because there is no track for the door to slide on. Panel shower doors can be either swinging or sliding.

Swinging doors are hinged on one side and open like a door. Sliding doors have two panels, one fixed and one that moves. These types of doors take up less space in the shower than swinging doors because they do not need to swing out into the room.

Both panel and swinging shower doors can be framed or frameless.

Advantages of Panel Shower Door:

Panel shower doors are very easy to keep clean because there is no track for the door to slide on.
Panel shower doors can be either swinging or sliding. Sliding doors take up less space in the shower than swinging doors because they do not need to swing out into the room.

Disadvantages of Panel Shower Door:

Panel shower doors are more expensive than shower curtains.

Clear Glass Finishes Doors

These are classic choices that fit any bathroom aesthetic, from traditional to contemporary. They provide an open and airy feel, making your space appear larger. You can also easily see through them to spot any soap or shampoo bottles you may have accidentally left in the shower. If you have young children, clear glass doors can help prevent accidents by allowing you to see them while they’re in the shower.

Advantages of Clear Glass Finishes Doors:

Some advantages of clear glass finishes doors include the following:

They provide an open and airy feel, making your space appear larger.
You can easily see through them to spot any soap or shampoo bottles you may have accidentally left in the shower.
If you have young children, clear glass doors can help prevent accidents by allowing you to see them while they’re in the shower.

Disadvantages of Clear Glass Finishes Doors:

Some disadvantages of clear glass finishes doors include the following:

They can show water spots and smears more quickly than other types of shower doors.
They may require more maintenance to keep them looking clean and streak-free.

Frosted Glass Finishes Doors

Frosted glass doors provide more privacy than clear glass doors, but they still let in plenty of light. They’re a good choice if you want to create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Frosted glass doors can also be easier to clean than other types of shower doors.

Advantages of Frosted Glass Finishes Doors:

Frosted glass doors have a few advantages over other types of shower doors.

First, they provide more privacy than clear glass doors. This can be a great option if you want to create a more intimate atmosphere in your bathroom.
Second, frosted glass is often easier to clean than other types of shower doors. This can be helpful if you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning your shower door.

Disadvantages of Frosted Glass Finishes Doors:

While frosted glass doors have some advantages, there are also a few disadvantages.

First, they don’t let in as much light as clear glass doors. This can be an issue if you want a bright, airy bathroom.
Second, frosted glass can be more expensive than other types of shower doors.

If you’re looking for a door that provides privacy and is easy to clean, a frosted glass finish door may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a door that lets in a lot of light, you may want to choose a different option.

Textured Glass Finishes Doors

Textured glass is another option for those who want more privacy in their bathroom. This type of glass has a frosted or bubbled finish that obscures the view from outside the shower. Textured glass doors can be more challenging to clean than other types of shower doors, but they offer more privacy for those who want them.

Advantages of Textured Glass Finishes Doors:

Textured glass doors can also provide some privacy for those in the shower who do not want others to see them. The bubbled or frosted finish on the glass obscures the view from outside, so people cannot see in. This can be an excellent option for those who are shy or uncomfortable with being seen while they are showering.

Disadvantages of Textured Glass Finishes Doors:

Textured glass can also be difficult to clean. The frosted or bubbled finish on the glass can easily collect dirt and grime, which can be difficult to remove. This can be a hassle for those who want to keep their shower clean and presentable.

Barn-door Shower Doors

Barn-door shower doors are becoming increasingly popular in homes. They offer a rustic look that can add character to any bathroom. These doors slide open and closed on a track, similar to how barn doors operate. This makes them easy to use and maintain. Glass barn-door shower doors are also an excellent option for small bathrooms as they do not require a lot of space to open and close.

Advantages of Barn-door Shower Doors:

Barn-door shower doors have a number of advantages that other types of shower doors do not.

For one, they are incredibly sturdy and can support a high amount of weight without breaking.
Barn-door shower doors are also easy to install and are a great choice for homes with limited space.
Finally, barn-door shower doors are very affordable and can be found at most home improvement stores.

Disadvantages of Barn-door Shower Doors:

Barn-door shower doors also have a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before purchasing.

First, they are not as easy to clean as other types of shower doors.
Second, they can be difficult to open and close if you have a small bathroom.
Finally, barn-door shower doors may not be the best choice for homes with children or pets.

Folding Shower Doors

Folding shower doors, also called bi-fold shower doors, are a great option if you have a smaller bathroom. They take up less space than sliding shower doors because they open inwards instead of outwards. Folding shower doors are also very easy to clean because there are no tracks for dirt and grime to build up in.

Advantages of Folding Shower Doors:

Some advantages of folding shower doors include:

They take up less space than sliding shower doors, making them a good option for smaller bathrooms.
They are very easy to clean because there are no tracks for dirt and grime to build up in.
They are usually less expensive than sliding shower doors.

Disadvantages of Folding Shower Doors:

Some disadvantages of folding shower doors include:

They can be more difficult to open and close than sliding shower doors.
They may not provide as much privacy as sliding shower doors.

What is the best type of shower door for my bathroom?

There are a few different types of shower doors to choose from sliding, bi-fold, pivot, and bypass. So which one is the best fit for you?

A sliding door is probably your best bet if you have a small bathroom. It doesn’t require as much space to open and close as the other options do.

Bi-fold doors are perfect for bathrooms that are a little larger. They open up to create a wide opening, which is great if you want to make your shower feel more spacious.

Pivot doors are another excellent option for larger bathrooms. They offer a lot of space when they’re open, and they look very sleek and modern.

Bypass doors are a good choice if you have a lot of space in your bathroom. They slide open and closed on tracks so they don’t take up any extra space.

No matter what type of shower door you choose, be sure to measure your space before you buy anything. That way, you’ll know for sure that it will fit in your bathroom.

FAQ

What are the different types of shower doors?

There are three types of shower doors: hinged, sliding, and pivot. Hinged shower doors swing open like a regular door, while sliding shower doors slide side-to-side. Pivot shower doors swing open like a regular door but attach to a fixed panel on the wall.

What is the difference between a frameless and framed shower door?

A frameless shower door does not have a frame, while a framed shower door has a frame.

How do I install a shower door?

The installation of a shower door is a fairly simple process that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to measure the opening of the shower to determine what size door you will need.

Next, you will need to purchase the door and any necessary hardware. Once you have everything, installation is simply a matter of following the instructions that come with the door.

If you are not comfortable completing the installation yourself, many companies offer professional installation services. Typically, the cost of installation is much less than the cost of purchasing a new shower door.

How much does a shower door cost?

The price of a shower door can vary depending on the type you choose. Hinged shower doors are typically the most affordable, while frameless and sliding shower doors are more expensive.

Conclusion

There are many different types of shower doors on the market, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It can be difficult to know which one is the right fit for you. But with a bit of research, you can find the perfect door for your bathroom. Consider your needs and preferences before deciding to ensure that you’ll be happy with your new shower door. Thanks for reading!