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The bathroom is one of the most crucial spaces in a home. When you choose a shower enclosure, there are many things to consider. The enclosure can make or break the accessibility, ease of use, and look of the bathroom as a whole. It’s also a great place to begin when you want a new look in the bathroom. Combined with other integral parts of the bathroom, the enclosure can transform the space.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re designing a small, renovated bathroom or a new master ensuite bathroom; the decisions you make will depend on practicality, budget, inspiration, and style. For some people, this can be a bit overwhelming with so many choices available. That’s why experts like those at Reliable Glass And Stone are here to help.
In some cases, you can even have technicians create a custom solution made to meet the needs of your home. The team will measure, personalize, and configure whichever type of glass you want for your shower enclosure. They will also help make recommendations based on the details of your bathroom, such as drywall, ventilation, and showerhead.
The problem with choosing the wrong shower enclosure is that you run the risk of having moisture soak into the flooring. As time goes on, this can cause damage that can never be undone. However, there are many glass shower enclosures and doors that can keep your bathroom looking great while functioning at its best.
Choosing Between Types of Shower Enclosures
There are dozens of types of shower enclosures, but we want to focus on some of the trendiest and most in-demand today. These include frameless enclosures, semi-frameless enclosures, open enclosures with a single glass panel, and sliding or barn door enclosures. Below, we’ll delve into what you need to know about each one to ensure you choose the right enclosure for your bathroom.
Frameless Shower Enclosures
A frameless shower enclosure utilizes tempered glass that doesn’t always require the support of the metal typically found around the edges of the shower. These doors are held in place using hardware that is installed into the bathroom wall. The lack of a frame makes the profile cleaner and lighter, which can make the bathroom seem brighter and larger. This creates excellent aesthetic appeal.
There’s another reason that frameless shower enclosures might be right for you. Since there isn’t a big bulky metal frame, these enclosures come in a huge number of designs. Whether you prefer rustic, modern, coastal, or traditional, it’s available for you. Frameless enclosures are highly versatile while being endlessly functional.
If you hate maintaining the bathroom, a frameless shower enclosure will likely make you happy. These are the easiest doors to clean, so they won’t take up all your time. Since there is no frame to damage with chemicals, you can use a cleanser and squeegee to eliminate soap scum following the use of the shower.
Something many people prioritize in the bathroom is the flow of light. Nobody wants to spend time in a dark and dreary shower. When you select a frameless shower enclosure, artificial and natural light can move into and fill the space. If you’re upgrading your bathroom, keep in mind that adding light can create new aesthetic options than a traditional enclosure.
Size is one of the things you’ll be looking at as you make upgrades to your bathroom. If the shower space is small, a frameless enclosure can save some space. Plus, these showers often can open as sliding doors or inward. Their look can also make a small bathroom look bigger than it is.
Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosures
A semi-frameless shower enclosure has similarities to a frameless enclosure as well as a more traditional one. It offers an open feel that many homeowners appreciate. It can also create a minimalist aesthetic without the need for you to spend a lot of money. Semi-frameless enclosures take the benefits of a frameless shower and combine the advantages of a framed door.
Unlike the frameless door, the semi-frameless does make use of a small amount of framing. This is used to add structural integrity to the shower. It’s also typically less expensive than a frameless enclosure and available with a variety of customization options. It works in many spaces and looks great with modern themes.
Another thing that makes the semi-frameless shower enclosure stand out is the ease of maintaining it. Cleaning a bathroom is not anyone’s idea of fun, and these enclosures can cut down on the efforts you need to make. The frame of the shower goes around the edges, and filters prevent the buildup of soap scum.
Semi-frameless shower doors are made with fewer seals, which means there are only a limited amount of areas where water can collect. The small frame and minimal hardware also mean that corrosion is less likely to occur. These things together reduce the chance that the shower enclosure will need to be replaced as time goes on.
There are all sorts of styles when you choose a semi-frameless design. Bypass shower doors can only be used with this type of shower enclosure. It offers a classic look without breaking the bank. Whether you want a full spa enclosure or a small walk-in, semi-frameless enclosures are the way to go.
Open Shower Enclosures with a Single Glass Panel
Open shower enclosures are both popular and modern. They offer more space to clean yourself and have an aesthetic to impress anyone who enters the bathroom. An open shower enclosure with a single glass panel is a great way to include functionality and style in the same space.
Choosing a single-panel enclosure offers a great deal of flexibility compared to other types of enclosures. Doors are often complicated, and installation can be challenging. However, open shower enclosures make things much simpler. It can be fit into any space, and installation is quick and easy. Despite the simplicity, it offers the beauty of glass around the tub or shower.
On the cost scale, single glass panel enclosures can be more expensive than some options. However, that isn’t the case in all situations. These are going to be less expensive on average than choosing a frameless shower enclosure. Plus, you get the same beautiful look as any frameless shower door. This option can help you stay on budget without sacrificing style.
For those who have smaller bathrooms, this type of shower enclosure can be a great choice. It lets you add glass to the shower without taking up a ton of space. Glass panels are often smaller than frameless shower doors so that they can fit anywhere. They offer a smaller profile, great customization options, an open feel, and a stylish look. However, it is not often recommended to use single glass panels with a curbless entry shower unless there is ample space. Without a curb, water tends to creep outside and can harm things like cabinets and drywall.
What else is possible with a single glass panel enclosure for your shower? For one, it amplifies the style of the space. It looks far more appealing than a shower curtain and makes the space feel more open, lighter, and bright. It’s also simple to clean. Just wipe down the glass and move on with your day.
Slider & Barn Door Shower Enclosures
The final style of enclosure is a slider or barn door style. Many people consider these the perfect choice no matter what style or size of bathroom you have. The number one reason to choose slider doors is because a swinging shower door may not fit into the space.
Another benefit of barn door shower enclosures is the added character. Rather than avoiding attention, these enclosures make an impact. They can offer the start of a brilliant design focus for any bathroom. However, you will need to consider how to make flooring, wall color, and lighting finishes work with the enclosure.
Some people like shower curtains since there is a huge variety to choose from. However, they often cause problems more than they solve them. For instance, shower curtains are likely to mildew and mold, especially if you have children in the home. This means you need to replace it time and time again. Sliding shower doors remove this need from your home.
People find the cleaning of shower curtains so tedious that most don’t bother with it. Glass doors with hinges also need a good amount of effort to get clean since you’ll be in and out of the shower. Sliding doors, on the other hand, minimize the amount of time it takes to get the cleaning done. Open the doors, spray and wipe, and then close them. It’s simple.
If you’re tired of mopping up water after a shower or worried you’ll fall from moisture on the floor, barn door enclosures can be a great choice. While many showers do fine with hinges and frames, that isn’t always the case, especially if the shower has a nonstandard shape. Sliding doors ensure water stays in the shower and nowhere else.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve learned more about the best types of shower enclosures, it’s time to consider which is right for your home. Everyone wants a shower enclosure that looks great and functions well, so reach out to the experts to get the right one for your needs. You can learn more by calling 919.893.9689.
Sources
https://www.demersglass.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shower-enclosures/
https://glassking.com/types-shower-enclosure-one/
https://info.glass.com/top-six-shower-door-enclosure-styles/