If you plan to upgrade your shower door for one reason or the other, it would be a good idea to do some research first. There are different types of shower doors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Also, there are factors you need to consider before installing a shower door, such as the size of the bathroom, floor space, installation cost, type of shower door, and price.
The type of shower door should be at the top of your priority list. Assuming you already have your bathroom measurements, you can now shop for shower doors that meet the specifications and requirements.
Bear in mind that shower doors vary in style and design as well as price. If you want to add an aesthetic flair to your bathroom, consider how much you are willing to spend to give your bathroom a luxurious upgrade. The good news is that upgrading your house will increase its value.
But if you are looking to solve a particular issue, you need to be practical when choosing the type of shower door to buy. It would be best to choose a shower door that will solve your problem more than anything else.
The tricky part, however, is knowing the type of shower door to buy. There are varying types, and it helps to know about them to make a sound decision.
That being said, here are some shower door types you need to know about.
Hinged Shower Doors
Hinged shower doors work the same way as the regular doors in a house. They swing outwards to open, and they do so with the help of hinges. The hinges are usually attached to the wall of the shower or a fixed panel.
To install this type of shower door, your bathroom has to have adequate space to allow the door to open easily without obstructions.
Folding Shower Doors
These shower doors work the same way as closet doors. There are two different types: bi-fold and tri-fold. They use hinges to fold up when you need to open and close them, and they are easy to operate. These doors are suitable for small bathrooms and large bathrooms, and they are much easier to clean than shower curtains.
Pivoting Shower Doors
Many people tend to confuse pivot shower doors with hinged shower doors. However, they both have slight differences. Pivot doors can use multiple hinges to open outwards or inwards. They are great for small bathrooms, and they are a suitable choice for a bathroom space where a sliding door would not work.
Corner Shower Doors
These shower doors are designed to fit in bathrooms situated in a corner. Much like hinge doors, they use hinges and swing outward to open. They are large and therefore ideal for spacious bathrooms.
Alcove Shower Doors
Alcove shower doors are suitable for small bathrooms. They use hinges to operate, and they don’t take up much space. You can choose to go with glass alcove shower doors as they are stylish and visually appealing. They also make a bathroom appear larger.
Framed Shower Doors
Framed shower doors have a thick glass with aluminum framing, which is supported by hinges. The doors are aesthetically and functional, but the metal frame can make it hard to clean the doors. However, with regular cleaning, you can prevent mildew and mold from growing in these areas.
Frameless Shower Doors
Frameless shower doors like framed shower doors have a thick glass without a frame. Some people prefer framed doors due to the perception that the metal frame gives it better support.
However, frameless doors are sturdy, durable, easy to maintain, and they are stylish. They make a bathroom appear bigger and spacious. The only downside is that they are more expensive than framed shower doors.
Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors are quite popular because they are stylish and let more light into the shower area. Plus, they make a bathroom appear larger.
These doors come in varying styles. You can choose between frosted, patterned, and obscured glass shower doors. The patterned doors are available in a wide range of options. You can get doors with flower patterns, tree patterns; you name it.
If you decide to install a glass shower door, consider safety, especially if you have children. Accidentally slamming the door can cause it to shatter, which may cause injury.
Tempered Glass Shower Doors
If you are not into glass shower doors more so because of the worry that they will shatter, then consider getting tempered glass shower doors. They are stronger than regular glass doors, and they can withstand high temperatures. They are also less vulnerable to breaking than regular glass doors; therefore, they are safer. If you have children, these doors would be the most suitable choice for safety purposes. Plus, they are also visually appealing.
How to choose a shower door
Shower curtains are great because they prevent water from splashing onto other bathroom surfaces. But they are hard to clean, less durable, and don’t add any aesthetic appeal to a bathroom. Some shower curtains contain chemicals, which can cause health issues such as respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea.
If you are looking to replace your shower curtain with a shower door, here are some factors you might want to consider.
- Type of shower door
- Style – are you looking for something traditional or modern
- Size of bathroom
- Cost of the door and installation costs
- Reason for installing the shower door
If you plan on installing the shower door yourself, make sure you have the right tools, correct measurements of the shower opening, and the right size door. You also need to make sure you have the instructions on how to go about it.
The other alternative would be to hire a professional to do the installation, which would be more advisable unless you have experience in shower door installation.
