When you are choosing a shower door for your bathroom — you have many exciting options to pick from. The door with no frames occupies less space and is easy to install. On the other hand, the shower doors with partial frames are way more robust, and trendy yet functional. However, it is super crucial to go for the right shower door considering your style preference and space.
Let's find out more about picking the right shower door!
Frameless Shower Doors
Shower doors with no frame are made of thick and lasting glass. There are no metal frames attached to these shower doors. These doors give your bathroom a designer feel. Frameless shower doors make your bathroom appear wider with its see-through feature — without breaking visual continuity.
Shower Doors with Minimal Frame
Semi-frameless shower doors come with a very minimal frame. This frame is usually around the outer edges to allow it to be fixed.
Comparison of Frameless and Semi-Frameless Shower Doors
1. Affordability
Frameless shower doors are more heavy on your pocket as compared to semi-frameless shower doors. This could be strange as the frameless doors come with no metal frames. However, the glass used in a shower door with no frame is more strong and durable. Moreover, heavy-duty hardware is used in the making of these doors to make them more lasting. On the other hand, partially frameless shower doors are less expensive. If you want to add more thrill to your bathroom while considering your budget, go for a partially frameless shower door.
2. Style Preference
If you are obsessed with an open and airy bathroom having a contemporary design then you must go for a frameless shower door. These doors are used more in a minimalist interior design. Whereas, a semi-frameless shower door can be incorporated into industrial, traditional, Scandinavian, or rustic interior design. If you love to have a minimalist interior design – go for a frameless shower door and vice versa.
3. Easy to Clean
Frameless shower doors – as compared to semi-frameless shower doors – are easy to clean. These doors have no frames to gather grime or dirt. The semi-frameless doors have metal frames on them due to which the cleaning process becomes a little tricky. While the frameless shower doors only need a generous wipe-out to do the job.
4. Space-Savvy Option
You can go for a frameless shower door if you have a compact bathroom or if you want to create sub-spaces in a large bathroom. Shower doors with no frame occupy less space but add more style to it. On the other hand, you can use a partially frameless shower door if you want to add a thrill to your traditional bathroom with a wide layout.
5. Easy to Install
Frameless shower doors require less time and hardware in the installation. It takes less effort to install these shower doors. All you need to ensure is to offer robust wall support to make these doors more durable. On the other hand, semi-frameless shower doors are way easier to install and use.
6. Water Proofing
Frameless shower doors are more leaky as they don't come with waterproofing. These shower doors may keep your bathroom a little more wet after every shower. However, semi-frameless doors for showers come with leak-proof seals. These tapes ensure waterproofing and so keep your bathroom floor dry. So, if you want waterproofing, go for semi-frameless or framed shower doors rather than a frameless shower door.
7. Durability
Frameless shower doors are more lasting if you pick the right shower door brand. These doors have no metal frame and so have no additional support to sustain any jerk. However, a partially frameless shower door is more durable and robust as compared to a frameless shower door. These doors are more sturdy and lasting due to the metal frame. If you want more durability, invest in a reliable shower door brand, be it frameless, or a shower door that is partially frameless.
Conclusion
When it comes to exploring frameless vs. semi-fameless shower doors, it is all about preferences, style, space, and budget considerations. You can choose a completely frameless shower door if you have a compact bathroom or need a shower door that is easy to clean and install. However, you can surely go for a semi-frameless door if you want it to blend into any interior design without being heavy on your pocket.
FAQS
1. Can a frameless or semi-frameless shower door be customized in size & shape?
Yes, frameless and semi-frameless shower entry doors can be customized to your size specifications. From custom corner showers to sloped ceilings to unusual tub height — you can have your shower door made to measure. Simply contact a quality installer or brand for measured fitting and detailed installation.
2. Are frameless or semi-frameless shower doors childproof or elder-friendly?
Absolutely! Both types are tempered safety glass that are strong and resistant to shattering. Semi-frameless doors have an edge of metal on all sides, providing reinforced support that may seem safer for home contexts where children or elderly people are using it. For additional safety measures, you also might want to add anti-slip flooring and easy-grip handles in the area surrounding the shower.
3. What maintenance do you need to do on these shower doors over an extended period?
Other than regular cleaning, frameless and semi-frameless shower doors may require minor maintenance on the hardware, over time. Especially in heavily used bathrooms, frameless doors might need a hinge or alignment adjustment every now and then. It's also wise every once in a while to check frame seals and tracks on semi-frameless doors to make sure mold isn't building up (or just general wear and tear).
Related Articles
Want more bathroom ideas and advice you can use? Here are some selected pieces you might want to read to help you create a stylish and practical shower space.
