From Framed to Frameless: Everything You Should Know About Glass Shower Doors

Showering is a huge part of everyday life. The first shower of a human being must have been under a waterfall or near a lake when the concept of showers was not even in place. So, how did humankind move to such sophisticated bathing options from bathing in the wilderness?

Today, shower glass doors are an integral part of almost all kinds of bathrooms. It's a glass panel that keeps shower water from spattering all over the place. The usage of these doors also helps in reducing the risk of slips and injuries due to wet floors. These shower doors transform the bathroom's appearance by adding a fine finish and elegance. Also, shower glass doors are better than shower curtains because they are easy to clean and far safer in avoiding mold

First, it was framed shower glass doors, and now people opt for frameless options because of the added convenience and beauty. There's a whole history of showers that clearly shows how shower door designs evolved throughout history. In this post, you will learn everything about glass shower doors to gain a better understanding of their significance.

The Invention of the Safety Glass

Standard home window glass was not durable enough to work for showers, which is why there was a need for a more strong glass option. The standard glass was always on the verge of shattering or getting cracks upon using hot water.

In 1903, the first safety glass was invented by a scientist in France to replace the standard home window glass in shower stalls. It was a much safer option, and the glass was strong enough to withstand hot water. The first safety glass combined used cellulose nitrate to prevent shattering. The invention improved the safety of a variety of products, including motor vehicles and cookware.

After 1903, scientists worked on different glass formulas to further improve the products' safety. Another scientist successfully made tempered glass, which now has multiple applications. It took years of research and discoveries before scientists were finally able to put together the idea of a shower enclosure using the invented glasses.

The First Framed Shower Glass Door

The first shower stall was made by a company in Ohio. It had transparent walls and doors to give it an aesthetic appeal. The company began using tempered glass for shower enclosures in 1963, which was far stronger and more durable as compared to a standard glass window material. At that time, all entrances and doors had frames around them.

The shower enclosures were available with both swinging and sliding door options. These enclosures offered multiple benefits to the user as they kept the floor dry and gave a luxurious feel to the bathrooms. Furthermore, the glass used in shower enclosures reflected light, making bathrooms look more spacious than ever. In short, these shower enclosures were more than just a simple bathing area.

The Introduction of Frameless Shower Glass Doors

It was in 1970 when the first frameless shower glass door enclosure hit the market. The frameless options did not have rubber or metal on them, making them more visually appealing. They made bathrooms look spacious, and people could see outside the shower enclosure as well. It was certainly an enormous invention for people who were claustrophobic.

Frameless shower doors also expedite cleaning, which was a blessing for homeowners. It significantly reduced the risk of molds and grime, which were a big concern with old shower enclosures.

Frameless shower glass doors have been in the market for over four decades and have continued to stay every homeowner's favorite until now. They sit perfectly well with modern and elegant home architectures and are not limited to upper-class homeowners only. They are even found in every middle-class home to uplift the bathroom's appearance.

Types of Glass for Shower Doors

There have been significant improvements in the glass used for shower doors. Anyone can easily get overwhelmed with the types of glass for shower doors in the market. If you are unaware of the options, then here is what you can find in the market.

1.Clear Glass

The simplest option is a clear glass that is both affordable and modern. It's easy to clean and comes in a mild green tint as well.

2.Tinted Glass

If you don't appreciate transparent glass, then the tinted one is the best option for you. The best colors for tint are bronze and grey. For homeowners, it's necessary to match the tint color with the bathroom's interior design.

3.Textured Glass

You can choose from a range of textures for shower enclosures; however, they are pretty difficult to clean. You can even opt for custom glass patterns to enhance the beauty of your shower stalls.

4.Rain Glass

Rain glass for shower enclosures comes with a rain pattern on the outside and texture on the inside. This shower glass door offers additional privacy, but it's also difficult to clean.

5.Frosted & Opaque

It's a sandblasted glass with a pure white finish and minimal green tint. This glass is ideal for people who like privacy in their bathroom.

6.Low-Iron

Low iron is HD glass with a minimal green tint to give a lifelike view through the glass. Most people opt for this option as it's easy to clean and maintain as well.

Different Types of Shower Doors

As mentioned above, there are several different types of shower doors that you can choose from. Here is a list of some shower doors that you can place in your shower enclosure.

Sliding Shower Door

If you have a small bathroom, then a sliding door is the perfect option for it. The swinging door will take up space upon opening the door, and shower curtains will make your bathroom look smaller. Sliding doors are the perfect option for both small and big bathrooms to add to their aesthetic appeal and make them look spacious.

Framed Shower Doors

Framed shower doors are another option for people with different choices. They are easy to install and are inexpensive as well. They keep the water inside the shower stall to save the bathroom from a wet floor.

Fixed Shower Door

Fixed shower doors are perfect for all types of bathrooms. They are more stylish and modern as compared to a sliding door. Thanks to their bi-fold design, these shower doors can even be fixed in a small bathroom. These doors are easy to clean and reduce the risk of mold build-up.

Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless shower doors come in multiple different designs and textures. These doors are homeowners' favorite as they keep the mold out and do not require extensive cleaning as well. They are perfect for modern houses to make bathrooms look elegant and stylish. These glass doors are expensive and difficult to install; therefore, you need to hire an expert for that.

Swing Shower Doors

These shower doors swing open like any normal door, so they might not be perfect for small bathrooms. Although they are easy to clean, the glass door does not come with a frame.

How to Select the Ideal Shower Glass Door?

Coming to the most important part – how to choose the ideal shower glass door? With so many options in the market, it can often get difficult for homeowners to choose one shower door for their bathroom. Most of the time, the contractor shows you different options according to the house's layout and design to mix and match. In case your contractor is of no help, then here is a guide to help you select a shower glass door; however, it's best to hire the best shower door services for additional help. Follow the tips to decide what's best for your bathroom.

Step #1: Examine Your Bathroom

Before selecting a shower glass door for your bathroom, you have to first see if it can fit in your bathroom. You definitely don't want your bathroom to make you feel claustrophobic when you're in it, right? You need to examine your bathroom space and discuss your options with the contractor to remodel your bathroom. A shower door professional will help you through this process.

Here is an example—a swinging shower door in a small bathroom will make it feel even smaller. You have to analyze your space to see what will work and what will not. You might like something lavish for your bathroom, but your space won't allow it. To save yourself from all the struggles, try to get in touch with a professional contractor who can lay out all the options for you.

Step #2: Decide What You Want

Now that you're clear about your space, make a list of things you would like in your bathroom. You must have an idea about what you're searching for. Is it spaciousness? Is it elegance? In short, you need to be clear about how you want to remodel your bathroom to match your standards.

Even for professionals, it's far easier to deal with clients who are clear about what they are looking for rather than a confused person. Once you're clear about your expectations, the next step is to find out the best style that can fit your bathroom.

Step #3: Find the Best Style

You will find a list of different shower door designs above to help you choose one. Since you must already be clear about what will fit your bathroom well, it won't take long for you to choose a shower glass door style. If you're looking for a recommendation, then frameless glass doors are the most versatile option for both big and small bathrooms. They might be a little expensive, but their durability ensures they function for years without maintenance.

Step #4: Select Door Material

You will also find a list of different door material options above that can help you choose the right one. For instance, do you want tinted glass, textured glass, or plain glass? No matter what it is, talk to your contractor and be clear about your expectations. This single remodeling will change the entire look of your bathroom, so be ready to make good choices.

Pro Tip: Stick to the Budget

You should always keep your budget for replacement or installation of shower door glass in mind. You can find both high and low-quality shower glass door materials in the market, but it all comes down to your budget. If you have a low budget, then you can stick with the framed glass doors. You have to look over all the options to keep your budget in mind; otherwise, you may end up wasting your time in the market. Your budget will help you narrow down your choices to save yourself from all the hassle.

Looking for Shower Door Professionals in Dallas? – Hire the Best Shower Door Company in Dallas Now

It's hard to find a good contractor to take on the job and help you remodel your bathroom in the best way possible. Often people end up with scam companies who charge extra and never do the requested job. If you're struggling to find a good contractor, you're in the right place.

Shower Doors of Dallas is a team of professionals offering shower doors service in Dallas. They have years of experience in enhancing the beauty of homeowners' houses with their professional work. They help clients with custom shower door installation in Dallas, so they can have the bathroom of their dreams.

Other than shower glass doors, they also offer multiple other services, including custom interior glass installation, stair rail glass installation, cabinet glass services, custom mirror installations, and so much more. In short, if you have any services related to glass installation in your house, you can simply call them to get it done.

The company offers 24/7 customer service and immediate response to client complaints. With them as your team, you won't have to worry about running after your contractor to complete the job. If you want high-quality work done at affordable prices, call them now to discuss your project with them.