How to choose the right shower door for your home

Choosing the right shower door when renovating your bathroom can be tricky. There are a lot of different factors to consider to ensure that you choose the best one for your home. After all, you and the family will be using it regularly. Below are five steps to narrowing down the ideal shower door for your home and lifestyle.

Step #1: Determine the type of door you need

The first thing to do is determine the type of door you need. There are two main types of shower doors: frameless and framed.

As its name suggests, frameless shower doors are made without a frame. That makes them more sleek and modern looking than the framed variety. It can create a simpler, more inviting look than those without a frame.

They are also easier to clean since there is no frame for dirt and grime to build up in. Keeping your bathroom clean is a must! However, frameless shower doors can be more expensive than framed ones, so they won’t fit every family’s budget.

In contrast, framed shower doors have a visible frame around the outside of the door. The frame can be made from metal or plastic, and it can be either clear or opaque. Framed shower doors are less expensive than frameless shower doors, but they are not as sleek looking.

Step #2: Choose the right size for the shower door

The next step is to choose the right size door for your shower. You will need to measure the opening of your shower before purchasing a door.

Thankfully, shower doors have a lot of flexibility to fit uneven walls. It is still important, though, to get an accurate measurement to prevent ending up with a door that is too small or too large for your shower.

Step #3: Select the appropriate material

Once you have determined the type and size needed, choose the right material for your door. Shower doors can be made from a range of materials. The most common options are glass, metal, and plastic.

Glass shower doors are the most popular type of door. They are available in several styles, including clear, frosted, and tinted, depending on the look you want for the bathroom. Glass shower doors can be either frameless or framed, as discussed earlier. If going frameless, choose a thick enough glass to be sturdy.

Metal shower doors are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel. Metal shower doors can be either frameless or framed too, as can plastic ones.

Plastic shower doors are the least popular type. They are usually made from PVC or acrylic. Plastic shower doors can be either frameless or framed.

Step #4: Choose the right finish

You’ll next need to select the appropriate finish for the door too. Yes, another important decision!

Shower doors are available in various finishes, including brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. Consider the look you want, which option is most durable in your bathroom, and more. The reno expert you work with will help you narrow down the most suitable options.

Step #5: Choose the right style of door

Once you have chosen the type, size, material, and finish for your door, you must choose the right style. Shower doors are available in various styles, including sliding, pivot, and hinged.

Sliding shower doors are the most popular type. They are easy to open and close, and they do not take up a lot of space.

Pivot shower doors are another common option. They open and close like a door and take up a little more space than sliding shower doors.

Hinged is the least popular type of shower door. This type opens and closes like a door, occupying the most space of all three types of doors. It likely won’t be ideal for a small bathroom.

Takeaway on choosing the right shower door

When choosing a shower door for your home, consult a reputable installer, such as Gatsby Glass. Knowing the details above and keeping these factors in mind will help make the decision-making process smoother. By taking the time to choose the right door, you can create a stylish and functional space in your bathroom.

Do any of these tips for finding the best shower door for your house surprise you? Do you have other home-related questions? Feel free to comment below.