Know your options when installing frameless shower door
Dear Gail: We’re in the process of getting quotes to remodel our bath and want to do a frameless shower door. It seems like there is a bit of the range and honestly I’m not sure what some of the differences. Each company has a preference of what they like, so I’m needing some guidance? — Leona
Dear Leona: As with any product there’s always a range in pricing. What’s most important is to compare apples-to-apples. Decide what you like first.
If you’re not doing an oversized shower requiring special fittings, you can pretty much direct them to the look you like. But, of course, each project is different and can have its own special requirements. Here are a few of the things you’ll want to look at and consider.
What type of enclosure do you want? There are a couple types of frameless enclosure options. Do you want a single or double door? Do you prefer a sliding door?
There’s nothing wrong with a slider; they’ve been upgraded to look great. Very popular now are sliders with exposed wheels. The wheels come in different finishes so can go with almost any decor. I especially like them in a contemporary and urban industrial style bathroom.
The type of enclosure and size will determine the number and size of your fixed panels. If you want a single door in the middle, you’ll need two fixed panels, which will increase the cost.
Also depending on the size, you may need additional supports. A metal header or support bar may be necessary.
What type of glass do you want? If you’re doing a beautiful tile design, you’re going to want to see it, so I’d go with clear. If the maintenance of the clear glass will bother you, consider a rain or bubble glass.
There are special coatings that will have the water droplets run off. Just make sure you check them out as they are not all created equal.
The thickness of the glass will make a difference in the price. Glass that is ½ inch is more expensive than 3/8 inch. Are they quoting standard clear or a more costly low-iron glass?
The standard clear will have a greenish tint to it, whereas the low iron will be clear. This choice comes down to a couple things, personal preference, colors in your room and cost.
How high do you want to go up? Higher is more expensive, as there is more glass.
If you have a tub, I like to go at least 60 inches from the top of the tub. For a full shower, 84 inches is nice, if not higher. But the height will depend on how high your tile is.
With the type of enclosure, glass and size determined, now you have hardware and installation items to consider.
One of the most important things with a frameless shower is that it is properly secured. The two installation methods are a U-channel or glass clamp on the fixed panels.
A U-channel looks like the metal piece that your bathroom mirror sits in. It is a less expensive installation as the aluminum is typically less expensive than the clamp fittings. Also, being that the glass sits in the channel the glass cutting on the bottom doesn’t have to be as precise.
I prefer using the glass clamps and additional brackets if needed. The clamps hold your glass in place at the bottom. The brackets secure your glass to the walls and then you have the handles for your door. So you may see more hardware but I feel it is a more updated look.
Now there’s the style of the hardware. The hinges, clamps and brackets can have rounded or square edges. Some companies consider the square style an upgrade. It’s all about the look you prefer.
You also have door handle options. And do you want a towel bar? Some people like to dry off in the shower and don’t want to have to remember to throw the towel over the top. So, as always, form follows function.
If your shower is large enough you can install a towel bar in the shower, but it needs to be pretty big. Personally, I like my towel dry.
Make sure you let them know exactly what you want. Most companies assume the rounded style since they’re considered a standard.
Now one of the last items is the finish on all this hardware. Chrome used to be the included standard, but it has gained popularity. I’ve actually found some lighting more expensive in chrome versus brushed nickel. Ask to see samples as most companies will have more than chrome, brushed nickel and bronze.
Leona, I hope you enjoy your new shower enclosure. When finalizing your quotes, do have pictures of what you like and don’t like. As I mentioned, each project is different, and safety and stability are extremely important.
If your installer is not able to do what you’re looking for, ask if there are other alternatives they can do which will ensure a stable installation and the look you want. Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by email to: GMJinteriors@ gmail.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www. GMJinteriors.com.