Choosing Your Glass Shower Door: Three Important Aspects To Consider
If you plan on having a new glass shower door installed in your residential bathroom, you may be overwhelmed by the many choices you have. If you have never changed out an existing shower door, you probably could use a little guidance and inspiration when making your selection. You'll need to make your decision based on glass and style preference and your personal needs as well. To help you through the process, consider the following three important aspects.
1. Determine the Size By Taking Measurements
Before setting out to buy a new glass shower door or enclosure, you'll need to know the exact measurements of the enclosure. This is of the utmost importance because it obviously has to fit perfectly. While you can take the measurements yourself, it's a good idea to have a professional measure it for you for the best accuracy. In any case, the measurements will be taken top to bottom and side to side of the shower opening. Exact measurements of width and height are needed.
2. Consider Your Style Preference
There are various style and design options available for a glass shower door. In many cases, it is a matter of personal preference, although you should consider your basic needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
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Would You Like a Framed or Frameless Shower Door? A framed glass shower door will have a metal border or frame that is used to support and trim the glass shower panels. It is a basic or standard option in many bathrooms. It is less expensive than the frameless variety.
However, if you'd prefer a sleek and ultra modern look, you might opt for what is known as a frameless glass shower door. As the name suggests, the frameless shower door has no metal border or frame. It also will be constructed of heavier and thicker glass panels. In addition to its sleek appearance and aesthetic appeal, it is often easier to clean and maintain. This is because there are no nooks and crannies inside the frame to lock in or trap soap scum and grime.
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Do You Have a Corner Shower or Bathtub? If your tub or shower enclosure is in the corner of the bathroom, you'd do best with a design known as a neo-angle glass shower door. It is constructed of one single shower door that pivots to open. Keep in mind that you do have the option of choosing a framed or framelsss glass door for this type of shower.
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Would You Prefer a Pivoting and Swinging Type Shower Door? This is simply a matter of personal preference with one major consideration: If you choose a swinging pivot-type glass shower door, you'll need the extra space for the door to swing outward. Unlike standard hinged glass shower door, a pivoting shower door will swing inward or outward. The pivot enables the glass shower door to revolve completely.
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Are You Limited On Bathroom Floor Space? If your bathroom is rather small and you are replacing your entire bathtub with a new shower, you might want to consider the option of a rounded glass shower door. Round glass shower doors take up little space in a bathroom, as they are a curved enclosure. Alternatively, you might opt for the basic sliding glass shower door which does not swing outward.
Once you select the style you want, don't forget you also have the option of the hardware, which typically is available in chrome, brass and metal.
3. Choose the Type of Glass You Want
Whatever glass type you select, it should be constructed of tempered glass, which is made stronger than ordinary glass and less likely to shatter on impact. However, you have other options to consider apart from that. For instance, are you on a budget? If so, the standard clear glass might be your best option, as it tends to be less expensive than other types of glass. If you would prefer glass with a little more intricate styling, you might choose an etched glass shower door. Glass with patterns and various textures may also be custom ordered. Then there is the matter of privacy. If this is a concern, choose a frosted glass shower door. This is a type of privacy glass that is not transparent.
If you have further concerns or questions, consult with experts like Glasshopper Schor Glass. They can answer your questions and offer price quotes as well.