0
Shower cubicle manufacturers are nowadays trying to incorporate tons of new features on shower doors in order to answer to market demands. Shower doors play a big role in making sure that you have a satisfactory showering experience. With the many types of shower doors in the market today, one may wonder what really matters when choosing one among the endless options. Whether you want to replace your shower door or hope to buy a shower cubicle with an attractive door, you definitely need some guidelines. But before tackling the factors one should consider, here are types of best shower doors available in the market today.
Types of best shower doors
Shower doors vary depending on hardware, functionality and the different types of shower cubicles.
- Framed doors
Framed best shower doors come with a frame that is well fitted to support the glass that makes the door. These frames are usually made of sleek metal that prevents a collection of soap scum and does not cause any visual interruptions.
- Frameless doors
These are glass best shower doors that are not supported by metal frames. They are usually more expensive than their framed counterparts (about 40% more expensive). Due to the lack of frame support, the glass is usually made thicker in order to increase support. The lack of metal support creates an illusion of more space as the glass is sleek and stylish.
- Neo-angle door
This is a single best shower doors that are designed to tuck into a particular bathroom corner. It may be framed or frameless and features three glass panes. It swings to open due to a pivot fixed onto the walls at the top and bottom.
- Swinging/pivot doors
These doors have hinges or a pivot fixed onto the bathroom walls. Hinge pivots allow the door to swing like a standard door at 180 degrees while center pivots allow a 360-degree swing. The swinging is facilitated by a pin mechanism fixed onto the top and bottom walls.
- Round shower doors
These doors typically enclose a corner shower cubicle. They take a round shape.
- Bypass/sliding
These the best shower door that are fixed onto shower cubicles contained in bathrooms with limited space. Two doors slide past each other on a track. This saves space as the door does not swing to open. The doors usually slide in either direction.
- Steam doors
These are doors that are usually fitted to touch the floor and the ceiling. They are designed to keep steam within the cubicle to prevent heat loss. However, some come with a transom put above the door to let out steam when opened.
- Bifold doors
These doors are composed of a set of two glass panels. One of the glass panels is usually fixed onto the surrounding bathroom wall and the other is set to fold in on hinges. These doors are a good option where there is premium space within the bathroom as they do not encroach into much of the bathroom space.
Factors to consider when choosing a shower door
- Measurements
Before heading to shop for a shower door, first get the measurements of the door space to ensure that you get the right door that will fit well into your shower cubicle. If it’s a frameless door, get a professional to do it for you. If you’re replacing your old door and are willing to do the measurements yourself, cross check your lengths and widths for accuracy.
- Glass type
All shower doors are usually made out of tempered glass which is also called safety glass. It shatters into rounded bits that do not cause a lot of danger. When getting a shower door, look for safety markings to ensure that the door is of good quality. It should be made from a reputable manufacturer that abides by the British Standards. Low-iron glass is also highly advised as it gives an airy feeling and prevents tinting. It is however costly.
- Glass thickness
The minimum thickness for frameless glass doors is 3/8 inches with ½ and ¾ inches being considered sturdier. Cheap glass doors come with a thickness of about 4mm with standard and designer doors ranging from 6mm up to 12mm. Thicker doors tend to give a sense of privacy but are much more expensive.
- Style
When getting a shower door, pick one that matches your style. Colors and patterns vary with the most common being clear glass doors. There are a variety of suitable styles and finishes available but it is advisable to pick one that matches your cubicle’s hardware. Styles include polished or brushed doors; nickel, chromed and ultra-chromed doors; all-white finishes; bright, mirrored or smoked glass, among others. Make sure that the material matches other fixtures and fittings in your bathroom.
- Easy to clean doors
Glass doors are easily stained by mineral components found in hard water. This makes cleaning challenging and tedious. Manufacturers nowadays use a special type of protective coating that prevents this staining and allows easy cleaning of the glass. It’s invisible and very effective. It also increases the durability of your glass door. Check whether a door has this layer before purchasing it.
- Price
It is very important to ensure that you work within your budget when purchasing any particular shower door. Doors made of thicker glass will require additional fittings and fixtures in order to complement the new added weight and size. This means additional costs. Other costs may accrue from delivery and fitting services. A thicker door may need two people to fit it, meaning that cost of labor is included. If you’re the fix-it-yourself kind of person, get a door that is not complicated to fit and has a good instruction handbook. This will save you a lot of extra expenses.
When you choose a shower door consider a recognized brand. In the Dreamline shower door reviews, I have covered shower doors of that brand.
Glass best shower doors have provided a better and stylish viable alternative to traditional shower curtains. It is very important to have a guideline when purchasing a shower door. This ensures that you get quality and enjoy your showering experience without worry. Whether it’s a particular design or brand you want, make sure it’s up to the right standards.
