Get Smart: How to Choose View All
Shower Doors
- Causing a Splash. As the shower has become a bigger focus in the bath again, shower doors have followed suit. The purpose of the shower door is to trap heat generated by steam. New designs move beyond that. They include partial doors, called screens or shields. A piece of glass is mounted to tub wall or floor and does not move. The purpose is to shield water from the floor.
- Glass Appeal. Show doors are available in framed or frameless configurations. The latter has become more popular as it allows for contemporary or minimalist designs. The other bonus is that the shower becomes less of a cave and the design shows off the tile or stone that lies beyond. A frameless shower door can create an open-space feel in a tiny bathroom
- In the Frame. Framed doors appeal to those looking for value as well as price. The style works well for more traditional bathrooms or in older home remodels. Additionally, fully enclosed shower areas are being installed to create showers that double as steam rooms. The frame finish should match the faucet or showerhead finish. Most popular finish colors include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome.
- Seeing Clearly. Along with the frameless systems came heavier thicker glass. No more wobble with thinner ¼ inch material. The standard has quickly moved to 3/8- or ½-inch tempered safety glass, and this is available almost everywhere from big box retailers to more exclusive showrooms and at all price levels. Not everyone wants to be visible, and the industry has responded with textured as well as silk-screened patterns to slightly obscure the glass.
- Clean Up Your Act. More glass equates with more cleaning. The new coatings or treatments to door glass are advancement and actually help prevent permanent spots, stains and soap buildup. With more complaints about the effects of hard water, soap and humidity, these also avoid the need for harsh cleaners. Look for shower doors protected by coating if maintenance is an issue.
- Sizing It Up. If you are replacing an old tub shower combination, then look at th3 new pivot or bi-fold doors. If you are removing your old tub to create a larger shower, your choices expand. Be sure you measure before proceeding. However, if you are removing a whirlpool to create a larger shower, consider the plumbing changes as well as the maximum size of the shower pan, before selecting your shower door.
