Category: Glass Shower Doors

You Don’t Need a Lot of Space for a Luxury Shower – You Already Have It!

Luxury Frameless Shower Door
Luxury shower with frameless glass shower doors

Did you ever wish you could increase the size of your shower to create one of those glorious master showers? Did you ever wish your bathroom was bigger so you could shower every day with plenty of elbow room and light? Are you tired of your tiny shower? Well there’s good news! You don’t need a complete remodel to get a luxury shower. You have the space already…it’s called your tub! That’s right, your tub. Think about it. When was the last time you used it? Think hard. Still can’t remember? That’s because tubs are not practical or convenient. Almost everyone takes a shower today. That’s why there’s a trend in remodeling to replace the tubs with gorgeous, spacious, luxury showers.

You Really Only Need One Tub

There was a phase in homebuilding, from the mid-80s to mid-2000s, where oversized jetted tubs were the new must-have thing. It sounded great, but in reality, most people never used their fancy tubs and they became literal dust bowls. Why? Because life is busy. While it’s nice to take a long leisurely bath and soak your troubles away, very few people have the time to do that. They just jump in the shower every morning, do a quick shampoo and rinse and they’re out the door to work. Oversized soaking tubs just don’t make as much sense as they used to. If they are not being used, they simply take up valuable bathroom real estate. It’s good to have one tub in your home for washing the kids or the pets or large items, but one is all you need. Luckily, there’s usually at least one other bathroom in the average home that has a tub besides the master bathroom. 

Oversized Tubs Are a Remodeling Opportunity

But the good news is if you have one of those oversized tubs in your master bath, you’ve got an opportunity in the making. Remove that tub and it opens up a whole world of design possibilities! Some people simply put their luxury shower right where the old tub was. There’s already plumbing there. But some people redesign their entire bathroom creating a modern, spacious spa-like retreat. Whatever your imagination and your budget allow, look for the possibilities when you remove that tub.

Frameless Shower Door Trend 

This no-tub trend is good news for the team at Janssen Glass because we specialize in glass shower doors. Another change we’ve been lucky to witness is the frameless shower door trend. With the invention of heavy glass (thicker glass that is more rigid) over a decade ago, shower doors no longer require a metal frame for support. Heavy glass, or frameless, shower doors allow for a much sleeker and more upscale look. If you are updating your bathroom, make sure to upgrade to frameless shower doors to avoid making your new bathroom look dated.  

If you’re updating your bathroom, we highly recommend heavy glass shower doors. We have many beautiful frameless shower door styles to choose from. We can also custom design a shower enclosure to fit your space perfectly. 

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

 

The One Thing Not to Skimp on in a Master Bathroom Remodel

We’ve all heard that kitchen and bathrooms are the rooms to remodel to sell your home fast and to get a good return on your investment when you do sell. That’s because these rooms are used every single day. They are also the rooms that tend to date a home because the fixtures, appliances, and countertops change styles dramatically every couple of decades. While in other rooms, (bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms) the furniture is the star and that will be changed automatically by the new homeowner.  So if you’re remodeling your master bathroom be aware of this new trend and don’t be stuck wishing you’d done something different.

Trend of Luxury Showers

When was the last time you took a bath? Think about it. Most people today take a shower every day. Bathtubs are great to have if you have children and pets, but adults (the people who inhabit master bedrooms and bathrooms) will use the shower over 90% of the time. Knowing this, it makes sense that in the past decade or so, there has been a trend toward luxury showers – bigger, better, more shower heads, built-in benches, beautiful tilework, and frameless shower doors. Some people are even removing the bathtub to make room for a bigger, more luxurious shower enclosure. This luxury shower trend is just a sign of the times. 

Frameless Shower Doors

With that being said, the shower is becoming the focal point of the modern master bathroom. It’s no surprise that homebuyers are expecting a little more from their master baths and the shower doors are no exception. About a decade ago, heavy glass shower doors became popular. The thicker glass made it possible to go with a sleeker, more-glass, less-hardware look. Shower doors no longer needed a framework around them to support them and keep them from wiggling when being opened or closed. Frameless shower doors soon became the new updated look that designers and homeowners alike fell in love with. 

Framed Shower Doors Will Date Your Bathroom

Because we don’t remodel our homes very often, you may not be aware of this new trend in luxury showers or be familiar with frameless glass shower doors. If you haven’t seen new houses or read any designer blogs about modern bathrooms, you may think you can get by with traditional framed shower doors. Think again. Putting framed shower doors in an updated bathroom is like putting Avocado or Harvest Gold colored appliances in your kitchen. It was great in the 70s, but it will scream “outdated” today. Do your homework and don’t make this mistake when remodeling your master bathroom. Go with frameless shower doors for an upgraded and updated look. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your tub to a luxury shower, or just update your master bathroom shower, give Janssen Glass & Door a call. We create and build custom shower enclosures and we’d be happy to create the luxury shower of your dreams.  Call us at (913) 677-5727 or fill out a form online.

Bathroom Remodel Trend – Luxury Showers

Luxury showers are fast becoming one of the most popular bathroom trends. Homeowners are really embracing the shower as either a place to get a great start to their morning or a place to relax and unwind after a busy day. Showers are becoming so popular that many people are replacing the tub in their master bathroom with large, luxury showers. It’s definitely something to consider if you have a large tub that you rarely, if ever, use. In many bathroom remodels, removing the tub adds the extra space to expand the shower enclosure. Here are a few of the hottest design features being added to these modern luxury showers. 

Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Framed shower doors are a thing of the past. Once heavy glass doors became available about a decade ago, they have become the go-to style for luxury and elegance. Heavy glass rendered shower door frames unnecessary. Because the thicker glass didn’t flex, it no longer needed the extra support of the frame. This allowed for a more sleek look with no tracks and less hardware. These frameless glass shower doors also create a more open and spacious feel.

Built-in Benches

Built-in benches or floating benches are another addition we see often in luxury showers. These benches are usually integrated into the wall and covered in the same tile or stone as the shower walls for a seamless look. They make shaving legs or just sitting in the warm water much more comfortable. They are also great for those planning to age  in place.

Multiple Shower Heads

Today’s luxury showers usually feature more than one shower head. Dual handheld showerheads, a ceiling-mount showerhead, and/or multiple body jets all elevate the shower to create a spa-like experience.  

Steam Showers

Steam is a great way to relax and unwind and now you can create your own steam shower in your bathroom. This takes some specialized equipment and very precise installation of the glass shower enclosure to keep the steam inside. The ceiling must also be covered in stone or tile like the floor and walls and must be sloped slightly to allow the water from condensed steam to roll down instead of dripping off the ceiling. 

Audio Effects and Mood Lighting

Whether you like to listen to your favorite podcast in the morning or relax to soothing music at night, adding sound to your luxury shower experience is easy. Options like the wireless speaker showerheads make it as easy as running to the nearest home improvement store. Don’t forget about chromotherapy – look for color-changing LED showerheads to create any mood you desire. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your tub to a luxury shower, give Janssen Glass & Door a call. We create and build custom shower enclosures and we’d be happy to create the luxury shower of your dreams.  Call us at (913) 677-5727 or fill out a form online.

Top 4 Master Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes

 

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, make sure you do it right. There are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. At Janssen Glass & Door, we know a thing or two about bathroom remodels. We design and install custom shower enclosures in Kansas City and we’ve been called in to fix a few homeowner missteps. We’ve also heard a lot of coulda, woulda, shoulda stories from homeowners as well. Here are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

Not Going with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

Heavy glass shower doors, sometimes called frameless shower doors are made from a thicker, heavier glass so they don’t depend on the frame for strength. Frameless glass is the most modern look you can get. It’s more beautiful because there’s less hardware (tracks and frames) and it creates a sleeker, more updated feel. If you’re updating or upgrading your bathroom, it doesn’t make sense to put outdated framed shower doors into a modern environment. We’ve heard more than one homeowner lament that they wished they’d have spent the extra money especially when the upgrade was to the master bathroom.

Keeping the Tub That You Never Use

Tubs are common in all bathrooms, but many times, they’re rarely used. There’s no rule that says you have to have a tub in your bathroom. If you’re a soaker, by all means, keep it! But if you hardly use it, why not repurpose that space to create a luxury master shower that you’ll use and enjoy every day? Trust us, you’ll never miss it if you don’t use it anyway. Tear it out and make space for a zero-entry shower enclosure that meets all of your needs. Add a comfortable built-in bench, beautiful tile, multiple shower heads, or even a steam shower. The possibilities are endless when you free yourself from the tub idea.

Not Making the Shower Larger

Just because your shower is the size it is doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Sometimes, reconfiguring the room will create an entirely new layout that makes more room for expanding the shower enclosure. Many homeowners get rid of the tub altogether or remove walls to free the commode from its tiny room and the result is a more open, airy, spacious, spa-like design. If you’re updating, now is the time to rethink everything – walls, tubs, windows, everything!

Not Updating the Tile in the Shower

This one is critical if your remodel is on a house over 30 years old. Back in the 90s, plain old tile was par for the course. Small, uniform, basic tile was the norm. Today’s showers are stunningly beautiful with coordinating tile patterns, soap and shampoo coves in the design, built-in benches, etc. If you update your shower doors, but still have the old white ceramic soap holder hanging on the wall, you haven’t really updated your shower. It’s like leaving the old white ceramic toilet paper holder and towel bars on the walls. Make sure you update everything. Otherwise, your remodel will look half-done.

We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. We can help you choose the right shower doors and a lot more. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

Top 4 Reasons to Go with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you look at any newly built or modern home, you’ll notice one thing about the bathroom shower doors – they’re frameless. A quick trip down the timeline will give you a snapshot of their history, how they came to be, and why people love them so much.

History of Frameless Shower Doors
Glass shower doors didn’t become popular until the early 1960s. Frameless glass became possible with the invention of tempered glass (which was much more durable and therefore safer than standard glass) but these large panes of glass required a metal frame to add stiffness and stability. Prior to that, most people bathed in tubs and used a fabric curtain for privacy. Then, it wasn’t until the invention of heavy glass in the early 1970s that frameless glass shower doors became available. They were rare and mainly found in upper class homes. Fast forward to the turn of the century and heavy glass finally made its way into the mainstream. By 2010, it was not uncommon to see heavy glass shower doors in new homes and used to update older homes in remodeling projects.

What Is Heavy Glass?
Shower doors used to be made of thin and flexible glass. They required a metal frame for support and safety. Heavy glass is significantly thicker (3/8” to 1/2” thick). Because they are thicker, “heavier”, and more rigid, they can stand alone without flexing and breaking. There is no wiggling when they are opened and closed. But there are plenty of other reasons you’ll love heavy glass shower doors:

  1. Framed Shower Doors Look Dated
    If your goal is to update your bathroom, installing framed shower doors is like taking a step back in time – the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. Heavy glass shower doors will create a sleek, modern look and will keep it looking current for the next decade or two. But that’s not the only advantage.

  2. Less Hardware Provides a Sleeker Look
    Unlike thin glass doors, heavy glass doors need much less hardware. Instead of a frame all the way around them, all that is required is simple clips, handles, and channels. Minimal hardware almost makes the doors disappear from a design standpoint. This is also beneficial if you have upgraded your tile work. Now it is clearly on display and it becomes the focus, not the hardware.

  3. Frameless Shower Doors Make Bathrooms Feel Bigger
    Heavy glass doors will give your bathroom more of a modern look but that is not the biggest impact they have. Installing heavy glass will give an open feeling and actually make the bathroom seem bigger than before. The lack of a frame really opens the space up visually and can make cramped rooms feel more open and average size bathrooms feel spacious. The smaller the room, the bigger the impact.

  4. Heavy Glass Shower Doors Are Easier to Clean
    Frameless designs also make cleaning a breeze. No more gunky, moldy tracks to try to get into. There is less mold, mildew, and even fewer water spots because the smooth surface of the glass doesn’t provide anywhere for them to accumulate.

If you’re updating your bathroom, we highly recommend heavy glass shower doors. We have many beautiful styles to choose from. Give us a call and we can help you decide which ones work best for your remodel or addition. We can also custom design a shower enclosure to fit your space perfectly. 

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

It’s Okay to Snub the Tub in Your Bathroom Remodel

 

 

 

 

 

Until the early 1960s bathtubs ruled the world! Showers (the kind we know today with no tub) weren’t even invented yet. The showerhead was simply the next improvement to the tub. The tub was always there to catch the shower water. It makes sense. People needed a way to collect water to bathe (which they didn’t do nearly as often in the good old days). Let’s face it, it was a hassle to warm the water, pour it in the tub, and bathe before it got too cold. Indoor plumbing helped a lot, but still, it was the bathtub that reigned supreme in every bathroom.

Reasons for the No-Tub Trend

Flash forward to today. Not many people even take baths anymore. Most take a quick, convenient shower and rush off to work. So, it begs the question: Do we really need a bathtub in the bathroom anymore? Apparently, many people believe we don’t. In recent years there has been a trend toward removing the bathtub altogether especially from the master bath. What are the reasons behind this trend?

Increased Accessibility

One of the factors is related to an aging population of baby boomers. Tubs can be hard to get into and out of for older people who are less flexible and less mobile. This group (and it is a large group) has opted many times to replace a large tub with a more accessible shower. Showers are easier to navigate and can even accommodate wheelchairs if they are built to be zero entry. Many boomers are choosing to “age in place” and are changing their homes to meet their needs.

More Space

Big soaking tubs take up a lot of floor space. Some homeowners are trading in their tubs to make room for more counter space, dual face bowls, a more open room, and even luxury showers. If you have a large tub and never use it, it’s really not an asset. It’s just wasted space.

Busy Lifestyles

Today’s lifestyles are much busier than they were decades ago when most homes were built. Most people don’t have the time for a long, leisurely soak in a large tub. The large jetted tubs that were all the rage 20, 30, and 40 years ago, just don’t have the same appeal.

Luxury Showers 

As time marches on, more and more homeowners are replacing their tubs with luxury showers. These enclosures are larger, brighter, feature heavy glass shower doors and beautiful tile work with built-in nooks for shampoo bottles and integrated benches for seating. Along with upgraded features like multiple heads, steam features, audio systems, aromatherapy and so much more, these showers deliver as luxurious an experience as any bathtub.

It’s hard to say what will come next as lifestyles and technology bring new changes, but if you’re considering a bathroom remodel, don’t be afraid to snub the tub and go all-in on a luxury shower. Frankly, after centuries of bathtubs taking center stage, it’s about time the shower got its day in the spotlight.  

If you’re updating your bathroom, we highly recommend heavy glass shower doors. We have many beautiful styles to choose from. We can also custom design a shower enclosure to fit your space perfectly. 

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

Framed vs Frameless

 

 

 

 

If you’re updating an existing bathroom, or perhaps remodeling and adding a bathroom to your home, you’re going to have to make a decision about shower doors. Your biggest decision will be which type – framed or frameless (sometimes called heavy glass shower doors). Both have their advantages and disadvantages and we’ve compared the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision. Take a look at the information below, then give Janssen Glass & Door a call for expert installation. 

Framed Glass Shower Doors

PROS

More Affordable – on average, frameless glass shower doors will cost 2-3 times what framed glass shower doors cost. To give you some rough numbers to budget with, 60-inch framed doors installed will run $400 – $500. 60-inch frameless doors will cost $1,000 – $1,500 installed. 

More Watertight – framed glass shower doors are less likely to leak. They have a track along the base that traps water, plus  a layer of caulk. They also have a metal frame against the wall which is also caulked to prevent leaking.

Easier to Install – to install a framed glass shower door, you must attach the frame to the opening. Framed glass doors can fit over almost any type of shower material. 

CONS

Frames May Corrode – the frames are made from various metals and can corrode, discolor, or even pit over time. 

Not as Attractive – framed glass shower doors are considered more basic, traditional, and less attractive than frameless doors.

Higher Maintenance – framed doors, by nature, are surrounded by frames and slide on or fit into a track. This track can collect water, mold, mildew, and soap scum and is difficult to clean and keep clean.

Frameless Glass Shower Doors 

PROS

Many Custom Styles – with the emphasis being more on aesthetics, frameless styles have many unique and custom styles available to choose from.

Upscale Appearance – because they lack a frame and require less hardware, frameless doors have a sleeker, more minimalist look which also helps keep the focus on any beautiful new tile work in your shower.

More Modern – from an aesthetics or decor standpoint, frameless doors are considered a more modern design choice.

Low Maintenance – with no tracks and less hardware, they are easier to keep clean.

Less Metal to Corrode – there are few metal pieces of hardware to corrode over time.

Wider Range of Motion: The hinges for your frameless shower door can pivot allowing the door to swing both outward and inward unlike framed shower doors that only swing one direction.

CONS

More Expensive – heavy glass is thicker than regular glass and is more expensive.

More Complicated Installation – it is recommended to have professional installation with frameless doors because they may need to drill certain tile materials to set up the hinges. If you don’t have the right tools, you could do more damage than good.

More Susceptible to Leaking – frameless doors have small openings that aren’t sealed with a frame or caulk. You have to be careful that the water isn’t angled to hit these openings directly. Children might need reminding.  

Conclusion

In our opinion, it really comes down to look and price. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stick with a framed door. If the bathroom will be used by mostly children, a framed door may keep water in better. But if you are looking to update or upgrade a bathroom, especially a master bathroom, we recommend spending the extra money to get the results you’ll like for years to come. If you’re updating, why put in something that’s already considered outdated by many? 

If you need help deciding, we’ll be happy to answer any questions to help you figure out what’s best for you and your budget. Visit our shower door design gallery online. We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom

Best Frameless Shower Door Installation in Kansas City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Janssen Glass, we love installing frameless shower doors. We love the way they make homes look. We are proud of our vast selection of doors and styles to choose from. We love the reactions from our customers when we’re finished. We love designing custom showers. We love making sure they’re installed the right way. But most of all, we love helping people. Whether you’re remodeling your old bathroom or adding a new bathroom, talk to the experts at Janssen Glass & Door. We will make the whole process a breeze. 

Great Selection of Shower Doors

First of all, we have a great selection of framed and frameless shower doors to choose from. Today, with all of the glass choices in color, design, and configuration, you can create beautiful showers that actually become the centerpiece of your bathroom. From clear glass to elaborate patterns, with Janssen Glass, we’re going to make it look great!

Professional Installation

We have been designing and installing glass shower doors for almost four decades. We  have a great reputation in Kansas City. Ask around. From framed to frameless, from sliding doors to swinging doors to door and panel enclosures, from small showers to shower rooms, basic to custom designed, we do it all! 

Custom Shower Designs

Speaking of custom designs, we can help fit a shower into a small bathroom, expand a small shower to create a luxury shower with multiple heads, built-in benches, shampoo nooks, and more, or even replace your underused bathtub with a shower. You tell us what you’re thinking and we’ll custom design a shower you’ll love. 

Shower Glass Repairs

We even do glass repairs for shower doors. We have an in-house shop where we cut any glass you need to size and bring it to your home to install. 

Whether you’re just updating from framed to frameless, or you need a whole new bathroom and shower redesign, call us and we’ll help you design the bathroom of your dreams. 

Visit our shower door design gallery online. We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

The Most Popular Bathroom Trends for 2020

2019 bathroom trends

Towards the end of 2019 and leading into 2020 we witnessed a few different trends taking place. Bathrooms were becoming more modern and providing more of a comfortable feel to it. This is done by adding space which ultimately adds functionality. Anytime we can take part in a bathroom remodel, we do so, because it is always exciting seeing the finished product. If you are remodeling your bathroom this year, consider updating to heavy glass and keep these trends in mind as well.

Open Concept Plans

Newer bathrooms are being designed to have an open and breathable space. These open concepts make smaller rooms feel much roomier. There is no longer a need for those clunky cupboards full of junk. New modern bathrooms have just enough cupboard space to hold the necessities. This shelving is often times tucked away in the corners or installed higher on the walls. They also have been moving away from framed glass doors and have been installing heavy glass shower doors. These let a decent amount of light into the room because they no longer have any frames blocking the view. With the absence of shower frames, it gives your eyes the perception that the room is larger and more spacious than it actually is.

Neutral Tones with a Pop

Neutral tones add a relaxing and timeless feel to any design. Current styles lean toward more natural stone and wood surfaces with matte textured metal fixtures and paint. However, complementing these neutral tones are accents of color that can be seen along a single wall, a backsplash, or mingled with the tile. Small murals, a section of wallpaper, potted plants or a framed painting can add a nice focal point without making the room look too busy.

Water Space

A “Water Space” is the section of the bathroom with a floor drain that is usually dedicated to a bathtub or open shower. This spot is typically walled off with heavy glass shower doors. These glass shower doors help with the open concept idea by keeping the look open but also containing the water. 


If you are interested in remodeling your bathroom into one of these 2020 trends or have another idea to make the bathroom of your dreams, contact us today! You can call us at (913)677-5727 or fill out a form online.

Don’t Update Your Bathroom Without This!

Remodeling A Bathroom

If you’re looking to bring your outdated bathroom into the 21st century, the best way to do it is with heavy glass doors. In the past few decades, shower doors have seen a complete revolution. Now that heavy glass doors are available, style framed shower doors are a thing of the past.

What Is Heavy Glass?

Shower doors used to be thin and flexible, wrapped in a metal frame which ultimately gave them support when being opened and closed. The frame was really used to make sure the thin, fragile glass wouldn’t break. With heavy glass, the shower doors are no 3/8” to 1/2” thick. This allows them to stand alone without the support of the metal frames. These heavy glass doors are sturdy, feel solid, and look upscale. What’s not to like? No more wiggling when they open or close. You’re going to love them.

Framed Shower Doors Look Dated

The majority of shower doors we replace are framed. The reason for this is because those were the only kind of shower doors available until a decade ago. If you are updating your bathroom, make sure to upgrade by installing glass shower doors. Yes, framed shower doors are cheaper, but they also look like it. With heavy glass doors, you can get that modern, sleek look without all the hardware.

Heavy Glass Means Less Hardware

Thicker glass actually allows for more freedom when it comes to design. Unlike thin glass doors, heavy glass doors need much less hardware. We can actually attach heavy glass shower doors with simple clips, handles, and channels reducing the visual intrusion of the metal framework. Now your beautiful tile work will no longer be hidden and other features you have spent a good amount of money on can be shown off. 

Frameless Shower Doors Make Bathrooms Feel Bigger

Heavy glass doors will give your bathroom more of a modern look but that is not even the biggest impact they have. When updating your shower doors to heavy glass, it will give off the feel that the bathroom is now bigger than before. Especially in a room that is already really small. This will allow guests to focus on more beautiful, more important aspects of your bathroom instead of your outdated shower door.

But My Bathroom Has a Tub

Another trend we have begun to witness is families ditching the tub behind for a larger shower. Many homeowners have found they no longer use their bathtub. Think about it, if you already have another tub in a different bathroom, do you really need more than one? Treat yourself by upgrading to a shower enclosure only. Expanding your shower can really enhance a bathroom. No worries, our designers can help you visualize a larger shower!

 

TIP: Just don’t replace your only tub. They do come in handy for soaking/cleaning large items. 

 

If you have a bathroom that is in desperate need of a renovation, we highly consider updating to heavy glass shower doors. Check out our shower door gallery. Call us at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online and let us create the shower of your dreams.