Frameless Vs. Framed Shower Doors: Which Is Better?

When it comes to updating your bathroom, you will ultimately have to make a decision on the type of shower doors you’re going to choose. Your choices boil down to framed shower doors or frameless shower doors. Our customers ask us which is better. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two to help you decide which one is right for you.

Framed Vs. Frameless Shower Doors – What’s the Difference?

The main difference between framed and frameless shower doors is the thickness of the glass. When heavy glass became available about a decade ago, they became popular. Heavy glass is significantly thicker (3/8” to 1/2” thick). Because the shower doors are thicker, “heavier”, and more rigid, they can stand alone without flexing and breaking. That meant shower doors no longer needed a frame around them to support them and keep them from wiggling when being opened or closed. This thicker glass made it possible to go with a sleeker look – more glass and less hardware. Designers and homeowners fell in love with the look and these new doors and frameless shower doors  soon became the new trend. If you are remodeling your bathroom, make sure you don’t make one of these four master bathroom remodeling mistakes.

Pros of Framed Glass Shower Doors

  • Affordability – More affordable than frameless glass doors
  • Practicality – Sturdy enough to get the job done
  • Versatility – Better adapted to different sizes and styles of shower enclosures

Pros of Frameless Glass Shower Doors

  • Variety of Styles – Can fit more configurations than framed shower doors which usually swing open
  • Convenience – Easier to clean – no tracks or frames to gather gunk or clean around
  • Aesthetics – Provides a more modern, upscale look than framed shower doors and also makes a bathroom seem larger because of the transparency of the glass without the framework
  • ROI – While more expensive, they also enhance the value of your home

It really comes down to budget and aesthetics. If you are remodeling a smaller, less visited bathroom, you may want to consider framed glass shower doors. But if it is your master bathroom, you may want to splurge on the frameless glass shower doors to make sure your home is up to date and appeals to the next generation. This is especially important when it comes to resale. If the purpose is to update, putting in framed shower doors does not help create a modern look. Frameless is the way to go if you want to update and impress. In fact, luxury showers are becoming more and more popular.

At Janssen Glass, we can help you create the perfect shower configuration and doors for your remodel or update. Just give us a call at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.