Are you trying to decide whether you should choose a framed or frameless shower door? ( https://www.enhancedsolutions.com/amgshowerdoors ) We have broken down the pros and cons of each to help you make the most informed decision for you bathroom depending on your wants and needs.
It is important to understand the Pros and Cons of both framed and frameless shower door systems. Many of us grew up with fully framed shower doors. They were simple in nature and incorporated a lot of framework. They normally came with some type of decorative obscure glass and most frame finishes were chrome or gold. A shower door is considered framed if the operable part is surrounded with framework around the glass.
Frameless shower doors didn’t really get popular until the late 1990’s. They consist of a thick heavy tempered safety glass. They are well known for their minimal framework and heavy hinging as well as their large tubular handles through the glass. A shower door is considered frameless if the operable part has no surrounding metal and is hung off hinges alone. A frameless door can still have header systems and other outer track components to secure all the fixed sections.
Pros to a framed door:
Normally not very expensive. (Usually framed with aluminum and using a thin tempered glass).
They normally do a very good job at retaining water due to all the overlaying metal.
They work very well as steam enclosures.
Their frames can come in different painted enamel finishes as well as traditional metal finishes.
They offer an incredible array of decorative glass options.
Cons to a framed door:
They normally come in standard heights that now look very short by today’s standards.
Excessive metal distracts from nice tile work and other bathroom fixtures.
Look extremely dated and are not normally found in a master bathroom by today’s standards.
Pros to a frameless enclosure:
Nothing says WOW! Like a frameless shower door over a nice tile job. (The look and feel are amazing).
Being custom built they lend themselves to almost any sizing requirements. (Not limited to stock sizing).
Almost unlimited design layouts. (Only limited to the basic laws of physics).
Many unique hardware options to further the custom look.
Increases the value and appeal of your home
Easier to clean. (No metal rusting or corroding)
Cons to a frameless enclosure:
Much more looks than function (they rely heavily on clear polycarbonate wipes to help retain water).
More Expensive (Due to thicker glass & increased labor)
Much more prone to leak water.