Semi-Frameless vs. Frameless Shower Design
If you didn’t already realize that making the decision to add glass doors to your home is only the beginning of your journey to improving your most loved place in the house, the shower.
At Coastal Closets & Showers, we believe one of the most important decisions now comes down to your choice of either frameless, semi-frameless and framed glass. These three variations not only differ in look and price but also practical features.
That is why we have compiled a simple list of the key characteristics for each style to help you make an informed decision that you will love for years.
Frameless Shower Doors - The Top Rated Choice
A majority of today’s favorite look in the type of shower doors by experience is definitely frameless. This type of shower enclosure is built in our workshop from glass thicker than that of semi-frameless. The thickness ranges from 3/8″ to 1/2″. Although thicker glass for your frameless glass doors is slightly more expensive, it is considered necessary to ensure your safety as well as the rigidity of your shower unit.
Without the support of the typical metal framing present in semi-frameless and framed shower doors, the glass must be thick enough to act as the structural support. Along with the heavy glass, our shower door experts at Coastal Closets & Showers use metal clamps, caulk joints and sometimes headers in order to construct the frameless shower door enclosure you desire.
While frameless shower doors are the more expensive options, our homeowners and designers at Coastal Closets & Showers love the aesthetics of the frameless shower door enclosures.
These shower doors are typically built from a clear glass (or tempered glass depending on your preference) and yield a shower that is not only bright but also airy. Frameless shower enclosures are completely customizable which is an added perk. These shower doors also allow you to show off your great tile work rather than covering it up. For those who are adamant about cleanliness, these doors do not have the nooks and crannies that typical doors have where water can pool and accumulate grime. Your frameless enclosure will also bring the modern vibe to any bathroom.
Pros & Cons of Frameless Shower Doors
Pros
- Sleek, Modern Look
- Easier to Clean
- Show Off the Tile work in your shower
- Makes a small space (ie. your bathroom) look bigger
- Let’s in natural light
- Minimalistic so that it doesn’t detract from your bathroom design
- Longer life span
Cons
- More expensive than framed showers
- Due to heavy glass, a professional must install it
Semi-Frameless Shower Doors - The Blended Look
The ultimate definition of semi-frameless shower doors tends to vary depending on who you ask. Simply put semi-frameless shower doors are the best of both worlds including elements from both frameless and framed glass edges.
We have found a few reasons why homeowners choose some variation of a semi-frameless enclosure. This type of enclosure is typically a little less expensive than frameless shower doors based on the thickness of the glass. Often times a very small amount of metal framing is actually necessary to still maintain the structural integrity of your shower. A semi-frameless door is also a more modern and upscale look compared to a framed door. And in some situations, this is the perfect compromise between frameless and framed.
Framed Shower Doors - A Classic Outdated Look
Framed shower enclosures are becoming a thing of the past, made up of glass that is completely surrounded by metal framing. Framed shower doors have been around for a long time; however, many homeowners are moving away from this type of enclosure. While the frame does support glass as thin as 5/32″, it does create a space for grime to build up. There is also little customization possible for framed shower doors. It does, however, offer budget-conscious homeowners to replace their shower curtain with glass.
Pros & Cons of Framed Shower Doors
Framed shower enclosures are becoming a thing of the past, made up of glass that is completely surrounded by metal framing. Framed shower doors have been around for a long time; however, many homeowners are moving away from this type of enclosure. While the frame does support glass as thin as 5/32″, it does create a space for grime to build up. There is also little customization possible for framed shower doors. It does, however, offer budget-conscious homeowners to replace their shower curtain with glass.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Effective at Keeping Water in the Shower
Cons
- Limits design options and layout because doors can only open outward
- Dated look
Frameless & Semi-Frameless from Coastal Closets and Showers
Whether you are looking for a frameless shower door enclosure to finalize the look of your master suite or you are looking to upgrade to a semi-frameless shower for a different modern look, Coastal Closets & Showers has you covered. Our team offers each client and project the necessary guidance and attention to tailor your shower design to your needs.
Get started with your bathroom remodel by booking your consultation with our design experts at (772) 888-2520.
