Your shower can be a great place to start when designing your bathroom. By installing a custom glass shower door, you can add to the functionality and appeal of your shower. But, you first have to find a door that is compatible with your needs. Discover six things to consider to choose the perfect glass shower door.

1. Design Preferences

With custom designs, the options are limitless. So you need to have thought of which designs fit your personal style, or the many options may confuse you. Consider things like glass framing, color, thickness, texture, shape, transparency, and door style.

With framing, you have the option of a frameless, framed, or semi-framed enclosure. Frameless enclosures will give your space an open and airy look. On the other hand, a framed enclosure will give you a sturdy look, while semi-framed glass will allow you to enhance your shower's architectural design.

Clear or transparent glass will be a good option for better lighting if your space is dark. But, if your bathroom has enough light, you can go for textured glass for more privacy.

Some door styles you can choose from include folding, bi-fold, sliding, swinging, and hinged doors. Sliding, folding, and bi-fold doors will go well with a small space, while a larger space may accommodate swinging and hinged doors.

2. Budget

Next, decide how much you are willing to spend on your shower door. Your budget will determine which options you choose and ensure you don't overspend. Your budget should include material and installation costs.

A glass shower door may cost about $12–$50 per square, depending on the material. On the other hand, installation costs may range about $400–$3300. Consult your glass contractor for pricing options and information on labor costs.

3. Shape

Different door shapes can highlight your style and give your bathroom an aesthetic appeal. Ensure the shape you choose goes well with the shape of your bathroom. Otherwise, you may hinder your bath's functionality.

4. Functionality

Factors like the location of your bathtub or shower in the bathroom, the material on your walls, and the location of the support studs may also affect functionality. Considering these factors will ensure you choose glass doors that the structure can support.

The layout of your shower area is also essential when considering functionality. Your shower may be a stand-alone stall, a corner walk-in shower, or a bathtub shower combo. The opening dimensions of the chosen shower door will differ for each of the three layout styles. Choosing a door that does not fit into the layout may force you to relocate some fixtures, increasing your costs and completion time.

5. Available Space

Measure your shower area to know how much space you have to work with. The amount of space available will determine the size of your shower door. You may need to add an extra panel to your shower door if you plan to go for an opening that is wider than the usual amount.

6. Maintenance Requirements

The best shower door is one you don't have to spend a lot of time cleaning. For instance, a sealed shower door will keep all the moisture inside a shower, forcing you to spend a lot of time cleaning it. But, with a shower door with good ventilation, less moisture will accumulate, cutting down on cleaning time. A frameless shower door is also easier to clean than a framed door because it comprises a single piece of glass

After deciding on your ideal shower door, consult a glass specialist to get ideas on what options fit what you need. At Monterey Glass Specialists Inc., we have a variety of high-quality glass shower enclosures to choose from. Contact us today to get started on designing the shower of your dreams.