An updated shower enclosure is the perfect way to brighten and renew your bathroom. Ditch your dirty, hard to clean shower curtain and install a shower door instead. 

There are two types of showers available on the market, frameless and framed. Each option provides unique benefits while having their own set of problems. When you know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of shower door, you can make the best choice for your layout. 

Framed Shower Doors

A framed shower door is typically made from a piece of tempered glass with a metal frame surrounding it to provide support. A framed shower door slides open on a track and uses seals to help prevent leaks.

Advantages

Price. The biggest advantage of choosing a shower door with a frame over a frameless version is where you will save money. Framed shower doors are the cheaper option, and you can save hundreds of dollars if you opt for one.

Decorative. The frame portion of the door is available in several colors to match the rest of your bathroom, and you can choose from a variety of glass options, including frosted, clear or etched. 

Versatile. A wide range of framed shower doors are already available on the market. You can choose the perfect size and style to fit any bathroom without having to pay for a custom design. 

Disadvantages

Maintenance. There are many places for liquids to collect and mold to form on a framed door. Homeowners need to keep the door's tracks dry to prevent problems. 

Appearance. Although framed shower doors can look great in any bathroom, frameless shower doors often give a more modern look to a bathroom's design. 

Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless shower doors are made from durable glass and do not use a track. Instead, they attach to the wall of the bathroom and open in the same way as a door.

Advantages

Appearance. Most people agree that a frameless shower door just looks better. A frameless door helps to create a modern, uncluttered and upscale look in any bathroom. 

Customizable. Most frameless shower doors are custom orders, so you know you are getting a door which fits your shower exactly. This can help to minimize any water seepage from your shower. 

Cleaning. With no cracks or crevices, frameless doors are fast and easy to clean and ensure the best protection against mold and mildew. 

Disadvantages

Cost. It is true. Quality, custom frameless doors cost hundreds, or even thousands, more than other shower enclosure options on the market.

Delicate. Although frameless shower doors are durable, it is impossible for them to be as strong as doors with frames. Frameless doors are more likely to shatter, but it is rare. 

DeSola Glass, Art & Frame Gallery in Northwest Houston offers customers a vast selection of framed and frameless shower doors. Call us at 281-763-2555 or visit our showroom to talk with a glass expert today!