Giving your bathroom a makeover can be an exciting project. But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out where to start. One of the best ways to transform your shower and bathroom into a modern, spa-like feel is to install a custom frameless shower door. Ditching the old shower curtain and upgrading to a frameless glass door can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom.
The Frameless Difference
Frameless shower doors are made of giant panels of glass that go from floor to ceiling without any metal framing or handles getting in the way. This creates a very sleek, clean look and really opens up the shower area. The glass has a nice transparency so light comes through, but also gives you privacy. Since there are no metal frames, the glass door seems to blend right into your tile walls for a seamless transition. It just looks so much more high-end and luxurious than a basic shower curtain or framed door. The huge glass expanses give your bathroom a very open, modern vibe.
Full Customization
One of the nicest things about frameless shower doors is that you can fully customize them to match your unique style and space. You can choose from lots of different types of glass to get the right look. Clear glass lets light through but still provides a barrier. Low-iron glass is ultra clear and almost looks invisible. Or you can pick textured glass that is frosted or etched for more privacy. The glass comes in different thicknesses too, usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker glass feels more sturdy.
Beyond the glass, you also get to customize the hardware. The door can be hinged or on a pivot to open easily. Or you can do sliding doors to save space. The handles and hinges come in whatever finish matches your faucets and other accessories, like polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, aged copper, and more. It’s great because you can really hand pick each piece like handles, knobs, and shelves so it comes together perfectly.
That’s the beauty of custom work, the frameless shower door gets made just for you and your unique bathroom. You can pick glass types, hardware finishes, and sizes that flow with the rest of your space. It becomes the shiny new focal point and lets your awesome tilework really shine.
Cost Considerations
Of course with any custom work, the pricing is going to be higher than a basic standard shower door. There are a few things that impact the total cost:
- The size of your shower – Larger showers need bigger glass panels cut, which raises the price.
- Specialty glass options – Thicker glass, textured or low-iron glass adds to the cost.
- More intricate hardware – Handles and hinges with fancy finishes are pricier than basic chrome.
- Professional installation – You’ll need an expert to get it just right.
But the end result is worth it. In total, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2000+ for a high quality, custom framed shower door installed. It ends up being an investment piece that makes your whole bathroom feel brand new.
Professional Installation Recommended
When it comes to the installation, it’s recommended to have professionals do the job properly. A good installer will make sure the measurements are exact, the door functions smoothly, and everything is perfectly watertight. The last thing you want is leaks or other headaches. Most installers charge $200 to $600.
More Affordable Options
If a custom frameless shower door sounds amazing but is over your budget, you can also look at frameless glass options that are more affordable but still sleek. Semi-frameless doors have a thin metal frame but are much more minimal than heavily framed doors. Or you can look for prefabricated frameless doors that come in standard sizes to cut costs.
A Luxurious Upgrade
No matter what route you take, a frameless shower door gives an undeniably modern, spa-like vibe to your bathroom. Ditch that dingy shower curtain and upgrade to a luxurious glass door – you won’t regret it. It’s an investment in your home that you’ll enjoy every time you take a shower.