10 Best Types of Shower Glass Doors

Installing new shower glass doors in our bathroom will instantly change the look of the entire space. Nothing can beat a stunning glass door to bring the interior of the bathroom together. There’s quite a variety of shower glass doors to pick from, and selecting the perfect one is a crucial decision. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the ten best types of shower glass doors. These options can elevate the style and functionality of your bathroom to a whole new level!

1. Sliding Shower Glass Doors

A people’s favorite, sliding shower glass doors not only bring convenience but it is also a space-savvy investment. It does not take up a lot of room, which makes your bathroom appear less crowded.

Features & Characteristics

What makes sliding shower glass doors different from other doors are their unique features:

  • Spacious: They are space-savvy, leaving you with ample room to scoot around inside your bathroom, even with the door.
  • No curtains: Sliding shower glass doors don’t require curtains.
  • Easy maintenance: They are extremely easy to clean and take care of.
  • Less messy: Helps to keep water inside your shower and prevents it from spilling everywhere.
  • Varieties: Comes in different designs and chic in style. You can choose from aluminum doors, pocket doors, patio doors, and many more.
  • Customize: If you want to customize a sliding shower glass door that fits your aesthetic, you can easily do it.

Pros and Cons Of Sliding Glass Doors

Even though the sliding glass door is a fan favorite, there are some cons related to it. Before buying a sliding glass door, you can first weigh out the pros and cons.

Pros Cons
They don’t take up much space in the bathroom Raised tracks can trip you when you are not paying attention
Energy efficient Security hazard
Environmental friendly  Needs a lot of maintenance 

Cost of Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors typically come with a price range of $1,170 to $3,960 on average. However, it’s crucial to remember that the cost can vary depending on the unique type of sliding glass door you have in mind. Some of the different costs for sliding glass doors are:

  • Automatic sliding glass doors: $1,000 to $3,500
  • Hurricane-proof: $2,000 to $3,000
  • Soundproof: $2,000 to $3,500
  • Double pane: $2,500 to $3,500
  • Multipanel: $2,500 to $6,500

2. Swinging Shower Glass Doors

Swinging shower glass doors also have their demand in the market. They are the type of glass that opens and closes with just one single push. The door often swings out and can be opened inward or outward.

Features & Characteristics

The unique features and characteristics of swinging shower glass doors that make them different from other doors are:

  • Open both ways: As the doors swing out, when you give it a push, you can open the door inward or outward.
  • Easy to open: Just one push is all it needs! An easy push will swing the door open.
  • Easy to install: The installation process is an easy one. You don’t need to prepare for an extensive installation process when it comes to swinging shower glass doors.

Pros and cons of swinging glass doors

With every purchase, we must give equal attention to both pros and cons. That’s why let’s explore some pros and cons of a swinging glass door:

Pros Cons
Easy to open and close They can swing back and hit someone if we are not careful
They are easy to install They require more space than other sliding model doors
An affordable option Requires special limiters to prevent damage to surrounding objects
Good insulation qualities The hinges need periodic maintenance

Cost of swinging glass doors

The cost of swinging glass doors usually ranges between $600 to $900 without the installation fees. After including the labor costs and installation fees, the cost can hike up to $1,200. They also require periodic maintenance for their hinges as they come with hinges on the top and the bottom of the door.

3. Framed shower glass doors

Framed shower glass doors are the definition of practicality in today’s time. Quickly becoming a people favorite, they are made with framed glass panels, doors, and materials on top of the door and the bottom. Framed shower glass doors are usually made out of 3/16 inches of stable glass.

Features & Characteristics

What makes framed shower glass doors popular among people is their outstanding features and characteristics like:

  • Practicality: They are an affordable option but also give your bathroom an elevated look.
  • Simpler: Extremely easy to install.
  • Water retention: They are great for water retention in your bathroom.

Pros and cons of framed shower glass doors

With some advantages of framed shower glass doors, there are also some disadvantages:

Pros Cons
They are affordable Limited range of motion
Easy to install Harder to maintain 
Great water retention Outdated designs

Cost of framed shower glass doors

The cost of framed shower glass doors can range between $300 to $5,000 without the labor and installation costs. Installation and labor costs could typically charge you around $600, depending on the type of materials, local labor, as well as the size of your shower.

4. Frameless shower glass doors

A frameless shower glass door is exactly what you think it is. Frames do not support these shower glass doors, but they are mounted on the sides of your shower using mounting hinges and channels. Their elegance and striking look have taken the market by storm!

Features & Characteristics

Let’s take a look at the features and characteristics of frameless shower glass doors:

  • Elegance: Because of their clean, premium look, they are a more elegant option for shower doors in your bathroom.
  • Custom crafted: Their frameless enclosures are suitable to fit more designs.
  • Easy maintenance: They are easier to clean and maintain.
  • Quiet enclosure: You won’t have to worry about your doors creaking.

Pros and cons of frameless shower glass doors

Before we make up our minds just yet, let’s compare the pros and cons of frameless shower glass doors.

Pros Cons
They look elegant and stunning in our bathroom More expensive than framed shower glass doors
It can be custom-designed to fit the bathroom’s aesthetics They are not very stable
They are easy to clean and maintain Complicated installation process

Cost of frameless glass doors

Frameless shower glass doors usually cost between $1,500 to $2,100 for a full installation process. However, it is important to note that the prices can fluctuate depending on the local labor costs, the size of the shower, and the cost of materials.

5. Semi-frameless shower glass doors

If you want a mix of frameless and framed shower glass doors, a semi-frameless shower glass door is an ideal option for you. Semi-frameless shower glass doors have both frameless and framed specialty to the glass.

Features & Characteristics

Thinking of installing a semi-frameless shower glass door? Here are some reasons why you should definitely consider it:

  • Affordable: It is a more affordable option between frameless and framed shower glass doors.
  • Does not obstruct the view: This shower door is great for shower finishes without blocking the view.
  • Easy to maintain: This shower glass door is easier to clean and is more hygienic than a framed glass door.

Pros and cons of semi-framed glass doors

We are one step closer to making the right choice! Let’s explore the pros and cons before we make up our minds:

Pros Cons
Gives a modern aesthetic look Potential for leaks
Easy to clean and maintain Upfront costs 
Easy installation process

Cost of semi-frameless glass doors

The cost of semi-frameless glass doors typically ranges between $800 to $1,300, including the cost of labor and materials. They are a cheaper option next to frameless glass doors, but they are more expensive than framed glass doors.

6. Curved shower glass doors

Another popular option for bathrooms with limited spaces is curved shower glass doors. This door does not increase the size of the shower when we open the door, making it the best option for smaller bathrooms.

Features & Characteristics

Here are some reasons why choosing a curved shower glass door is the next best choice for you:

  • Suitable for small spaces: A curved shower glass door is a smart choice for smaller spaces because it doesn’t take up extra room when you open and close it.
  • Affordable: Because of their small glass panels and thinner 6mm safety glass, they are a cheaper option in comparison to sliding glass doors.
  • Wide door opening: Even though curved shower glass doors take up less space, they still have a wide door opening.

Pros and cons of curved shower glass doors

Like every other shower door, curved shower glass doors also come with some drawbacks.

Pros Cons
Affordable Difficult installation
Great for smaller bathrooms It is not easy to clean
Bigger door opening Rollers can get jammed on objects on the rail

Cost of curved shower glass doors

A curved shower glass door can cost you between $300 to $1,250 without the labor costs and installation fees. The price usually fluctuates depending on the material and labor costs in most cases.

7. Barrier-free shower glass doors

A barrier-free shower glass door is also known as a walk-in shower glass door. These shower doors are completely level with the floor and do not need a shower tray because the floor leans towards the drain.

Features & Characteristics

What makes barrier-free shower glass doors an optimal choice for bathrooms are:

  • More freedom: Barrier-free shower glass doors do not need a shower tray, giving them more freedom.
  • More design: They come in a lot of designs that you can choose from.
  • Future-proof: It makes good use of spaces and does not contain obstructive barriers.

Pros and cons of barrier-free glass doors

Let’s compare some pros and cons of barrier-free glass doors before making the right choice!

Pros Cons
Comes with a lot of design Water can buildup
Easy to clean Higher cost
Time-saving installation Can be draughty

Cost of barrier-free shower glass doors

As barrier-free shower glass doors are highly trendy at the moment, they are also quite expensive than other shower glass door options. The price can usually range between $8,000 to $15,000, including the material costs and labor costs.

8. Clear shower glass doors

Clear shower glass doors are another top choice among house owners. These doors are popular for their see-through feature. With a clear shower glass door, you can get a clear view of the shower area completely.

Features & Characteristics

The trendy clear shower glass doors are not a fan favorite for no reason. Some of the reasons why people love them are:

  • Maximizing light: Because of its see-through feature, it also maximizes natural light inside the bathroom.
  • Maximizes space: Clear shower glass doors are great at making your bathroom look more spacious than it is.
  • Customizable brilliance: You can easily customize the clear shower glass doors as per your vision.

Pros and cons of clear shower glass doors

Before jumping to a conclusion, it’s important to look at both sides. Therefore, let’s explore the pros and cons of clear shower glass doors:

Pros Cons
Increases your space Lack of privacy
Allows natural light into the bathroom Requires more cleaning
Modern and trendy design More maintenance

Cost of clear shower glass doors

A basic clear shower glass door’s cost can start from $200 and go up to $3,300, including labor costs and material costs. If you want to customize your clear shower glass doors, you might have to pay a few extra hundreds depending on the design and materials you choose from.

9. Fixed shower glass doors

A fixed shower glass door is made up of a panel of glass that is permanently connected to your shower. This type of shower glass door is great at preventing water from spraying out of the shower.

Features & Characteristics

The reasons why homeowners are growing fond of fixed shower glass doors are:

  • Takes little space: A Fixed shower glass door does not take up too much space in the bathroom.
  • Clear division: This door creates a clear division between the shower area and the bathroom.

Pros and cons of fixed shower glass doors

Some pros and cons related to a fixed shower glass door are as follows:

Pros Cons
Better aesthetics Higher cost
Takes little space Little privacy
Clear division between the shower area and the bathroom Requires more maintenance

Cost of fixed shower glass doors

The cost of a fixed shower glass door often ranges between $500 to $1,500 per installation. However, the cost can fluctuate depending on:

  • Size
  • Materials
  • Labor cost
  • Glass type

10. Single shower glass doors

A single shower glass door uses a smaller-width shower enclosure. Our single shower glass doors swing in and out while opening, which allows you to make the best use of the space.

Features & Characteristics

The features that set single shower glass doors apart from other doors are:

  • Suitable for smaller spaces: If your bathroom has a smaller space, single shower glass doors are perfect for you.
  • Minimal: As the single shower door does not have anything besides a metal door and a handle, they are a minimal choice.

Pros and cons of single glass doors

Some pros and cons associated with single glass doors are:

Pros Cons
Allows natural light Security issue
Minimal choice Noise transmission
Suitable for smaller bathrooms Fragile

Cost of single shower glass doors

On average, a single shower glass door can cost between $400 to $2,000, including the installation cost. However, some of the reasons that can fluctuate the cost of single shower glass doors are:

  • Professional installation
  • Glass type
  • Size

Which is the best shower glass door?

Most people prefer clear shower glass doors for their modern and stylish look. These shower glass doors are notorious for changing the entire look of our bathrooms and adding a new touch of elegance. However, everyone has a unique taste and bathroom, so to choose the glass shower type, you must understand your needs first. Some people are drawn to the unique and appealing look of curved shower glass doors. In contrast, others lean toward the practicality of a frameless shower glass door. Each type has its merits, but picking the ideal shower glass door for you hinges on understanding your specific needs.

How to choose the shower glass doors?

Selecting the perfect shower glass door for your bathroom is no small feat. We’re aware that the abundance of designs, materials, and options can make the decision challenging. So, before you make your choice, it’s vital to consider the following key factors:

  • Understand your personal needs first.
  • Set aside a budget.
  • Balance the positives and negatives of each option.
  • Compare the price points.
  • Look into the features of each shower glass door and pick the one that suits you best.

Conclusion

After understanding all the shower glass doors better, you can now make a decision more easily than before. Depending on your needs and your budget, there are different options of shower glass doors you can choose from. If you want to customize your shower glass door, you can directly get in touch with Central Glass. We have worked with thousands of clients and have brought their dream shower glass doors to reality. So, if you want to be next, contact us today!