The Ultimate Guide to Shower Glass Doors

21 Jul.,2025

 

The Ultimate Guide to Shower Glass Doors

Shower glass doors can greatly improve the value of your home, as well as beautify your bathroom, giving it an open, modern appearance. Springfield Glass, a premier commercial glazing contractor in Southwest Missouri offers a guide on shower glass doors. 

For more information, please visit EZONG.

Read on to learn more about the various styles and designs, as well as the pros and cons associated with each type of glass shower door. 

Glass Shower Door: Evaluate Your Options

From making style choices to working out your budget, there are many things to consider when planning a bathroom renovation. Additionally, glass shower doors come in many shapes and sizes. Once you measure the available space, you can narrow down your options. A swinging shower door complements a classic bathroom, which can work for years to come. For a unique aesthetic, choose a glass door that slides.  

See Related Post: Custom Mirrors: Planning for a Bathroom Remodel

Glass Shower Enclosure: Add Beauty to the Master Bath 

These days, floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures are trending up. If you’re remodeling, consider this seamless layout that makes the room look extra tall. A rectangular-shaped enclosure will look beautiful, and you can customize it to fit the blueprint for your master bathroom. Some designs feature a glass door that swings out, while other enclosures have a single glass panel wall.   

Glass Shower Door: Match the Style of Your Bathroom

A glass shower door can make your bathroom shimmer, and it can also provide the finishing touch to your remodeling project. Do you prefer a traditional or modern aesthetic? What color should the sinks, countertops, walls, and floors be? Do you want natural lighting? Give yourself time to think about a bathroom theme that matches your lifestyle. Glass shower doors can pair well with white and grey marble, for example. For a contemporary bathroom, opt for a frameless shower screen.  

Glass Appearance

Decide which texture and pattern you prefer. Clear glass can be appealing because it showcases tile and stonework in the shower. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, consider frosted, patterned, cast, or colored glass. Textured glass provides added privacy and style in any bathroom.   

Glass Thickness

Shower doors and enclosures are usually built from tempered glass, which is tougher than standard glass. The glass thickness depends on structural and design factors, such as whether the door is framed, semi-frameless, or frameless.

Typically, there are two thickness options for frameless shower door glass: 3/8″ and 1/2″. 3/8″ glass is the minimum thickness that yields the stability of the glass door, while 1/2″ feels more deluxe.

Thinner glass is generally more cost effective. Thicker glass offers a smooth open and close of the door due to the frame weight. 

Glass Maintenance

As a homeowner, you don’t want to spend extra time and effort to keep your newly installed shower clean. Framed shower doors require regular cleaning and thorough scrubbing since moisture, and potentially mildew, gathers in the metal frame. Frameless glass showers, on the other hand, are increasing in popularity because they don’t have this issue.

Once your shower is installed, you can add privacy film or etching to your glass to add another layer of protection.

Pivot (Swinging Hinged) Doors

Available on a framed or frameless shower door, pivot doors open at 180 degrees inward or outward by a hinge. These are often used on curved or round glass shower doors and are perfect for those who require wheelchair accessibility, the aging or disabled.  

Sliding Doors or “Bypass” Doors

Whether with or without frames, sliding shower doors function similar to patio doors. These are used in stand-alone showers, as well as shower/tub configurations. In order to open and close, the doors might inside of grooves or small rollers could assist the movement. Framed sliding doors remain among the cheapest options available.

Bath Screen Door (Bi- or Tri-Fold Doors) 

These consist of several glass panels. Typically, one remains fixed and the other two fold in on hinges attached to the frame. These doors use space efficiently, affordable in price, and easy to install.  

Steam Doors

Simply put: these glass shower doors come with an airtight seal that allows your shower to transform into a steam room. There are often built-in panels above the door that can be used as adjustable vents. Impressive, but expensive. These are difficult doors to install and remain the most expensive option on the market. 

Sits as a Corner Shower

Neo angle showers sit in the corner of your bathroom. They’re great for small bathrooms where space is limited. The innermost corner of your shower often sits on the opposite side of the room from the door. Shower glass for neo angle enclosures looks like it fills the entire corner in a square shape, except the corner that is closest to you has a rounded edge or a flat edge.

Diamond Shape

Neo angle shower glass doors can create a diamond-like shape. In a diamond gem, you see a pointed end with angles going upward and then a flat edge. When you have a neo angle shower, the top of the diamond is the edge you see closest to you, and that’s the edge that forms the door. 

How the Angles Work

Where the shower glass door meets the front of the shower, the glass sits at a 135-degree angle. Every other angle measures 90 degrees, meaning the glass is at a perpendicular point against the wall. The two pieces of glass coming out from the wall meet the third piece at different angles so they can open properly and into the space of your bathroom. All neo angle shower doors have three pieces.

Opening Outward

One thing all neo angle shower glass doors have in common is how they open. Every door on a neo angle shower opens outward. They can’t slide because of the way the angles work. Even in a small bathroom, these shower glass doors offer a stylish addition to your home when you want to refresh your bathroom decor.

Curved shower door enclosures are often pricier options that have enormous versatility when it comes to design options. They come in a wide selection of finishes, fabrications, and glass textures.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, round glass shower doors offer many benefits. 

More Light

Sometimes, one overhead light just isn’t enough. Round shower glass doors let in the light from the rest of your bathroom (and maybe a window). Consider how important this is for safety in case the overhead bulb burns out and you need another light source to see by. A mirror over your vanity further increases the light in the room, making it easier to see when you shower.

Softening Angles

Bathrooms, especially small ones, have a lot of hard angles. There are four corners of the room. Then you have the vanity jutting out at right angles. The back of the toilet also has hard angles. Soften the appearance of your bathroom with round shower glass doors. Consider complementing your round shower glass door with a round vanity mirror or round-shaped floor tiles.

Making Your Small Bathroom Seem Bigger

Opaque or translucent shower doors make your bathroom appear smaller (at least visually). Shower glass doors for a round shower can make your bathroom appear as if it has more space. 

Versatility

Round shower glass doors are versatile. They can have one big door that opens outward, or they can have two smaller doors that meet in the middle. Two smaller doors don’t take up as much interior space compared to a single door when they open into your bathroom. 

Glass shower doors can be sealed from top to bottom to create a water-tight enclosure, serving as both a shower and steam room.

How Does a Steam Shower Work?

Steam showers are surprisingly simple. A steam generator brings water to a boiling temperature and creates water vapor. Next, a disperser channels the steam into the shower and fills the enclosed area with moisture and warmth. You can use the control panel to adjust the desired time and temperature, and there are safety features to keep the steam from rising above 118 degrees. 

Related PostHow to Plan For a Bathroom Remodel

What Are the Benefits of a Steam Shower?

Relieve Stress

When you invest in a steam shower, you have a convenient way to reduce stress and unwind after a long day. The warmth of the steam releases endorphins in your brain that enable you to mentally relax. Step into your personal bathroom spa and experience a relaxation that will help you sleep better and increase your energy. 

Improve Your Skin and Circulation

Steam showers open capillaries, which leads to increased blood flow and improved circulation. The steam also removes toxins from your body and deep cleanses your skin. Spending just 20 minutes per week in a steam shower can clear up breakouts and blemishes. Picture feeling the moist heat soaking into your skin from the comfort of your own bathroom.

Recover from Exercise

Steam showers can help athletes recover from intense workouts. During strenuous exercise, metabolic waste accumulates in your muscles, which causes them to feel sore. Taking a steam shower can help your body get rid of this waste. The steam also allows stiff muscles and joints to relax.

Breathe Easier

If your sinuses are frequently congested, you could greatly benefit from a steam shower. The steam helps clear your nasal passages and reduces stuffiness, which allows for easier breathing. By choosing a steam shower, you can submerge yourself in healing steam each day and enjoy the relief that it brings.

Your Options for a Steam Shower

You have some options for creating your ideal steam shower. You can purchase a steam shower kit with units that are quick to install. Or, you could renovate your existing space and make it a steam shower with the right shower enclosure and a steam system.

Use the Right Tools

Cleaning the shower is an unpleasant chore, but it goes much quicker when you use the right tools.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Double-sided sponge
  • Tub and tile cleaner
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Distilled water
  • A spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloths

If you don’t have a sponge, use a brush instead. A brush with a diamond-shaped head can reach corners more easily than a flat-headed brush.

Give Your Shower a Deep Clean

It’s surprisingly simple to deep clean your shower immediately after you use it. Your job will be easier when the warm water has already loosened up stuck-on dirt and stains.

First, use your favorite shower cleaner to spray down the glass door, walls, and fixtures. Then, wipe down the surfaces with a brush or sponge.

For more information, please visit glass swing door.

For tough stains, let the mixture sit before scrubbing and rinsing.

We recommend giving your shower a deep clean once a month. Scrub the whole shower thoroughly and be sure to hit the gaps, crevices, and metal tracks.  

Quick Tip: Don’t use vinegar if your shower consists of stone.    

Use a Squeegee 

Have a squeegee close by and use it to wipe away the water each day. Mold and mildew love damp environments, and this 30-second task will help prevent them from appearing. For convenience, you can find clip-on squeegees that will hang in your shower. Also, consider leaving the door open post-shower to let it dry out. With drywall and doors, less soap scum will build up.

Create Your Shower Spray

You can also create a DIY daily shower spray by mixing ½ cup vinegar, 1 cup water, a little dish soap, and some drops of oil for a pleasant scent.

Keep a spray bottle of this in your shower to mist down the glass door after squeegeeing.  

Springfield Glass Company Quick Tip: All cleaners contain chemicals, and some combos can be extremely dangerous to your health. Don’t mix the following household cleaners: 
  • Vinegar and Bleach
  • Ammonia and Bleach
  • Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol
  • Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
Certain shower surfaces require special care. Use cleaning solutions and scrubbers that won’t ruin your shower’s surface. 

The quality of installation is just as important as the type of design. If done poorly, you live with the consequences for a long time. 

1. Risk of Shattering

Frameless shower doors use thicker, heavier glass and do not have a metal frame for support, so even minor measurement errors could lead to shattered glass.

Shattered glass is a safety hazard for your family as well as a financial strain, but you can eliminate that risk by choosing to hire a trusted professional like our experts at Springfield Glass.

Related Post: Broken Glass Safety Tips from Springfield Glass Company

2. Dragging or Sticking Doors

If your frameless shower door is dragging or won’t open or close, it could be due to a measurement error.

Trying to pull or force a glass door open risks shattering, scratching, or chipping your glass, which is costly to repair and virtually impossible to do yourself. Ensuring proper glass fitting will prevent this issue.

3. Leaks and Water Damage

Frameless shower doors don’t have an edge of rubber or metal at the bottom, so a gap between the door and the floor of your shower exists.

If the gap is too large due to imperfect measurement, this could cause water to leak or gush out of your shower, causing costly water damage and a giant headache.

An expert at Springfield Glass will ensure that your glass is measured and installed flawlessly, easily avoiding potential leaks. 

4. Cost of Repair

Remember, while shower doors are aesthetically beautiful, they are significantly more costly than conventional shower doors. If you decide to invest your hard-earned money in a beautiful frameless door, you’ll want it to last a long time and require little maintenance.

A trusted company like Springfield Glass will ensure your door is fitted correctly, reducing the need for replacement and repair and providing you with a product that will stand the test of time. 

Shower Door Basics

We understand that buying a shower enclosure may be unfamiliar and there may be many unanswered questions at the early stages of your project. Getting answers early is the key. Our goal is to help you understand the basics of a shower door, the purchase factors and decisions you need to make in order to be knowledgeable and feel comfortable in your buying experience.

Anatomy of a Shower Door

Anatomy of a Shower Door

As you think about your shower door, it's important to consider each individual element that contributes to the total look. You may find it helpful by learning a few key terms and phrases that are commonly used when designing shower doors.

Before You Buy

Before You Buy

The perfect shower door serves as a cornerstone of your entire bathroom design. Before you place your order, make sure you have answers to three crucial questions to ensure an easy installation process:

1. What wall materials are used in your bathroom?

Form and function are equally important and you’ll want your bathroom walls to properly support your new shower door. While you can use thinner glass in just about any space, the type of wall material becomes more important if you’re eyeing a heavier product like ⅜” glass. For fiberglass and acrylic substrates, be sure to follow our specific support guidelines.

2. Where are the wall studs?

Before you order, check out where your wall studs are located, since this is where your door and hinges are mounted. When selecting a heavy glass door, you’ll need double studs for the hinge side and at the threshold.

3. What is the shape of your shower?

Whether you’re upgrading an existing bathroom or starting fresh, the shape of your shower area can really elevate the space. Our most popular layouts are inline, return, and corner. To learn more about shower shapes and other customization options, check out our online buyer's guide.

DON'T SEE SOMETHING THAT FITS:

Get a custom crafted enclosure in any shape or size for a precise match.

Measuring for Your Shower Door

Measuring for Your Shower Door

Measuring for a shower door may sound like a complex process, but following a few simple steps can ensure your new enclosure fits seamlessly.

We offer any shower door custom crafted to your specific shower's opening width and height including out-of-level or out-of-plumb conditions. Majority of bathrooms have a 48 or 60 inch opening and a few standard heights for the bath tubs and showers. For common sizes, glass, and finish options see our standard size product for value pricing.

For a full, in-depth guide on measuring for your new shower door, take a look at our How to Measure page.

How to Find Your Perfect Shower Door

How to Find Your Perfect Shower Door

Once you’ve figured out the space for your shower, it’s time to put on your designer’s hat to pick out your ideal shower door. Here are a few questions to get you started.

Where are you using it?

To narrow down your selection, determine whether you want to enclose a bathtub or prefer a shower without tub. Both looks are extremely popular and the answer really depends on the space you have available as well as the individual look you want to achieve.

How will it open?

Here’s a consideration that entails both logistics and aesthetics. Do you prefer your shower door to slide open and closed or would you like it to swing open? If you choose the second option, check out the actual space to figure out which direction the door should swing — right or left.

Do you want a frame?

Based on the shape of your shower, determine whether you need a framed shower door or one with metal only visible on the handle and hinges. Both offer sophisticated looks no matter what type of finish you choose.

FIND YOUR DOOR:

Ready to start visualizing your dream bathroom? Check out our interactive tool to help you choose the perfect shower door.

When You’re Ready to Buy

When You’re Ready to Buy

Before you make your final decision, make sure you’ve answered all the questions in our How to Buy guide.

Next, use our dealer locator to help you find a Basco dealer nearest you. They’ll be able to help you answer any questions you may still have and get the exact shower door you want.

When visiting the dealer, be sure to bring a few things to expedite the ordering process:

  • A printout or link on your smartphone to the product page of the exact door you want
  • A written list of your shower space measurements
  • Answers to the questions on the How to Buy page

We offer any shower door custom crafted to your specific shower's opening width and height including out-of-level or out-of-plumb conditions. Majority of bathrooms have a 48 or 60 inch opening and a few standard heights for the bath tubs and showers. For common sizes, glass, and finish options see our standard size product for value pricing.

If you want a custom door, your local dealer can help you determine the right fit for your shape and style preferences.

Understanding Installation

Understanding Installation

Once the ordering process is complete, you’re one step away from finalizing your brand-new shower—you’re ready for installation!

Basco doors should be installed by an experienced installer. It’s an intricate process that needs to be done properly. If you’ve chosen an adjustable door and choose to install it yourself, double check the Before You Install page to make sure your bathroom has the proper structure in place.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit hospital room door.