As we all know, showering is a staple of life– not just for the sake of hygiene, but also for the sake of our sanity. In fact, the average person spends over 6 months of their life in the shower. Reasonably, this must mean that we have the right to customize our showers in ways that best suit our needs, wants, and stylistic tastes. However, doing so is not an easy feat– due to the many options of glass types, and shower enclosures at our disposal.
How are we supposed to figure out what we want, when we don’t even know about everything we can have?
This is why in this blog, I will be listing out the types of shower enclosures, and the types of glass that JMLegacy Remodeling would be happy to install for you. If you’re feeling like your bathroom needs an upgrade, know that it is well-earned. You deserve it.
TYPES OF SHOWER ENCLOSURES
1) FRAMED
- Uses 1/4″ thick glass
- More cost effective than frameless
- Traditionally styled with a structured look
2) SEMI-FRAMELESS
- Frame around exterior edges but, no frame around the door
- Like framed shower enclosures, semi-frameless uses 1/4″ thick glass
- Provides a more modern look
3) FRAMELESS
- Provides a minimalist look and a more open feel
- Easy to clean, as there are less crevices
- More expensive than a framed enclosure since frameless requires a thicker glass; requiring 3/8″ glass vs the 1/4″ glass used for framed and semi-frameless shower enclosures
4) HINGED
- The door swings outward to open, providing a wide entrance space
- Suitable for those with mobility issues
- Better for larger bathrooms, as the door needs ample space around the shower in order to fully open
5) SLIDING/BYPASS
- Ideal for smaller bathrooms, as the door does not take up space when it is open
- Customizable to any shower design
- Slightly more difficult to clean
- Newer styles feature top-hanging doors that allow for a channel at the bottom to drain the water to the inside of the shower/tub, rather than creating a channel at the bottom that fills with water and rust like earlier models.
6) GLASS BLOCK
- Does not require a shower door, but can include one
- Options for choice of block style, thickness, texture, and color are limitless
- More expensive than other options
7) TEXTURED GLASS
- Provides more privacy than a clear glass enclosure
- Creates a spa-like appeal
- There are many variations of textured glass to choose from
8) TUB ENCLOSURE
- Combines the tub and the shower to save space in small bathrooms
- The tempered hinged glass enclosure keeps the water inside the tub/shower from escaping
- More modern and classy look than just a regular shower curtain
9) DOORLESS SHOWER ENCLOSURE
- Consists of glass panels to keep water in the shower, but leaves an open space as the entryway
- Easy accessible to those with mobility issues
- Makes the space feel more open
DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS
1) CLEAR
- The most popular choice
- Clear glass allows for a more spacious and bright feel, as it does not serve as a solid barrier, closing off the space
- Shows off the interior design of the shower
2) FROSTED GLASS
- Provides more privacy than clear glass
- Only one side of the glass is textured and etched with acid or sandblasting
- Prevents light from clearly passing through by offering a hazy transparency
- Keeps fingerprints and smudges from standing out
3) RAIN GLASS
- This appearance is achieved by cutting a pattern resembling raindrops into one side of the glass, while leaving the other side smooth
- Allows light to come through while still obscuring the inside of the shower and providing ample privacy
- Fingerprints and smudges are less noticeable
As is seen here, with all of these choices, there is always an upgrade out there to suit your every need. Whether it’s replacing your entire shower enclosure, or simply replacing the glass in your shower door or window, JMLegacy Remodeling is happy to help you take your next best steps towards the bathroom of your dreams; no job is too small. Please feel free to call (972) 896-9355 to discuss with us your biggest or smallest bathroom glass desires.