Framed vs. Frameless

It is important to understand the Pros and Cons of both framed and frameless shower door systems. We will first explain the differences between framed and frameless shower doors.

Many of us grew up with fully framed shower doors. They were simple in nature and incorporated a lot of frame work. They normally came with some type of decorative obscure glass and most frame finishes were chrome or gold. A shower door is considered framed if the operable part is surrounded with frame work around the glass.

Frameless shower doors really started in the early 1990s. They consist of a thick heavy tempered safety glass. They are well known for their minimal framework and heavy hinging as well as their large tubular handles through the glass. A shower door is considered frameless if the operable part has no surrounding metal and is hung off hinges alone. A frameless door can still have header systems and other outer track components to secure all the fixed sections

Pros to a framed door:

• Normally not very expensive. (Usually framed with aluminum and using a thin tempered glass)

• They normally do a very good job at retaining water due to all the overlaying metal.

• They work very well as steam enclosures.

• Their frames can be painted in many different enamel finishes.

• They offer an incredible array of decorative glass options.

Cons to a framed door:

• They normally come in standard heights that now look very short by today’s standards.

• Excessive metal  distracts from nice tile work and other bathroom fixtures.

• Look extremely dated and are not normally found in a master bathroom by today’s standards.

Pros to a frameless enclosure:

• Nothing says WOW! Like a frameless shower door over a nice tile job. (The looks and feel are amazing)

• Custom built they lend themselves to almost any sizing requirements. (Not limited to stock sizing)

• Almost unlimited design layouts. (Only limited to the basic laws of physics)

• Many unique hardware options to further the custom look.

Cons to a frameless enclosure:

• Much more looks than function (they rely heavily on clear polycarbonate wipes to help retain water)much more prone to leak water

• Expensive when compared to a framed door.

• Must be installed by a professional.