A shower door keeps water in, defines the look of the bathroom and affects how easy it is to clean. The choice depends on the space available, the shape of the shower and your budget.
By how they open
Hinged or pivot doors Swing open like a regular door. They give a wide opening and work for alcove and corner showers, but need clear floor space in front for the door to swing.
Sliding (bypass) doors Two or more panels sliding on tracks, the usual choice for a tub-shower combination or a wide alcove. They save space, but the bottom track collects grime and only half the opening is available at a time.
Bi-fold doors Fold in the middle, useful in very small bathrooms where a hinged door would hit the toilet or vanity.
Fixed panels (walk-in) A single glass panel with no door, for walk-in showers. Very easy to clean and accessible, but it needs a large enough shower to keep water in, and it can feel draftier.
Neo-angle doors Used on corner showers with a diamond-shaped footprint.
By frame
- Framed: metal frames around the glass. Cheapest, very watertight, but the frames collect mineral buildup.
- Semi-frameless: some framing at the edges, thinner glass.
- Frameless: thick tempered glass (often 3/8 or 1/2 inch) with minimal hardware. Modern, open and easy to clean, but more expensive and slightly less watertight.
Glass options
- Clear glass shows off tile and makes the bathroom feel larger, but shows water spots.
- Frosted, textured or rain glass adds privacy and hides spots.
- Low-iron glass has less green tint, for a crisp look.
- Protective coatings help water bead off and reduce cleaning.
Shower doors must be made of tempered safety glass; it breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards.
Cleaning tips
Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and limescale. Clean tracks and seals regularly to prevent mold, see mold prevention.
Shower curtains as an alternative
A curtain is cheap, flexible and safer for small children and some people with limited mobility. Washable fabric curtains last longer than plastic.
Doors are one decision among many in a renovation; see the essential steps to a bathroom remodel and, for the shower itself, how to choose and install a shower head.
