Frame vs Frameless Shower Door

DK Hardware -

In older houses, you will mostly find a framed shower door in the bathroom with glass panels sliding along the metal rails. Though they are no doubt a stylish choice, these days, there is another option in the market— frameless shower doors. They have no metal rails and bring a glamorous appeal to the bathroom. While both options are versatile and safe, they also have some drawbacks. Here, we have put together some disadvantages and benefits of each shower door so that you can choose the best option for your shower enclosure. So, let’s begin.

Style

Both framed and frameless shower doors have multiple style options. Both can feature patterned, bronzed, etched, or frosted glass. However, framed shower doors have limited options in what the doors can do because they slide on a track. Frameless shower doors have two doors side-by-side that pivot and hinge off stationary panels. You can easily create custom looks with a frameless shower door for a minimalistic look and appeal.

Material

Both frameless and framed shower doors have a tempered glass construction. Framed shower doors have thinner glass because the frame supports the door. The frame is made from sturdy aluminum that may be smooth or textured, and the glass is sealed into the frame to avoid leaks.

Frameless shower doors are made of the same durable tempered glass but have a much thicker pane because there is no supporting frame. Hinges, clips, and door pulls are set into the glass and caulked at the corners and edges with a sealant to seal the glass.

Ease of Installation

Framed shower doors are comparatively easier to install than frameless shower doors. All you need to do is hang up the frame, and the job is done. On the other hand, framed shower doors need precise placement of hinges and other hardware for installation. In some cases, you might even need to call in professional contractors to get the job done.

Water Leaks

Seals around the shower door may fail over time, although most companies take extra pains to prevent them. Framed shower doors feature a caulk and a metal frame that create a tough barrier for water to penetrate and escape, so there is less chance of water leaks. Frameless shower doors have silicone caulked edges and rubber gaskets to keep water out. However, rubber gaskets start cracking over time, leading to water leaks.

Maintenance

Framed shower doors involve a track at the top and bottom of the floor. Over time, water can accumulate in the tracks leading to the growth of mold and mildew, and even might lead to corrosion, making it difficult to clean and maintain. On the other hand, frameless shower doors do not collect water and hence are less likely to contribute to mildew and mold problems, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Lifespan

Framed shower doors collect mineral deposits around them, and because of their aluminum build, they have a high chance of undergoing corrosion. It can significantly decrease the lifespan of the shower door. On the other hand, frameless shower doors use less metal in their construction and hence are less likely to develop this problem, which can significantly increase their lifespan. However, with proper maintenance, both these doors can last 20 to 30 years.

Here are a few best options for shower doors at DK Hardware:

  1. Sterlite Plumbing Vista Pivot II Shower Stall Door : 1500D-27S
  2. Foremost Tides Framed Neo-Angle Shower Door : TDNA0570-OB-SV
  3. Coastal Shower Doors Legend 23.625 in. to 24.625 in. x 68 in. Framed Pivot Shower Door in Black Bronze with Clear Glass : L24.69O-C
  4. Coastal Shower Doors Paragon Framed Sliding Shower Door with Towel Bar : 1844.66B-A
  5. Foremost Lakeside 56 in. - 60 in. W x 58 in. H Framed Bypass Shower Door in Silver and Obscure Glass without Handle : LKST6055-OB-SV
  6. Prime-Line Shower Door Bottom Guide Frameless : M 6221
  7. Prime-Line Shower Door Catch, Stainless Steel : M 6014
  8. Prime-Line Shower Door Bumper : M 6119
  9. Prime-Line Chrome, Shower Door Handle Set : M 6029
  10. Prime-Line Shower Door Bottom Sweep : M 6092
  11. Prime-Line Shower Door Top Bracket : M 6054

DK Hardware features a wide range of framed and frameless shower doors for your shower enclosure. Click on any link on this blog to be redirected to some of the best options.

For any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us!

For quotation contact via email: sales@dkhardware.com or

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