SHOWER DOOR BUYING GUIDE

Whether you're updating your existing shower to achieve a fresh look or designing a brand-new bathroom, different types of shower doors will transform your bathroom's appearance. Vintage Tub & Bath provides a wide selection of shower door styles to complement any shower or décor.

Some homeowners find it challenging to find the perfect fixture, but our shower door buying guide will help you narrow your choices for a shower enclosure.

FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE

After you know your existing shower stall type, you must measure its dimensions to ensure you replace it with the correct size shower enclosure. You can get the most accurate measurements by following a few steps. 

To obtain the width, you'll need to measure your shower stall from wall to wall in three places: the top, middle, and bottom. 

To obtain the height, measure the shower stall from top to bottom. When measuring a tub shower enclosure, capture the distance from the top of the shower to the bathtub's edge.

SHOWER DOOR FRAME TYPES

Shower door styles can come with different shower door frames. This shower door buying guide covers framed, frameless, and semi-frameless doors. 

FRAMED SHOWER DOORS

Framed doors are enclosures that have framing around both the door opening and the panel. They are inexpensive compared to frameless styles and come in standard sizes, which is between 22 inches and 36 inches wide and 72 inches high. This type of door can support thinner glass. It often has a rubber seal surrounding the outside of the frame, preventing leaks.    

FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS

Frameless shower doors have the least amount of framing to provide a clear view into your shower and are made of sturdy tempered glass. They are suitable for bathrooms with open designs. They have thicker glass, are easier to clean, and give your bathroom a stylish, contemporary look.

SEMI-FRAMED SHOWER DOORS

A semi-framed shower door uses elements from framed and frameless doors. Only a few sections of the door are framed to create stability. They are available in standard sizes (between 22 inches - 36 inches wide and 72 inches high).

TYPES OF SHOWER DOORS

Vintage Tub & Bath has several different shower doors described in this shower door buying guide. The ideal door for your shower depends on its size and style and your bathroom layout.  

Sliding 

Sliding shower doors typically consist of 2, sometimes 3 panels that slide along each other on the shower tracks. These types of doors work well because they are stylish, easy to use, add value to your home, and save space in your bathroom. 

Bypass Sliding 

Bypass shower doors open horizontally by sliding one panel in front of the other, which provides a smooth and elegant sliding operation. You can use bypass sliding shower doors in a shower or bathtub. They are easy to install without special equipment or parts. 

Hinged 

Hinged shower doors open by swinging outwards and are optimal for stand-alone shower stalls. Hinged shower doors are simple to operate and maintain. The broad entry makes them convenient and safe for those with physical disabilities or mobility issues. 

Pivot 

Pivot shower doors have a hinge that allows the door to swing 180 degrees and open in either direction. They are frameless, versatile, and easy to clean. Compared to sliding shower doors, pivot shower doors often have a wider opening and can be opened from either direction.  

Tub Shower Enclosures 

Look at the edge of your tub when you purchase different shower doors for tub shower enclosures. If it is straight, any shower door style should work. A hinged or pivot door would work best if your tub has a curved edge. 

SHOWER DOOR MATERIALS

Shower doors are available in many materials, and each type has benefits. 

Acrylic 

Acrylic shower doors are much stronger and safer than traditional glass. Acrylic is nonporous, making it easy to clean and resistant to staining.   

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel makes a suitable shower door frame material because of its strength and shine. A glass door with a stainless steel frame allows light to shine into your bathroom. Using stainless steel for your shower door frame material may add value to your home. 

Glass 

Glass is easy to clean and reduces the microorganisms you may find. A glass door creates a tight seal around the edge, keeping the water inside the shower. 

Tempered Glass 

Tempered glass possesses extreme strength. However, if it breaks, it shatters into circular pieces that reduce the risk of injury. Tempered glass is versatile and can be used with any tub shower enclosure design. 

Glass Thickness  

Most shower door glass is available in four standard thicknesses, including: 

• 3/16”
• ¼”
• ⅜”
• ½”

The glass thickness you choose depends on the door frame type. For example, ½” is most suitable for frameless enclosures.

DISCOVER YOUR SHOWER DOOR OPTIONS AT VINTAGE TUB & BATH

Our friendly Vintage Tub & Bath team is happy to answer your questions and show you our most popular doors. Call us today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How Do I Find Out What Shower Door Size I Need for My Opening? 

1. Find the opening width - measure from one wall to the other at the top and bottom of the opening. The measurements should be to the nearest 1/16-inch
2. Find the opening height - measure vertically from the side of the bathtub/shower or from the curb on the showers. The measurements should be to the nearest 1/16-inch. Make sure to select a door with a height less than or equal to the smallest of these measurements

What Products Should I Use for Cleaning My Vintage Tub & Bath Shower Door? 

Remove water using a soft cloth after each use. If you don’t remove water spots, they will turn white and lead to a cloudy appearance. Use liquid dish soap and a soft cloth to clean your door. Avoid using abrasives or harsh cleaners.   

Does a Frameless Shower Enclosure Leak? 

Frameless shower enclosures are designed to divert water. However, improperly placed shower heads or improperly pitched sills or curbs contribute to leaking around the door.   

What’s the Difference Between a Hinged and a Pivot Shower Door? 

Hinged doors attach directly to the wall and open similarly to the doors in your house. It requires the placement of studs into the wall. Pivot doors have attachments on the glass near the bottom and top, like a refrigerator door, and do not require studs.