Bathroom Renovation with Shower Enclosures—Consider This!
There are quite a few factors when considering a shower enclosure for your bathroom remodeling project. The enclosure — or the glass portion of the shower that holds the water in — is an important purchase that can also be a sizable expense. Just as a customer needs to account for tile and fixtures, the project is not complete until the glass or the door of the shower enclosure is installed.
There are essentially three main ways to approach the shower enclosure. The first is to install a fully framed enclosure. This type has hardware on the top and bottom as well as the sides of the glass. This tends to be the least expensive and sturdiest. On the other hand, a fully framed enclosure has the most visible hardware, which some homeowners find undesirable.
The second option is a partially or semi-framed enclosure, with hardware either at the top and bottom or on the sides (not both), which gives the shower a more open, updated appearance.
Another possibility for your bathroom renovation is to install a fully frameless shower which involves little to no hardware beyond a few support clips. In this version, the glass is somewhat suspended in the shower curb or at the perimeter of the shower, creating a very streamlined impression.
While the most expensive option, my experience working with many of the glass experts in Huntersville and across the Lake Norman area is that customers tend to choose the fully frameless option (as budget permits.)
Once that is decided, customers move into decisions about the color of the hardware that will be used, whether it matches the fixtures, the finish and style of the handles. You’ll also want to ensure the chosen enclosure suits the design of the shower.
Shower designs could include:
- a dual sliding door on a roller
- a hinge door that hinges just one way
- a dual hinge door that swings in and out
- a fixed panel and a slider
- a large “splash” panel with no other portion of the enclosure around the shower
The choice often comes down to access. You’ll want to think about whether you are able to reach the fixture to turn the shower on and off without stepping all the way inside and getting wet. Or, you might not have the option of access to the shower from certain angles (for instance, if the vanity or toilet happens to be on the same side).
The design of the door is also dependent on size and shape relative to the space. Look carefully at the way it opens and closes. Be sure you work with a remodeling expert that measures the whole project and not each element of the space independently.
A fixed panel is usually just one piece of glass with the remainder of the shower left open – which means recommendations about the size of your shower need to be very clear prior to installation so the majority of the water is kept in. I recommend that the shower be at least 5 feet long and the splash panel be at least 3 feet long at minimum. Anything less than that won’t do an adequate job holding the water back into the shower space.
The other consideration about an open space (or just a splash panel with no full enclosure) is that it’s not quite as warm inside the shower vs. a fully enclosed glass.
Ultimately, homeowners should walk through the process with a reputable remodeler and ensure they’re making the best choice for their bathroom.