Glass shower doors are a beautiful alternative to curtains and can instantly upgrade the appearance of any bathroom. If you’re considering a custom glass bath enclosure, you’ll need to choose between framed and framless. Ryan’s All-Glass in Cincinnati, OH, specializes in custom glass services, and they can explain the differences between framed and unframed shower doors so you can choose the one that’s right for you. 

Framed 

Shower door frames are made of aluminum or composite metal with a bronze, gold, chrome, or nickel finish. The metal surrounds relatively thin sheets of glass on all parts of the door, including the bottom, sides, top, and joints. Seals and magnetic hardware are used to ensure the partition is watertight. 

Because of their seals and sweeps, framed shower doors are usually more efficient than frameless in preventing leaks. The enclosures also cost less than frameless because there’s no need for special hardware or thicker glass. However, framed shower enclosures come in a limited range of sizes and shapes, which limits design options. They also only open outward, which may limit space and layout. Framed shower doors can also look outdated in bathrooms with a modern aesthetic. 

Frameless 

Frameless shower doors consist of panes of thick glass hung on hinges. The most significant draw is their sleek, elegant appearance. They fit well in homes with a contemporary or minimalist design scheme and are fully customizable to be cut to any size and shape. These doors can open in or out, depending on the layout and design needs. The lack of frame makes them ideal for accentuating decorative tiles and other room features and are also easier to clean.

However, frameless bath enclosures are more expensive than framed because of the heavy architectural glass, smooth polished edges, and detailed craftsmanship. Because there are no seals or sweeps, they’re also more prone to leaks. For this reason, you’re limited as to where you can place a frameless door. 

If you’re a Cincinnati resident in search of a new shower door or bath enclosure, contact the experts at Ryan’s All-Glass. In addition to bathrooms, they supply custom glass for tables, bars, windows, and handrails. They even offer 24/7 emergency repair services. Call (513) 771-4440 to speak with a representative, or visit their website today.