Shower doors play a more important role than just their appearance. Shower doors keep the water in the shower and off the bathroom floor. Shower enclosures include shower curtains and glass doors; with shower doors giving a more elegant appearance. There are two types of shower doors hinged and sliding. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both. If you are planning for a bathroom renovation, knowing the difference between these two styles will help you choose the right one.

Hinged Doors

Shower doors that are hinged may be a one-piece door with hinges on one side or two pieces with hinges on both sides. The doors latch with magnets when closed to create a waterproof seal. A hinged shower door can be framed or frameless and made of plain or decorative glass.

Hinged shower doors are easier to install and may provide a greater entryway if the doors swing out. Cost will depend on the style framed or frameless and the thickness of the glass in the door or doors.

There are drawbacks to hinged shower doors. One is the room needed to open the doors. Other fixtures cannot be located adjacent to the doors. Double hinged doors must be properly aligned in the middle for them to make a watertight seal. And steel hinges will rust over time if not properly maintained.

Sliding Doors

Sliding shower doors operate on a track and move side to side and do not require room in front of the shower to open making them a good choice for small spaces. Sliding shower doors may be framed, semi-framed, or frameless. The cost for the doors will increase for semi and frameless doors, with frameless usually being installed in high end baths. Sliding shower doors are also available in different types of glass, which can also affect the cost.

Sliding shower doors are available in enclosures that are flat or curved. Curved enclosures provide more room than a flat enclosure. Higher end sliding doors glide on three wheels allowing it to slide with a push of a finger.

Sliding shower doors have disadvantages too. Sliding doors are more difficult to install than a hinged door. One of the major concerns with a sliding door is the buildup of soap, dust, and grime in the lower track which will cause the door to stick and the track to rust if the track is not kept clean. Another disadvantage is limited access space to the shower because the doors are fixed in place.

Measurement of the Opening

Whichever type of shower door you choose be sure to measure accurately to get a perfect fit. Measuring recommendations instruct to measure to the closest 1/16 of an inch of the side to side measurement. If there is a difference in the measurement of the opening and the door size choose the larger size sliding door and the smaller size for a hinged door.

Which to Choose

The size of the room is a major factor when choosing a hinged or sliding shower door. For rooms with limited space sliding doors are the better option. Do you like the uncluttered look of a frameless shower door? This will affect the cost as will the type and thickness of the glass. Decorative glass and thicker glass will cost considerable more than glass that is plan and of a minimum thickness.

Both types of doors have advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice is style preference.

Orange Contracting will be able to help you choose the perfect shower door for your home.