Sliding Glass Shower Doors vs. Hinged Shower Doors
Which is Better for Your Broward Estates Shower Enclosure?
The answer to this question can significantly impact your bathroom and shower renovation decisions. When you have a glass shower enclosure, it’s time to determine which type of shower door will fit into your space. Sliding glass shower doors and hinged shower doors both have distinct advantages that make them ideal in certain situations.
How Sliding Glass Shower Doors Work
A sliding glass shower door slides across metal tracking to open and close. These typically can have two panels that move past each other on parallel tracks. You have the flexibility of being able to enter or exit the shower on either side. They are sometimes called bypass shower doors and are made with tempered glass to provide added safety and durability.
Where Sliding Glass Shower Doors Are Ideal
First, it’s important to note that because sliding glass shower doors involve two panels, they are not an ideal solution where the opening is only large enough to fit one panel. Bypass, or sliding glass shower doors are more typically found on:
- Bathtubs – A sliding glass door across the front of the tub can give it an elegant appeal. If the tub is enclosed on three sides, only the sliding glass is needed. If the tub is only enclosed on two sides, an additional glass panel can close it off.
- Shower Enclosures – Sliding glass shower doors can also work well on a standard shower enclosure with a wide opening with room for double doors.
- Custom Shower Enclosures – Sliding glass doors work well in custom situations where the homeowner is going with an experienced company like The Original Frameless Shower Doors to complete a job with unique dimensions, angles, or number of panels.
Sliding glass shower doors can still be built in a minimalist, frameless style, with more subtle tracking that doesn’t distract from the elegance and style. This can be accomplished using rolling shower doors that move along a header.
Sliding Glass Shower Doors vs. Hinged Shower Doors: What’s Right for You?
Sliding and hinged shower doors offer homeowners elegant options for their Broward Estates bathrooms. They offer safety and durability at the same time. However, individual factors such as the bathroom space or the opening size can impact which one is the right choice for you. For example, a hinged door is needed if the shower opening is only large enough to fit one panel. Or, if the bathroom itself is small, then a sliding door can prevent you from losing space from a swinging door.
Aside from these practical factors, the sliding glass shower door vs. hinged shower door can come down to your preferences.
How Hinged Shower Doors Work
Hinged shower doors are constructed with tempered glass and attached to adjacent panels by hinges so that they can swing outward or inward. Wall-mounted or pivot hinges can typically be used for this application.
Where Hinged Shower Doors Are Ideal
As stated above, a hinged shower door is the only solution in some situations. Some showers may only have an opening the size of a single door. Sliding glass shower doors would not work here because there would not be enough space for them, regardless of the stall size. In addition to that, hinged shower doors can work well with:
- French Doors – If there is a wider shower opening, or looking to enclose a tub, French doors provide an elegant-looking option. This is essentially a double set of hinged doors over the wider space.
- Corner Showers – Corner showers are a space-friendly option for a family looking to create a shower in a small bathroom, or a shower that’s simply independent of the tub. Hinged doors work better in this sort of confined space.
- Custom Enclosures – The client can choose the stall dimensions, the door style, and the number of panels. Hinged doors can go well in a custom design situation.
With hinged doors, a frameless style does a great job of keeping the tilework visible in the shower area. This effect brings added light into the bathroom and makes it appear larger. It can also make cleaning easier. While the hinges are visible, this style is still far less bulky than standard metal tracking and frames.
Order a New Glass Shower Door From The Original Frameless Shower Doors ®
If you are researching the differences between sliding or hinged shower doors, chances are you are headed in the right direction. The important thing is that you benefit from a glass shower door’s elegance, durability, and safety. When you go with a custom door builder such as The Original Frameless Shower Doors, you’ll also get the benefits of professional installation and the experience of a company that’s been doing this for more than 25 years. Call us today at 954-656-3700 or complete the form!
