Today, shower doors come in a wide variety of styles and designs. It pays to put some thought into finding one that suits your needs and looks great. Installing a walk-in shower can update your bathroom in terms of style and functionality. But it’s important to be careful when choosing which type of shower door would work best in your particular bathroom. In addition to choosing a door that looks sleek and modern, the size and layout of your bathroom should be taken into account.
Sliding shower doors are the most common type. They take up the least amount of space and can be installed above a bathtub where space is at a premium. Because they slide open and close, bypass sliding doors need tracks to function. One downside to this design is that dirt and oil can build up on the tracks, which can be difficult to keep clean. Another downside is that due to the nature of their design, the sliding doors overlap, again causing potential cleaning issues.
Another type is bi-fold shower doors, which open on hinges. Bi-fold doors are great for creating a stylish look, but they require enough space to open out. They can rotate both ways, or only in one direction. A single action door must open outward in the bathroom to prevent the user from becoming trapped inside the shower enclosure. For this reason, you’ll need to pay attention to the placement of your bathroom fixtures to ensure that the door doesn’t hit the sink, for example.
Bi-fold or trackless shower doors are a combination of the above designs. They work accordion-style, with folding sections. There are several benefits of this type of gate. They use a minimal amount of space to operate and have no runways to keep clean. They also offer barrier-free access, so they may be suitable for handicap-friendly shower enclosures.
Frameless shower enclosures made entirely of glass are a popular style these days, they help create a more open and airy feel, suggesting an illusion of space. They are also easier to keep clean than traditional framed models. Shower door hardware comes in a variety of finishes, including chrome and brass, so you can match it to your faucets and bathroom cabinet handles. Glass shower doors come in a variety of patterns, from clear to etched to molded. Glass can be kept mold free by simply using a squeegee to wipe away any water droplets.
When choosing a shower door, think about what design would look best and what style would work well in the available space. With a little planning, your shower door can be the icing on the cake in your bathroom renovation.