Home » Bathroom » Showers » Top 8 Best Sliding Shower Door Reviews 2024

Top 8 Best Sliding Shower Door Reviews 2024

Sliding Shower Door
A modern high-quality sliding shower door can make your bathroom look more sophisticated.

Looking for the best sliding shower door? If so, you’ve clicked the right article!

80% of falls occur in the bathroom and hundreds of thousands of Americans get bathroom injuries every year. Most of these injuries occur after showering because of the lack of sturdy shower doors.

Picking a good sliding shower door can decrease the risk of injury. Sliding shower doors help you get into the shower and decrease water splashes, which cause you to fall. In this article, I will review some of the best sliding shower doors, provide a short buying guide, and answer a few common questions.

Let’s kick off this article by listing some of the benefits of sliding shower doors.

5 Benefits of a Sliding Shower Door

Homeowners adore sliding shower doors! They’re popular among people because they’re easy to clean, easy to install, and affordable. Let’s discuss all the key benefits a little further.

Easy to clean

Cleaning sliding shower doors is a walk in the park!

It’s easier than cleaning shower curtains and hinged glass doors. Just slide the shower doors open, spray some glass cleaning product and wipe or rinse properly.

Most sliding shower doors clip off with quick-release fittings. Also, you don’t need bleach-based cleaning products to keep sliding shower doors clean and sparkly.

Warm water and regular glass cleaner will do the job!

Prevent water spillage

Mopping your bathroom floor after every single shower is exhausting. And if you don’t do it, you might end up slipping and injuring yourself.

Hinged glass doors work for most shower trays. However, if your shower doesn’t have the usual size and shape of standard showers, they might not work for you.

Sliding shower doors make sure that water stays in your shower. If you’re still worried about your safety, invest in a folding shower seat as well.

Easier to grab things

Remember those times when you’ve left something you need outside of your shower and how irritated you felt? Shower curtains and certain types of shower doors make things worse!

However, not sliding shower doors. They make getting what you need like a bottle of shampoo or razor much easier. Usually, you won’t even have to step out of your shower to get what you need.

For a more enjoyable experience, I suggest adding a heated towel rail right by your door. That way, once you’re done, you can get your warm towel without having to leave your shower.

Budget-friendly option

If your boring bathroom needs a change but you can’t afford it or just don’t want to spend a lot of cash, sliding shower doors make a great upgrade. They will add a whole new look to your bathroom.

Instead of revamping your whole bathroom, just install a new sliding shower door and get rid of that old shower curtain. Combine a new door with some ornamental wall panels for a waterproof finish.

Space-saving and stylish

Last but not least, sliding shower doors don’t take much space due to the sliding action. So, they’re ideal for both small and large bathrooms.

They’re both space-saving and stylish. There’s nothing better than a clear-tempered and tall glass. Don’t think twice about investing in a sliding shower door.

Avoid shower curtains at all costs because they can become wet and grow mold. You will never have the same issues with sliding shower doors.

What Are the Best Sliding Shower Doors Available?

Often overlooked when planning the perfect shower, a high-quality sliding shower door is necessary to prevent leaks and preserve warmth, especially during the cold winter months.

If you’re thinking about buying one, throw a look at the next top-notch sliding doors and compare their features. Hopefully, this can help you find the best sliding shower door for you.

  1. Best Overall: DreamLine Encore Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door
    “Super-versatile, stain, and water-resistant glass coating, available in different frame finishes, made and designed in the US, specially made rollers for a smooth operation.”
  2. Best Budget: Delta Classic Semi-Frameless Traditional Sliding Shower Door
    “Reversible aluminum top rack for 2 different style choices, ANSI certified tempered glass, detailed clear instructions, modern design, affordable, easy to clean and maintain.”
  3. Best Bypass: Elegant Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door
    “2-year warranty, exterior handle that doubles as a towel rail, adjustable size, reversible installation, 3 types of prime quality material you can choose from, well-made, stylish. ”
  4. Best Versatile: Vigo Frameless Tempered Glass Rectangle Sliding Shower Door
    “Full-length seal, adjustable roller disk technology, stainless steel hardware, tempered glass, reversible installation, can be moved up to 3/8 inches if the wall isn’t even. ”
  5. Best Framed and Double Sliding: Elegant Clear Glass Double Opening Sliding Shower Door
    “Dual opening wide entrance, easy to clean and install, full-length magnetic strips, clear vinyl seal, sturdy inner rollers, track rack, stable and sturdy, adjustable size.”
  6. Best Frameless: DreamLine Enigma-X Brushed Stainless Steel Sliding Shower Door
    “Reversible installation, long towel bar, tempered certified glass, double sliding door, aluminum metal frame, smooth quiet sliding, modern frameless design, affordable.”
  7. Best Semi-Frameless: Sunny Shower Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Door
    “Easy to install, high-quality PVC material seal strips, semi-frameless double sliding door with round glass corners, made to last, beautiful and convenient, budget-friendly.”
  8. Best for Tall People: Woodbridge Frameless Chrome Finish Sliding Shower Door
    “Smooth door movement, perfect for tall people, sturdy hardware, elegant design, Woodbridge exclusive UltraLux water, and stain-resistant coating.”

Comparison Chart for the Best Sliding Shower Doors

I don’t know if you feel the sudden urge to redecorate something in your home from time to time, but I do. Recently, I upgraded my bathroom by adding a sliding shower door.

These doors slide instead of swing open, so they’re space-saving. They’re also reasonably priced, easy to clean, and can give more than one entry and exit point to your shower space.

However, finding the best sliding shower door can be daunting with so many options on the market. The following chart compares some of the best out there, so let’s take a look.

Best Sliding Shower DoorTypeGlass TypeGlass ThicknessHandle typeWarranty
DreamLine Encore Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door - Best OverallSemi-framelessTempered, certified, clear5/16 inchesClassicLimited lifetime warranty
Delta Classic Semi-Frameless Traditional Sliding Shower Door - Best BudgetSemi-framelessTempered, certified, clear, frosted, rain, transition1/4 inchesClassic, Trinsic, Windermere5-year warranty
Elegant Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door - Best BypassSemi-framelessTempered, certified, clear1/4 inchesClassic2-year warranty
Vigo Frameless Tempered Glass Rectangle Sliding Shower Door - Best VersatileFramelessTampered, certified, clear3/8 inchesClassicLimited lifetime warranty
Elegant Clear Glass Double Opening Sliding Shower Door - Best Framed and Double SlidingFramedTempered, certified, clear1/4 inchesCurved2-year warranty
DreamLine Enigma-X Brushed Stainless Steel Sliding Shower Door - Best FramelessFramelessTampered, certified,3/8 inchesClassicLifetime limited warranty
Sunny Shower Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Door - Best Semi-FramelessSemi-framelessTempered, certified, clear1/4 inchesClassicNot specified
Woodbridge Frameless Chrome Finish Sliding Shower Door - Best for Tall PeopleFramelessTampered, certified, clear3/8 inchesClassicLifetime limited warranty

Top 8 Best Sliding Shower Door Reviews 2023

Sliding shower doors come in different types, sizes, and styles. Therefore, you’re sure to find something that meets your showering needs and blends into your bathroom style perfectly.

What I like most about sliding shower doors is that they’re not super expensive. The installation of most models isn’t complicated. On the contrary, it’s DIY-friendly and pretty straightforward.

However, choosing the best sliding shower door can be hard if you’re not familiar with some of the best brands of sliding shower doors. That’s where the next reviews kick in and save the day!

I’m here to guide you through the buying process as well as recommend a few best-selling options. That being said, let’s dive right into these reviews and find the best sliding shower door.

1. DreamLine Encore Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door

(Best Sliding Shower Door for Tub)

DreamLine Encore Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door

If you’re looking for a tub door with a bypass design, look no further than DreamLine Encore. It’s a semi-frameless sliding shower door that will open from the right or left.

I like this door because it’s user-friendly and offers a large opening space for people of bigger build (23.4 and 27.5 inches). It’s between 56-60 inches wide and 76 inches tall.

But here’s the kicker. You will get 3/8 inches of space to deal with imperfect walls. You can choose from a lovely chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin black frame finish.

They’re all beautiful but come with different warranties. For instance, brushed nickel and chrome have a limited lifetime warranty while black and bronze come with only a 1-year warranty.

Another thing I like about this sliding shower door is the tempered glass with a coating to make cleaning a lot easier. It’s made to resist stains. Therefore, if you’re looking for something easy to clean, this model by DreamLine is just perfect for you. Lastly, it’s a DIY-friendly sliding shower door.

However, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, I would recommend hiring a professional. Encore fits almost any shower space and looks absolutely stunning!

Key features:

  • 5/16-inch thick certified tempered glass
  • Double sliding bypass semi-frameless design
  • Wall profiles accommodate up to 3/8 inches for uneven walls
  • Specially made rollers for a smooth operation
  • Stain and water-resistant glass coating

Pros

  • Super-versatile
  • Available in different frame finishes
  • The two towel bars double as handles on each panel
  • Engineered and designed in the US
  • Well-made door

Cons

  • Poorly designed upper guide rail and bottom rail

Product Specifications:

Weight97 pounds
Dimensions56-60 inches wide, 58 inches tall, walk-in opening of 23 1/2-27 1/2 inches
Glass thickness and pattern5/16 inches, clear
Hardware finishBrushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, satin black
TypeSemi-frameless
BrandDreamLine

Learn How to Install a Semi-Frameless Shower Door:

Watch this video: A Semi Frameless Glass Shower Door

2. Delta Classic Semi-Frameless Traditional Sliding Shower Door

(Best Budget)

Delta Classic Semi-Frameless Traditional Sliding Shower Door

Another semi-frameless sliding shower door that’s both practical and stylish is the Delta Classic. I like the frosted appearance that ensures privacy in case someone intrudes while you’re showering.

The modern look makes this traditional door popular among homeowners. It’s also easy to install thanks to the detailed clear instructions that come with the shower door. You can have it up and running in just a few hours. However, if you’re not a DIY enthusiast, I would recommend hiring a professional.

The 1/4-inch ANSI-certified glass includes a stain and water-resistant coating for effortless cleaning. The best part? Delta Classic also has a towel handlebar that doubles as handles on one panel and 2 knobs for extra room. They’re all made of aluminum and zinc for extra durability and corrosion resistance.

If you don’t like the frosted appearance, you can choose a clear glass. Or a rain effect. The glass comes in different patterns. Lastly, it’s covered by a 5-year warranty, so you can feel safe when buying.

Key features:

  • 1/4-inch thick ANSI certified tempered glass
  • A 20-inch bar for towel storage and 2 knobs for extra room
  • Aluminum and zinc construction for corrosion resistance and durability
  • Reversible aluminum top rack for 2 different style choices
  • Side grab bumpers to hold the panels in place

Pros

  • 4 glass effects
  • 3 handle materials
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Won’t grind as you open it
  • Detailed clear instructions
  • Modern track design
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Shattering glass problem

Product Specifications:

Weight76.5 pounds
Dimensions50 1/8-59 3/8 inches wide, 58 1/8 inches tall, walk-in opening of 21 3/32-29 3/32 inches
Glass thickness and pattern1/4 inches, clear, frosted, rain, transition
Hardware finishBronze, chrome, nickel
TypeSemi-frameless
BrandDelta Shower Doors

Tutorial on How to Install Delta Tub and Sliding Shower Door:

Watch this video: A Delta Tub and Shower Sliding Glass doors

3. Elegant Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door

(Best Bypass Sliding Shower Door)

Elegant Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door

I can see why this brand named itself “Elegant”. They produce the most elegant sliding shower doors on the market. I especially like their semi-frameless model with a bypass design.

It’s 72 inches tall and you can easily cut up to 1.5 inches off the 60-inch width if necessary. There’s also a generous walk-in opening of 30 inches. You can even cut the rails to make them narrower. However, you will end up with a larger overlap between the doors, so it’s not suitable for smaller spaces.

What I like most about this door is the clear vinyl sealing strips along the edges to prevent leakage. This model comes with stainless steel rollers and clamps for additional durability and a long handle.

The handle on the outside of the shower door doubles as a towel rail. Other impressive features include a chrome frame finish and easy installation. The chrome finish gives the door a sharper look.

Although it’s easy to install, some people have had issues with the installation. Therefore, if you’re not a DIY enthusiast, I would suggest that you install a professional for a piece of mind.

Key features:

  • 1/4-inch thick tempered glass
  • Exterior handle that doubles as a towel rail
  • 3 types of prime quality material you can choose from
  • Adjustable size and reversible installation
  • Built-in stainless steel rollers

Pros

  • 2-year warranty
  • Looks and works very nice
  • Provides comfortability and privacy
  • Well-made and easy to install
  • Stylish and safe

Cons

  • No instructions in the package

Product Specifications:

Weight112.53 pounds
Dimensions58 1/2-60 inches wide, 72 inches tall, walk-in opening of 21-25 inches
Glass thickness and pattern1/4 inches, clear
Hardware finishBrushed nickel, chrome
TypeSemi-frameless
BrandElegant

Install Your Elegant Sliding Shower Enclosure With This Guide:

Watch this video: ELEGANT Sliding Shower Enclosure

4. Vigo Frameless Tempered Glass Rectangle Sliding Shower Door

(Best Versatile)

Vigo Frameless Tempered Glass Rectangle Sliding Shower Door

If you’re searching for a modern and sleek sliding shower door, then Vigo has the perfect option for you. It’s their high-quality frameless door with stainless steel hardware and tempered glass.

What I like about the glass is that it’s also stain and water-resistant. I also love the roller disk technology that ensures a smooth and quiet operation and allows you to open the door in either way.

The installation is easy thanks to the flex-sizing technology which enables 4 inches of customization. It’s one of the best sliding shower doors on the market that will embellish your shower area.

Key features:

  • Tempered glass
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • 25.5-inch wide door opening
  • Adjustable roller disk technology
  • Reversible installation
  • Full-length seal

Pros

  • Leak-free with seal strip
  • Reliable, durable, and safe
  • Can be moved up to 3/8 inches if the wall isn’t even
  • You can install it to the right or left depending on your bathroom setup
  • The glass resists fingerprints and hard water stains
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Stable roller disks

Cons

  • The rail is low which makes it hard for taller people to enter and exit the shower

Product Specifications:

Weight244 pounds
Dimensions56-60 inches wide, 74 inches tall, walk-in opening of 25.5 inches
Glass thickness and pattern3/8 inches, clear
Hardware finishMatte gold, chrome, matte black, stainless steel, matte black/black glass, matte gold/black glass, stainless steel/black glass
TypeFrameless
BrandVigo

A Frameless Shower Door Isn’t Hard to Install if You Follow These Steps:

Watch this video: A FRAMELESS Shower Door

5. Elegant Clear Glass Double Opening Sliding Shower Door

(Best Double Sliding Shower Door)

Elegant Clear Glass Double Opening Sliding Shower Door

If you’re in the market for a framed model with sliding doors, then Elegant makes a great option for you. It’s a modern and stylish shower door made of aluminum, so it’s resistant to corrosion.

The best part? It doesn’t seem out of place like most framed models do! Each part of this shower door is made of stainless steel. However, what I love most about this door is the chrome finish.

The smooth glide ensures a super easy opening and closing without annoying sounds. This shower door also features magnetic strips and a clear vinyl seal which makes these doors waterproof.

It’s also loaded with super-thin but strong glass that won’t shatter. You don’t have to worry about your safety because it’s a certified glass. It’s just perfect for smaller bathrooms and corners.

Key features:

  • Easy to install and clean
  • Dual opening wide entrance
  • Width adjustment of 35-36 inches
  • Full-length magnetic strips and clear vinyl seal
  • A walk-in opening of 20 1/2 inches
  • Sturdy inner rollers and track rack
  • Chrome hardware finish

Pros

  • Stable and sturdy
  • 2 solid top rail roller
  • Stylish and 100% safe
  • ANSI certified tempered glass
  • Stainless steel handle
  • Aluminum hardware
  • Adjustable size

Cons

  • Unclear instructions

Product Specifications:

Weight118 pounds
Dimensions35-36 inches wide, 72 inches tall, walk-in opening of 20 1/2 inches
Glass thickness and pattern1/4 inches, clear
Hardware finishChrome finish, brushed nickel, black brushed nickel
TypeFramed corner double opening
BrandElegant

This is How to Install a Corner Shower Door Successfully.

Watch this video: A Corner Shower Door

6. DreamLine Enigma-X Brushed Stainless Steel Sliding Shower Door

(Best Frameless Sliding Shower Door)

DreamLine Enigma-X Brushed Stainless Steel Sliding Shower Door

The DreamLine Enigma-X is a sliding shower door available in a polished or brushed stainless steel finish. It consists of a sliding door and a fixed panel.

You can install this model to open from either left or right, depending on your bathroom setup. You will get a shower door with vinyl strips along the edges and panel.

The width of this shower door can be easily customized from a minimum of 56 inches to a maximum of 60 inches. What I like most about this model is the opening space between 23-27 inches. However, keep in mind that this lovely sliding shower door needs straight walls.

If you’re a tall person, you will love this model. It’s 76 inches tall and thereby one of the tallest doors on the market. You will need a minimum depth of 2.75 inches for a successful installation. Overall, if you’re looking for a fully frameless door, look no further than Enigma-X.

The glass is also high quality. You will get a strong glass that’s 3/8 inches thick. It’s also certified for safer use. Lastly, there’s also a stain and water-resistant glass coating.

You will still need to clean your shower door. However, the coating will make things much easier. It’s not suitable for people who’re looking for a frosted door.

Key features:

  • 2 inner knobs
  • Double sliding door
  • Reversible installation
  • Tempered certified glass and long towel bar
  • Top-notch bottom seal strip
  • Aluminum metal frame
  • Smooth quiet sliding
  • Installation guide

Pros

  • Solid shower door
  • Modern frameless design
  • Striking stainless steel hardware
  • Engineered and designed in the US
  • Exceptional quality and cool style
  • Lifetime limited warranty
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Unclear instructions
  • Requires professional installation
  • Needs straight walls

Product Specifications:

Weight187.39 pounds
Dimensions56-60 inches wide, 76 inches tall, walk-in opening of 22-26 inches
Glass thickness and pattern3/8 inches, clear
Hardware finishBrushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel
TypeFrameless
BrandDreamLine

Watch this video to know more:

Watch this video: Installing DreamLine Enigma-X Shower Door is a Walk in the Park

7. Sunny Shower Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Door

(Best Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Door)

Sunny Shower Clear Glass Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Door

Looking for a semi-frameless sliding shower door that’s suitable for tall people? If so, pick Sunny Shower with clear glass. It’s 72 inches tall and 60 inches wide.

Slicing the guard rail will enable you to customize the width of this shower door down to 58.5 inches. It’s easy to install either to the right or the left depending on your bathroom setup.

This door has one exterior handle that’s long and doubles as a towel rail while the inside features knobs for easy sliding. You can pick a brushed nickel or polished chrome for the fixings.

There’s also a seal at the base that prevents leakage. Lastly, the tempered glass is certified, so you don’t have to worry about your safety with this affordable door.

Key features:

  • Reversible installation
  • High-quality PVC material seal strips
  • Semi-frameless double sliding shower door with round glass corners
  • A long towel bar and two doorknobs
  • 1/4-inch thick tempered clear glass
  • Installation guide

Pros

  • Made to last
  • Great door for the price
  • Beautiful and convenient
  • Made of high-quality material
  • Sturdy and budget-friendly
  • High quality fit and finish
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Unclear instructions

Product Specifications:

Weight110.67 pounds
Dimensions58.5-60 inches wide, 72 inches tall, walk-in opening of 24 2/5 inches
Glass thickness and pattern1/4 inches, clear
Hardware finishBlack brushed nickel, brushed nickel, chrome
TypeSemi-frameless
BrandSunny Shower

Installing a Basic Sliding Door is a Breeze with These Steps:

Watch this video: Sunny Shower DIY - A Basic Sliding Door

8. Woodbridge Frameless Chrome Finish Sliding Shower Door

(Best for Tall People)

Woodbridge Frameless Chrome Finish Sliding Shower Door

Last but not least, I have a frameless model by Woodbridge. It’s a product by a popular brand that sells excellent bathtubs and sliding shower doors.

This model is stylish and completely frameless. I plan to replace my old framed sliding shower door with this door because I’m a fan of minimalist interior design.

And this sliding shower door makes a perfect choice for minimalist interiors. You can choose between brushed gold, matt black, and chrome fittings. The door is 75 inches tall, so it’s suitable for taller people. The width, on the other hand, is easily customizable from 56-60 inches.

The walk-in space is between 22-26 inches wide. Therefore, you won’t have to slide in. Additionally, the door is reversible. Meaning, you can install it to open either the right or left as you prefer. You can also customize the sliding doors up to 3/8 inches if necessary.

What I love most about this door is the stainless steel hardware that’s resistant to chipping and rusting. The 3/8-inch thick glass is tempered and completely safe.

Lastly, you will get instructions. However, they’re not very clean, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to take the DIY route. Other than that, it’s perfect!

Key features:

  • Frameless and reversible door
  • 3/8-inch thick glass and large roller
  • Woodbridge exclusive UltraLux water and stain resistant coating
  • Sturdy hardware with elegant design
  • Installation instruction manual

Pros

  • Smooth door movement
  • No jerky stop-start problems
  • A great set of warranties

Cons

  • Difficult to install
  • Unclear instructions
  • Heavy shower door

Product Specifications:

Weight185 pounds
Dimensions56-60 inches wide, 76 inches tall, walk-in opening of 22-26 inches
Glass thickness and pattern3/8 inches, clear
Hardware finishBrushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, matte black
TypeFrameless
BrandWoodbridge

Install Woodbridge Frameless Shower Door Quick and Easy:

Watch this video: Woodbridge Frameless Glass Shower Door

Buying Guide for Picking the Best Sliding Shower Door

Modern Bathroom
Sliding shower doors come in different styles, sizes, finishes, and types.

You’re done reading the reviews above, but you’re still not certain which sliding shower door to go for? Don’t worry!

The following buying guide can help your search in finding the best sliding slower door and make a well-informed choice.

Available space

One of the very first things you need to do before you purchase a new sliding shower door is to measure your shower precisely. Some high-end frameless doors aren’t forgiving with walls that aren’t plumb. The two key considerations include two sets of heights and widths.

Width

The first set of widths includes the total width of the opening while the second is the width of the door. Total width represents the distance between your shower’s stall vertical sides.

Typical sizes for shower pans include 32 inches, 42 inches, 48 inches, and 60 inches. Your wall distance can be a bit smaller or bigger than these standards, depending on your wall coverings.

Measure at the top and the bottom of the stall, since there are usually differences with walls that aren’t plumb. To obtain the correct size, pick the widest width. Keep in mind that frameless shower doors may be hard to use on walls that aren’t straight. The door width can differ on sliding doors.

The maximum width is 36 inches while the smallest size is 22 inches. Larger doors offer a larger opening that’s easier to enter. However, they will also weigh more and may need more panels.

Additionally, pay attention to the length of your tub or shower to ensure whatever width you select will have enough space to completely open. The regular size on many openings is 60 inches.

That length would only be capable of handling a 30-inch shower door. If you opt for something bigger (36 inches), it can make a smaller opening because it won’t have enough area to open.

Height

When measuring your shower opening, consider only the space covered by the tile or shower stall. You won’t install your door on the drywall next to this particular area but within it.

A common height for most sliding shower doors is 6 feet. Remember that this number includes the top-bar height. The 72-inch height suits most people. However, if you’re tall, you will have to duck under the bar at the top of the shower to enter. It’s something that most sliding shower doors have.

You can also find higher models but they cost more. Keep in mind that the height stated for these doors includes the top hardware which cuts off a couple of inches on the total opening. Therefore, if height is a concern of yours, opt for a frameless sliding shower door that’s 79 inches high.

Frameless or not?

You can pick from frameless, framed, and semi-frameless sliding shower doors.

The framed models feature glass panels fully framed on every single side. These pieces of a glass slide on a metal channel. They’re also supported by a metal framing on the top and sides.

I have a framed shower door at home but I’m seriously thinking about replacing it with a frameless one because of all the dirt that gets stuck between the metal pieces. Framed models have a thinner glass, so they feel less sturdy. However, they’re still excellent products that can last for years.

Semi-framed sliding shower doors, on the other hand, don’t feature a framing on one or multiple sides. They typically still feature metal channels and metal framing in which the doors slide.

However, they differ greatly in how much metal framing and channels they have. The glass is somewhat thin but they still cost more than framed models because of the semi-framed design.

Last but not least, you can opt for a frameless shower door. This type of door usually features very thick glass. But here’s the real kicker. They can be customized to almost any size bathroom.

Unlike the previous two types, frameless sliding shower doors don’t feature a metal between the doors. Instead of metal framing and channels, they’re secured with metal hinges and clamps.

Glass type

There’s the usual but still popular and modern clear glass you can opt for. It provides a high-end look to any bathroom. Therefore, you can never go wrong with clear glass.

If you have a smaller bathroom, installing a sliding shower door with clear glass will make it look bigger and way brighter. However, it’s also revealing, so you don’t have any privacy.

I also don’t like the fact that you need to clean a clear glass regularly because of the visible water drops. Frosted glass, on the other hand, has a white finish of some sort that’s accomplished by either etching or sanding clear glass. This clouds the sight of the shower space to some degree.

Textured glass represents a piece of clear glass that has been given a textured mark. Rain glass is one of the most popular choices of textured glass for sliding shower doors out there.

It looks like rain is going down on the shower door. The best part? It’s one of the hardest glass designs to see through due to the manner the glass refracts light, so it’s great for privacy.

Lastly, I have tinted glass. Common choices include gray and copper tones. Colored glasses like these will diffuse the light, creating a darker atmosphere in your shower space.

Glass thickness

The thickness of the glass depends on the type of framing you use for your sliding shower doors. You can find the thickest glass in typical frameless sliding shower doors available on the market.

They have the thickest glass to give the stability to compensate for not featuring metal parts. They often have 3/8-inch-1/2-inch thick glass while framed doors have a 1/4-inch glass. Or thinner.

Hardware choices

The hardware comes with sliding shower doors, however, you can choose the finish of the hardware and the extra pieces of hardware.

Material

Hardware often comes in chrome, brushed aluminum, and bronze. However, you can also find a finish in nickel, brass, white, and black color.

I highly suggest that you select something that matches your present shower hardware and sink. It’s not always necessary to match the color of your lighting fixtures and doorknob. However, it helps establish a better, more consistent appearance.

Extra pieces

What pieces you will get depends on the frame option you pick. For instance, a framed shower door will come with more metal parts. The finish and color of those parts will be more noticeable in the bathroom as well as more sturdy. And they’re cheap!

Since you’re buying a sliding door, the slide function should be included. They vary slightly, however, it’s still a key piece. Keep in mind that sliding doors should be designed specifically for this slide. Extra pieces for frameless doors should also be included.

Related Questions

I’ve answered some of the most common questions to assist your search for sliding shower doors. Hopefully, they can help you make a well-informed decision.

Are sliding doors out of style?

Absolutely not! On the contrary, they’re just getting more popular among homeowners. You can choose a framed, semi-framed, or frameless model.

Are DreamLine shower doors any good?

Yes, DreamLine is a popular and reliable brand of shower doors in the US. This company has made some of the greatest designs on the market.
They’re also known for their durability, superior quality, low price, and versatility. Therefore, DreamLine is one of the companies you can trust.

Are framed shower doors outdated?

As I already have mentioned throughout this article, I have a framed sliding shower door at home. In my opinion, this model isn’t outdated. However, it’s harder to clean and maintain.
The metal parts can corrode because of the excess water. Additionally, water droplets and soap residue can cause mildew buildup around the frame which doesn’t seem very desirable.

Is it better to have a shower door or curtain?

I don’t like shower curtains because they sometimes wrap around the body while you’re reaching for the towel on the outside. I know that some people prefer them because of their price, fun designs, and easy installation. However, they can become wet and grow mold, so keep that in mind.

Do both sides of the frameless sliding door move?

Not necessarily. Most framed and semi-framed models enable moving in both directions. But frameless models usually have one moving side and one fixed side. If you prefer this feature, look for a mechanism labeled as a “bypass” sliding shower door.

What if my enclosure isn’t standard?

Typically, framed and semi-framed models provide a bit of wiggle space. Frameless models, on the other hand, need to be correctly sized. Thus, if your enclosure isn’t standard, opt for a framed or semi-framed model.

My Top Pick

Sliding Door
Sliding shower doors never go out of style, so you can never go wrong with this type of shower door.

Everyone loves sliding shower doors because they can suit both small and spacious bathrooms. They’re very convenient, easy to install, and budget-friendly.

They come in different styles you can pick from. Just remember to take measurements before you order anything or after you’ve adjusted the area for uneven walls.

DreamLine Encore Semi-Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door consists of aluminum parts and features tempered glass. It’s made in the US and fits almost any shower space.

Delta Classic Semi-Frameless Traditional Sliding Shower Door is another excellent model that works for the price. It’s reasonably priced and delivers both durability and versatility.

Hopefully, today’s buying guide can help you choose the best sliding shower door for you. Do you have a favorite yet? Please, share your thoughts in the comments.

Also, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’ve gained any value from this article, don’t forget to share it with your closest friends and family.

Best Sliding Shower Door

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *