In this article, you will learn:
1. The Different Types of Shower Doors
2. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sliding Glass Shower Doors
3. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Hinged Glass Shower Doors
4. Which Shower Door Is Right For Your Bathroom?
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In recent years, more and more Canadian homeowners are swapping in their old shower curtains for glass shower doors.
With a bright, modern aesthetic and extreme space-saving capabilities, glass shower doors are known to completely change the look and feel of your bathroom!
While sliding glass shower doors and hinged glass shower doors are two of the most popular styles on the market, it is important to understand the unique features and considerations before starting your next bathroom renovation project.
At Stouffville Glass, we pride ourselves on helping our clients get the most out of their homes!
The following article will explore the different types of shower doors, compare the advantages and disadvantages between sliding vs hinged glass shower doors, as well as provide a few tips to help you make the best decisions for your home.
The Different Types of Shower Doors
As bathrooms come in many different shapes and sizes, it is important to consider how your shower door will function within your space!
While larger bathrooms may not have as many functional limitations, tighter bathroom spaces will be better suited to styles that are compact enough to enjoy without compromising your ability to move.
If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom with a glass shower door installation, here are a few styles you may come across:
Sliding Glass Shower Doors:
Sliding glass shower doors also referred to as bypass doors, are one of the most commonly used styles on the market.
Suitable for combination tubs and stand-alone showers that exceed 60-inches wide, sliding glass shower doors feature 2-3 glass panels that slide across tracks to open or close (much like a patio door).
A recommended choice for smaller bathroom spaces, sliding glass shower doors provide homeowners with the most effective use of their space.
Hinged Glass Shower Doors:
Hinged glass shower doors are known for their ability to swing outwards to open.
Available in a pivot hinge (secured top-to-bottom for revolving movement) or a side-mount hinge (similar to the hinges on your front door), hinged glass shower doors are a popular choice for stand-alone showers.
Commonly used for showers that are less than 60 -inches wide, hinged shower doors are a beautiful, functional and easy-to-use option for any style of bathroom.
Round Glass Shower Doors:
Round shower doors, unlike most other types, open inwards instead of outwards.
Ideal for bathrooms with corner showers, this inward movement will not interfere with shower space as the doors feature curved glass that generously increases elbow space.
With its round aesthetic, this style of shower door is extremely easy to clean as homeowners will not have to dig into the corners or edges to remove accumulated dirt, gunk or mildew.
Bifold Shower Doors:
Bifold shower doors combine the sliding function of a bypass door with the folding movement of a hinged door.
With two glass panels attached by a hinge, users are able to enter/exit the shower with a simple pull on the handle.
As these doors are both foldable and attached to a track, bifold shower doors allow the panels to fold in on each other to open.
Neo-Angle Shower Doors:
Neo-angle shower doors function much like a pivot shower door but are made up of three glass panels instead.
In this particular style, the shower door would be positioned in the center while the two angled glass panels are arranged on either side.
Designed to keep your shower door away from any tight/cramped wall spaces, neo-angle shower doors help homeowners achieve a more spacious bathroom with an easily-accessible shower.
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While glass shower doors come in a variety of styles, sliding and hinged shower doors are the most popular choices amongst Canadian homeowners.
To help you identify the major differences, the following sections will outline the advantages and disadvantages to consider:
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sliding Glass Shower Doors
With sliding glass panels and a modern aesthetic, here are a few things to consider when purchasing sliding glass shower doors:
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| 1. Seamless Appearance: Sliding glass shower doors provide a bright, open aesthetic to any style of home. With large glass panels and hardware to match your bathroom, sliding shower doors provide a beautiful, seamless aesthetic. 2. Functional Handles: Similar to a towel bar, the handles of a sliding shower door can also be used to hang towels, washcloths, and clothing for easy accessibility. 3. Efficient Use of Small Spaces: With doors that slide open rather than swing, sliding glass shower doors are an excellent space-saving choice for smaller bathrooms as they are both functional and compact. |
1. Limited Space for Entry: Since sliding shower doors can only open so far, it may not be wide enough for parents trying to bathe young children, those with special needs, or people who prefer a larger opening. 2. Difficult to Clean: While sliding glass doors are easier to clean from the inside, it can be a bit trickier when it comes time to clean the hardware and tracks. 3. Requires More Maintenance: |
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Hinged Glass Shower Doors
Recognized for their style, convenience, and functionality – hinged glass shower doors are an excellent choice for any style of home.
However, there are a few important points to consider before selecting them for your next bathroom renovation project:
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| 1. Large Opening: As hinged shower doors can open outward to a 90-degree angle, they provide a safe, wide and open entryway for parents, seniors and/or people who have challenges with their mobility. 2. Easy to Clean: Unlike sliding doors, hinged shower doors do not require tracks to open or close. Without the risk of rust or gunk buildup, this style of shower door is very easy to clean and maintain. 3.Aesthetically Appealing With a large glass panel to swing open and closed, hinged shower doors provide a clean, minimalist aesthetic to any style of bathroom. |
1. Takes Up a Lot of Space: While hinged shower doors swing outwards to open, it is important to make sure that your bathroom will have enough space to accommodate. For smaller bathroom spaces, sliding shower doors are often preferred. 2. Water May Leak Out Water leakage is a common problem for hinged shower doors, as the hinges create a small space between the door and wall where water can seep through. While side-mount hinges can be sealed to improve water tightness, pivot hinges cannot. To prevent the risk of water leaks, it is encouraged that users point the showerhead away from the shower door during use. |
Which Shower Door Is Right For Your Bathroom?
With a better understanding of the different types of shower doors, it is clear to see that each style has been created with very specific solutions in mind.
From bathroom size and door functionality to design aesthetic and cleaning requirements – both sliding glass shower doors and hinged glass shower doors have a lot to offer!
If you are still finding yourself torn between these two styles, here are a few important questions to consider:
1. Do you have a smaller bathroom? Consider sliding shower doors.
2. Do you require a larger shower opening? Consider hinged shower doors.
3. Are easy cleaning and maintenance requirements important to you? Consider hinged shower doors.
4. Would you prefer to consult a professional? Contact us at Stouffville Glass!
If you are interested in learning more about your glass shower door options, allow our trained professionals to help.
Click here or call us at (905) 640-4016 for a complimentary consultation.
