5 Myths About Frameless Showers

In the past, frameless showers were most often seen in high-end homes and luxury hotels. However, as exposure to the style grew, so did its popularity. Today, frameless showers top the “must-have” lists for new builds and bathroom remodels. As hugely popular as they are, a few myths about the style have emerged that might be of interest to homeowners. Let’s explore a few of these misconceptions and put any concerns to rest.

Myth #1: Hard to Clean

Actually, the ease of cleaning a frameless shower is one of its most appealing features! All that is needed is a squeegee and your shower door is perfectly clear again. With framed shower doors, water can build up underneath the door’s seals and allow mold and mildew to grow. Frameless shower doors minimize the number of places water can collect.

Myth #2: Extremely expensive

Somewhat more expensive than a framed shower? Yes. A budget-breaker? No. A frameless shower door or enclosure is custom-fit for your space and showcases your tile design and fixture choices. The glass is thicker and sturdier hardware is needed. According to information found on Improvenet.com, framed shower installations average around $800 and can go up to $5,000, while quality frameless shower doors range from $700 to $2,000.

Myth #3: Likely to shatter

As previously mentioned, frameless showers use a thicker glass: buyers can choose from 3/8” or ½” thick. The 3/8” glass thickness is the most popular choice for buyers due to cost. Ironically, the glass on a framed shower is much less sturdy, either 3/16” or ¼”. If your frameless shower is installed properly by an experienced, reputable contractor, its chance of shattering is very slim.

Myth #4: Leaks

Only a poorly built or poorly installed frameless shower will be prone to leaks. This is another important reason to use an experienced and reputable contractor. Correct installation will result in the proper amount of slope, allowing the shower to drain instead of leak outside the enclosure. A properly installed frameless shower will also have straight walls, a buttress, a shower dam, and other elements to prevent leakage.

Myth #5: Best for large bathrooms

Large AND small bathrooms benefit from the beauty of a frameless shower enclosure! Frameless bypass doors can be used in stand-alone showers or shower/tub combinations. Shower/tub combination bathrooms can also utilize a semi-framed enclosure. The clear glass gives an elegant look and adds to the illusion of more space to a small bathroom while showcasing a bigger bathroom’s space and making it appear even larger. Unlike framed showers with rubber-covered edging or metal, frameless glass gives an unbroken sight-line, resulting in a clean, expansive impression and a spa-like feel.