If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom with stylish, reliable, and high-quality shower doors, you’re in the right place. At EZ Bath, we’ve helped homeowners and landlords create bathrooms that fit real life and look fantastic. This guide walks you through how to choose the right door, what styles to consider, glass options, and why professional installation matters.
How to choose the perfect shower door
Keep these core factors in mind before you fall in love with a look:
1) Get the measurements right
Accurate dimensions are everything. Measure the width, height, and depth of the opening (preferably in millimeters). Replacing an old door? Measure the tray (or curb) and existing opening so the new glass lands on solid, waterproofed surfaces. When in doubt, we’ll field-measure for you.
2) Set a realistic budget
Doors range from value-friendly framed sliders to premium 1/2″ frameless glass with custom hardware. Decide what you’re comfortable investing, then explore options in that tier—this prevents over-shopping and speeds decisions.
3) Confirm enclosure location
Corner alcoves, neo-angle, and straight-through (inline) openings each favor certain door styles. A tight corner may favor a slider or bifold; a wide inline opening may shine with a hinged or sliding panel system. Share your layout during a design consult.
4) Match the door to the space
Let the room size lead. Small baths generally benefit from sliding or bifold systems that don’t swing out. Larger rooms can accommodate generous hinged/pivot doors that open wide and lie flat against a wall.
5) Choose a style you’ll love long-term
Want privacy? Consider frosted/obscure glass. Want a bright, open feel? Choose clear glass to showcase tile or solid surface walls. Browse inspiration, then pick a finish (polished, matte black, brushed) that complements your fixtures—Delta is a great place to align finishes.
Understanding shower door types
Hinged (swing) doors
Classic operation; opens like a standard door. Best for square/rectangular alcoves with clearance to swing. Frameless versions use minimal hardware for a premium look.
Pros
- Intuitive, wide opening; frameless options look high-end
Cons
- Requires swing clearance; thicker glass/hardware can raise cost
Pivot doors
Swing on a pivot point closer to the center/top/bottom—great for wide openings; many fold flat to the wall.
Pros
- Very wide entry; simple, durable mechanics
Cons
- Most of the door swings into the room; plan for floor clearance
Inswing (infold) doors
A special arm mechanism folds the door inward—beautiful motion, strong space saver.
Pros
- Saves space; striking operation; sizes often 700–1000 mm
Cons
- Complex hardware raises price versus basic pivots
Bi-folding doors
Panels fold in on themselves to minimize projection into the room—great in tight baths.
Pros
- Major space savings; contemporary look
Cons
- More panel edges; choose quality hardware for longevity
Sliding doors
Panels glide past each other—ideal for small baths and guest suites; available for curved and inline enclosures.
Pros
- No swing space required; can create large shower areas
- Often flippable for left/right access; side panels form corner units
Cons
- Cheap rollers wear—choose quality tracks and bearings
Framed, semi-frameless, and frameless—what’s the difference?
- Framed: Metal surrounds the glass edges. Most affordable; strong splash control.
- Semi-frameless: Minimal framing where needed; more glass, lighter look.
- Frameless: Heavier tempered glass (3/8″–1/2″) with minimal hardware; the cleanest, most modern look.
Glass choices & finishes
- Clear: Timeless, modern, shows off tile/solid surface and makes small rooms feel larger.
- Frosted/obscure: More privacy; decorative options; hides spotting somewhat but pattern can trap residue—keep a squeegee handy.
- Patterned: Rain/glacier/sandblasted motifs add texture and interest while softening sightlines.
Thickness & safety
- 8 mm (5/16″) or 10 mm (3/8″) tempered glass is common; 1/2″ adds luxury feel on larger spans.
- Avoid inside 90° glass corners—properly engineered cutouts prevent stress fractures.
- Consider easy-clean coatings (e.g., shower guard) to fight mineral spots.
Why frameless doors are so popular
- Better light flow: Improves visibility and reduces reliance on overheads.
- Custom sizing: Works for compact corners to spa-size retreats.
- Less mold risk at seals: Fewer places for soap/water to collect; faster to squeegee.
- Visually enlarges rooms: Maintains sightlines for a bigger-feeling bath.
- Easy maintenance: Flat glass + coating + daily squeegee = quick clean.
What side should your shower door open on?
Most modern systems are reversible. Your installer can hinge on the right or left to suit entry preference and obstacles (vanity, toilet, towel bars). Sliding doors include a fixed panel that can be placed left/right based on the space. If your design uses oversized rollers or specialty cutouts, handing may be fixed—your designer will confirm.
Stunning, high-quality shower doors from EZ Bath
- Premium tempered glass: Most projects use ~3/8″ (10 mm) with options up to 1/2″.
- Every style covered: U-channel, semi-frameless, frameless, barn-door sliders, and more.
- Modern glass options: Clear, rain, sandblasted, and specialty obscures.
- Hardware that matches: C-pulls and designer hardware in today’s finishes.
- Spot-resist coatings: Lifetime “shower guard” options or budget-friendly 10-year coatings.
See real results in our shower gallery, then schedule a free consultation. Or call (281) 968-3000 Mon–Fri, 8 am–6 pm.
FAQ: Choosing a Shower Door
Q: What thickness glass should I pick?
A: 3/8″ (10 mm) tempered is a great balance of strength and cost. Go 1/2″ on large spans or when you want an ultra-solid feel.
Q: Frameless vs. framed—which is easier to maintain?
A: Frameless has fewer crevices and cleans fastest; framed offers maximum splash control at a lower price point.
Q: Will a sliding door work in a small bath?
A: Yes—sliders and bifolds are top picks for tight rooms because they don’t swing into the space.
Q: Do I need special floors for hinged doors?
A: Just be sure the swing path is clear and consider water splash—hinged doors pair best with non-slip, water-safe flooring.
Q: Can you match my faucet finish?
A: Absolutely. We align door hardware with your faucet/trim finish (e.g., Delta) for a cohesive look.
Tags: shower doors, frameless shower, glass thickness, bathroom remodeling