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4 Dumb Mistakes People Make When Buying a Frameless Shower Enclosure

A Bathroom of Your Dreams - Not Your Nightmares!

If you're tired of your moldy shower curtain and you're desperately looking for a cost-effective solution to your much-needed bathroom remodel, doing it yourself is not always the answer.

Maybe you've searched online and researched how to install a frameless glass shower door, watched videos on bathroom remodels, and feel confident that you can take on this type of project without any issues. But what you don't know is that one simple, small mistake can end up costing you big. In fact, it takes years of practice to learn how to install frameless shower doors correctly, without causing gaps, a poor seal, or other issues that can result in water damage. Knowing which type of enclosure will work for your bathroom and which one won’t can be a big challenge, especially if you have no experience with this type of installation. 

Below, you'll find some of the biggest mistakes many DIYers make when they buy frameless shower enclosures, so you can save yourself some time and a lot of money. 

Buying a Shower Enclosure at Your Local Home Improvement Store

When you purchase a shower enclosure from a home improvement store, you may feel confident in your purchase and happy that you saved yourself a little money, thinking installing a frameless shower door is going to be a simple process. The sad reality is that the enclosure is not going to fit your bathroom the way you hoped it would. 

Instead of purchasing an off-the-shelf model, you must have your shower enclosure custom-made. A standard-sized enclosure may also be a poor choice if you have an oddly shaped bathroom or a smaller space. Many people purchase these kits, thinking the job isn’t difficult, only to realize they’ve thrown their money away on a shower enclosure that won’t work for their bathroom.

Custom-made shower enclosures will fit your shower space perfectly, complete with a watertight seal, so you won’t run into issues such as gaps, poor seals, and puddles of water all over your floor whenever someone uses the shower. 

Choosing a Shower Enclosure Just Because it Looked Easy to Install

If you don’t have any shower door or shower enclosure installation experience, you’re just asking for problems. Many people are surprised to learn just how difficult installing a frameless shower door can be, the precise measurements and preparations required, and the careful planning that goes into this type of major project. Incorrectly installing a shower enclosure can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. This is a job that must be left to the pros.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Shower Door Design for Your Smaller Bathroom

One of the best things about a frameless shower door is the countless options available. The door and enclosure you choose should work well for your shower space and bathroom layout, and add functionality to your bathroom. Whether you have a uniquely shaped shower or a larger shower, you can find the perfect shower door type to work with your existing bathroom decor. 

Pivot or swinging shower doors are an excellent option for many bathrooms. However, if you have a smaller bathroom space, it can prove problematic. Yes, you can have the door open inward, instead of outward, but if you’re not careful, you can still bang the door against shower walls and fixtures. Swinging glass door showers just aren’t the best choice if you don’t have enough bathroom space. These glass doors need room to open freely. A swinging door in a smaller bathroom increases the risk of damage to the shower enclosure and the door. The best option is either a bypass or frameless sliding shower door.

Choosing a Design that’s too High Maintenance for You and Your Family

If you had your heart set on ultra-clear glass, or textured glass, but you and other family members don’t put in the effort to keep the glass clean, you’ll quickly find that your shower glass is covered in smudges and fingerprints. Textured glass can be difficult to clean because of the ridges, while ultra-clear glass will show every smudge, streak, and fingerprint. If you can’t commit to daily upkeep on your shower enclosure, opt for frosted glass or another lower maintenance option.

You Purchased the Wrong Type of Shower Enclosure for Your Bathroom. Now What?

If you’ve made some or all of these mistakes, it’s time to throw in the towel. While it can be hard to admit that you need help to get the job done right, the bathroom is one space in the home that you don’t want to skimp on. If you’re having issues with a glass enclosure that leaks, your door isn’t sealing correctly, or you chose the wrong size, type, or style of door, now is the time to contact a professional glass shower door company. Every bathroom and shower is unique. This means you must have a shower enclosure custom-made. 

At GCS Glass, our glass contractors can go out to your home to accurately measure your shower and bathroom space, and go over what options will work specifically for your bathroom. Our experienced and knowledgeable installation team will go above and beyond to help you find the perfect enclosure that will work perfectly for your shower space. 

When you work with us, you can feel confident that your bathroom remodel will go smoothly, and you'll be left with custom glass shower doors and an enclosure that adds elegance and functionality to your bathroom. 

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today to Get a Free Quote

If you’re ready to let the pros handle this type of complex home improvement job, contact GCS Glass today. We know how difficult and challenging glass shower enclosure installation can be and we’re here to help. Contact our office today to get a free quote and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members to learn how we can help you make your vision of the perfect shower enclosure a reality.




If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Showers:
Common DIY Fixes for Frameless Shower Doors & When to Call the Pros

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I did everything from my iPhone! Easy peasy!

The team at GCS was so easy to do business with. I did everything from my iPhone. I received quotes for my project with options to choose from. We scheduled appointments by text. Measurements were precise and the glass install looks great. When it was all done I made payments through an app on my phone. Easy peasy.

– Philip Capizzi

Very Accommodating!

Just had our new shower glass and frame installed and we are very pleased. Brendan and Tyler did a great job and we really appreciated them working around the other flooring project we had going on at same time. Very accommodating. The glass and framework looks great. I'm looking forward to using the shower tomorrow with the new look. VERY pleased. The company is very responsive, quick to come out and measure, and got the job done. Thanks!

– Steve Gerhart

A Great Experience!

A great experience from the first estimate, measuring and install. Really well priced and was surprised at how quickly the shower doors were delivered and installed an entire week early. Was very pleased with the entire experience from start to finish.

– Kathleen Ruhl

Super Fast Turnaround Time!

I found this company after looking at many top-rate glass companies in Denver and seeing that I had to fill out forms and wait for them to get back to me. Some took days, and others have yet to call or email back. GCS was easy to text in from the website and talk to someone and get a quote rather quickly with examples over the text message. Within a few mins, I had a quote and an appointment set! That's how you earn the business! Make the initial request EASY and prove what the client is looking for! They were on time for every appointment and were professional. The glass took a few weeks to arrive, but the team kept us in the loop via text and never missed a detail. We are so happy with our choice, and the glass looks fantastic! They even added a complimentary glass coating to keep the soap scum at bay for two years. I'm starting a new project and will use them again in the next few weeks! Highly recommend.

– Alex Tooke

Look No Further!

No need to search any further for a new shower door. Not only is GCS very fair on pricing (believe me, I did my due diligence) but their customer service is out of this world (so rare these days). From working with Chance on pricing, Austin on installing, and Tom on measuring and follow through, everyone was extremely professional. Tom is a perfectionist in the best of ways. His attention to detail is reflective in the quality of work. Thanks team!

– Caitlin Kinnett

Best Experience Ever!

We had the best experience work with GCS Glass! We knew going in some of our product was on back order and would take awhile. We were so impressed with GCS Glasses communication! They always communicated what was going on every time they got an update. We never felt like they “forgot about us” because they were in constant contact. Their workers were great and professional. Price wise they were slightly cheaper than competing companies. We could not be happier with this company.

– Jessica Laue-Flint

Highly Recommend Company

I would highly recommend this company for your shower door. Brandon was quick to respond to my request for quote. He provided excellent details about the options and prices including pictures, all in text so was very convenient.

– Teresa Hastings

Professional staff, Outstanding installers

GCS Glass is the premier company in AZ. Professional staff, outstanding installers. I ordered 3/8" Starphire clear tempered glass, brushed nickel hinges and hardware to match my bathroom fixtures. Emily sent me a detailed invoice with photos of the hardware. This was the finishing touch to the custom bathroom I built. If you want the absolute best GCS will deliver.

– Mark Plennes

Smooth Process, Amazing Quality

We absolutely Love our Glass from GCS Glass Supply. The whole process went so smoothly and the quality is Amazing. Joe and Tim were very responsive each step in the process. The install by Junior and Camden was above our expectations. They were very polite, clean and provided quality craftsmanship. Many thanks GCS Glass. Best regards, Jim & Susan M.

– Jim Mohrig

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