Find Your Locally Owned and Operated GCS Glass
Find Your Locally Owned and Operated GCS Glass
Frameless glass shower doors and enclosures can require a different type of hardware compared to traditional framed shower doors and enclosures. Because of this, it’s crucial that you have the right type of hardware for ultimate function and fit. Low-quality hardware can cause damage to your doors and enclosure over time and may not function as intended.
Choosing the perfect shower door hinges, hardware type and finish will help your new glass shower enclosure blend well with your bathroom’s decor and design, for a creative and bold look.
The right type of hardware and glass door hinges for your new shower can complete the look of your bathroom and turn it into a contemporary oasis. When you’re getting ready for your new shower install, you need to purchase the right hardware to accentuate your frameless glass shower doors and enclosure, without cluttering up the streamlined, clean look.
There are some key pieces of hardware you’ll need that can complete the look of your new shower and ensure it’s functional, allowing you to easily enter and exit the enclosure. When shopping for the right hardware, you can choose from a variety of styles and finishes, including chrome, nickel, bronze, and brass.
The color and finish of your existing bathroom hardware will influence the color and style of the new shower door hardware and hinge finish you choose. In most cases, the shower door hardware should be uniformly one finish or color, however, you can also experiment to see what works best for your unique bathroom space.
The most common finishes or colors used for shower door hardware are silver and gold. These colors are often preferred due to their reflective nature and aesthetic appeal, giving a bathroom space a classic look. When you choose the hardware components for your shower, keep in mind that form should follow function considering the hardware’s main job is to ensure that the glass doors are attached securely. While the new hardware doesn’t have to match your existing hardware exactly, it’s best to choose similar tones that will blend well.
There are many different hardware finishes available, from high polish and brushed to satin and matte. Satin and matte finishes are muted and can look better over time, while bright polished finishes are bolder and can show wear much faster.
Silver and brushed nickel are two of the most popular finish options since they’re very versatile and have remained trendy over the years. However, if you want a bolder look, you can choose from chrome, oil rub bronze, stainless steel, antique brass, matte black, and satin brass.
Depending on the finish you choose, you can end up with a more modern look or something bold that really pops. Regardless of the type of finish you choose, the hardware for your shower should all be the same finish and should closely match the other hardware used throughout your bathroom.
There’s a wide range of knobs and shower handles to choose from, so you can be sure to find a style that will work with your bathroom’s decor and your budget.
Some common style options for knobs and handles include ladder pulls, D-pulls, and square pulls. There are also a variety of lengths available for each handle style, which can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the shower door design and your needs.
Hardware options can include:
The perfect hardware will match the existing metals in your bathroom and should not clash. If you’ve hired an expert glass company and are having a custom glass shower enclosure designed, an expert can work with you to choose the right type of handles and hinges for bypass enclosures, corner shower enclosures, walk-in showers, and more.
The types of hinges you choose can affect other installation requirements for designing and building your shower. Side-mount and pivot hinges are the standard hinges used for most types of shower doors. But ultimately, the hinge type will heavily depend on the shower enclosure style. Pivot hinges fix to the top and bottom of a shower door, while side-mount hinges fix to the side of a shower door. Choosing the shower hinge type can dictate how much glass fabrication is needed and where the other hardware will be placed.
There are many glass door hinge types to choose from. The shower door hinge design can add a touch of elegance, depending on the style and finish you choose. As mentioned earlier, pivot and side-mount hinges are commonly used, but you can also choose from offset hinges, glass-to-glass hinges, and full-back hinges.
Pivot hinges allow shower doors to swing fully open in either direction and can be used on glass-to-wall doors and glass-to-glass. This type of hinge is a great option for smaller spaces.
Full-back hinges are used on doors that are extra wide or on heavy doors. These hinges are often found on wall-to-glass doors, which will allow them to open up to 180 degrees.
Offset hinges are installed on oversized or corner shower doors. This type of hinge can create more space.
The most common type of glass-to-glass hinge used is the 90-degree hinge. This type can be used to connect two pieces of glass. Other types of glass-to-glass hinges used include 180-degree and 135-degree hinges.
If you have a frameless glass shower door, glass-to-glass, and pivot hinges are better suited for lightweight doors, while a full-back hinge can support a heavier shower door. Aside from the weight of the shower door, you’ll also need to consider the door’s size. For a smaller shower, glass-to-glass or pivot hinges can help save space. For a modern, sleek look, glass-to-glass hinges are the go-to choice. For a more traditional look, full-back hinges are a better option.
Before you choose shower door hardware, you need to take accurate measurements. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring lengthwise across the top, center, and bottom of the door for an inline opening. Make sure you use the right size level to ensure your surfaces and walls are all level. You may need a tapered filler if any area is out of level ⅜ of an inch or more. Next, measure the height. Measure from the top of the tub deck or the top of the threshold all the way to the top of the walls. You can give this information to your shower door expert. These measurements can help you determine the correct hardware placement.
While these types of doors are low maintenance, to keep your shower hinges and handles looking new, you should clean these components at least once a week. Doing so can minimize the risk of buildup and can keep your hardware free of debris. Tough buildup can also make the cleaning process difficult. Before you clean, check out the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations to make sure you use the right type of cleaner that will not harm or discolor the finish.
If you want to remodel your bathroom or upgrade your shower with a new glass shower door and enclosure, contact the pros at GCS Glass. A shower door install is a major job and choosing the wrong hinges and hardware can result in a disaster that can cost you thousands. At GCS Glass, we can help you choose the right shower door design, hardware finish, type, and the perfect hinges, based on shower door style, design, space needs, and shower door weight. Our glass contractors can meet with you to go over your door, hinge, and hardware options and ensure you pick a design that can transform your bathroom and complement existing decor. Contact us today to get a free quote.
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