Category: Glass Shower Doors

Make Your Bathroom Pop With a Custom Glass Shower Door

Frameless Notched 90 Degree Shower Enclosure 3

Many homeowners make the common mistake of shopping for a new frameless shower door at their local home improvement store or online, not giving much thought to how the door will look and fit and whether leaks can be a potential problem. Because a frameless glass shower door must fit your shower perfectly, you must research which shower door style will work for your bathroom by considering how the door will open, whether a particular door works for your bathroom’s layout, and if off-the-shelf doors offer the same quality, craftsmanship, and durability that a custom glass shower door will.

In most cases, having a custom shower door made for your bathroom can be the best way to ensure the installation process goes smoothly and you’re left with a beautiful shower that will add value to your home.

Style Considerations

For a tighter bathroom space, you must consider bathroom size, shower layout, and frameless options.

Before you buy a new glass shower door, ask yourself:

How do you need the shower door to function?
What type of style do you want?
Do you want to match the hardware on your new shower with your existing bathroom decor?
How quickly do you want this project completed?
What are the shower space measurements?
What is your budget like?

The first thing you should research is the different styles of shower doors available.

Frameless Door Options

While framed and semi-framed shower doors were popular years ago, today, frameless shower doors remain the style of choice. These doors feature an elegant, frameless design that’s low maintenance, functional, and highly customizable.

Depending on the glass finish and design you choose, a frameless shower door can also allow you to show off high-end features, such as rain showerheads and tilework.

There are many popular frameless shower door options available, including:

Neo-angle shower doors
Bi-fold shower doors
Bypass
Sliding

And more.

Below, you’ll find the types of shower door designs that are popular with homeowners:

Inline

Inline doors work for showers that feature a single straight opening. This type of glass shower door consists of two to three glass panels that are installed in a straight line.

Return

Return doors feature panels that don’t line up to a shower door, resting at a ninety-degree angle instead. Options for this style include a bypass door and return panel or a swing door.

Corner

Corner doors are installed in the center of two panels, each of which is angled at 135 degrees.

Entry Type

Choosing the entry style is another important decision and one that should be based on the available space in your bathroom and your style preferences.

Swing

Swinging shower doors will swing out into the bathroom for easy entry, however, if there’s not much space in your bathroom, a door that swings outward can prove problematic.

Sliding

A sliding shower door is often a much better choice for smaller bathrooms. Sliding doors feature a space-saving, stylish design. Some types of sliding enclosures include bypass doors, with both sides that slide. Other types of sliding enclosure designs consist of a panel that slides and is coupled with a panel that’s fixed.

Rolling

Rolling doors are similar to sliding doors, however, this design features ball bearings that can improve how the doors glide along a fixed panel track.

Panel Enclosures

Panel enclosures offer a modern, simple design. With no moving parts, a panel enclosure can keep the water in and allows users total freedom when they enter the shower enclosure.

Glass Finishes

With off-the-shelf shower doors, glass finishes are usually limited to clear or frosted. If you decide to have a custom product installed, you’ll have a variety of finishes to choose from. Glass finishes can achieve many different looks for your bathroom, offering different levels of privacy.

The perfect finish for your frameless shower door can help you achieve the right look for your smaller bathroom.

You can choose from:

Clear
Ultra-clear
Frosted/satin
Opaque finish
Rain

Hardware

The hardware you choose for a frameless shower door should match the existing hardware in your bathroom. Doing so can tie the room together, providing a clean, seamless look.

Popular hardware choices include:

Chrome
Brushed nickel
Oil rubbed bronze
Matte black
Satin brass

And more.

Why Custom Doors Are a Better, Safer Option

If you have a smaller bathroom, when you buy a door off the shelf, you’re rolling the dice. Even if you take careful measurements, there’s no guarantee that the door will fit the way it should, which can mean you’re opening yourself up to dealing with a leaky shower that may end up ruining your bathroom floor. Additionally, since you have a smaller than average bathroom and shower space, your choices of doors will be very limited.

When you decide to go with a glass company that can create a glass shower door that will work specifically with your bathroom, you’ll find that there are many customization options to choose from, allowing you to select the perfect shower door shape, style, glass type, and hardware for your unique bathroom.

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today

Now that you know how to choose a new shower door that will work for your bathroom, you’ve probably also realized that custom glass shower doors are the way to go. At GCS Glass and Mirror, our team of glass experts can create a custom shower door that will work with your bathroom and shower layout, to ensure you get a shower door style and design that adds functionality and beauty to your home.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact GCS Glass and Mirror today.

Spotless Shower Doors Keep Your Bathroom Bright

All Shower Glass is Not Created Equal – What You Need to Know About Glass Thickness and Safety

With a frameless shower door, you want to avoid thinner glass and choose glass that’s thick, durable, and safe. Unlike traditional shower doors, frameless models lack the heavy-duty frame and hardware, which is why you must choose glass that’s a minimum of 3/8-inches thick. This minimum thickness will ensure the door is strong, durable, and able to easily withstand daily use.

For a frameless shower door enclosure, you’ll often find a couple of thickness options available:

½ inch
⅜ inch

½ inch shower glass can provide much-needed structural durability, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who are willing to pay a higher price for glass that’s tougher and has a more substantial feel.

⅜ inch shower glass is slightly thinner, but it still offers better than average stability. This thickness is a popular choice with many buyers since it’s affordable and durable.

Shower Glass Safety

The thickness of shower glass matters, especially if you’ve decided to go with a frameless shower door. Fortunately, most frameless models are made using tempered glass, which does not break like traditional glass. Tempered glass is heated until it becomes soft and is then chilled with cold air. Using this method induces stress to create glass that is impact-resistant.

Unlike other types of glass, tempered will not break into sharp jagged pieces that can cause serious injuries. Instead, the glass will break into oval-shaped small pebbles that are much safer and will not cause the serious damage regular glass would, in the event of an accident.

Additionally, you can choose tempered glass that offers different design elements, so you can choose a new shower door that allows you to add a touch of your personal style.

Working with a Professional Glass Company

If you’ve decided to update your shower or renovate the entire bathroom, you must choose a professional glass company that has experience with making thicker glass doors and can design a custom door that will fit your shower space perfectly.

Glass companies that fabricate custom frameless shower doors not only create doors that will fit your shower space perfectly, but these doors typically offer superior quality and more design options.

Appearance

In terms of texture and looks, there’s a wide variety of tempered glass to choose from, including:

Clear
Ultra-clear
Textured
Rain
Frosted
Opaque

Frosted and Opaque

Frosted or opaque glass is a great choice for homeowners in need of more privacy since these types of glass can obscure visibility, making them well-suited in high-traffic bathrooms. Additionally, frosted glass can be a better choice for some homes, since it’s low maintenance and keeps fingerprints and smudges from being too obvious.

Clear and Ultra-Clear

Clear glass is one of the most popular choices because it can really open up smaller bathrooms, allowing more light to shine throughout. Clear glass has a somewhat greenish tint to it, due to the iron content. Ultra-clear glass goes through an additional process to remove more iron, resulting in crystal clear, or ultra-clear, glass.

Because these types of glass are textureless, they work well with any type of existing bathroom decor and design. The simple, clean look makes clear and ultra-clear popular among homeowners.

Rain Glass

Rain glass is similar to frosted and opaque, offering more privacy while doing a great job of hiding smudges. It differs from the other privacy glass options due to its decorative, eye-catching raindrop pattern. However, because the texture of the glass obscures visibility within a shower, it’s a better choice for larger bathroom spaces.

Quality Glass

Choosing quality glass matters. At GCS Glass and Mirror, we use only the finest quality glass for our frameless shower doors and shower enclosures. We offer many customization options, so you can choose a new frameless shower door and enclosure that will meet your needs, and add more functionality to your bathroom while creating the calming, spa-like environment you’ve always dreamed of.

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today

A custom shower door can completely transform your bathroom space, whether you’re designing a new shower or upgrading your old one. Aside from adding more value to your home, a new shower door can breathe life back into an outdated bathroom. If you’re ready to make this important upgrade to your home, contact the pros at GCS Glass and Mirror today to get a free quote and schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable and experienced glass experts.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact GCS Glass and Mirror today.

A Buyer’s Guide on How to Avoid Shady Glass Door Companies

Spotless Shower Doors Keep Your Bathroom Bright

You can search online and find many ways to keep your shower door clean. Some methods are more effective than others. In most cases, a quick wipe-down can help. However, if you have a framed shower door or hard water, you can plan on spending more time on daily maintenance to keep mineral deposits and soap scum at bay.

Several issues with shower doors come from how the water in your home reacts to soap. Soap can leave behind residue, forming scum. Hard water can also leave stains behind, making it difficult to keep glass spotless after a shower. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips and tricks you can try that can remove scum, fingerprints, and stains, making it easier to maintain your shower’s flawless appearance.

Use Simple Glass Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning with ammonia is a great solution if you’re dealing with a heavy soap scum problem. To remove heavy soap scum buildup, you can take one part ammonia and mix it with three parts water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray down the glass surface. Use a soft-bristled brush and remove the soap scum while the surface is still wet. Rinse the glass with water and use a lint-free towel to completely dry the surface.

Many homeowners swear by the cleaning power of white vinegar. Not only can you spray down your shower glass with this gentle cleanser to remove dirt, soap scum, and grim, but you can also use it to prevent streaks and remove water spots, fingerprints, and smudges.

Install a Water Softener System

If your home has hard water, you can consider installing a whole-home water softening system. In many cases, hard water not only impacts your shower glass, but can also cause issues with your plumbing, can make it difficult to wash clothes, and may even leave a film on your skin.

Wipe Down Your Shower Glass

Wiping down your shower glass after each use can prevent hard water stains and can prevent mold and soap scum buildup. To dry your doors quickly and easily you can use a microfiber cloth. After each shower, take the cloth and wipe down the surface of the glass, using circular motions to prevent streaks. The cloth can also be used for daily maintenance to remove fingerprints and smudges.

For some, a squeegee is a better alternative, since it dries quickly and can be used to prevent water spots and streaks. This type of cleaning tool can be hung in the shower, making it easy to quickly squeegee glass shower doors after each use.

Use a Chemical-Free Cleaner

A Magic Eraser is a type of sponge that features a fine consistency. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals with one, instead, you can gently wipe down the surface of the glass door to remove mineral buildup, soap scum, fingerprints, and smudges. This type of cleaning tool is also the perfect choice for occasional deep cleans.

Up the Cleaning Frequency

Failing to maintain and regularly clean your shower door can quickly turn into a disaster. If you don’t do a little maintenance daily, you may find yourself stuck with a major project in just a couple of months. To sum it up, the glass should be cleaned with white vinegar or ammonia once you notice any soap scum or grim, and squeegeed after every shower, to help prevent soap scum build-up and to remove streaks and smudges.

If you stay on top of maintaining your shower, you will only need a monthly deep clean. However, if you find yourself constantly forgetting to wipe down your shower, plan to deep clean it at least once a week to prevent buildup.

Frameless Glass Shower Doors Versus Framed

Whether your shower has a framed or frameless design, the glass in your shower must be cleaned regularly. Frameless shower doors tend to be easier to clean and maintain since there’s no frame that can harbor mold and bacteria. The lack of a frame also means faster cleanup and maintenance. Framed shower enclosures were popular for many years, but their design makes them difficult to clean, especially if you have hard water issues in your home. In many cases, the simple design of a frameless shower door and enclosure allows you to simply take a microfiber cloth or squeegee, wipe down the glass, and you’re good to go. Framed showers require deep cleaning regularly, whereas a frameless shower door and enclosure will only require monthly cleaning, if you stay on top of daily wipe-downs. For some, the low-maintenance design alone is enough to upgrade to a frameless shower door and enclosure.

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today

If you’re tired of your outdated shower and you’re ready to make important changes in your home, contact the team at GCS Glass and Mirror today to get a quote and schedule a consultation. Our frameless glass shower doors and enclosures will not only add more value and elegance to your home, but they can also add more functionality to your bathroom and save you hours of time on routine bathroom maintenance. Contact our glass experts today to learn more.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact GCS Glass and Mirror today.

What You Need to Know About Glass Thickness and Safety

Amazing Shower Designs to Make Your Bathroom Pop

There are many styles of frameless shower doors to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. The type you choose should complement the layout of your bathroom, especially if you’re tight on space.

Below, you’ll find the top styles that are popular with homeowners.

Bypass

If you have a tub and shower combo, a bypass shower door is a great choice. This type of sliding shower door is made up of two to three glass panels that slide past each other along a track that’s placed at the bottom and the top of the bathtub.

Bypass door designs are commonly found on standalone showers since they feature a space-saving design that’s perfect for smaller bathrooms and homeowners on a budget.

Pivot

Another popular option is the pivot shower door. This door is mounted, allowing it to swing inward or outward. Bathrooms with limited space can benefit from a pivot door that opens inward, making it a great option for spaces that are too small for a bypass door setup.

A custom pivot door can work for oddly shaped bathrooms or smaller than average spaces. Typically, these doors measure a little over thirty-six inches wide. If a shower has a bigger opening than the standard-sized pivot doors, glass panels can be used.

Frameless

Traditional shower doors usually feature a bulky frame that’s made out of a type of composite material or aluminum. Frameless designs are much simpler and feature clips that hold and secure the sides of the glass.

In recent years, framed shower doors have fallen out of favor, with more and more homeowners opting for frameless doors for their more elegant appearance and low-maintenance design.

These doors are a great choice for homeowners who want a more modern look, a shower that’s easier to care for and clean, and can be the right choice for the homeowner that has beautiful tilework in the shower that they want to show off. Frameless doors are also commonly chosen because they can open up smaller spaces, allowing more light to shine throughout.

Curved

This type of door is often chosen for smaller bathrooms or corner shower stalls. The door is combined with a curved glass shower enclosure and fits on a rounded shower tray. This style is easier to clean since it doesn’t have harsh angles where soap scum or grime could build up.

Shower Door Glass Options

The right glass can complement your new bathroom design. With a frameless shower door and seamless glass enclosure, there are several ways you can customize your new shower, with glass options that include:

Etched shower glass
Frosted shower glass
Opaque glass
Clear or ultra-clear glass

And more.

A frameless shower door can feature opaque or frosted glass for additional privacy. If you want to make your smaller bathroom appear more spacious, you can choose clear or ultra-clear glass.

Shower door etching can be a great way to further customize your door and allow it to mesh well with your existing bathroom decor.

The Next Step Toward Your New Modern Shower

Now that you’ve decided on the style of door that will complement your bathroom, you must find a glass company in your area that has the skills and experience to get the job done and install a beautiful new frameless glass enclosure that will add beauty and value to your home. While you can do it yourself, working with a glass company that creates custom frameless shower doors is the best way to ensure the door you buy will fit your shower space perfectly.

Many off-the-shelf shower doors are not designed for smaller or larger bathroom spaces. Improperly installing one of these doors or purchasing the wrong size can result in water leaks, water damage, and other financial losses.

Shower Door Installation from the Pros

When you have a door specifically designed for your modern bathroom and installed by the pros, you’ll get a shower door that fits your bathroom space perfectly. Glass contractors can also recommend other style options, so you’ll end up with a door that blends well with the existing decor in your bathroom, seals correctly, and makes it easier for you and your family to prepare for the day.

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today

Now that you know more about shower door styles and design options, it’s time to take the next step and contact the pros at GCS Glass and Mirror today, for a free quote. After you’ve scheduled a consultation with one of our glass contractors, we can visit your home, take accurate measurements, and sit down with you to go over your style options, needs, and budget. When a project starts, you will have peace of mind knowing that this important upgrade to your home is in the very best hands. Contact us today to get a free quote and to learn more about the perfect shower door options for your home.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact GCS Glass and Mirror today.

A Buyer’s Guide on How to Avoid Shady Glass Door Companies

Common DIY Fixes for Frameless Shower Doors & When to Call the Pros

A frameless shower door can be a great upgrade for your bathroom, adding style and functionality. Despite their frameless design and the fact that they’re made out of glass, these doors are impressively durable. However, regardless of how careful you are and how well you maintain your frameless shower door, they can go through normal wear and tear with daily use, so you’re likely to run into issues at some point.

Shower Door Not Closing Properly? 3 Common Causes

Even if you did everything right, including paying close attention to maintenance and frequent cleaning, problems with your shower door can happen.

A frameless shower door that does not properly close is a common problem that can occur over time. There are some repairs you can handle yourself, and others that will require the skills and experience of a professional glass contractor. It can ultimately depend on the extent of damage and the underlying reason behind why it’s not closing.

Here are some common reasons why a frameless shower door is not closing correctly.

Loose Screw

One of the most common reasons why a shower door isn’t closing all the way is due to loose screws. Make sure you inspect the door closely and take a look at the screws, latches, handle, and hinges and tighten them as needed.

Slipping Hinges

A frameless shower door is made out of tempered glass and comes equipped with hinges that are designed to support the heavier weight of these doors. It’s pretty common for the hinges to require adjustment to correct alignment issues and ensure it operates smoothly. When hinges start slipping, it causes the door to hit the adjoining glass panel. A correct frameless shower door install won’t leave much room between the adjoining panel and the frameless shower door, so it won’t take much slippage to cause a shower door to begin hitting the panel next to it. In this case, a professional glass installer can make some simple adjustments

Rubber Bushing Needs to Be Replaced

If you had your door installed by a professional glass company, you must contact them to resolve this problem. The shower door’s glass panel is clamped into a hinge with a rubber bushing. Over time, rubber bushings will shrink, so the door must be adjusted. While it’s possible to adjust the door yourself, if you do, you’ll risk adjusting it incorrectly, or you may accidentally damage the glass panel. This is a job for professionals. Contact a glass repair technician from the glass company that installed the door and explain the situation.

Other Types of Frameless Glass Shower Door Issues

Below you’ll find other common issues you may encounter with a frameless glass shower door and what to do about them.

Scratches on Shower Door Glass

If your shower door has accumulated some serious scratches from everyday use, you may be tempted to fix this issue yourself, but these doors can easily become damaged if you use the wrong technique. A better solution is to contact the glass company that installed your door. A glass specialist knows the best way to handle the issue and can fill in any defects or buff out the scratches.

Shower Door Leaks

If you’ve noticed that your door is leaking each time you take a shower, this usually has something to do with the door’s seal. A glass contractor can take care of a leaky seal, make proper adjustments, and solve the problem quickly, before bathroom floor damage occurs.

Frameless Glass Door is Dragging

If you’re having trouble shutting your shower door and it’s dragging across your bathroom floor, the door may need to be adjusted. These doors are made out of tempered glass and come equipped with only a few hinges on one side. Adjusting the panes of glass properly is a two-man job and can be difficult if you don’t have any experience.

Shower Door Installation Mistakes

If you decided to purchase an off-the-shelf frameless glass shower door and installed it yourself, you may be running into a variety of issues from the get-go, from the door not sealing or closing correctly to the door dragging across your floor. Installing this type of door requires the services of a professional glass contractor.

The biggest issue here can also be a door that doesn’t fit your shower space properly. Every bathroom and shower are different, which is why it’s important to choose a glass company that creates custom shower doors. If you’re having issues with your off-the-shelf frameless shower door, contact the pros at GCS Glass and Mirror to learn about their custom shower door services.

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Cost of Shower Door Replacement or Repairs

If you’ve decided to have a professional address your repair issues, or you want to replace your old door and opt for a custom shower enclosure, the cost can vary and depend on many factors. To get a better idea of how much you can anticipate paying for repairs or shower door prices, contact professional glass installers for more information regarding the average cost for shower door replacement.

Many glass companies that install custom doors offer a variety of options for your shower replacement, including:

Bi-fold shower doors
Neo-angle style shower doors
Glass shower enclosures
Custom frameless shower doors

And other common styles.

Shower door companies will base service prices off:

The type of shower door
Labor costs
The complexity of the job
Materials used
Additional cost for glass type
Shower door coatings, such as anti-glare coating, antimicrobial coating, anti-spot coating

And more.

Keep in mind, not all glass companies offer the same services, carry the same type of shower doors and coatings, or offer repair services. In many cases, the company that installed your shower door may offer certain services, such as shower hinge adjustments, but not glass repair.

Contact the Shower Door Experts at GCS Glass & Mirror

A beautiful glass shower door can instantly transform your bathroom and give it the elegance and spa-like environment that most people are looking for, but these doors do experience wear and tear over time. While there are some simple fixes for a door that doesn’t shut all the way, in most cases, any repairs or adjustments needed for a frameless glass shower door are best left to the professionals. If you have a question concerning your frameless glass shower door, you’re having issues with your door closing all the way, or you’re interested in having a new custom shower door installed, contact the team at GCS Glass and Mirror today.

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
Custom Shower Doors for Smaller Bathrooms
Amazing Shower Designs to Make Your Bathroom Pop

Custom Shower Doors for Smaller Bathrooms

Are you considering upgrading your bathroom, but you’ve had a difficult time finding the right glass shower door for your smaller or larger than average shower? The problem is, when you shop online or visit your local home improvement store, you’re coming across very basic designs that are meant for standard-sized showers. If you don’t have a conventional shower, you need to work with a local glass company and have a custom glass shower door designed with your shower’s specific measurements in mind. While the cost may be slightly more, you’ll end up with a contemporary shower door that fits perfectly, achieves the proper seal, and looks great.

Make Your Bathroom Pop With a Custom Shower Door

Installing a custom glass frameless shower door is an affordable upgrade that can have a major impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. Frameless shower doors are dominating the home-decor world. Unlike a traditional framed shower door, a frameless glass shower door is made out of thick, heavy glass. This tempered glass is surprisingly durable, easy to clean, and can give your bathroom an elegant, clean look that will complement your bathroom’s existing style.

Work with a Glass Company that Offers Custom Designs and Professional Installation

Installing a custom frameless glass shower door takes skill and experience. Working with a professional glass contractor that also fabricates custom shower doors will ensure you get a door that works perfectly with your specific shower. Installing an off-the-shelf frameless door will come with many potential problems. First, you’ll have to worry that the door itself is not the right width and height to fit your shower. You must also be careful during the installation process to make sure the door is installed correctly, otherwise, you could run into issues with a leaky shower and a ruined bathroom floor.

At GCS Glass and Mirror, our glass contractors can meet with you to discuss your design needs, whether you’re interested in a shower door enclosure or tub enclosure. We can take precise, accurate measurements of your shower and the supporting bathroom walls, to design a beautiful new door that will work with your bathroom’s available space and layout.

Choosing a Glass Shower Door that Offers Functionality and Complements Bathroom Design

You’ll find a wide range of custom glass options when you work with GCS Glass and Mirror. When you meet with our team, we will go over your glass shower door options and recommend styles that will work for your bathroom and improve your bathroom’s functionality. This choice should be based on your bathroom’s layout, shower space, and budget.

We offer a wide range of shower door types, including:

Bi-Fold Shower Doors
Pivot Door
Barn Door Slider
Neo-Angle
Tub Doors

Glass Type and Design Options

The next step is choosing the type of glass you want to use for your shower door and other design elements.

At GCS, our doors are made out of quality materials for your luxury bathroom.

You can choose from:

Black grid-style doors
Frosted glass doors
Arched doors
Etched glass doors
Opaque shower doors

Our glass contractors can work with you to help you select the right style and type of glass door to install. For example, if you have a smaller bathroom, the opaque glass would not be the best choice. Instead, it’s best suited for larger bathrooms. For a small bathroom, clear glass will make the space look bigger than it actually is, allowing more light to flow throughout the bathroom. Our years of experience with custom glass door design and installation allow us to help you make the best choice for your bathroom, based on:

Bathroom floor space
Bathroom decor
Bathroom size
Style preferences
Budget
Shower door hardware

Why You Should Work with GCS

Our company has built a reputation with clients from all over the state. We know how important it is to communicate closely with our clients during a project and keep them up to date on the progress. We pride ourselves on our quality workmanship, excellent customer service, and our dedication to getting the job done right and on time. We also offer free quotes, so you’ll know what to anticipate, in terms of cost. Our glass company is committed to helping you choose the right type of glass door, one that will complement your bathroom and won’t hit your wallet too hard.

Contact GCS Glass & Mirror Today for a Free Quote

At GCS, we want to help you make the right upgrade for your bathroom and design a custom frameless glass shower door that will create the type of relaxing environment that you’ve always dreamed of. If you’ve decided to make this important upgrade and want to learn more, contact the team at GCS Glass and Mirror today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable glass contractors, and let us help you create a unique shower space that’s perfect for your bathroom.

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
Deciding on a Shower Door Contractor for Your Renovation
Common DIY Fixes for Frameless Shower Doors & When to Call the Pros

Deciding on a Shower Door Contractor for Your Renovation

When most people decide to update their bathroom, their first stop is usually the shower. Frameless glass shower doors and enclosures are very trendy right now, for several reasons, but due to the complexity of the installation and design process, it’s crucial that you choose a reputable contractor that has the skills and knowledge to get the job done right, the first time, and can install a custom door and/or an enclosure that’s specifically designed for your unique bathroom space.

Choosing a glass shower door contractor for your shower remodel project is a major decision, and there are many important factors to consider when you’re looking for the right contractor for the job. The glass expert you hire should be able to offer high-quality workmanship and materials and create the elegant design you’re looking for, at prices you can afford.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shower Door Contractor for Your Remodel

Frameless glass shower doors are a popular shower option and can completely transform the look and feel of a bathroom. These doors can also be a great way to instantly update the look of any bathroom, without the high cost of a total bathroom remodel. However, these doors can be very complicated to install, compared to traditional framed shower doors and enclosures. Installing this type of door or frameless shower enclosure with no experience can result in water leaks, project delays, and high costs.

Some homeowners may consider installing a frameless shower door on their own to save money, however, this type of installation can become quite complicated for DIYers who lack the skills and knowledge to handle this type of delicate job. While anyone can purchase a door at a local home improvement store, installing a glass shower door or enclosure requires a certain skill level that many people don’t possess.

Why Go with a Glass Expert?

A professional glass contractor can create a custom shower door and/or enclosure that is specifically designed to fit your shower, based on bathroom space, shower space, and style preferences.

There are many benefits to hiring a glass contractor for your shower door installation, however, you must carefully choose a contractor that has the skills, experience, and knowledge to take on a complex shower enclosure installation to create beautiful results.

Here are some things to consider when you’re searching for the right shower door installer for your bathroom remodel:

Work Experience

Before you hire a glass shower door installer, make sure they have a significant amount of experience working on similar projects. Ask to see their work portfolio and take a look at the past projects they have completed. This will allow you to see their quality of workmanship, versatility, and skills.

Expertise

Having a shower door installed can be a major investment, so choosing the right door for your bathroom is important. Frameless shower doors are popular because they offer a minimalist, clean look and they’re easy to maintain. The key to a beautiful-looking shower door is choosing a contractor who pays attention to all the tiny details and gets the job done right the first time. Many people can install a shower door themselves, but a professional contractor will ensure the job is done right, so you won’t have to deal with leaks, poor seals, or other issues later down the road.

A contractor should be able to answer all of your questions regarding shower door and enclosure designs, styles, and the installation process.

Project Length

When you’re interviewing contractors, ask how long the job will take. The time required for this type of project can vary significantly depending on many factors. For example, if you want a custom-built shower door or enclosure installed to replace your existing shower, it can take considerably longer to install than you may expect since a custom job will always take longer than a standard job. The only way you can be sure of how long a job will roughly take is to speak with a professional glass contractor and discuss what you want to be done.

Estimates for Shower Door Installation that are Reasonable

You should also get a rough idea of how much the project will cost before you decide to hire a contractor for the project. This will help you determine whether or not the contractor is right for you, based on your budget. While your budget should never be the determining factor when hiring an experienced contractor, it’s definitely something you will need to consider before signing on the dotted line.

High-Quality Materials

The materials and products used for designing and installing this popular shower option should be high-quality. Make sure the glass used is of good quality and the appropriate thickness since a quality frameless design should be much thicker than the glass used on a traditional framed door. High-quality glass can result in gorgeous shower walls and the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of.

Bathroom Design Options

You may already have a good idea of what you want your new shower to look like, which is why you must choose a contractor that offers a wide range of design options, including hardware and glass type. Many homeowners choose frameless shower doors for their contemporary style and elegant design. However, there are many other bathroom style options you can choose from that will work with your personal preferences and budget.

Type of Glass/Fixtures

In many cases, a shower door contractor will offer ultra-clear, clear, frosted glass, opaque glass, and tinted shower door glass, which will allow you to choose glass based on your privacy and style preferences. Companies that carry a variety of hardware finishes, such as nickel or oiled brass fixtures, will give you the ability to choose the right hardware that will work with your entire bathroom style, so the new shower will flawlessly tie into the rest of the room, to achieve the intended look.

Should I Choose a Frameless Glass Door for My Shower Remodeling Project?

It’s true that a frameless shower door installation can be difficult and will definitely require the skills of a professional to get the job done right. The higher cost of these doors in addition to the complexity of the installation may have you wondering whether this type of door or enclosure is right for you and your home, but considering the many benefits that come with choosing this type of door for your bathroom remodel, you’ll quickly realize this remodel is money well invested in your home.

Some of the main benefits you’ll enjoy when you choose a frameless door include:

A frameless shower door and glass shower wall panels can make your bathroom look much larger than it is, allowing more light to flow throughout your bathroom
A custom door will be designed specifically for your bathroom, making it a great choice for uniquely shaped bathrooms, a corner glass shower, tub enclosures, walk-in showers, corner showers, and older bathrooms.
When installed properly by a professional, a door will not leak.
The lack of a frame means a low maintenance design that also eliminates areas for mold, bacteria, and mildew to grow
Installing a frameless shower door will instantly increase the value of your home
You’ll enjoy a bathroom that offers an elegant, spa-like atmosphere.

As you can see, when installed correctly, this type of shower door can add value and many benefits to your home, which is why you must work with a professional that has extensive skills, experience, and knowledge in installing this type of door or enclosure.

Finding the Right Glass Contractor for Your Bathroom Shower Remodel

Whether you want a frameless shower door with an elegant design, a simple contemporary design for a more modern look, or an indulgent steam shower, the glass contractors at GCS Glass and Mirror offer complete shower solutions.

We will meet with you to discuss design options, explain the installation process, and go over project costs, so you can make an informed decision concerning the style, type of glass, and fixture replacement, to determine what’s right for you and your bathroom.

The team at GCS Glass and Mirror has earned a reputation for their beautiful workmanship, high-quality materials, innovative designs, and their commitment to client satisfaction. As a company that prides itself on creating custom shower doors and enclosures that feature an elegant design and are built to last, you can feel confident that you’re working with a team that goes above and beyond to complete a project on time and to your satisfaction. To learn more about GCS Glass and Mirror and their custom shower door and enclosure installations, contact us today.

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
How To Buy Custom Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Custom Shower Doors for Smaller Bathrooms

How To Buy Custom Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Bathrooms are one of the costliest rooms in the home to remodel. However, many homeowners have discovered that remodeling just the shower area in their bathrooms can prove to be a more cost-effective option and one that can instantly upgrade and change the look and feel of their bathroom. If you follow bathroom renovation trends across the country, then you probably already know that frameless shower doors are in and have taken the place of the outdated framed shower doors that have fallen out of favor. Frameless glass shower door enclosures have the power to turn an outdated and basic bathroom into an elegant retreat, and for a fraction of what you would pay for a total bathroom remodel.

Beautiful Glass Shower Doors for Your Bathroom Upgrade Project

With the lack of a metal frame, a frameless glass shower door provides a sleek, clean, and modern look that’s easy to maintain. The lack of the frame allows for an unobstructed view of the shower areas, which adds an aesthetic dimension to an otherwise basic bathroom and makes it appear more spacious and elegant.

Cleaning and maintaining their flawless look is also virtually hassle-free. There’s no chance of rust, mold, soap scum, or mildew accumulation since there’s no metal frame or rubber in the door’s design.

But their functionality, low maintenance design, and aesthetic appeal aren’t the only reasons these doors are so popular.

Design Flexibility

A frameless shower door fits in well with contemporary bathroom designs, regardless of bathroom size.

If you want to do a total bathroom remodel, then you’ll have more flexibility in terms of choosing a new glass shower enclosure. If you’re replacing an existing shower door, you will need to consider the size of your shower area, including the room needed for the door’s movement and the size of the bathtub. You should also have your current plumbing inspected to determine if anything needs to be replaced.

Accurate Measurements are a Must

Before you explore your design options, you must take precise measurements. Accurate measurements will pinpoint how much space you have to work with, can help you determine which type of door and enclosure is compatible with your bathroom’s layout, or it can indicate you need a company that offers custom frameless shower doors. Custom shower doors are fabricated with your bathroom’s available space in mind. Without perfect measurements, you may end up with a door with poor clearance or one that cannot achieve a perfect seal.

Bathroom Design

Bathroom space is everything. If you have a smaller master or guest bathroom, the goal is to maximize every inch of bathroom space and install a shower door enclosure that makes the most of the space you have, while adding to its functionality. Frameless shower doors are a great option for bathrooms of all sizes, depending on your personal style preference.

Shower Layout

The layout of the shower will help you decide on a shower setup that will work with the space available and your bathroom’s design, making the room flow well, while maximizing space.

Door

A glass shower door can open to the right or left and the hinges can be attached to another pane of glass or a wall, depending on your shower’s layout.

Walls

For most shower shapes you can have a variety of half and full walls. Once you’ve selected a shower shape, an expert glass installer can show you the most common configurations to help you choose one that will work the best for you.

Frameless Glass Shower Door Designs

Choosing a shower design will impact the look and feel of your bathroom. Depending on the width of the bathtub or shower area, you can choose a hinged or sliding door. Hinged doors can have a door with a panel or a simple single-door design.

90-Degree Frameless Glass Doors

90-degree shower doors feature two glass sides that meet at a right angle to form a rectangle or square.

Neo Angle Shower

A neo-angle shower door is diamond-shaped with two tile walls and three glass sides.

Single Doors

Single glass shower doors are commonly installed on shower stalls and are usually the only glass element on a shower enclosure, with tile on the three remaining sides. A single door is perfect for smaller spaces or stand-in showers.

Door and Panel

A door and panel shower is perfect for showers that have an opening that’s greater than 33 inches. The single door is combined with a knee-in or full glass panel.

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors are possible if you work with an experienced glass contractor that offers custom glass doors.

Bypass Sliding Shower Doors

A bypass sliding door features a square bar and a two-rail design that allows both glass panels to bypass each other.

Barn Door Slider

To create an opening, the barn door slider moves a single panel over the other. However, unlike a bypass sliding door design which is equipped with two rails and a square bar, with a barn door slider, a round bar is installed that only allows the barn door to slide.

Steam Showers

All shower shapes can be built with a transom at the top or a full enclosure that you can open to allow steam to escape or it can be closed to trap the steam inside.

Shower Door Glass Options

The type of glass you choose will depend on personal preference and the look you want to achieve.

Typically, you’ll have a few options:

Clear and Ultra-Clear

Clear glass looks stylish and can give a small bathroom a more spacious look. The interior of the shower is easily visible, making clear glass a great choice for showers with beautiful tilework.

Frosted

You can also choose frosted glass for your frameless shower doors. Frosted glass doors feature an opaque finish and are commonly chosen for the added level of privacy. Frosted glass also doesn’t require as much upkeep as clear glass shower doors.

Patterned

Patterned glass for frameless shower glass doors is available in a variety of etched patterns, including rainfall or raindrop. Patterned glass is also more translucent compared to frosted.

Glass Thickness

A frameless glass shower door is made out of sturdy, thick tempered glass. Unlike a framed door, these doors are not supported by a frame or any metal panels. The only metal elements on a frameless door are the handles and hinges. Typically, the glass used to make these doors ranges from ⅜’ to ½’ thick, which makes the doors structurally strong.

Essential Hardware Finishes and Colors

The right hardware colors and finishes can tie a room together and allows your new shower enclosure to blend well with your existing bathroom decor.

You’ll have your choice of:

Polished chrome hardware
Brushed nickel
Oil rubbed bronze
Matte black
Satin brass

Hinges

You’ll also have your choice between pivot hinges or side mount hinges. Pivot hinges are affixed to the top and bottom of the shower door. Side-mounted hinges are similar to the hinges used on the interior doors in a home.

Handle Designs

Available handle designs include:

Pulls
Square knobs
Round knobs

Mounting Options

You can choose between channel or clamp mounting options.

Channel

The channel option utilizes a u-shaped strip of metal that’s the same length as the glass edge. The glass is slotted in place with the channel secured to the floor and walls.

Clamps

The clamps are affixed to the walls and the floor of the shower and clamp the glass in place.

Let the Installation Pros Handle this Type of Complex Remodel

While some homeowners are tempted to try the DIY approach, installing frameless glass shower doors is much more complex than most people think. One small mistake, such as inaccurate measurements, or mounting the glass incorrectly, can result in high costs and project delays. Installation pros with significant experience working with showers of all shapes and sizes know what will work for your bathroom and what won’t.

Meeting with a glass contractor can end up saving you time, stress, and money. You can discuss your style preferences, space concerns, and explain exactly how you want your shower to look. A company that fabricates its own frameless glass shower doors is a huge plus since they can ensure your new glass door and enclosure fit your bathroom perfectly. You’ll also have more options in terms of design, hardware styles, and hardware finishes.

Get a Quote from Shower Door Experts

Any reputable glass company will offer a free quote. This will give you a good idea of what you can anticipate in terms of installation and fabrication costs. If you’re on a budget, getting a quote is a must.

Always Look at a Glass Company’s Work Portfolio

Most shower door companies will have their work portfolio readily available online.

Looking at a company’s portfolio will not only give you more style ideas but will also give you a clear idea of whether the company is capable of creating the bathroom of your dreams.

At GCS Glass and Mirror, we’re proud of the beautiful glass shower enclosures and shower doors we’ve created and installed for our clients all over the state. If you need a team of experienced glass contractors that can deliver the results you’re looking for, our portfolio speaks for itself.

Are You Ready for Your New Frameless Glass Shower Door?

Installing a new glass shower door and enclosure can drastically change the look and feel of your bathroom. It can give you that small piece of paradise at home, one you’ll look forward to relaxing in after a long day at work. If you’re ready for this important bathroom upgrade, contact the experts at GCS Glass and Mirror today for a free quote. We offer competitive prices, fast and expert installation, and excellent customer service for the best customer experience. We can meet with you to discuss your design options, budget, and turn your vision of a dream bathroom into a reality. Contact us today to learn more.

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
13 Instagramable Shower Designs to Inspire Your Next Remodel
Deciding on a Shower Door Contractor for Your Renovation

13 Instagramable Shower Designs to Inspire Your Next Remodel

From Single Shower Doors To Custom Gigantic Grid Steam Showers

Designing a shower space is indeed an exciting project with more choices than ever before. These options can become a bit confusing though. Whether you are a remodeler or a homeowner building your new home from scratch, your priority is to create a place of retreat. Your shower should be a respite from the day, a place where you can recharge and rejuvenate. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We’re here to inspire!

Below, we’ve curated a list of our 13 favorite frameless shower doors.

1. Glass Splash Panel (Glass Shower Screen)

Whether you have a small hallway bathroom with a shower or a master shower with a large opening, a glass splash panel can be a great way to open the look and feel of your bathroom. Usually, a frameless glass splash panel goes on the same side as your shower head and the other side is left open for you to walk in without a door.

Although splash panels or frameless shower screens look great and are one of the most affordable frameless glass shower options, it can also be the least desirable if this is a shower that you or a loved one plan on using every day.

Why?

Because when we go to take a hot shower and the space isn’t completely enclosed then it can definitely get drafty, especially in the winter months. Also, no frameless shower is watertight, but the splash panel option without a door can let a little more water escape the shower than one with a door.

All in all, it’s a personal preference but they sure do look great!

Love all the textures and colors in this space! The teak bench allows the homeowner to relax as he or she enjoys the soothing, calming environment of their own personal oasis. It’s also a perfect aid for elderly or disabled family members.

Something you see more on splash panels than that of a stationary panel with a door is some type of stabilizer bar. They either go from the corner of the glass up to the ceiling or 45-degrees back to the wall. They are not needed in most situations but do provide an extra feeling of safety and support.

Another utilization of glass shower screens would be just that, plural, as in multiple pieces of glass, but still without a door. On a large opening, you will see a frameless glass splash panel on the right and left sides with the middle left open.

The clear, black-bordered splash panels give the room a broad and open feel. The white spherical bathtub, paired with a black faucet and black shower heads makes this bathroom look more coordinated. This is a great way to tie the look of the room together, for a clean and modern black and white theme.

We particularly like this bathroom for its minimalist look. Here, we did a clear glass splash panel with a matte black U-channel to match the cabinet handles. The dark fixtures and the muted colors were a great way to add a bit of dimension to the space. Overall, we like spaces where clutter is kept to a minimum. It’s a crucial element in spaces where the main purpose is to clean yourself up and simply relax.

2. Frameless Single Glass Shower Door with 180-degree hinges (opens both in and out)

The standard width of a frameless glass shower door is 28” wide with standard wall to glass hinges. The smallest we can install a shower door is 22” by fire code. The widest frameless door that can be installed hinged off a wall is 39” but we typically don’t like doing anything wider than 36”.

Typically, the standard height is 80” tall or 6 foot, 8 inches tall. The same height as a standard doorway in any residential or commercial building.

When you just finished tiling your newly remodeled bathroom and shower space, a frameless glass shower door is the cherry on top that truly showcases a beautiful, finished product.

3. Swing Door & Panel Inline Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure

The vast majority of bathrooms in the United States are built to fit the average width bathtub which ranges from 58”– 60” wide. This leaves us with the most common layout for a guest or even the main bathroom in a home.

A frameless swing door with an adjacent inline stationary glass panel becomes the centerpiece of any newly remodeled bathroom.

You have two main options to attach the stationary panel to the tiled curb and wall. Either a shower glass wall to glass clamps/clips or a frameless glass shower u-channel. Both look amazing when installed with the right design.

Simple yet clean combinations can make your bathroom sparkle. Case-in-point: who knew subway tiles, mosaic shelves and floor in gray tones could go such a long way? The neat white and gray palette melded beautifully into an airy look. Complemented by our frameless clear glass swing door and panel with brushed nickel clamps, this walk-in shower is a winner!

For subway and mosaic tiles, Lotus Tile is a Denver-based tile contractor you may want to try.

guess by now you get that we love subway tiles! They are easy to keep clean, look fantastic with any other colors, and most of all, feature a timeless design. You’ll never regret installing them any time soon.

In this shower, there is no such thing as too much white with those subway tiles. In fact, it’s uncomplicated, sleek and clutter-free design coupled with matte black touches is calling me for an ultimate personal escape!

Create a spacious, all-glass look with our frameless swing door and panel with clamps option! The distinctive look in this shower space is achieved by combining different types of shower floors and walls. Here, we’re swooning over the sultry gray porcelain wall tiles contrasting the floor as well as the gorgeous, marble top oak vanity. This bathroom also tells us that a uniquely shaped mirror can add a twist on your bathroom. Hang it in between light fixtures for amazing selfies! Add candles and plants and you got a feast for the eyes! The matching satin brass fixtures and shower door hardware do not hurt either!

Cabinets To Go has a wide selection of customizable vanities that will be the perfect addition to your bathroom.

4. Frameless Swing Door and Nib Glass Panel

We see this layout pretty often. A nib wall is a half wall, usually next to the toilet that provides a little extra privacy with a small piece of glass on top of it.

Usually, the adjacent inline glass panel on top of the half wall is flush with the top of the shower door glass. Although, sometimes clients like to take that panel all the way up to the ceiling, keeping the door shorter allows the steam to escape over the door.

One way is not better than the other. Again, it is a personal preference on which aesthetically matches your bathroom design style more.

This shower is neatly an eye candy! The frameless clear glass swing door with nib is complemented by quaint but gorgeous walls. Abbapaper is your #1 go-to if you’re into artisan wallpaper. Add the satin brass finishes and you have a bathroom that’s both functional and attractive.

The gold/satin brass hardware immediately captures the attention! I say this bathroom cop this look if you want a balance between shiny and muted colors. The neutral colored tiles and countertop are just perfect for this look.

5. Frameless Barn Door Sliding Shower Glass Enclosure

At GCS Glass, we call a barn door slider the option when one of the glass panels is a stationary panel and the other panel is a horizontal sliding door.

You can position your sliding shower door to open from the right or the left and put the adjacent panel on the opposite side.

With frameless sliding glass shower doors, you must be conscious of the width of your curb. The bottom guide for most frameless slider systems is between 3” – 3 ½” wide. Meaning if you have a pan shower with a 2” curb, the guide will be wider than your curb. The shower can still work but it is worth noting for your design.

Sliding shower doors can be the best design option for functionality especially in smaller bathrooms with less room for a swing door to open fully. Caution, due to extra hardware and glass fabrication costs, custom glass sliding showers are more expensive than the same size shower enclosure with a swing style door.

6. Frameless Bypass Double Sliding Shower Doors

Not only do these shower doors look amazing but they provide the best functionality in our opinion, for a frameless shower glass enclosure.

Why?….

You’ll get a fully frameless look to give your bathroom an open and airy feeling, but the doors also slide past one another in either direction. This makes it easier to clean the bathtub/shower, bathe the kids or animals, but also allows you to crank up the hot water from one side while stepping into the shower from the other side.

Like we said, both beauty and function. This option is a win-win for everyone!

The sliding header bar and hardware are available in polished stainless, brushed stainless, matte black, and from some suppliers even satin brass. We offer custom powder coated for some of our exclusive clients but that increases cost and lead times, so keep that in mind.

7. 90 Degree Corner Frameless Glass Shower Door with A Sleeve Over 90 Clamp (Door, Inline Panel, & Return Panel)

Some 90-degree corner showers can be large, and it is still more cost-effective to hinge the door from the wall compared to hinging off another piece of glass. We’ll get more into that later.

A lot of your local glass tempering facilities can only temper glass 60” wide, so that might be the maximum width you can get from some local shower door shops.

In the main bathroom suite, we see a lot of frameless 90-degree corner shower enclosures as it really opens an already large spacious bathroom.

Talk to any realtor and they say that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes!

In older homes, you’ve probably noticed they have a lot more walls and hallways dividing up spaces, including bathrooms. You will see a lot more single shower doors, but in newer remodels, you often see contractors knocking down walls and opening the spaces up with glass walls, or just leaving more open space.

This Instagrammable bathroom is made more stylish with consistent black and white features. Here, the designer used an intriguing pair of fine black framed mirrors and an unusually shaped sink. The floor is definitely a visual interest. All the fixtures are kept in chrome, while the clear glass shower door reinforces the bathroom’s sophisticated look.

While these designs tend to provide less privacy, open floorplans are very trendy these days and tend to offer a more family-like atmosphere that people love.

We mention the sleeve over a 90-degree clamp as we think it looks better. The stationary pieces of glass are attached at the wall and curb and are butted up to one another, then a sleeve over clamp with pressure tighten set screws to hold the two panels together. After that, the installer will silicone the seam together on the inside to create a waterproof seal.

Some companies put a nice 45-degree miter on both panes of glass to meet and make up the 90-degree corner. But does it look better? We don’t think so, and it is a high cost for the glass vendor to get the mitered edge fabricated. I don’t think the price makes your investment any more valuable.

8. Frameless Saloon Style Glass Shower Doors (Frameless Glass French Doors)

Double glass swing doors are such a visual statement to any newly remodeled bathroom, whether that be your guest bath or your master suite.

The thing to keep in mind here is that you must have enough space on the outside of the shower for both doors to be able to open fully. If the toilet or vanity is right next to the shower, then this style probably won’t be the best for functionality in your space.

If your shower is open in front and you are looking for an affordable show-stopping shower that you would love to show off to your neighbors or post on your Pinterest account, the frameless double glass french doors could be the ideal choice for you.

I think the biggest question with this design would be what type of handles are you going to showcase in the center?

We have 5 main handle options that you can get from the biggest hardware suppliers in the country like CRL, FHC, and HMI, but there are 100’s to choose from. When it comes to shower hardware you just want to make sure it is in stock if you’re getting into specialty finish colors and styles.

9. Frameless Neo-Angle Glass Shower Enclosure

What is a neo-angle? According to Homeguides – A neo-angle shower features a space-saving design that consists of three angled glass panels — one being the shower door — placed between two corner walls. This design takes up less space, versus a traditional square or rectangular-shaped shower, while still offering individuals adequate room in the shower area.

Unlike the previous showers we’ve discussed, the neo-angle shower door is usually in the middle of two panels and not hinged off a wall.

We can do this 1 of 2 ways. Either we add an aluminum header bar that is the same finish color as the rest of the shower hardware, or we do heavy-duty wall to glass clamps with glass-to-glass hinges for the frameless glass door.

Both options look great but in order to put the door between two panels of glass, we must make it more rigid, or the door will be unsafe to function appropriately.

With most neo-angle showers, you will almost always miter at least 2 long edges of the glass to make the glass have a better reveal between the panels where they meet up at the 135-degree angles.

10. Panel, Door, Panel (Custom Frameless Center Hung Door)

This style has become a lot more popular as the rise of the “wet room” has started to become a design trend with a lot of interior designers and design-build firms.

This is not just a frameless glass shower enclosure but involves putting a stand-alone tub and shower into one entire area of the bathroom and closing it off with a wall of glass. You can still hinge the door off the wall to get the same style of wet room but something about putting the door in the center really makes a statement.

Things to keep in mind when designing your wet room:

Again, the hardware was engineered to hinge an 80lb.+ frameless glass shower door from another piece of glass that is designed to be hinged off a maximum width panel of 22”. This means, if you’re looking for a completely frameless look with nothing above the door, you might not be able to put the door directly in the center if you have an extra-wide opening. Don’t worry we have solutions for that.

Things to keep in mind when designing your wet room:

The most common solution for an extra-wide opening with a door hinged in the center would be to add an aluminum header bar. Again, this header bar comes in the same hardware finish color as the rest of the shower but provides more rigid support for the door to swing securely in the center.

Another option would be what we call a ghost header. This is in essence just a non-operable transom piece of glass that connects the two side panels above the door acting like a stiffener to provide just the right amount of support for the door to function perfectly.

You can’t go wrong with any option that you choose. You now have the best-looking bathroom on the block!

11. Frameless Swing Door & Notched Inline Stationary Panel

Clamps or channels? What’s your preference? You can’t go wrong with one or the other. This layout is often chosen because a homeowner and their bathroom remodeling contractor have decided to add a bench in the shower, so the homeowner will have a place to sit and shave while enjoying a hot shower.

The swing door is positioned on the opposite side of the shower and the stationary adjacent glass panel has a custom notch cut into it so it precisely fits around the bench and is secured to the curb and wall tile.

If your bench has an overhanging lip, the majority of the time the installer will notch out the same thickness as the glass for the panel to slide into to give it a very clean finished look.

Some manufacturers will try to CNC cut the glass to fit around the overhang but from our experience, it looks better to notch the overhang and saves you in extra costs.

12. Frameless Notched 90 Degree Shower Enclosure

You will see this shower style as a standalone shower but most of the time you see it as a free-standing shower next to a bathtub.

The notched panel usually fits up onto the tub deck of the bathtub next to it, or if it is a standalone bathtub, the 90-degree shower has a half wall as a return wall, with glass making up the top half of the wall. This provides a little more privacy between the tub and shower.

This is a very common layout in the main bathroom of most homes we work in. Just because the layout is common does not mean your style has to be! Dress it up with a custom shower door handle and upgrade your glass to Starphire ultra-clear low iron glass to really show off the newly remodeled tile work you just spent all that money on!

13. Super Custom Frameless Glass Sliding Shower Doors

What we mean by super custom is that you are not going to be able to even slightly compare these to some stock shower door sitting on a shelf at Lowes or Home Depot. These are not only custom in layout and design, but the hardware is custom-made to make the homeowner’s shower dreams come to life.

Let’s be upfront about this style option. Super custom doors will cost more of your hard-earned money, but the end results are definitely worth every penny.

When you are designing a super custom bathroom, cost can’t be at the top of your priority list.

We’ve done openings as wide as 10’ with a stationary panel in the middle and two doors that close to the opening on the far left and right of the shower, as well as panels on the far right and left with a door that slides both ways and covers up the opening in the middle of the shower.

We’ve even done frameless glass panels on the right and left with double sliding doors that close on to one another in the center of the opening.

Shower Glass Features and Upgrades

If you can dream it, and our glass designers deem it safe, we can supply and install it!

Frameless Glass Steam Shower Enclosures

Almost any of the above layouts can become a steam shower except for the frameless sliding door options.

A frameless sliding shower door has a projection of about 2” (depending on slider style) between the door and the other panels. Again, they have polycarbonate translucent plastics to fill these gaps but they’re not used to create a perfect seal. Instead, they’re more for helping keep water from splashing through the gaps.

With “Frameless” glass you are always going to have gaps around the perimeter of the doors even with swing style doors. You can choose to add plastics and other seals but most of the time when you’re spending that much money on a new custom shower, you don’t want to tarnish the finished look that way.

From our experience, with the power of the steam units these days and with minimal gaps around the door, homeowners don’t even notice a loss of steam.

Operable Transom Vs. Full Height Door

Now comes the choice of whether or not to add an operable transom or to do a full height door.

An “operable” transom glass is the panel of glass that usually goes above the door and has the ability to tilt to vent out the steam of the shower. I say “usually” goes above the door because here at GCS Glass we always look for cool custom ways to do things and have done quite a few vertical transoms.

Why, you, ask?

Because not many people can reach above a 7’ door to tilt the vent so it becomes more for looks than functionality.

Pretty cool, right?

Then again, when you’re taking a steam shower or sitting in it as a sauna, the main point is to keep the steam in until you’re done.

In that case we always recommend going with a full height door with top and bottom pivot style hinges. This option means less reveals (gaps) than the transom option and then you can just keep the door cracked after you’re done to let the steam out.

Sometimes a full height door is not possible depending on the layout, and in that case, you can still go for a transom and make it “non-operable” so that you can do a custom smaller door, or have the ability to position the door where you might not be able to with a full height door.

At the end of the day, it’s what makes the most sense in your bathroom layout and makes you the happiest.

Custom Grid Shower Glass Doors

Every shower layout listed above can be custom grid wrapped.

Some say that the grid showers are a fad but from our experience that fad only seems to be growing. We have had homeowners from around the country contacting us because they can’t seem to find local companies that are producing quality finished grid showers.

As of this writing, we have not only perfected the matte black custom grid wrapped shower glass enclosures, but we have done them in numerous custom finishes.

From white, polished chrome, antique brass, and brushed bronze. Custom home builders, interior designers, architects, and homeowners alike are pushing the envelope with design and custom finishes. We feel that it’s our responsibility to keep up!

In the beginning of the trend it was steel wrapped grid showers that were all the rage, but in addition to them being quite the investment, you can’t powder coat the inside of the steel tubing. No matter how hard you try to seal every hole, water always finds the path of least resistance and they would begin to leak out rust.

We played the game, and learned the hard way. Nobody wants rust stains on their newly remodeled white tile, whether it’s imported from Italy, or just from the neighborhood Home Depot.

So, then the industry started to get creative, as did we, by wrapping the perimeter of the shower glass with the same aluminum u-channel that is made for our frameless shower glass enclosures.

For the grids, adding an aluminum flat stock to the inside and outside of glass.

We played the game, and learned the hard way. Nobody wants rust stains on their newly remodeled white tile, whether it’s imported from Italy, or just from the neighborhood Home Depot.

So, then the industry started to get creative, as did we, by wrapping the perimeter of the shower glass with the same aluminum u-channel that is made for our frameless shower glass enclosures.

For the grids, adding an aluminum flat stock to the inside and outside of glass.

There are a couple of issues with this. First, it was a nightmare for homeowners to keep the grids on the inside of the shower clean. Because cleaning the inside of the shower glass was such a challenge, we would often hear how some companies had to go out and reapply the interior grids. The other issue was the adhesive used to apply the grid material to the glass. Unfortunately, you could see whatever the adhesive was from the opposite side of the glass. Squiggly lines of silicone became industry standard for some, “NOT GCS Glass”, as did different types of tapes that would leave air bubbles.

The GCS Way

We apply the grids only to the outside surface of the glass and use proprietary high bond adhesive tape. When applied to the glass appropriately, the tape does not leave any air bubbles and is the same thickness after being installed as the flat stock aluminum grid material. This leaves the inside of the shower grids looking as good as the outside of the shower. One solid surface of glass makes it easier to clean and maintain for years to come.

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If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
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High End Glass Shower

High End Glass Shower Doors

Is your shower curtain out of style?

Any bathroom can be dressed up with a pop of color from a new shower curtain if that’s all your budget can afford, but is it really as elegant or classy as a custom glass shower door?

In smaller bathrooms with a bathtub, a glass bath enclosure can really help open up the room and make it seem bigger.

If you have a large master bathroom, a custom glass shower and shower door is the ultimate show stopper to give your space a true WOW factor.

The options are pretty limitless with a lot of technologies out there these days.

We can use smart glass (which I go into detail about in a previous blog post) to give you the open classic look yet with the flip of a switch, give you complete privacy. Smart glass can go from transparent to opaque or dark grey within the flip of a switch or even be synced with your voice through Amazon Alexa or Apple’s Siri.

You have the options of enclosing your shower completely in glass, creating a steam shower to keep in the moisture but create a stunning look with clean lines. This is a very popular option in a lot of high end homes we’ve worked in over the past few years.

One of my favorite new technology options is Mprint decorative glass which works as beautiful shower glass to give you a design centric look and feel.

Dip Tech has a patent for a special ceramic ink that is printed into the glass during the tempering process. It keeps the integrity of the glass up to par compared to sandblasting.

I’ll be writing and discussing a lot about this product on our podcast and videos in the very near future because my Nostradamus-like senses predict that this will be a big product in the Design-Build world in the years to come.

One of our vendors (Waterfall Bath Enclosures out of Carrollton, TX) has a heavy glass frameless slider that they call the “Waterslide” that is stunning.

The most common hardware colors are oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and stainless; but you can have them powder coated to about any color imaginable if you have a custom design or color scheme.

The manufactures have a standard height of 74″ and 80″ but you can customize the height to any size that you need for your shower design.

For those of you that are on Houzz you’ve seen the farmhouse style shower enclosures that are popular by designer’s right now.

Personally, I really like the style but I’m curious to how long it will be in around. Either way I’m digging it in 2018 and I live in the now.

Just know there are so many more options than just the shower curtain from Walmart. You can make your neighbors and friends envious by installing a beautiful heavy glass shower no matter what design option you choose.

If you live near a GCS Glass & Mirror Location We can install it for you. If you think that you can measure and install it yourself we will supply the glass for you.

If you have any questions or just want to talk design ideas follow us on Houzz Contact us here
Don’t be shy. I look forward to connecting and hopefully working with you.

I will be posting a new blog every Monday, Wednesday and Friday either about our products and services or the ups and downs of scaling GCS to being the best glass company in USA .

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles about Glass Shower Doors:
High End Glass Shower
13 Instagramable Shower Designs to Inspire Your Next Remodel