High end shower enclosures today are built from glass and metal, so your choices in these areas unite to determine the overall style and vibe of your glass shower. Therefore, every decision, whether large or small, has a significant impact. We’ll take a look at these different aspects of the project, offering pro tips for making savvy choices that you’ll be happy with as time goes by.

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1. Is clear or obscure glass a better choice for my shower enclosure?

 

Modern shower enclosures are generally built from tempered glass. Although annealed (standard) glass is less expensive, it is too fragile and too dangerous if broken. Since this option is banned by building codes, tempered glass, which is stronger and less sharp if broken, has become the go-to option. However, in some rare cases homeowners request laminated glass because it stays in place even when fractured. Keeping our focus on popular tempered glass, though, your style options generally include:

• Clear
• Ultra-clear (low iron content for less green discoloration around the edges)
• Patterned (textured glass)
• Acid-etched (frosted appearance)
• Tinted (gray and bronze are popular color options)
• Cast (deeply textured glass made by pouring molten glass into a mold where it is allowed to cool and harden)

 

Clear and ultra-clear glass are transparent, while the other types offer varying levels of privacy. As you make this choice, consider points such as:

• Do you want to make the shower feel as spacious and open as possible by using clear glass?
• Is it important to keep the shower tile visible from outside the bathroom?
• Do you prefer a smooth glass surface that is easier to clean or a “frosted” surface that camouflages water spots, fingerprints, and soap scum?
• Do you or a family member prefer a more private showering space?
• Will you have time to clean heavily textured glass (cast), or should you choose something that’s easier to maintain?

 

2. How can I determine what hardware (metal components) I will need for my enclosure?

 

On frameless enclosures, aluminum framing is skipped, and clamps and caulk joints are used instead to hold fixed panels of glass in place. Additionally, you will need hardware for door operation, either hinges or a sliding shower door system. As you choose between these two, consider factors like:

• Is there room around the shower’s entrance for a door panel to swing open?
• Will the modern appearance of a frameless slider harmonize with the bathroom’s overall theme and style?
• Do one or more shower users have a practical preference for either sliding or swinging door operation?

 

3. What further decisions do I need to make about the shower hardware?

 

After determining which pieces you’ll need for a specific glass shower design, it’s time to choose the hardware’s style and finish. Start by considering what overall theme and style you’re going for in the bathroom and the room as a whole and then choose pieces accordingly. For example, a fancy brass handle will dress up the shower door, while a funky modern knob will give it a playful vibe. Also, even simpler pieces like clamps and hinges have small but relevant variations, the most significant of which is the edge, which can be beveled or square.

 

In addition to the contour, profile, and functionality of a piece of hardware, you’ll also need to choose its finish. Popular options today include chrome, brushed nickel, satin brass, brushed bronze, and matte black. Points to keep in mind include:

• One option is to match all the metal in a bathroom, including the glass shower hardware.
• Another option that is acceptable in today’s design world is mixing metals and using two or even three, finishes in the same space.
  
  

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Do you have any questions about hardware choices? Want to place an order? Give Glass Simple a ring at (571)707-7760 and speak with our helpful team.