Since it’s a large fixture, your shower’s appearance has a significant effect on the room’s overall style and vibe. Upgrading from a shower curtain to an enclosure made from glass and metal makes a huge difference. This is a notable financial investment, though, so we’ll look at some ways to save money whether your putting in a new shower enclosure or simply improving what’s already there.

 

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1. Update your existing shower door with a new piece of hardware.

In many cases, you can spruce up a shower door by changing out the door handle. Whether your door is equipped with a pull, a towel bar, or a small knob you should be able to swap it out as long as you buy a new product with the right specs. Be sure that the replacement item:

Is appropriate for the glass thickness on your door.

Can be installed using the installation hole or holes that were drilled in the glass for the original handle or knob.

 

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2. Include a header in your new glass shower enclosure design.

If you’re installing a new glass shower or having one installed, you may be able to reduce the cost by incorporating a header – see product examples here. A header is a metal bar extending across the top of a glass shower. It allows for the use of slightly thinner – and therefore cheaper – glass, which can noticeably reduce the final price tag for the project.

 

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3. Go mimimalist.

If your bathroom is well waterproofed and your shower has good drainage, you may be able to cut costs by opting for a splash panel rather than a full enclosure. A splash panel – also known as a splash guard or a shower screen – is a solitary piece of glass that is usually either affixed to an adjoining wall with clamps or hinged so that you can swing it open. With this design, the entrance to the shower is left open and the splash guard provides some water containment. The simplicity of the design means less glass and hardware need to be purchased.

 

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4. DIY the project if you have the requisite skills.

A glass shower installation should never be undertaken lightly. Not only does it involve costly materials, but there are safety risks involved in handling and installing large pieces of glass. However, some homeowners have worked in the glass industry or otherwise built an appropriate skill set. If you’re considering a DIY glass project, other points to consider include:

Am I a handy person in general?

Will someone be available to assist with carrying and holding in place the heavy sheets of glass?

Are instructional videos or manuals available to guide me?

Do I have sources for the glass and the metal components?

With regard to the final point, Glass Simple supplies glass shower hardware and other accessories to both professionals and homeowners. DIYers do not need to create an account or order a minimum number of items in order to buy from us. At the same time, we do offer reduced rates for business account holders, with whom we are also happy to work. Give us a ring at (571)707-7760 to learn more or establish your account.