Bathrooms are no longer just simple spaces designed to meet hygiene needs. Today, they are carefully designed, well decorated havens of relaxation, renewal and refreshment. If your bathroom is not quite there yet, you’re likely considering a makeover or renovation. One way your bathroom can be transformed is by a custom glass shower enclosure. Use these pro tips to steer clear of common errors and to help the project go smoothly.

 

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DO Ensure Good Communication Among the Different Trades

The glass and shower hardware put the perfect finish on your shower area, but everything needs to come together correctly for the shower door to function properly and to avoid costly repairs. Examples include:

Curb Slope – A shower’s curb must be slightly inclined toward the shower floor. A flat curb or one that slopes toward the bathroom floor will result in water running down the door and into the bathroom. On the other hand, a properly sloped curb helps with water containment.

Tile Type – Glass tile can be a lovely design element in a shower stall. However, it must not be installed where holes will be drilled for the glass shower installation as this can cause cracks.

 

 

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DON’T Forget to Check the Details When Ordering Shower Door Hardware

As you browse shower door hardware options online, it can be easy to focus on finding styles and finishes you like. While these are important elements, it’s important to check the details to avoid ending up with hardware that does not match or does not fit.

Check dimensions carefully against door dimensions. For instance, don’t order a towel bar (see options here) that’s wider than the glass panel where you want it installed.

Be mindful of variations in metallic finishes. For example, polished nickel is much shinier than brushed nickel. Using hardware with both finishes on the same installation will look like a failed attempt at buying matching hardware.

Check the profiles of hinges and clamps. Shower enclosure hinges and clamps typically have either square or beveled edges, and you want this detail to match across the entire enclosure.

 

 

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DO Choose a Door Suited to Your Specific Bathroom

A glass shower can operate on hinges or slide open. A swinging door enclosure is a classic choice, but if the toilet or vanity is near the shower, it might be difficult to open a hinged door without hitting this other fixture. If this is your situation, explore sliding door systems or a fixed shower screen. A screen is a single piece of glass that leaves an open entry to the shower stall. This design must be accompanied by extra waterproofing around the shower and proper slope of the shower floor toward a drain.

 

 

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DON’T Create a Space You Cannot Reach

At times the wish to include certain elements in the bathroom design leads to creating an unreachable and uncleanable space. For example, sometimes soaker tubs and glass shower enclosures are close to each other, and the small space between them falls prey to a buildup of moisture, dust, and even mold. As you consider different possible layouts, take these practical concerns into account and adjust the design as needed.

 

 

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Shop Glass Simple for Hardware Needs

The right hardware puts the perfect final touch on your glass shower design. Shop a nice selection at www.glasssimple.com. We are user-friendly for homeowners with no account creation requirement, but we do offer discounted pricing for business-to-business account holders. Call (571) 707-7760 to learn more.

 

 

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