One of the hottest trends in bathroom remodeling is the addition of a frameless shower door. A frameless shower door conveys a modern and clean feel, but it is important you familiarize yourself with the various aesthetic elements of this design before starting the project. By using the following design and installation tips, however, you and your contractor can work together to create the perfect look for your decor, taste, and lifestyle.
Focus on Your Angles
When installing a frameless shower door, it is important to focus on certain angles. In general, the shower must be built by using a combination of angles including 90°, 135° or 180°. Why is this important? Because most of the hardware for showers is designed specifically for these angles, and you will ensure that the installation is affordable and functions properly.
The Shower Must Be Supported
It is also important that you consider the support your shower will get following installation. Make sure that the wall you choose has studding support that is strong enough to hold the weight of the door and walls. Usually, a single 2×4 is adequate, but a double 2×4 is the best option.
Consider the Shower Curb
You have two main choices for installation of your frameless shower. You can install it on a curb or have it flush with the floor. If you need the shower to be accessible, you may want to choose to eliminate the curb, but the curb will also help to keep your bathroom clean, as it will stop the water from pooling and leaking onto the floor. If you do choose to install a curb, you will want to make sure that the contractor slants it inward at a 5-degee slope. This helps the water flow towards the drain, further keeping the water contained.
Add a Shower Seat
Some plans for a frameless shower will include a shower seat, and if yours does, it is important to make sure that it is also slanted towards the drain at a 5-degree slope. If it doesn’t, you will find that water from the shower gathers on the seat. Instead, you want it to flow right into the drain.
Make Sure the Wall as Precisely Vertical
The last thing you want when it comes to your frameless shower is gaps, so it is imperative that the installer ensures that the door or panel that meets a wall is plumb, or precisely vertical. This also helps to prevent hinge binding and uneven joints as well as lowers the chance of leaks by a significant amount.
Remember to Check on the Dimensions of the Shower
It is also important to talk to your installer about the dimensions of the shower. For example, the minimum width of any glass panel should be 4 1/2 inches, as it must be able to support the hardware. Anything thinner may break easily. Another dimension to think about is the width of the door. It must be a minimum of 22-inches wide, but no more than 36-inches wide.
Be Careful With Tiles
Though glass tiles in a frameless glass shower are gorgeous, there are some words of caution that you must consider. When designing this option, for example, it is important to avoid anything that involves mounting hardware, such as clips or door hinges, into the tile. These glass tiles are strong, but they are certainly not strong enough to hold the weight of the door or walls. The tiles are likely going to break, which will delay the project, and even after installation, can add a lot of charge for glass repairs.
Line Up the Soffits Correctly
The soffits of the shower, which are the eaves at the top of the structure, can greatly affect the overall look. To keep the shower looking even, the soffits must be perfectly in line with the curb of the shower.
Position the Shower Head Correctly
You might not think the position of the shower head is extremely important, but to minimize leakage, it is important that you position it correctly. If possible, make sure the showerhead is directed towards the tiled wall or panels. Never place the showerhead towards the door unless you are ready to deal with leaks.
Place Decorative Tiles With Thought
Raised decorative tiles are popular in frameless glass showers, but they must be placed correctly. When installing a door, for instance, it is important to ensure that there is no interference with its movement and that there are no gaps between the wall and door. So, decorative tiles must not be placed in these areas. Though it is possible to modify a raised tile to allow the door to go over it by applying filler, this can negatively affect how the finished shower looks.
These are only some of the things you should know about installing a frameless shower into your bathroom. Though your installation team will be a great source of information, it won’t hurt for you to also keep this information in mind.