Buyers Guide
The Frameless Shower Door Buyers Guide
Five steps to choosing, planning, and installing a frameless glass shower enclosure — from first idea to finished installation.
A frameless shower enclosure is one of the most visible and lasting upgrades in a bathroom renovation. Done well, it opens up the space, adds light, and elevates the entire room. Done poorly — wrong glass, wrong hardware, sloppy installation — it becomes a source of frustration for years. This guide walks you through every decision you'll face, so you can approach the process with confidence.
Understand Your Configuration Options
The first decision is the configuration — how many panels, how the door opens, and how the enclosure fits your shower opening. The right choice depends on your space, your budget, and how you use your shower.
Single Hinged Door
One door panel, hinged to a wall or fixed panel. The simplest and most affordable frameless configuration. Works well for standard alcove showers with a single opening.
Door + Fixed Panel
One hinged door plus one or more fixed glass panels. Common for larger openings, walk-in configurations, and neo-angle showers. The fixed panels add structure and visual weight.
Corner Enclosure
Two doors meeting at a corner, typically with fixed panels on each side. Requires precise measurement and alignment. A beautiful configuration for larger bathrooms.
Sliding Bypass
Two panels that slide past each other on a track. A good choice for tub-to-shower conversions and spaces where a swinging door would be inconvenient.
Steam Enclosure
A fully sealed enclosure designed to retain steam. Requires a door sweep, transom panel, and precise sealing throughout. Typically uses 1/2" glass.
Choose Your Glass
Glass selection affects the look, the light, and the price of your enclosure. There are two main decisions: thickness and type.
Glass Thickness
3/8" (10mm)
The standard choice for most residential frameless shower doors. Solid, durable, and appropriate for the majority of configurations. Lighter weight makes it easier to operate on larger doors.
1/2" (12mm)
Heavier and more substantial. Preferred for steam enclosures, large panels, and high-end renovations. The extra weight gives the door a premium feel when you open and close it.
Glass Type
Clear Tempered
Standard clear glass with a slight green tint at the edges. The most common and most affordable option. Works well in most bathrooms.
Low-Iron (Starphire)
Ultra-clear glass with no green tint. Noticeably cleaner and brighter, especially in larger panels. The best choice for white tile, marble, and light-colored bathrooms where you want maximum clarity.
Frosted / Acid-Etched
Translucent glass that provides privacy while still allowing light through. Available in full-panel or partial configurations. A good choice for shared bathrooms or when privacy is a priority.
Patterned / Textured
Decorative glass with a pattern or texture. Provides privacy and a distinctive look. Available in several patterns — rain, reeded, fluted, and others.
Select Your Hardware Finish
Hardware finish is a style decision, but it also affects durability and maintenance. The most important rule: match your hardware finish to the other metal fixtures in your bathroom — faucets, towel bars, light fixtures. Consistency makes the room look intentional.
Chrome
Classic, bright finish. Durable and easy to clean. The most common choice for traditional and transitional bathrooms. Shows water spots more than matte finishes.
Brushed Nickel
Warm, matte silver finish. Hides water spots better than chrome. Works well with most bathroom styles and is one of the most popular choices in South Florida renovations.
Matte Black
Bold, contemporary finish. Pairs exceptionally well with white tile, marble, and modern fixtures. Very popular in current renovations. Requires regular cleaning to maintain the look.
Brushed Gold / Champagne Bronze
Warm metallic finish. Works well with warm-toned tile, natural stone, and warm-toned fixtures. A high-end look for luxury renovations.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Dark, antique-style finish. Works well with traditional and transitional bathrooms with warm tones and darker fixtures.
What to Ask Your Glass Contractor
Not all glass contractors are equal. Here are the questions that separate a professional installation from a frustrating one.
Do you take field measurements after tile and flooring are complete?
Why it matters: Glass must be fabricated to the actual finished dimensions of your shower, not the framed opening. A contractor who measures before tile is done is guessing.
Is the price you quote the final price?
Why it matters: Some contractors quote low and add charges after fabrication. A professional gives you a firm price after measurement and sticks to it.
What glass brands and hardware brands do you use?
Why it matters: Quality varies significantly. Ask for the specific glass manufacturer and hardware brand. A contractor who can't answer this question is using whatever is cheapest.
Do you carry liability insurance and a Florida contractor license?
Why it matters: Glass installation in Florida requires a licensed contractor. Ask for the license number and verify it. Unlicensed work may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance.
What is your warranty on workmanship?
Why it matters: A professional contractor stands behind their installation. Ask specifically what is covered, for how long, and what the process is if something needs to be adjusted.
How long is your lead time from measurement to installation?
Why it matters: Custom glass is fabricated to order. Typical lead time is 2–3 weeks. A contractor who promises faster may be cutting corners on fabrication.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the mistakes we see most often — and the ones that are easiest to avoid with a little planning.
Choosing hardware before matching your fixtures
The fix: Decide on your faucet, towel bar, and light fixture finish first. Then match your shower hardware to those choices.
Getting a quote before tile is complete
The fix: Wait until tile and flooring are done before scheduling your glass measurement. The finished dimensions are what matter.
Choosing the cheapest quote without understanding what's included
The fix: Compare quotes on the same glass thickness, glass type, and hardware finish. A lower price often means thinner glass or lower-quality hardware.
Not asking about the door swing direction
The fix: Consider which direction the door swings relative to your toilet, vanity, and bathroom layout. A door that swings the wrong way is a daily inconvenience.
Skipping the low-iron glass upgrade on white tile
The fix: Standard clear glass has a green tint that is especially visible against white tile. If your tile is white or very light, low-iron glass is worth the upgrade.
Continue Your Research
Ready to Start Your Project?
Use our Design Studio to configure your enclosure and get a price range, or call us to schedule a free on-site measurement throughout Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties.