When it comes to bathroom remodeling, one of the most important decisions you will make aside from which contractor to trust with the job is what type of enclosure shower to install. There are a variety of different enclosure showers on the market today, each with its own unique benefits. In this article, we will discuss the different types of enclosure showers and explain why upgrading your shower can be a smart investment for your home.
What Is an Enclosure Shower?
Sometimes referred to as a “shower enclosure,” this style of shower consists of a clearly defined shower area separated from the rest of the bathroom, typically by a glass door or one made from some other material. Enclosure showers are known to provide a watertight barrier for preventing your shower’s spray from creating a slipping hazard on the outside floor—but they can also provide privacy as well and add an element of intentionality to your décor and aesthetic. They are also a much sturdier version of a simple shower curtain, tending to be walk-in showers rather than tub-and-shower combinations.
Different Kinds of Enclosure Shower Doors
There’s so much to think about when it comes to choosing the right enclosure shower door—from visual appeal to replaceability and maintenance to budgeting its value. However, this is somewhat simplified by the fact that there are four primary types of shower enclosure doors: sliding, hinged, framed, and frameless.
Should I Choose a Hinged or Sliding Shower Door?
In choosing between a sliding or a hinged door, you will have to make a choice between opting for a door that opens outward and one that slides in either direction to grant entry. The great thing about sliding shower doors is that they typically allow two points of entry to the shower versus a hinged door, which only offers one, and they save on space for those with a limited floor plan. They also tend to be more effective at keeping water from escaping from your shower to the exterior bathroom, as they do not open outward like a hinged door.
Some downsides to opting for a sliding door to your shower include cleaning, and replacing the tracks as part of regular maintenance, which can be tricky and cumbersome, and that sliding doors tend to offer a smaller entryway to the shower than their hinged door counterparts. In contrast, hinged doors are typically easier and simpler to clean and maintain, and they provide a larger port of entry to the shower. However, they can make small bathrooms feel cramped and uncomfortable, and may potentially create slipping hazards if not handled properly.
Framed vs. Frameless Shower Door
Another big decision you’ll have to make about your shower door is whether to go with a frame, typically made of metal, or to choose a design without the framework. For years, many homeowners have gone with framed glass shower doors, as they are generally considered stable, cost-effective, easy to install, and effective at creating a watertight seal. However, many modern bathroom designers find the framed look to be rather outdated—not to mention their entryways have a limited range of motion or entry point and they tend to be harder to maintain. This is because metal can sometimes attract a buildup of deposits in your water over time, such as minerals, scum, grime, or other materials.
On the other hand, a frameless shower door is considered more modern—but it is not without its drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive than framed shower doors, more complicated to install, and less stable than a framed shower door. That being said, if you go frameless, there are a wealth of aesthetics to choose from, they tend to offer easier and larger entry to the shower, and may even be easier to maintain than their framed cousins.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Shower
Even if you don’t have the budget for a full-scale bathroom remodel where everything is gutted down to the studs, there are still reasons to upgrade your shower—or even convert an outdated shower and tub combination to a shiny, new walk-in shower. If you were on the fence about potentially investing in a shower upgrade, here are the top three benefits that can come with this kind of remodel:
- Update outdated features and improve functionality: If you’ve ever had to live with an outdated appliance, you understand what a visual eyesore and downright bummer it can be to shower every day with a worn-out showerhead. This is not to mention that older fixtures are much more likely to be inefficient, and could even cost you more on your monthly water or utility bill. By investing in a shower upgrade, you can equip your daily hygiene setup with better functionality and efficiency than ever before—potentially even saving money in the long run!
- Promote visual appeal to your bathroom: Of course, retro appliances and décor have their charm—but if you’re looking to modernize your bathroom, you’ll likely want to bring it into the 21st century. This can be a fun creative challenge and an opportunity to upgrade your shower to boast a clean, polished finish that creates an attractive focal point for your bathroom.
- Add value to your home: Upgrading the shower is one of the quickest ways to add value to your home. In fact, you may see as much as a 58% return on investment in terms of resale value should you decide to sell. What’s more, expert contractors like those at Carolina Custom Tub and Shower can have your bathroom updated and operable in as little as 24 hours!
An Enclosure Shower for Any Bathroom with Carolina Custom Tub and Shower
Gone are the days of buying cheap shower curtains to hide an ugly bathtub/shower combination. If you’re serious about not only maintaining the efficiency of your home for improved energy and water bills, boosting the aesthetic appeal, and adding significant resale value to your property, it may be the perfect time to upgrade your shower. Even if you don’t go for a full-scale bathroom remodel, investing in a brand new enclosure shower can provide lasting dividends—whether you’re in your forever home or you are looking to sell.
Looking for the best bathroom remodeling contractors in the greater North Carolina area? Contact the experts at Carolina Custom Tub and Shower today for a free quote!
