Considering a Sliding Door Shower

Many homeowners settle for a shower curtain, instead of a sliding glass door for their shower. They usually think a sliding door shower is too expensive or difficult to install. In fact a sliding door shower can be a cost effective, more attractive alternative to a shower curtain.

A shower curtain is certainly cheap and no need cleaning shower doors, but the health and safety hazards are great. A shower curtain can grow dangerous mold mildew and harbor bacteria. Cleaning them can be next to impossible, meaning you will have to replace them frequently.

Sliding door showers on the other hand are much easier to maintain and offer easy entry into your shower. Offering ease of installation and frame less models, a sliding glass door shower can be a cost effective solution to throwing away your shower curtain

A sliding door shower, also called a bypass door, shower is made of two overlapping glass panels that glide back and forth for opening and closing. Sliding glass door showers are popular option for homeowners with tub/shower combination. Sliding door showers are available to fit walk -in shower enclosures as well. A sliding glass door shower model offers a multitude of design options to fit most bathroom decors.

If you are considering a sliding door shower you will want to know some important information before deciding to purchase one.

Sliding glass door showers come in models to fit tub/shower enclosures, walk in showers, steam showers and several other type shower enclosures. You will need enough room in your shower enclosure to allow the panels to slide back and forth.

There are a few questions you will need the answers to before shopping for a sliding door shower.

1. What is my budget for purchasing a sliding glass door shower? If you are on a tight budget, you may be able to purchase a good quality sliding door shower that includes the hardware. The hardware may not be the highest quality or design you desire; however these items are usually easily upgraded at a later date

2. Measure the opening size so you will be able to choose the correct sliding door shower to fit your bath. This measurement is extremely important.

3. Be thinking about what type of glass to choose for your sliding glass door shower. Possible options available are frosted, clear and plastic or Plexiglas- glass. Frosted glass shower doors are made opaque (yet translucent) by using acid or sandblasting to etch the glass. Ornate etching or intricate designs may add to the total cost of your sliding door shower.

4. Do you want a frame less or framed model sliding door shower. Frame less sliding glass shower doors have metal framing around the glass panels. This can make a small bath appear larger and gives a sleek contemporary look.

It is recommended to consult the manufacturer (if you have a particular brand in mind) or a professional before making a final decision that a sliding door shower will indeed work for you. Many home improvement stores offer free consultation services to the do it yourself homeowner. Some may have a class on installing a sliding glass door shower. It is worthwhile to check.