Top 5 Best Shower Doors of 2023
Introduction
The shower door is an essential element in any bathroom, providing both functionality and style. When it comes to choosing the best shower door for your space, there are several important factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore several important features to think about and offer some of the best shower doors to fit different types of bathroom.
How to Choose the Right Shower Doors?
There are several important points to consider when choosing the right shower doors.
Size: Measure the size of the shower opening before you purchase a shower door. The general measurements of the frameless shower doors will come with a width of 22 – 36 inches and a height of around 72 inches.
Note: Take measurements after the tile and surround installation are completed.
Types of Shower Doors: There are various options available, including sliding shower doors, pivot shower doors, bi-fold shower doors and hinged shower doors. Each type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your preferences and bathroom layout.
Glass Thickness: The thickness of the glass can affect the door's durability and overall aesthetics. The general glass thickness range will be from 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch. Thicker glass typically offers better durability and can withstand more wear and tear over time. However, thicker glass may also be heavier and more expensive. It's important to strike a balance between durability and functionality when selecting the glass thickness.
Material and Finish:
a. Glass: Opt for tempered glass, which is strong and shatter-resistant. While clear glass shower doors are the most popular because of the modern aesthetic and tendency to make a bathroom feel larger.
b. Frame Materials: The frame can be made from various materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. Choose a material that complements your bathroom decor and is resistant to corrosion.
c. Finish: Consider the finish of the frame and hardware. Common finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. Select a finish that matches your bathroom fixtures and decor.
Budget: budget is an important consideration when choosing a shower door. Prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as brand, design, and features. Determine a budget range that you're comfortable with before starting your search for the perfect shower door.
Installation: When choosing the perfect shower door, it's essential to think beyond aesthetics and functionality and consider the installation process. Some doors are designed for straightforward installation, making them ideal for homeowners who enjoy DIY projects. In contrast, more complex doors, such as frameless or custom options, may require professional installation to ensure a watertight seal and proper functionality.
Maintenance: A shower door that's easy to maintain can save you both time and effort in the long run. Consider opting for doors with features like clear and thick glass, as these are not only durable but also relatively simple to clean. Frameless and semi-frameless doors, though they exude a modern aesthetic, often have fewer nooks and crannies where grime can accumulate, making them easier to maintain. Additionally, pay attention to the hardware and finishes; materials like stainless steel or solid brass tend to resist corrosion and staining, reducing the need for frequent upkeep.
Best Shower Doors 2023 List
Best Overall: Dreamline 60 inch Shower Door
Best Luxury: VIGO 72 inch shower door
Best for Tubs: Delavin Sliding 60 inch Bathtub Door
Best Stainless Steel: Sunny Pivot 30 inch Shower Door
Best for compact bathroom: Aston Cascadia Hinged 24 inch Shower Door
Dreamline 60 inch Shower Door
A frameless shower door such as DreamLine Enigma-X Frameless Sliding 60 inch Shower Door boasts a sleek and modern design that enhances the overall aesthetics of your bathroom space. Crafted with precision, it features certified clear tempered glass measuring 3/8 inches in thickness, providing both durability and a luxurious appearance. DreamLine takes it a step further with their exclusive ClearMax water and stain-resistant glass coating, ensuring your shower door maintains its pristine look.
The DreamLine 60 inch Shower Door is designed for an open and spacious feel, consisting of a stationary panel and a sliding door. The large wheel assembly ensures effortless sliding, and the stainless steel top guide bar is adjustable for a width range of 56-60 inches. It's a reversible design, allowing for right or left door opening installation to suit your bathroom layout.
Product Specs
Type: Frameless sliding shower door
Dimensions: 76 inches high by 56 to 60 inches wide
Finish: Brushed stainless steel
Pros
- Frameless sliding shower door creates a spacious opening
- Glass is treated with ClearMax water and stain-resistant coating
- Reversible for a right or left door opening installation
Cons
- No adjustment for out-of-plumb (uneven) walls
- Professional installation advised for a level finish
VIGO 72 inch shower door
For those with spacious bathrooms seeking a large-sized frameless shower door, Vigo offers several suitable options to choose from.
Constructed with top-notch materials, VIGO Frameless Sliding 72 inch Shower Door features a leak-free design with a metal threshold to keep your bathroom floors dry. This shower door is 74 inches tall and designed to fit wall openings between 68 and 72 inches wide.
It's easy to install with flexibility for left or right-side openings and horizontal adjustability during installation. And the seven-layer coating ensures long-lasting brilliance, with a smooth sliding system.
Product Specs
Type: Frameless sliding shower door
Dimensions: 74 inches high by 68 to 72 inches wide
Warranty Description: Limited lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Massive frameless shower doors
- Finished to a very high standard; made with quality materials
- Smooth sliding mechanism
Cons:
- The doors are heavy, necessitating at least two people for installation.
- Slightly expensive compared with others
Delavin Sliding 60 inch Bathtub Door
Elevate your bathroom experience with Delavin semi-frameless glass shower door. Its double bypass sliding design, with adjustable widths between 56 and 59 inches, offers an elegant and practical solution for maximizing bathroom layout. The glass is ANSI-certified and stands strong against damage. It also has an explosion-proof film on the glass door to prevent breakage and scattering. Its waterproof construction and frame sides specifically designed for tubs create a secure seal, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a tub shower door.
Product Specs
Type: Semi-frameless sliding shower door for tub
Dimensions: 59 inches high by 56 to 59 inches wide
Finish: Matte black or silver
Pros:
- Prevents leaks and splashes
- Rust-proof
- Zinc rollers move smoothly
- Stainless steel handle
Cons:
- Installation instructions can be difficult to follow
Sunny Pivot 30 inch Shower Door
The Sunny Pivot 30 inch Shower Door is a standout choice in the realm of shower enclosures, boasting a blend of premium materials and thoughtful design elements. Its main feature is the marriage of style and durability, combining a sleek and elegant appearance with robust construction. Crafted from ANSI-certified clear tempered glass, this door exudes sophistication and reliability, further enhanced by its aluminum hardware and stainless steel handle. It has a reversible design and has a single swing-out glass panel. There is also a wall channel and a door pull in this set.
Product Specs
Type: Pivot shower door
Dimensions: 72 inches high by 30 inches wide
Warranty: Five-year limited manufacturer warranty
Pros:
- Sleek and Elegant Design
- Available in different sizes
- Effective Water Sealing
Cons:
- Magnet Reliability Issues
Aston Cascadia Hinged 24 inch Shower Door
For those with smaller bathrooms or limited space, Aston Cascadia 24 inch Shower Door proves to be a practical and compact solution. Among the options in the list, it stands as the smallest, measuring at 24 inches in width and 72 inches in height. Despite its smaller dimensions, Aston ensures durability with a ⅜ inch thick glass panel and offers a decent 5-year warranty. This frameless shower door boasts an adjustable width, modern aesthetics, and the versatility of right or left door installation. Its full-length clear seals effectively prevent any unwanted leaks, making it a reliable choice for compact bathrooms and diverse house plans.
Product Specs
Type: Frameless Hinged
Dimensions: 72 inches high by 24 inches wide
Warranty: Five-year limited manufacturer warranty
Pros:
- Ideal for compact bathroom spaces
- Includes a thick and heavy-duty glass
- Smooth and polished handles
Cons:
- Handling the door can be cumbersome
Conclusion
If you're looking for a spacious and elegant shower experience, the DreamLine Enigma-X Frameless Sliding 60 inch Shower Door offers a frameless design with water and stain-resistant glass, though professional installation is recommended. For those seeking top-notch quality, the VIGO Frameless Sliding 72 inch Shower Door boasts high standards and smooth operation, though it comes at a slightly higher price point. The Delavin Sliding 60 inch Bathtub Door is perfect for tubs, preventing leaks with rust-proof construction, albeit with potentially tricky installation instructions. If space is limited, the Sunny Pivot 30 inch Shower Door offers a sleek design but may have magnet reliability issues. Finally, the Aston Cascadia Hinged 24 inch Shower Door is ideal for compact bathrooms, featuring heavy-duty glass, yet handling can be a bit cumbersome. Consider your priorities in terms of size, quality, budget, and space when making your choice.
FAQ
What is the best thickness for shower doors?
The best thickness for shower doors depends on factors like shower size, design preference, and budget. Common options are 3/8 inch for most showers and 1/2 inch for larger or luxury designs.
Is it safe to use a frameless shower door?
Frameless shower doors are safe when installed properly with tempered safety glass.