Why You’ll (Probably) Want a Frameless Glass Shower Screen
Are you renovating your bathroom or building a new home? Starting to look at your options for fixtures and features? If you’re big on style and love the clean, modern look, you’ll definitely want to read more about frameless glass shower screens.
I’ll run you through what to expect, the pros and cons, and then how to look after your shower screens so they stay looking brand new and fresh for years to come.
What’s a frameless glass shower screen?
A frameless shower screen is a panel of glass installed next to your shower to reduce the amount of water that ends up on the floor. Unlike other types of shower screens, the edges are unframed, and consist of smooth, rounded glass.
With these types of screens, you can choose either a fixed panel shower screen, or you can choose from a range of door styles and sizes, with different pivot types and angles to suit your space.
Usually, the glass itself is 10ml thick to ensure it’s strong enough to withstand regular usage and avoid shattering, but not too heavy. And fixings are kept minimal, usually with sleek metal fixtures to hold the glass in place, depending on the type of shower screen you choose.
If you go with a fixed panel shower screen, most shower screen installers will use silicone to connect it to your bathroom wall. But we prefer a different method. Instead of silicon, we usually use a 10ml wall channel to hold the glass in place. The reason we use this method is because we’re not really fans of using anywhere from 5-7l of silicon to edge your shower screens… it’s not the most attractive finish.
Instead, we find the wall channel gives you a sleeker, more high-end finish, and neatly bridges the 5-6mm gap between your fixed panel shower screen and the wall.
4 benefits of frameless shower screens…
There’s a lot to love about frameless glass shower screens! Here are four reasons why so many of our clients prefer them:
- They’re really customisable
Frameless shower screens can be made to fit just about any space, small or large, bath or shower. And you can choose from a range of different door types… or no door at all, with a simple fixed glass panel.
- They’re simple and understated
It’s tricky to predict what bathroom trends will come and go over the next 5-10 years, but simple and classic are always a safe option to future-proof your bathroom design. Frameless glass shower screens are a great minimalist look that allows other features in your bathroom to shine. Literally shine, if you’ve invested in some swanky shower heads and fittings. Or if you’ve got some amazing feature tiles you want to show off, you can let them take centre stage.
- They’re super spacious
Clear, uninterrupted glass can make your bathroom feel more spacious and airy, with nothing to block the light or draw the eye. And nothing feels more luxurious and high-end than a big, spacious bathroom.
- They’re easy to clean
When there’s no frame to collect soap scum or breed mould, you’ll probably get away with cleaning your shower screen less frequently. And since there are literally only two surfaces to clean, it’s an absolute breeze… a quick wipe and you’re done!
Are there any problems with frameless shower screens?
We’re HUGE fans of frameless shower screens (obviously), but they do have one potential downside. They usually cost around 50% more than their framed and semi-framed counterparts. The fact is, they’re a premium product with a premium price tag. They’re definitely not for everyone.
Frameless glass shower screens are undoubtedly the most visually stunning option for your bathroom. But if you’re on a budget, semi-frameless shower screens can make a great alternative. They cost less, while still offering a minimalist look.
How to look after your frameless glass shower screen
Keep your frameless glass shower screen looking like new (so clean it’s like there’s nothing there at all!) with these tips:
- Do a quick wipe over once a week with a sponge or squeegee (do it after you take a shower, while the glass still has condensation on it)
- You don’t need to buy special shower cleaning spray – just use a mixture of warm vinegar and dishwashing detergent
- Spray on your cleaning solution, then use a sponge to gently scrub away soap scum
- Don’t leave it too long between cleaning, as marks can dull the glass and get harder to clean off over time
- If you get some stubborn marks, don’t reach straight for harsh chemicals (especially if you’ve got kids around), instead, try using a magic eraser to wipe away the spots
Over to you…
Do you have a frameless glass shower screen in your bathroom? If so, let me know your experience… what do you like about it? Let’s continue the discussion below.
And if you’re on the fence about the type of shower screen to choose for your new home or renovation, feel free to pop a comment below with your question or give me a call (08 6555 8370) and I’ll see if I can help.
Cheers,
Allan
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