There are many shower screen materials and configurations on the market, but the two most popular options are framed glass shower screens or frameless glass shower screens.
So, which fixture should you choose for your bathroom? Let’s compare the pros and cons of these types of glass shower screens to help you decide which is best for your home.
Materials
A framed shower screen features a panel of toughened glass that sits within a frame of metal strips. The glass can be thinner because it’s sealed into the supportive frame, but these models are typically either fixed or only open outwards.
A frameless shower screen uses thicker glass because the panel does not have a frame, only a seal at the bottom, but the attachment method of metal clamps and hinges allows the divider to pivot, moving both outwards and inwards.
The frame therefore offers more stability, but the lack of a frame offers more flexible movement.
Style
Both framed and frameless glass shower screens can be customised with a range of toughened glass finishes, from clear to tinted to satin frosted for more privacy.
Framed screens come with the extra consideration of choosing the frame finish, with silver being traditional, but black matte frames becoming trendy in recent years.
However, this look can sometimes feel too formal or dated – while sleek and minimal frameless screens provide a modern appearance that makes the bathroom feel more open, allowing other features to shine, like decorative tiles or the shower itself.
Installation
While framed screens may seem to have more pieces involved, they’re actually easier and faster to install, because the process is much simpler. All you need to do is install the frame parts, slot the glass into the channels, and seal them.
Installing a frameless screen can be more difficult and time-consuming – firstly, due to the thicker glass being heavier, and secondly, because the hardware needs to be placed precisely to ensure the hinges hold the weight and can move properly.
A framed glass screen installation may be more DIY-friendly, but in either case, you must make sure there are sufficient seals around the side and bottom to prevent water leakage.
Durability
Whether framed or frameless, glass shower screens should be made from tempered safety glass to ensure their durability. Toughened glass is harder to break, and even if it does, it falls into pieces with more rounded edges, reducing the risk of injuries.
When it comes to reliability, framed shower screens are often less likely to leak, as they’re kept in a stable position by the frame, with both the metal and layers of caulk to keep splashes inside.
That said, while frameless screens with pivot hinges may be more likely to move and create an unsealed gap if they aren’t used properly, they have the advantage of fewer metal parts, which means less risk of corrosion from water and mineral deposit build-ups.
Maintenance
Glass itself is a low-maintenance material, as you can easily wipe each side of the panel clean with mild soap, warm water, and a microfibre cloth. You can even opt for glass with special polymer coatings to repel soap, minerals, rust, and other stains.
Shower screens become a bit harder to clean when you introduce the various tracks and corners of a frame, where soap scum and hard water minerals can gather and gradually lead to the development of rust and mould.
Without a frame, there are fewer opportunities for this build-up to occur, so the screen requires less effort and time to keep clean.
Cost
If you’re conscious of your budget, framed shower screens are typically cheaper, as they feature thinner glass and are less complicated to install.
The thick glass and special fixtures required for frameless shower screens usually make them more expensive – but that’s not to say they aren’t affordable.
The final cost of your glass shower screen will depend on various factors, from the finish, thickness, and size of the glass to the type and quantity of fittings you choose, and whether you hire a professional to install it for you.
Customisations will increase the price in both cases, but installing either type of glass shower screen is a more cost-effective way to upgrade your bathroom than a full shower renovation!
Is a framed or frameless shower screen better?
So, now you know the advantages and drawbacks of each type of glass shower divider, you should be closer to understanding which would be better for your bathroom.
The space you have available, your bathroom décor style, and the functionality you would prefer should all inform your decision – as should your overall budget and the level of maintenance you would be willing to commit to.
If you can’t decide between the two, you could meet in the middle with a semi-framed glass shower screen – or semi-frameless, depending how you look at it. This would feature a partial frame using slim metal profiles to maintain a minimal look.
For the best results, be sure to measure the shower area carefully, and choose a reliable manufacturer of glass shower screens who can customise your order as needed.
Remember – proper installation and maintenance will give your glass shower screen the best looks and longevity!
