If you’ve ever taken a shower at someone else’s house, you know how wonderful it is to be able to stand under a full-length glass door and let the hot water beat down upon you. It’s also nice to have an enclosed area where you can wash up without being watched every step of the way by curious family members or friends. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you may want to consider building a custom shower enclosure. A shower enclosure isn’t just about having a place to take your shower — it also provides additional privacy. You don’t want to give out information about what you plan to do in the shower if you don’t have to. Shower enclosures are also great because they are usually much more energy efficient than a traditional bathtub. And with so many different styles and designs available, you should find one that suits your home and tastes perfectly. There are several different types of shower enclosures available. Framed showers come in either tub or stall configurations, while frameless shower enclosures consist only of walls. They both provide a lot of useful features, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at some of the main types of enclosures and how they work.
Framed Shower Enclosures
For those who prefer a slightly larger shower space, framed enclosures offer plenty of room for the entire body. The downside is that they require more work, since you will need to build them yourself. A framed shower enclosure consists of three basic components: (1) the frame, which includes the side walls and floor, (2) the trim, which is attached to the frame and adds extra support and a finished look, and (3) the glass panel. The first part of framing a shower involves cutting lumber into lengths that correspond with the width of your shower. These pieces are then placed inside the frame, which is already built. The next step is to add the trim. Now the fun begins! The last step is to attach the glass panel. Most shower enclosures use a tempered glass that is laminated to two sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Before laminating, however, the glass is attached to a metal grid using a special adhesive designed for this purpose. Once the glass is in place, the glue dries and the unit is ready for installation. Framed shower enclosures are very sturdy, which makes them a good choice for heavy users. However, they are not the most attractive type of enclosure. The large amount of exposed wood gives them a somewhat industrial feel. Also, due to the number of moving parts, they tend to be rather noisy. Another drawback is that they are difficult to install. Since the frame needs to fit snugly against the wall, it must be made exactly to size before installing it. After the frame is in place, the glass is mounted on top. All this requires a fair amount of skill and practice. Even experienced carpenters sometimes struggle when installing a framed shower enclosure. One advantage of framed enclosures is that they are extremely durable. Glass breaks easily, especially when used carelessly, and PVC tends to yellow over time, making the enclosure appear old and outdated. But if you treat them properly, framed enclosures will last decades.
Frameless Shower Enclosures
Frameless enclosures, on the other hand, are often less expensive than their framed counterparts. They are also easier to install. Because there are no frames to make around the perimeter of the structure, the installer doesn’t have to worry about leaving enough space. The walls are attached directly to the studs. Frameless enclosures also feature fewer moving parts, which means they are quieter than framed enclosures. With fewer moving parts, they are also far less likely to break. In addition, the glass panels are held firmly in place by specially designed clips that allow you to adjust their position. For example, you could mount the enclosure on a wall with two brackets, one at each end. Then, you simply slide the glass along the brackets until it is positioned just right. While frameless enclosures are generally easier to install than framed ones, they still require some expertise. Many of today’s frameless enclosures are preassembled, which makes installation straightforward. But the units themselves are still fairly complicated. For instance, the trim around the sides should always be installed before the glass is installed. This reduces the chances of damaging the glass during installation. Most frameless enclosures are made out of fiberglass. This material is lightweight and strong, yet relatively inexpensive. The glass panels are also made of fiberglass, which means they are easy to clean. Unlike glass panes, fiberglass does not absorb moisture, which helps prevent mold growth. Fiberglass is also resistant to scratches and dents. One significant disadvantage of frameless enclosures is that they aren’t nearly as sturdy as framed enclosures. Glass panels are vulnerable to damage. The same goes for the trim. While it is generally protected by paint or stain, it is still susceptible to bumps and knocks. In fact, most frameless enclosures only last about ten years before requiring replacement.
Shower Doors
You might think that shower doors would be ideal for a frameless enclosure, but they’re actually much better suited for a framed enclosure. Shower doors are made of thin aluminum or steel and can be installed just like regular windows. They are fastened in place with hinges and latches. Because they are made of such light materials, shower doors are much easier to move than frameless enclosures. As long as they are supported by a solid base, they can be moved across the floor or even rolled open like a window. Shower doors offer the added benefit of allowing a person to see through the shower during use. This is particularly useful if you want to make sure everyone else in the house understands what you are doing in the shower. Of course, shower doors also have their drawbacks. They are extremely flimsy and are prone to becoming damaged. If you accidentally bump the door while showering, it will probably shatter. They also get dirty quickly, which can cause problems later. Finally, they are very hard to seal completely, which is why they are so noisy. As you can see, there are pros and cons to all of these different types of shower enclosures. Which one is right for you? The best answer depends on your preferences and budget. In general, it’s best to choose a framed shower enclosure. Not only are they the most durable, but they also provide plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy your shower.
