Frameless shower doors
Frameless glass makes a tile shower the center of the room. Here's what it takes to do it well.
A frameless shower door is a panel of thick tempered glass that hangs from wall hinges or a fixed glass panel, with no metal running around its edges. Fixed panels are held with clamps or a low-profile channel. The result is a clear view of the tile and fewer places for soap and grime to collect.
Is my shower a good fit?
Frameless glass is heavy, and the hinges carry the full weight of the door. The installer will check three things:
- Backing. Hinges need to anchor into solid material behind the tile. In new construction, blocking is added before the walls are closed.
- Plumb and level. Walls that lean or curbs that slope make it harder to get even gaps and a door that closes cleanly.
- Clearance. The door needs room to swing past fixtures, and most installers prefer it to open out of the shower.
How does the process work?
- Measure after tile. Glass is cut to order, so the opening is measured once tile, grout and the curb are finished.
- Choose glass and hardware. Thickness, clear or low-iron glass, hinge style, handle and finish.
- Fabrication. The glass is cut, drilled for hardware and tempered. Tempered glass can't be cut or drilled afterward, which is why accurate measuring matters.
- Install. Hinges and clamps are set, the door is adjusted, and clear seals or a sweep are added where needed.
Will a frameless door leak?
A frameless door has small gaps at the hinge side and edges so it can swing. Most showers stay dry with good layout, a properly sloped floor and clear seals, but expect a little water near the gaps if the showerhead points straight at the door. Ask the installer how they'd position the door and seals for your layout.
Safety glass
Every panel must be safety glazing marked to show it meets the standard. Federal rule 16 CFR 1201 places shower doors and enclosures in its Category II impact test regardless of size.
The glass company prices the job after it measures the opening and you settle on glass, hardware and finish. We don't quote prices, and a number given before anyone has measured is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How thick is frameless shower glass?
It's thicker than the glass in framed doors, since the glass has to hold itself up with no frame. The installer will recommend a thickness for your door size and hardware.
Can I add a frameless door to an existing shower?
Often, yes, if the walls have solid backing where the hinges go and the curb and walls are close to square. An installer can confirm after measuring.
Related services
- Semi-frameless and sliding doors
- Custom glass enclosures
- Tub glass doors and screens
- Shower door repair and replacement
More background: Bozeman shower glass guide.
Remodeling the bathroom, or tired of a door that drips and sticks?
Call and a local shower glass company will set up a time to measure and give you a written quote.