Frameless Shower Doors

Understanding Frameless Shower Doors and Their Benefits

Since they were first introduced on the market, frameless shower doors have steadily made their way to the top and are now one of the most popular choices among UK homeowners. And it's easy to see why. Some of the main benefits of frameless shower doors include:

• They can make your showering space look more open and spacious
• They feature minimal hardware, resulting in a cleaner look
• They're very easy to maintain and keep clean
• Despite the lack of metal framing, they're strong and durable
• They are suitable for both contemporary and traditional bathrooms

Standard Sizes Available for Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless shower doors are available in many different sizes to suit a wide range of bathroom layouts, types of enclosures, and installation requirements. Some of the most common width options include 700mm, 760mm, 800mm, and 900mm.

Frameless shower doors also vary in terms of height, with some of the most popular options ranging from around 1850mm to 2000mm. The good news is that at Heat and Plumb, our collection features frameless models in a wide variety of width and height combinations, making it easier to find a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Key Considerations When Buying Frameless Shower Doors

Before you settle on a particular frameless shower door, there are a couple of factors that you need to take into consideration. They include:

Door Type

The first thing to consider is the type of frameless shower door you want. At Heat and Plumb, we have frameless bi-fold, hinged, pivot, and sliding shower doors. So, carefully consider your space and personal preferences and choose the door type that best suits your needs.

Compatibility

Not all shower doors are compatible with every shower tray or wet room layout. So, before buying, it's important to check that the model you're considering is suitable for your specific setup.

Height & Width

To suit different bathroom layouts and space requirements, frameless shower doors are available in a wide range of heights and widths. To achieve a secure and watertight fit, carefully measure your space and choose a frameless shower door in the correct dimensions.

Glass Thickness

The glass thickness of your frameless shower door will directly affect its strength, stability, and overall appearance. So, carefully consider your priorities and choose a frameless shower door with a glass thickness that best works for you.

Frame Finish

Although frameless shower doors have very minimal framing, it's still important to consider the finish of the little framing they do have, as it can have a noticeable impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom.

Easy-Clean Coating

And lastly, don't forget to consider whether the glass of the frameless shower door you're thinking of buying has an easy-clean coating. This is important as it'll not only help keep the glass of your shower door looking cleaner for longer but also make cleaning a whole lot easier.

Frameless vs Framed Shower Doors: Which Option is Better?

If you're trying to decide between a frameless and a framed shower door for your shower area, the right choice will depend on the layout of your bathroom, your budget, and the overall look you're hoping to achieve. To make the most informed decision, consider the scenarios below:

Choose a Frameless Shower Door If:

• You want a modern and minimalist bathroom aesthetic
• You're happy to invest in a more premium and long-lasting solution
• Your walls and floor are level and properly prepared
• You want your shower area to have minimal visible hardware
• Ease of cleaning and a more open feel are important to you

Choose a Framed Shower Door If:

• You're working on a tighter budget
• Your bathroom has uneven walls or floors that require extra flexibility
• You want a practical and durable shower door for everyday use
• You prefer a wider choice of styles, finishes, and configurations
• You're looking for a straightforward installation with greater tolerance for adjustment

Installation Tips for Frameless Shower Doors

If you plan on undertaking the installation of your frameless shower door without the help of a professional, we'd like to share with you a couple of installation tips. They will not only help you avoid some of the most common mistakes but also streamline the entire process.

• Make sure the walls and floor are level, solid, and properly prepared before installation
• Take precise measurements to avoid any alignment or fitting issues
• Carefully follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer
• Tighten all fixings securely, but avoid overtightening to prevent stress on the glass
• Check that all components are aligned correctly before finalising the installation

If you're not confident in your DIY installation skills, you can always consider hiring a professional installer from your local area.

Maintenance & Aftercare for Long-Lasting Performance

Due to their frameless and primarily glass construction, frameless shower doors require very little maintenance to keep them looking their best. This is especially true if the glass of the shower door you're looking at buying features an easy-clean or anti-limescale coating, which helps repel water, soap residue, and limescale before they have the chance to build up.

Whatever the case might be, as a general rule of thumb, all you typically need to do to keep the shiny new appearance of your frameless shower door is:

• Use a squeegee to wipe down the glass after every shower
• Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the glass and prevent water marks
• Clean the glass regularly using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner
• Periodically check the hardware to ensure everything operates smoothly

Why Buy Your Frameless Shower Doors From Heat and Plumb?

Heat and Plumb is one of the most trusted and well-established suppliers of frameless shower doors in the UK. To help you find the right option for your bathroom, we carry a large selection of frameless doors from many of the leading manufacturers in the industry, including Hudson Reed, Delphi, Signature, Merlyn, and Verona.

When you browse through this page, you'll not only come across a variety of shower door types, but also models in various sizes, glass thicknesses, and frame and glass finish options. Other reasons why you should buy your frameless shower door from H&P include:

• We offer free, fast, and reliable shipping on all frameless shower doors
• Our delivery service covers 98% of addresses across the UK
• We have 25,000+ 5-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot
• All frameless shower doors come with long manufacturer warranties

FAQs About Frameless Shower Doors

Are frameless shower doors safe?

Yes, frameless shower doors are safe to use, despite the lack of metal framing around them. To withstand daily use and guarantee your safety while having a shower, frameless shower doors are made from thick, toughened safety glass.

That way, in the unlikely event that the glass breaks, it will shatter into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. This greatly reduces the risk of serious injury.

What glass thickness should I choose for my frameless shower door?

It really depends on your personal preferences and the level of durability, stability, and visual weight you're looking for. The most popular glass thickness for frameless shower doors is 8mm, however, we also have frameless models available in both 6mm and 10mm glass.

Why are frameless shower doors more expensive?

Frameless shower doors tend to be more expensive than their framed counterparts because of the materials and level of precise engineering that goes into making them. That said, the added expense is usually offset by their durability, ease of cleaning, and the modern finish they can bring to your bathroom.

Are frameless shower doors worth it?

Frameless shower doors are growing in popularity among UK homeowners for a reason. So, they can absolutely be worth it if you're happy to invest a little bit more money in a long-lasting solution that'll help you achieve a clean and modern look in your bathroom.

How long do frameless shower doors last?

The exact lifespan of a frameless shower door will depend on factors such as how often the shower is used, how well the door is maintained, and the quality of the materials it is made of. If installed correctly and used as intended, a well-made frameless shower door can last, on average, between 10 and 20 years.