Framed vs Frameless Shower Enclosures

Framed and frameless shower enclosures are becoming more popular here in Colorado. Many new homes are being built with one or the other, or both, in lieu of a bathtub. Many homeowners are replacing their dated bathtubs with a framed or frameless glass shower enclosure in the interest of a cleaner look and spending less time cleaning their shower. If you’re considering a framed vs frameless shower enclosure in Colorado and are wondering what the pros and cons are of each, cost and what to consider, we hope you’re find this article helpful. Feel free to contact us with any questions. Consultations are free.

What is a Framed Shower Enclosure?

A framed shower enclosure is one where each pane of glass is framed, such as around the door, stationary panels, side jambs, header, and base track. The frame is secured via screws into your walls, bathtub, or shower tray. There is a metal frame above and below the door. A sliding glass door is common for framed shower enclosures, although a hinged door is an option.

Framed Shower Enclosure Cost in Colorado

Framed shower enclosures often cost the least. They are a great entry-level shower enclosure for those wanting one on a budget. Today, framed shower enclosure costs in Colorado are hard to predict, thanks to inflation fluctuation and rising production costs. If you’re shopping for a new framed shower enclosure in Colorado, contact us to schedule a free consultation so we can provide an estimate. What affects the cost of a framed shower enclosure is the hardware and finishes chosen, complexity of the project, size of the shower, etc.

What is a Frameless Shower Enclosure?

A frameless shower enclosure, also known as a European shower enclosure, is one that uses minimal metal. For example, there’s no metal around the door, only the hinges and handles. The stationary panel(s) only have a metal base track and side jamb.

Frameless Shower Enclosure Cost in Colorado

Of the 3 shower enclosures we offer, frameless is the most expensive. As with any project, size and complexity of the frameless shower enclosure, hardware and finishes chosen will affect the cost of the installed shower enclosure. The average cost of a frameless shower enclosure in Colorado varies greatly, today. This is mostly due to rising production costs and fluctuating inflation. If you’re searching for a frameless shower enclosure in Colorado, we are more than happy to schedule a free consultation with you to discuss your exact need.

What is a Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosure?

A semi-frameless shower enclosure is one that has a metal frame around the perimeter of the enclosure, for example, above and below the walls and door, yet the door itself does not have metal attached to it as it slides in a track or on a rail. The cost of a semi-frameless shower enclosure fall in between that of a framed or frameless enclosure. For a free estimate and consultation on a semi-frameless shower enclosure in Colorado, contact us.

Shower Enclosure Glass

All our shower enclosure glass is tempered, which makes it stronger than normal, un-tempered glass. When broken, tempered glass shatters into millions of tiny pieces, instead of long sharp shards. Glass is available clear or obscured for privacy. Custom etching is also available.

The Difference Between a Framed and Frameless Shower Enclosure

The difference between a framed and frameless shower enclosure is the amount of metal framing used and the thickness of the glass. A frameless shower enclosure requires thicker glass since there’s less metal to support it. Our framed shower enclosures come in either 3/16″ or 1/4″ thick clear, tempered glass. Our frameless enclosures come with 3/8″ or 1/2″ clear, tempered glass.

A frameless shower enclosure offers a cleaner and less obstructed look with the lack of metal framing. The glass walls and door is supported by metal mounting brackets. Versus a framed shower enclosure, every pane of glass is framed with metal.

Which Shower Enclosure is More Popular?

For us, frameless shower enclosures are more popular. We install more of them than framed or semi-frameless. Most Coloradans prefer the cleaner, sleeker look of a frameless shower enclosure. Second most popular shower enclosure we install is semi-frameless, as they are a nice combination of affordability and that open look people are after. Although framed shower enclosures are less popular, we still install a fair number of them and are perfectly happy to do so. Framed shower enclosures are perfect for those that want to replace their dingy shower curtain with a sliding glass door.

Pros and Cons of Framed vs Frameless Shower Enclosures

Advantages of a Framed Shower Enclosure

• Sturdy Metal Frames
• Less Expensive than Frameless
• Kits Available
• Quick to Install

Thanks to the metal frames around every pane of glass in a framed shower enclosure, they tend to be very sturdy. Fuerthermore, framed shower enclosures also tend to be less expensive than frameless, partly due to the thinner glass. Another advantage of a framed shower is kits are readily available. This also makes them quick to install.

Disadvantages of a Framed Shower Enclosure

• Not as Clean a Look as Frameless
• Limited Customizations
• Somewhat Dated Look
• Metal Frame May Corrode Over Time
• More Difficult To Keep Clean

Although the metal frames around every pane of glass in a framed shower encloser makes them more sturdy, it also makes them a little harder to clean. What’s more, those metal frames also have a tendency to corrode after a while, if not properly taken care of. All the metal in a framed shower hinders the appearance, giving them a less clean and open look, thus a more dated look. Customiztions are also limited with a framed shower enclosure.

Advantages of a Frameless Shower Enclosure

• Newer, More Modern Look
• Easier to Clean
• No Threshold to Trip Over
• Customizable

The big advantage of a frameless shower enclosure is that they provide a more modern, clean and open look to your shower, thanks to the clear glass and lack of metal framework. Also, because they’re no metal frames, they’re also easier to clean and customize. Furthermore, without the metal basetrack under the door, there’s nothing to trip over with a frameless shower enclosure.

Disadvantages of a Frameless Shower Enclosure

• More Expensive
• More Likely to Leak Due to Design

The disadvantages to frameless shower enclosures are few. The primary one being price. Frameless is the more expensive shower enclosure we offer. Also, because there are fewer or no frames, there are gaps, such as between the door and floor, and door and wall. As a result, frameless shower enclosures have a great tendency to leak. However, the leaks are minor.

The Bottom Line

How do you make the decision between framed vs frameless vs semi-frameless shower enclosure? For some, it comes down to cost. If price is your primary concern, talk to us about a framed or semi-frameless enclosure. If ease of cleaning and a more open look is your desire, consider a frameless. If you’re shopping for a glass shower enclosure in Colorado, contact us for a free consultation. We’re more than happy to discuss with you your exact situation and options. Consultations are free, so are estimates.