Should You Include Solid Shower Doors In Your New Bathroom Design?
Just a few decades ago, almost everyone had a shower closed off by a curtain on one side. However, solid shower doors have become increasingly popular, especially in homes built with a modern aesthetic. If you're in the midst of designing a new bathroom, either for an existing home or for a home that you're having built, then you'll need to decide whether you want to go with the trend and opt for a solid shower door. Here's a look at some of the upsides -- and downsides -- to jumping on the "solid door bandwagon."
On the upside...
Shower doors don't have to block the view.
Shower curtains are almost always opaque. You just can't effectively make a large piece of plastic see-though to the extent that you can see the view through it clearly. If you have a nice landscape out the window of your bathroom or just want to enjoy the bathrooms looks while you shower, a glass shower door allows you to do this. Of course, if you would rather have your privacy, you can choose an opaque or translucent shower door instead.
Shower doors do a better job of keeping the water inside.
If you do not close a shower curtain very carefully, water can escape out from the ends of your shower. This can make quite a mess, leading to mold growth on the floor and even damage to nearby cabinets and furniture. A shower door closes tightly into its frame, and it's very easy to tell if you have not closed it all of the way. So, you do not have to worry nearly as much about leaks, especially when kids, who are not always good at closing shower curtains, take a shower.
Shower doors last a really long time.
Shower curtains rip, grow mold, and get discolored all too often. You may tire of always having to buy new ones and then go through the hassle of hanging them on those stubborn plastic rings. Shower doors, on the other hand, last for decades. As long as you don't throw something at yours, it really should not break -- and it's easy to wipe away any mold or grime that might appear.
Shower doors will increase your home value.
If you plan on selling your home anytime soon, this may be a good reason to choose a shower door. Since they've become so popular, many homeowners prefer them or will look specifically for a home with a shower door. You may earn more for your home and have an easier time finding a buyer.
On the downside...
Shower doors are more expensive.
You can find a shower curtain for a few dollars. You might pay $50 for a really, really nice one. Shower doors, however, are more costly. Frameless styles, which are becoming increasingly popular, sell for about $1,000 including installation. You may find a traditional, framed shower door for a little less, but it will still cost you several hundred dollars more than a shower curtain. If you're on a really tight budget, you may want to opt for a curtain rather than a door.
You can't change the shower door on a whim.
When you have a shower curtain, you can always switch out the curtain to give your bathroom a new look. Tired of blue? Replace your shower curtain with a yellow one. Ready for the holidays You can hang one that's decorated with wreaths and bows. Since shower doors are more of a permanent bathroom feature, you can't just change them on a whim. You'll have to resort to changing other aspects of your bathroom decor, like your towels and rugs, when the mood strikes.
For more information, contact companies like Bradenton Window & Allied Products.