When you choose a glass door for a bathroom remodel or a walk-in shower conversion, you will hear three terms: framed, semi-frameless and frameless. We install the first two. We do not install frameless doors, and because that surprises some homeowners, here is the reason, and how to decide between the two options we do offer.
What the three terms mean
Framed doors have metal around every edge of the glass. The frame holds the panels and the door runs inside it.
Semi-frameless doors have some framing, usually a top track and channels where the glass meets the wall, but the glass panels themselves are not wrapped in metal. There is no single industry definition of semi-frameless, so two doors sold under that name can look quite different. It is worth looking at the actual door before you decide.
Frameless doors are heavier glass panels held by hinges and clips, with no frame at all. The glass is the structure.
Why we do not install frameless doors
Frameless doors offer very little adjustment for walls that are not perfectly plumb or square. Because frameless systems rely on very precise alignment and minimal seals, even small wall variations can make the fit more difficult and can increase the chance of water escaping the enclosure.
That matters because walls are rarely perfect, and older houses in particular tend to have walls that are slightly out of plumb or square. Framed and semi-frameless doors give the door room to adjust, so it closes properly and the water stays in the shower. That is the whole reason: it is about the door working for years, not about the look.
If you still want a frameless door
That is a fair choice, and you have two routes. You can purchase a frameless door from a home improvement store, but the installation must be provided by the store or another installer. For custom glass projects, we can coordinate with a professional glass company when that option is included in the project. If that is the look you want, bring it up at the estimate so it is part of the plan from the start.
Framed or semi-frameless: how to choose
Both work well. The difference is mostly how much metal you want to see and how the door is cleaned.
- Framed is the most forgiving fit when walls are not perfectly plumb. As a general rule, the bottom track on any sliding door collects some water and needs a regular wipe.
- Semi-frameless shows more glass and less metal, for a cleaner look, while still giving the door some room to adjust.
- Finish: the faucet and hardware finishes we offer are matte black, brushed nickel, chrome and brushed gold. Very dark finishes may show water spots, so if you are leaning toward matte black, expect to wipe it down more often.
The best option depends on your space, budget, and how the bathroom will be used. We will talk through it with you at the free estimate, in the room, with the walls in front of us.