Types of Shower Door
Understand the available types before choosing the right shower door size. Each type has its own features and benefits that can influence your choice.
Frameless vs. Framed
Frameless shower doors consist of minimal hardware and design. They create a minimalistic look. Framed doors are durable with a more traditional appearance.
Sliding vs. Hinged
Sliding doors are perfect for tight spaces because they slide open easily. They don’t need extra room to swing. Hinged doors, like traditional doors, need space to open freely.
Pivot and Bi-Fold Doors
Pivot doors rotate on a hinge for a wide opening, making them suitable for larger bathrooms. Bi-fold doors fold inwards, this saves space and makes them perfect for compact bathrooms.
Measuring Your Shower Space
- Width: Measure the horizontal distance across the entrance of the shower at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Note the shortest measurement among these points. This is the width of the shower space.
- Height: The height ranges from the top of the shower base to the upper edge of the entrance. Keep the measure tape perpendicular to the ground and aligned with the entrance.
- Depth: Measure the distance from the opening of the shower to the back wall, representing how far the shower extends into the room. This is the depth of the shower space.
- Keep in mind: Note any unusual features or barriers in the shower area, such as slanted ceilings or fixtures, that could impact the door's fit or operation. These factors should be considered when selecting the right door size and style.
Standard Shower Door Sizes
While there are standard sizes for shower doors, custom sizes are available to accommodate unique layouts and preferences.
Typical Dimensions
Shower doors come in standard sizes to fit most showers. The typical width of a shower door is 22 to 36 inches, and the height is usually between 72 and 78 inches. These dimensions work for most bathrooms and help prevent water from spilling out of the shower.
Sliding doors are between 48 and 60 inches wide. Hinged doors are perfect for narrow spaces and are typically 24 to 36 inches wide.
Custom Sizes
Custom-sized shower doors work well for uniquely shaped bathrooms or older homes with irregular dimensions. These doors can be made to fit according to the precise measurements of the door, so they fit perfectly.
Matching Door Size to Bathroom Layout
Choosing the right shower door opening size depends on your bathroom's layout. Tailoring your door selection to fit your space's specific dimensions and features can greatly improve functionality and visual appeal.
Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms need smart storage tricks to save space. Sliding doors are great because they don't need extra space to open. Bi-fold doors are also a good choice because they fold inwards. They also require less space and provide easy access.
Big Bathrooms
You can choose from a wider range of doors with bigger bathrooms. Hinged doors or pivot doors can open wide and look nice in a big space. Frameless doors are also popular in spacious bathrooms, offering a sleek, modern look.
Unique Layouts
If you have an eccentric layout for your bathroom, custom-sized doors might work well. They help your door fit just right with particular dimensions set by you. If you have angled walls or corner showers, pivot doors might work wonders. Custom sliding doors or bi-fold doors are ideal for customizing the dimensions as well.
Practical Considerations
Your shower door opening size depends on a number of essential factors.
Door Swing and Clearance
Choosing a shower door depends on your space. Hinged and pivot doors need room to swing open freely while sliding doors are perfect for tight spaces because they don't require any extra clearance.
Water Containment
Frameless doors often have special strips and seals to block water. Make sure it fits your shower pan snugly, no matter what door you choose. This helps prevent water from escaping through tiny gaps and keeps your bathroom floor dry.
Ease of Cleaning
Maintaining a clean shower door improves the overall look of your bathroom. Less dirt and grime builds up in frameless doors, making them easy to clean. Doors with tracks can store a large amount of soap scum and dirt. This can require more effort when it comes to cleaning.
With this in mind, you should be able to estimate your shower door opening size correctly. Based on this measurement, you can select a shower door that fits the gap while matching the design of your bathroom.