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Best-Rated Shower Doors for Bathtub Conversions

Installing a shower door on a bathtub can provide homeowners with an upgraded, elegant bathroom look and improved functionality. Shower doors keep water splashes inside the tub during showers, unlike shower curtains which can billow out. They also have a more clean, sleek aesthetic compared to a curtain. When considering shower doors for a bathtub, homeowners have several factors to weigh, from materials and styles to proper installation and maintenance.

With key information on measuring, costs, maintenance, and safety, homeowners can make an informed decision when converting their tub into a shower.

best shower doors for tubs

Types of Shower Doors for Bathtubs

There are several main configurations of shower doors that work for bathtub conversions:

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding or bypass shower doors are a top choice for bathtub conversions. The sliding panels conserve space in the bathroom by eliminating the need for any swing clearance. Bypass sliders have two panels that slide alongside each other, while single sliders have one stationary panel and one sliding panel.

Look for sliding doors with a high quality roller system for smooth gliding. Tempered glass and watertight seals are also important. Sliding doors can be installed on tile, fiberglass or acrylic surrounds. For a modern, clean look, opt for frameless sliders.

Hinged Shower Doors

Hinged shower doors are another option for tubs. They are attached to the side jamb with hinges and swing either inward or outward to open and close. Inward opening doors conserve space, while outward opening allows for easier access.

Hinged doors require a side jamb for stability and something to attach the hinges to. Look for reinforced hinges, preferably made from stainless steel. Tempered glass, watertight seals, and drip strips are essential features.

Pivot Shower Doors

Pivot shower doors have an upper and lower pivot hinge so the entire door swivels open and closed. This style provides easy access without requiring additional clearance space. The hinges are mounted on a side jamb.

High quality pivot hinges that allow smooth opening are key. Glass thickness of at least 3/8" is recommended to support the weight of the door. Like other shower doors, water-tightness and durability are important.

Neo-Angle Shower Doors

For bathtubs with an angled corner, neo-angle shower doors are designed specifically to fit. The angled door swings into the bathroom on hinges to conserve space. The frame and panels are cut to match the tub's dimensions.

Neo-angle doors should be precisely measured and cut for an accurate fit. Hinges, seals, and glass quality factor into the look and performance. This style has a clean, modern profile.

Materials for Shower Doors

Shower doors are primarily constructed from glass, acrylic, metal and composite materials. The material affects the appearance, durability, and cost of the door.

Glass Shower Doors

Glass is the most popular shower door material due to its sleek, elegant look. The most common types of glass include:

Tempered safety glass is required for all glass shower doors. Maintenance is easy with regular cleaning. Glass thickness is typically 1/4" or 3/8".

Acrylic Shower Doors

Doors made of acrylic sheets are lighter weight and more flexible than glass. Acrylic can mimic the look of glass at a lower cost, but scratches more easily. Acrylic doors need to be at least 1/2" thick for durability.

Metal Shower Doors

Metal shower doors are very durable and resistant to damage. Stainless steel, aluminum, and wrought iron are common options. Metal often serves as the frame for glass doors. Metal requires regular cleaning and polishing to avoid corrosion and minerals.

Composite Shower Doors

Some doors combine materials such as aluminum and acrylic or glass and resin. Composite doors blend the properties of different materials for aesthetics, durability and affordability.

Key Features of Shower Doors

When selecting a shower door for your bathtub, there are several key features to evaluate:

Frameless vs Framed

Frameless shower doors have a sleek, clean, contemporary look. They are just panels of glass without a metal frame surrounding them. Framed doors have more of a traditional styling with a metal frame enclosing panels of glass, acrylic or other materials.

Handle Styles

Handles range from simple towel bars to latch pulls to knob handles. Finish and styling should complement your bathroom decor. Placement of handles ranges from glass panels to door frames.

Glass Thickness and Safety

Tempered safety glass at least 1/4" thick is required. 3/8" glass is ideal for durability and preventing flexing. Obscure and etched textured glass provide privacy.

Watertight Seals

High quality vinyl seals between the door panels and frames keep water contained. Magnetic strips also help block water from escaping.

Adjustability

Doors that allow some adjustability make for an easier, customized fit. Look for slide bars or hinges that allow adjustments.

Easy To Clean

Minimal tracks and grooves make doors easier to wipe down. Glass doors are very simple to clean and maintain.

Top Brands of Shower Doors

Established brands known for quality shower doors include:

Kohler

High-end styles and premium materials with coords to match their fixtures.

DreamLine

Affordable, modern, and easy to install shower doors and enclosures.

Delta

Wide range of styles from affordable to contemporary luxe designs.

American Standard

Classic to contemporary looks made with quality materials.

Sterling

Focus on seamless designs and innovative shower spaces.

When comparing brands, look at quality of materials, range of styles, price points, warranty coverage, and overall customer reviews.

Measuring and Fitting Shower Doors

Atailored, accurate fit is key to proper shower door installation and performance. There are a few factors to address:

Measure Carefully

Take very precise measurements of your tub opening's width, height, and depth. Account for any out of square angles.

Check for Plumb

Use a level to determine if your walls are perfectly plumb. Out of plumb walls affect clearance.

Custom or Standard Sized

Stock doors save costs, but custom doors are made to your exact measurements.

Professional Installation

Hiring a pro ensures proper installation. Follow all manufacturer guidelines.

Costs of Shower Doors

Prices for shower doors vary based on:

Materials

Frameless glass doors are the most expensive while acrylic and composite cost less.

Labor

Hiring a professional for installation adds labor costs.

Return on Investment

Despite the initial expense, shower doors can greatly improve your bath's functionality and ambiance.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To keep shower doors looking pristine:

Daily Cleaning

Use gentle cleaners and soft rags to wipe down doors. Rinse soap residue after showering.

Prevent Soap Scum Buildup

Use an after-shower squeegee on glass doors to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.

Apply Anti-Fog Coatings

Special sprays and wipes can be used to prevent glass fogging up.

Care for Hinges and Seals

Keep hinges lubricated and check that seals are intact. Replace worn or damaged seals.

Safety Considerations

When choosing shower doors, keep these safety factors in mind:

Tempered Glass

Tempering makes glass more resistant to breaking and shattering.

Water Tight Seals

Quality seals prevent leaks that could damage walls or floors.

Textured Surfaces

Textured or etched glass improves traction and slip resistance.

Easy Accessibility

Doors that safely glide or swing open easily are ideal for all ages.

Quality Materials

Durable, sturdy doors made from thick glass or composite materials last.

Reviews of Top-Rated Brands

Here are reviews for some best selling shower door styles:

DreamLine SlimLine Bypass

This frameless bypass slider door features smooth gliding and an affordable price point. The sleek panels make the most of limited space without sacrificing style.

Delta Linden Single Slider

The crisp styling and curved handle give this single slider door an elegant, polished look. Quality construction and easy installation.

Sterling Ensemble hinged door

This neo-angle hinged door has solid brass handles and hinges with a beautiful oil-rubbed bronze finish. It opens smoothly and fits angled openings.

When selecting doors, balance affordability with quality materials and appealing aesthetics that enhance your bath decor.

FAQs on Shower Doors

What are common installation challenges?

Out of plumb walls and inadequate framing around tubs can complicate installation. Hiring a professional is recommended.

How do I fix leaks and foggy glass?

Check for damage to seals and replace worn seals. Use anti-fog sprays or coatings to prevent condensation.

What if my glass door breaks?

Contact the manufacturer, as many offer warranties on breakage. Only professionals should replace broken glass.

Should I custom order or get standard sizes?

For tubs with unique sizes, custom doors are best. Otherwise, standard sizes cost less and still fit most tubs.

The right shower door can take your bathtub from basic to beautiful. Keep in mind key factors like materials, styles, proper fit, easy maintenance, and safety when selecting doors.

Investing in shower doors is a big upgrade. Not only do they corral water spray, but they give bathrooms a more refined, cleaner look. With many affordable and high-end styles available, there are shower doors to match any design and budget.

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