There are plenty of spaces to consider in home renovation. You have to decide on something that falls within your budget and connects with your lifestyle too. Kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom—there’s plenty of stuff to plan.
Even if you are planning a bathroom remodel, there are many decisions to make. Accessories, flooring, colors, doors, and the list goes on. To make your bathroom remodel a bit easier, let’s talk about the shower sliding doors.
There are two common types of shower doors: hinged and sliding doors. Let’s break it down in detail!
Why the Shower Door Decision Is Important
Your shower is the main attraction of your bathroom. It’s where you start or end the day. For many, it’s the one moment of relaxation, a place where you can take a shower, sing a few songs, or just do what you want.
That’s why the type of door affects accessibility, maintenance, design, and resale value.
1. Hinged Doors
Hinged, or as the majority calls them, swing doors are connected to one side of the wall or glass panel. It is the old-school door style that you have seen everywhere. They’re mostly utilized for the larger bathrooms. Due to their frameless designs, they are considered accessible shower doors.
Pros:
- They open fully to give you a large space to enter.
- It is highly recommended for larger bathrooms that have excessive space.
- It is easier to clean, as soap or grime has fewer places to accumulate
- You can get it in framed and frameless designs.
Take note, they are not always ideal for small spaces. Hinged doors demand space to open fully. In a small bathroom, they will hit the vanity or the toilets. If your bathroom is small in size, this would be very inconvenient.
2. Sliding Doors
Gliding doors are made for bathrooms with less space available. No wonder 63% of homeowners like sliding glass doors in small bathrooms. People often call them sliding doors. These are used where space is at a premium. These doors slide along a track. It means they don’t need any extra area to swing open.
Modern houses in Branford and nearby areas mostly favor sliding doors. They give a premium appearance, and so people love them.
Pros:
- Suitable for tight layouts or small bathrooms
- It is the modern and minimal style that people prefer nowadays
- It can cover huge shower openings with double sliding panels.
- It is safe for people with kids, as swing doors may hit them.
This was just the positive side. These doors collect debris. The track is a room for dirt. Cleanliness can become a big issue, as only half of the opening is accessible at a time.
Which One’s Easier to Maintain?
Here is a harsh truth: nobody loves scrubbing shower doors. Who has got this much time? If you run away from such chores, maintenance must not be neglected. In this regard, hinged doors are better.
Gliding doors have tracks that should be cleaned frequently—perhaps every few weeks. Soap residues from showers or dust naturally present in the air will start collecting on the rails. Even mold can grow. You have to get in there with a toothbrush frequently.
Let’s talk about hinged doors now. The frameless one is the best in terms of maintenance. You simply have to clean the glass and occasionally check the hinges.
Do you want a low-fuss option for your bathroom remodel? Swing doors win the competition.
A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Hinged Door | Sliding Door |
| Space Requirement | Needs clearance to open | No clearance needed |
| Entry Access | Full width | Half width at a time |
| Maintenance | Easier to clean | Tracks collect grime |
| Style | Classic and graceful | Modern |
| Cost | Typically higher | Generally more affordable |
| Accessibility | Better for people with disabilities | Moderate due to limited opening |
1. Expenses
In terms of cost, gliding doors are better. They are budget-friendly. The charges are less than the hinged doors; however, the exact price can be determined if we know the door size and frame. Glass quality can also impact the doors.
Conventional doors are available at a higher price. The designs with frames cost even more, but it’s worth the investment. You will give your bathroom a modern appearance. Also, don’t overlook the installation price. Conventional doors will take longer and cost more because the installation process is a little complex.
2. Convenience
Perhaps you already know that swing doors are better in terms of accessibility. The full-width opening is amazing. It’s harder to slide the sliding doors, but swing doors are easy to use even if someone has a disability.
Sliding doors utilize less space, but it’s inconvenient for someone to get in and out. These may be challenging for people with mobility challenges. Some modern versions have wider tracks and doors, but they still don’t compare with a swing entrance.
3. Aesthetic Impact
Do you want a high-end bathroom remodel in Branford, CT? The modern world wants to be Pinterest-perfect. Aesthetics is a primary concern for females. The finish of your shower matters a lot.
Hinged doors are a luxury. Frameless doors give a very sleek and modern vibe, and that’s incredibly popular right now. If you want to highlight a beautiful wall, a hinged frameless door is our recommendation.
Sliding doors are also graceful. You can get the barn-door-style hardware or slim top tracks. They work beautifully in industrial designs.
Conclusion
The final decision is yours, as both types of shower doors have a few positive and a few negative sides. The best option depends on your bathroom area, style, budget, and personal likes.
We would suggest hinged if you have the space and you want a modern look. You should get sliding doors if the space is limited.
Our Best Home Remodeling CT team specializes in large & small high-end bathroom remodels. Reach out to us now to receive a free quote! Because no matter how you like your water, hot or cold, your door should make the shower peaceful.
FAQs
1. Can I switch from a sliding to a hinged door?
Yes, if you already have a door in the shower, it can be changed. It depends on your existing shower structure. You have to get some rework for the surrounding tile and adjust the wall support. This will be a good full or partial remodel. The cost will be higher than getting a new door installed, because the workers have to remove the previous one too.
2. Are there waterproofing issues with shower doors?
Hinged doors have a tight seal, as they are fixed with a magnetic or rubber edge. Sliding one’s work on rails that can wear out. They have a slight risk of leaks if neglected.
3. What’s the best shower door for a bathroom with underfloor heating?
Swing doors are better with radiant heat. No track will trap heat or condensation. Airflow is consistent, and cleaning is easier.
