When it comes to choosing your new shower doors, there is one question that always arises: sliding or hinged? Both accomplish the task of keeping the water inside a closed space, but beyond that, what makes each unique? We’ve gathered our years of experience to put together this blog post to go over the pros and cons of both.
Sliding shower doors are usually made of glass, plexiglass, or acrylic. Here is a breakdown of some of the types of shower glass options you may find:
Frosted or Opaque
Sliding shower doors as the name suggests, move from side to side. They can come with tracks at the bottom, or they can be trackless or frameless.
Tracks at the bottom
Trackless
Frameless
Hinged shower doors swing out to open, and they can be either framed or frameless for a more modern look. Some hinged shower doors feature a 180°-degree range, where glass shower door hinges allow for a 90°-degree rotation inwards or outwards and can be mounted to allow the door to open from the right or left side. Hinged shower doors can also be made from glass, plexiglass, or acrylic.
Examples of Hinged Doors. Photo source: Newline Showers
Now that we know what they can be made of and what types are there, let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.
Pros of a Sliding Shower Door
Space-Savers: Sliding shower doors are a perfect solution for small bathrooms. This is because they do not open out, and therefore do not occupy that precious space you need when you have a small bathroom.
Keep the water inside: Sliding shower doors are a perfect solution for small bathrooms. This is because they do not open out, and therefore do not occupy that precious space you need when you have a small bathroom.
Stylish: Retiring your shower curtains and upgrading your bathroom with sliding shower doors is one great way to modernize your bathroom. This can be a cheaper option instead of going on a full-on renovation mode. Sliding shower doors come in many styles and sizes and the bottom track can be made flat, which makes the cleaning easier too.
Cons of a Sliding Shower Door
Hard to Clean: When compared to hinged doors, sliding shower doors are generally more difficult to clean due to their tracks which can trap dirt, grime, and soap build-up. If not cleaned properly and regularly, this could lead to mould and mildew on the tracks. Also, wet doors will drip onto the floor when opened, creating a ‘wet’ mess unless you have a bathroom rug.
Difficult Installation: If you are one for DIY projects, then bear in mind that sliding shower doors are more difficult to install than hinged doors, as they require more hardware.
More Maintenance: Over time, you will eventually need your sliding door shower to get replaced or repaired. This is because the following things may happen:
– Rollers can go off track, making it impossible for the door to open or close. This usually occurs when the bottom screws holding the rollers become loose. Tightening the screws or replacing them will help to keep the rollers on track.
– Doors can get stuck because the track or rollers are too dirty to move smoothly. This can be easily solved by giving a thorough cleaning.
– Bent track: less common, but a bent track either inward or outward will prevent your door from sliding. You will have to be careful while repairing the track.
Pros of a Hinged Shower Door
Simple Care and Cleaning: As hinged doors do not have any tracks at the bottom, they are easier to clean.
Easy Access: In comparison to sliding doors, hinged doors offer easier access for those with mobility due to the potential for a wider door opening.
Easier Installation: Hinged doors require less hardware than sliding doors and therefore are easier to install. You also have more flexibility if you want to change or upgrade your hinges and door handles which can be available in matt black, brushed brass, and chrome to name a few. Making it easier to match with your existing shower fittings.
Cons of a Hinged Shower Door
Not suitable for small bathrooms: Hinged doors require more space because they open outwardly. This can be an issue if you have a small bathroom.
Water spilling & leakage: Every time you open the door after a shower, water will likely drop out from it onto the floor. So, you will likely need a bathroom rug underneath it to soak up the water. Hinged shower door glasses can leak through the door opening or at the metal track which holds the glass. While in most cases, the leaking is minimal, over time you might find water stains and mildew at the corners if not cleaned regularly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sliding showers are known for their aesthetically pleasing look and space-saving features, as well as for keeping the water in. Their drawbacks are that due to their built configuration they are harder to clean and install and may require more maintenance over time. Meanwhile, hinged doors offer easy cleaning, and access and are easier to install. However, they are not suitable for small bathrooms and are prone to water spilling and leakage due to their design. All in all, the best option for you will depend on your bathroom layout and requirements.
If you have any questions, our team is happy to answer them!
Just drop us an email at info@newline.co.nz or give us a call today on 0508 639 5463.
