A bathroom renovation calls for all kinds of difficult decisions to make—especially when it comes to your shower/bathing area. For instance, one of the things most homeowners have trouble deciding on is which type of shower door replacement to buy. See, before one can even think about going to a store or purchasing just any door online, there are a few factors to take into consideration when shopping for a brand-new shower enclosure.
Let’s start with the basics:
List of Contents
STANDARD SHOWER DOOR
What is a standard shower door?
Also known as prefabricated doors, a standard shower door is a unit that has been mass-produced. They are typically made of plastic, acrylic, and fiberglass. Standard shower doors can come in a wide range of colors but are often produced in just white or off-white shades. They also commonly lack texture. These shower doors are offered in single-piece or multi-piece units and can be purchased in standard widths.
Price Point
Most standard-sizes shower doors are available for a reasonable price. If your budget is tight, don’t worry—there are a lot of affordable and high-quality options available on the market right now; you just need to know who to ask or where to look. Luxury shower doors made of premium materials will obviously cost a lot more than their more average counterparts, so keep that in mind when shopping around. Aesthetically, it is possible to find a stylish, luxury-looking shower door for a much lower price. Just remember to always manage your expectations with respect to your budget.
Pros and Cons
Standard shower doors are easy to install. This makes them great for homeowners who would love to take the do-it-yourself route and do a one-day installation project. Standard shower doors are also very durable because of their chip-and crack-resistant features. And thanks to their watertight construction, you won’t have to worry about water damage in your bathroom.
On the other hand, some of the drawbacks include a limited selection of standard sizes, difficulty removing once you decide to renovate again, their admittedly flat/generic look when compared to a custom shower door, and lack of available parts when repairs are needed.
CUSTOM SHOWER DOOR
What is a custom shower door?
Installing custom shower doors requires a high level of experience and expertise—which, right off the bat, should tell you that it’s not good for do-it-yourself projects. True to their name, these doors come in all sorts of textures, colors, and sizes, and therefore need to be installed by a professional to keep every seal seamless and watertight.
Price Point
There are many different factors that define the price of a custom shower door replacement. As mentioned earlier, they come in an endless array of colors, sizes, textures, shapes, and so on. Expect to pay more if you need additional fixtures and other features for your shower.
Pros and Cons
One thing that could discourage you from choosing a custom shower door is the price tag. Not everyone can afford it. However, there are several advantages to a custom shower door replacement that justify its price, including; features, beauty, customizable sizing, designs, specific aesthetics, and a high-end look.
It also gives a significant return on investment, making it a wise purchase for your home if you are planning to sell in the future.
Should you choose a standard shower door replacement or a custom one? It’s all up to you. There are many attractive and durable shower enclosures out there, available at every price point. If you think the price of customization is too steep for your budget, you can always find a nice-looking standard shower door that still does the job well.
