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Frameless or semi-frameless: which shower screen to choose

There are three types of shower screen. Here is how they differ, and how we would pick one for your bathroom.

Frameless

We use 10mm toughened glass held by hinges and small brackets, with no metal frame. It is the cleanest look and the thickest glass. With no frame there is nothing for grime to collect in, so it is also the easiest to keep clean.

Semi-frameless

6mm glass with a slim frame along the wall and floor edges, and a frameless door. You get most of the look, but the frame edge needs a wipe.

Framed

A full frame around every panel and the door, in black, white or silver, with 4mm to 6mm glass. A sliding framed screen is the one for a narrow bathroom or a rental, because the door does not swing out into the room.

Glass choices

Clear is standard. Low-iron glass takes out the faint green edge you get on clear glass, so it suits a white bathroom. Reeded or fluted glass gives you privacy without closing the room in. Grey and bronze tint go with dark tiles and stone. Whichever you pick, it is toughened Grade A safety glass to AS 1288.

Hardware

Matte black is what most people ask for now, with brushed brass and gunmetal close behind. If you might sell, chrome and brushed nickel are the safer bet. On a frameless door, soft-close hinges are worth it.

Which to choose

Go frameless if the budget allows and the walls are solid: it looks best and cleans easiest. Go semi-frameless if the walls are out of square or the budget is tighter. Framed or sliding suits a narrow room, a rental or a strict budget. Whichever you choose, get it measured after the tiles are laid, not before, because the tiles change the size of the opening.

Get a free quote Or call Josh 0401 539 105 or Daniel 0433 279 221