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Shower Buying Guide
SHOWER BUYING GUIDE
Thanks for visiting Dulles Glass. We hope to service your shower door needs. Before you begin, there's a lot of information to learn about your shower enclosure. Let us help you with our Shower Buying Guide.
What's In This Guide?
There are certain questions you need to answer when choosing the right glass shower enclosure for you. In this guide, we'll explain what you need to consider when you're choosing your shower:
- Know the Basics: What is a frameless glass shower? Is it safe? Durable? Easy to clean? Is it a good choice for me? We'll help you decide in step 1.
- Your Project: Are you remodeling a bathroom or replacing an existing one? This will determine what shape of shower enclosure you can get.
- Shape: What shape of shower do you want? We'll go over the most common shapes and explain the benefits to you.
- Configuration: What configuration will you need for your shower? We'll explain factors that influence the cost and look of your shower, like steam shower transoms, they types of walls around your enclosure, and the types of hinges you choose.
- Measurements: We'll go over how to measure your shower space and what you need to know about your shower size.
- Options: We'll show you the wide variety of glass thicknesses and types; hardware finishes and styles; and other options for creating your dream shower.
- Making it Happen: We'll explain the process for engaging with Dulles Glass and getting your shower enclosure installed quickly and easily!
- Installation: Installation doesn't have to be a headache. We'll make the process go smoothly.
What Is a Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure?
Frameless glass shower doors do not have a metal frame. They are made from strong, tempered glass so they don't need the support of a frame to hold them up. Dulles Glass showers are made from 3/8" to 1/2" thick glass, making the door sturdy and structurally sound.
What Is a Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure?
Frameless glass shower doors do not have a metal frame. They are made from strong, tempered glass so they don't need the support of a frame to hold them up. Dulles Glass showers are made from 3/8" to 1/2" thick glass, making the door sturdy and structurally sound.
Frameless Glass Shower Benefits
- Choosing a frameless glass shower has a lot of benefits for you as a homeowner.
- Modern - Both the look and function of these shower doors are a far cry from the shower doors of old. No more screeching and rattling - these doors slide and open quietly. And the look is very up-to-da
- Safe - No worries about safety here. Our premium glass shower enclosures are made of thick, high-quality glass - much thicker, in fact, than your standard framed showers. Adds Value to Your Home - Research shows that a bathroom upgrade is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home.
- Easy Maintenance - Say goodbye to moldy shower curtains and moldy crevices. Dulles Glass shower doors are easier to clean than framed shower doors, since there are no tracks to clean out. And, you can add Clear Shield, a treatment that bonds to glass to make the water "bead" on your shower, keeping it clean and clear.
- Unmatched Beauty - our customers love the sleek, modern beauty of their frameless glass showers. The frameless look has less visual clutter, showcases your beautiful tilework, and allows for lots of light.
Inspired
If you can dream it, we can help you create it. We have many great resources where you can see real installations of our shower doors, which will give you an idea of the wide variety of shower doors that we can help you create. The design trend for creating spa-like bathrooms is hot right now, so find some showers that match your personal sense of style and décor in these galleries:
Step 1
Know the basics
Are You Remodeling Your Bathroom or Replacing an Existing Shower?
Are You Remodeling Your Bathroom or Replacing an Existing Shower?
When choosing a glass shower enclosure, the first thing you need to consider is what type of project you are doing. If you are remodeling your bathroom (or building a house from the ground up), you will have a lot more flexibility and choice when it comes to the bathroom enclosure. If you are replacing an existing framed glass shower, you‘ll probably need to choose a new enclosure that is the same shape and size as your existing one.Regardless of which scenario you‘re in, we recommend choosing Dulles Glass to purchase AND install your shower, over a non-specialist contractor. We‘ll definitely be able to get you the right shower, installed perfectly, conveniently and exactly to your specifications.Essentially, the sky is the limit with Dulles Glass! So read on in this guide: we can help you build and specify the shower of your dreams. Next: Choose your shower shape.
Step 2
Your Project
Choose a Shower Shape
After you have the "lay of the land," you'll next want to choose a shower type. If you're a remodeler, you can probably choose from any of the shapes as you design your new bathroom space. If you have an existing shower, you'll most likely need to choose one that looks the most like your current shower. Here are some examples of the most common shower types.
Choose a Shower Shape
After you have the "lay of the land," you'll next want to choose a shower type. If you're a remodeler, you can probably choose from any of the shapes as you design your new bathroom space. If you have an existing shower, you'll most likely need to choose one that looks the most like your current shower. Here are some examples of the most common shower types.
- Right Angle or Neo Angle Shower Doors - 90-Degree shower doors have two glass walls meeting at a right angle to form a square or rectangle. Neo-Angle doors are diamond shaped with three glass sides and two tile walls.
- Single Doors - These heavy glass shower doors are typically the only glass element on a shower enclosure, with tile on the remaining 3 sides, and are perfect for a stand-in shower in a smaller space.
- Door & Panel Shower Doors - These shower doors are perfect when the opening of your shower is greater than 33 inches. A single door is combined with an additional glass panel, which can be either a full panel or a "knee-in" panel, meaning the wall can extend into the panel.
- Sliding Shower Doors - These doors can be installed as full panels or shorter panels over a bathtub. Dulles Glass sliding shower doors also work with proprietary sliding mechanisms for smooth, soundless opening and closing.
Are you ready to browse or get a quote? Visit our Glass Shower Door section.
Step 3
Shape
Choose Your Shower Layout
Once you know what shape your new shower is going to be, you will need to figure out the shower layout. These choices that will affect the look and the cost of your shower during the quote process. You’ll need to know 3 things about your new shower enclosure to get an accurate quote:
Choose Your Shower Layout
Once you know what shape your new shower is going to be, you will need to figure out the shower layout. These choices that will affect the look and the cost of your shower during the quote process. You’ll need to know 3 things about your new shower enclosure to get an accurate quote:
Doors:
Your new glass shower doors can open to the left or right, and the hinges can be attached to the wall, or to another pane of glass, depending on how your shower is set up. If hinges are attached to two pieces of glass, the cost may be a little higher, because these are a little more complicated to install.
Doors:
Walls:
For many of the shower shapes, you can have a variety of full and half walls. After you've chosen a shower shape, we'll show you all the most common configurations and you'll be able to choose the one that looks and works best for you. If you don't see the right configuration online, don't worry - we can help you with a custom shower configuration.
Walls:
Steam Shower:
All of our shower shapes, from the corner showers to the sliding shows can be built with a full enclosure, or transom at the top of your shower that can be opened to allow steam to escape, or closed, to keep the steam in. You can also choose not to have the transom, which provides an open, airy look.
Steam Shower:
Step 4
Shower Layout
Whether your project is just getting started or needs help to find the final touch, our glass and design experts are here to help you make your dreams come true.
When you fill out the instant online quote form, we'll ask you for measurements for your shower.The more accurate you make your measurements, the more accurate your quote will be.The shower layout you’ve chosen on the last step includes a diagram that shows you what measurements you need to enter for your quote.But, if you're not exactly sure about this step, you can use the standard measurements in our quote form. And don't worry - we'll double-check your measurements as part of our personal service to you - so you'll be certain to get the right size.Are you ready to get started?
Step 5
Measuring Your Shower
Customize Your Shower
Want a shower that you can make entirely yours? Dulles Glass gives you the widest range of customizations available. Here are a few ways you can customize your frameless shower:
Customize Your Shower
Want a shower that you can make entirely yours? Dulles Glass gives you the widest range of customizations available. Here are a few ways you can customize your frameless shower:
Glass Thickness
Dulles Glass showers are all made from thick, high-quality glass, available in several thicknesses for your shower enclosure.
3/8" Heavy Shower Glass
It's also more budget-friendly than half-inch glass. However, it's still thicker than your average framed shower enclosure glass, and it's strong and sturdy to boot.
1/2" Heavy Shower Glass
Choosing this option will add some cost to your overall budget, but many customers like the added safety and quality that this glass thickness provides.
Glass Types
Clear Glass
HDglass TM
- HDglass glass is the highest-quality, clearest glass you can buy, and is a great choice for your shower. This option does add a slight cost to your project.
- Manufactured with reduced iron content compared to regular glass
- Less greenish tint in the glass results in exceptional clarity
- Colorless appearance makes the bathroom shower appear larger
- True colors of shower tile can be seen from outside of the shower
Opaque-Clear Glass
Etched glass provides a little bit more privacy by obscuring the view through the glass, and is a unique and attractive option for your shower enclosure.
- Produced by sand blasting regular glass
- Distinctive and uniformly smooth and satin like appearance
- Admits soft light while providing vision control
- Only one side of the glass is etched leaving the other side smooth for better hygiene
Gray Glass
- A cooler, charcoal color option for shower doors
- Beautiful gray glass is unique and as durable as standard glass
- The opaque color adds to the privacy of your shower enclosure
Rain Glass
Etched glass provides a little bit more privacy by obscuring the view through the glass, and is a unique and attractive option for your shower enclosure.
- Produced by sand blasting regular glass
- Distinctive and uniformly smooth and satin like appearance
- Admits soft light while providing vision control
- Only one side of the glass is etched leaving the other side smooth for better hygiene
Bronze Glass
- A cooler, charcoal color option for shower doors
- Beautiful gray glass is unique and as durable as standard glass
- The opaque color adds to the privacy of your shower enclosure
Hardware Finishes
One exciting option to choose is your hardware finishes. We offer a wide variety so you can be sure to match the rest of your bathroom décor.
Brass
Brushed Nickel
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Chrome
Attachment Hardware Type
When planning your frameless shower, you can choose either to build your frameless shower with premium-grade metal clips or you can choose to build it with U-channels -- long rails your glass panels sit in.
Metal Clips
U-Channels
Handle Styles and Other Hardware Options
You can customize your new shower enclosure with the following handle styles: One exciting option to choose is your hardware finishes. We offer a wide variety so you can be sure to match the rest of your bathroom décor.
Standard
Square
Ladder
Colonial
Combination
Back-to-Back Towel Bar
Towel Bar to Fixed Panel
Sleeve-Over Robe Hook
Victorian
Glass Surface Protection
Protect your shower glass with ClearShield, an effective treatment for your glass that ensures your shower or bath remains as clean and shiny as installation day.
Step 6
Options
We Work Hard to Get it Right for You
Once you know what you want (or even if you still don't!), it's easy to get to the next step on your road to a beautiful, spa-like bathroom. Here are some steps you can take:
We Work Hard to Get it Right for You
Once you know what you want (or even if you still don't!), it's easy to get to the next step on your road to a beautiful, spa-like bathroom. Here are some steps you can take:
Check Out
After you get your instant quote, you can check out online. Don’t worry! We completely understand that you might not be a shower expert, so you don’t need to be concerned if you chose the wrong options on your instant quote. We’ll work with you every step of the way.Checking out online is the easiest and fastest way to get your dream shower project kicked off. You can pay ½ the price for a deposit, or pay the whole price. But here’s the key: we’ll work with you every step of the way. We will make sure your shower is exactly how you want it and we will refund any price differences.What happens after you get your instant quote and checkout online? A lot! Here’s a breakdown of how we’ll make sure your dream shower is an easy process.
Proposal
When you get an instant quote, the information is submitted to your dedicated glass shower expert. After we talk over everything with you via phone or email, we'll send you a proposal within 24 hours. You can review on your own time, and get back to us when you're ready to get your new shower. Once approved, we can move on to the next step!Timeframe: Quote within 24 hours; next step depends on your bathroom finishing time frame.
Final Measurements
Once everything in your bathroom has been completed - tile has been laid and the shower base installed, we will need to come out and take the final measurements. This simple, half-hour trip to your home ensures that when we manufacture your shower, everything is just right.What happens if our final measurements are different from the ones you entered to get your instant quote? The good news is that major differences only occur rarely. Most times you instant quote is very close to your final quote. If we encounter a major difference (for example, if you chose the wrong shower layout, or have glass-to-glass installation), we’ll discuss it with you in detail. We’ll refund your money if the difference is in your favor, and make sure you know if there is any increase in price well in advance of installation.Timeframe: Once you approve the proposal, we can usually schedule an appointment within 1-2 days to do the measurements.
Shower Fabrication
We'll bring your measurements and options back to Dulles Glass and get right to work fabricating your shower. Your shower can usually be made in under one week, so your lead time is short. We feel good that we can create your shower here in our own facility so we're in charge of the quality - getting it just right for you.Timeframe: Between 5 and 7 business days.
We are here to walk you through the measurement process. Live chat or email us!
Need Expert Help?
We are here to walk you through the measurement process. Live chat or email us!
Step 7
Next Steps
Do you have a question?
We just need your information so we can accomodate you!
Only a Glass Expert Will Do
One thing that sets Dulles Glass apart from regular contractors is that we fabricate and install your glass shower enclosures ourselves. We don't send it out or get it pre-made, and we don't subcontract the installation. What does that mean to you? We rely on ourselves to get your shower enclosure just right. We're accountable for making sure your shower is put together correctly and installed seamlessly and perfectly in your home. No worries, no stress, and no fear - we've got you covered in this area. All you have to do is make sure someone is home on the installation day - we'll handle the rest! We arrive with your shower enclosure and carefully bring it into your home and assemble it in your bathroom space. Once complete, we clean your shower and space, and leave it as good - or better - condition than when we arrived. We guarantee your satisfaction with your shower installation. Timeframe: We can install your shower in one day.
Only a Glass Expert Will Do
One thing that sets Dulles Glass apart from regular contractors is that we fabricate and install your glass shower enclosures ourselves. We don't send it out or get it pre-made, and we don't subcontract the installation. What does that mean to you? We rely on ourselves to get your shower enclosure just right. We're accountable for making sure your shower is put together correctly and installed seamlessly and perfectly in your home. No worries, no stress, and no fear - we've got you covered in this area. All you have to do is make sure someone is home on the installation day - we'll handle the rest! We arrive with your shower enclosure and carefully bring it into your home and assemble it in your bathroom space. Once complete, we clean your shower and space, and leave it as good - or better - condition than when we arrived. We guarantee your satisfaction with your shower installation. Timeframe: We can install your shower in one day.
Your New Shower Warranty
When you invest in a glass shower from Dulles Glass, you're getting a high-performing, long-lasting product expertly constructed of the best materials available, and we're proud to back that up with a warranty you can rely on. We offer a comprehensive, straightforward three-year warranty on all glass shower doors sold and installed by Dulles Glass & Mirror technicians.Dulles Glass guarantees all of its sales and installations, and will repair or replace any faulty glass or hardware. Dulles Glass will provide all labor and materials necessary to fix faulty glass and/or hardware installed for three years from the date of installation.What sets us apart is that when you have a warranty issue with your shower, you deal directly with us and we do not point you to any third-party manufacturers if say, for example, your hardware or sweeps malfunction. We'll take care of any issues promptly, ourselves.
Step 8
Installation
Dulles Glass
Company
Support
United States © 2024 Dulles Glass. All Rights Reserved.
United States © 2024 Dulles Glass. All Rights Reserved.