If you’re planning a bathroom renovation or need to replace your shower door, consider the pros and cons of hinged doors versus sliding doors. These doors are generally not replaced often, so you should be fully informed to make the right choice. Below is a guide to the two different options.

Hinged Shower Doors

Also known as pivot doors, hinged shower doors have hinges on the side and swing outwards to open. Some have a frame, while frameless options have hinges that you drill into the wall.

Advantages

When hinged doors are open, they leave a large opening and plenty of room to enter the shower. This option is particularly useful for anyone with mobility problems. Frameless versions are aesthetically pleasing due to minimal use of tracks and brackets, creating a seamless look. This also makes the doors easier to clean and means there are fewer crevices for mold and mildew to grow.

Disadvantages

Although hinged doors create a wider opening to enter the shower, they also need considerable space in front of them to open. This requirement makes them less than ideal for smaller bathrooms. Openings in the hinges are challenging to clean, and hinges may eventually need replacement. Another disadvantage is that after you finish showering, water may drop onto the floor outside the shower when the door is open. 

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding doors move from side to side and usually run along a track, although some modern versions are trackless. They are also referred to as bypass shower doors.

Advantages

Because they don’t need to move outwards, these doors don’t take up space in the bathroom when they are open. Their design makes it easy to attach a handle that runs the length of the door, which is helpful if you need extra stability when using the tub or shower. If you opt for a circular bath, the sliding doors will also be curved, which has a pleasing aesthetic.

Disadvantages 

Sliding shower doors require more maintenance and are more difficult to clean. This is because the doors trap water when they are open, and the tracks that the doors slide along collect dirt. Without sufficient cleaning, these issues could eventually lead to mold and mildew. These doors require more hardware than hinged doors and aren’t as easy to install. While they save space in the room, the entry point to the shower is smaller.

If you’re looking for new shower doors or would like to discuss your options, Aladdin's Glass & Screen Products, Inc. in Nicholasville, KY, will help. Having supplied the community since 1989, the locally owned and operated company focuses on customer service. Other services include sunrooms, custom mirrors, and commercial doors and storefronts. To learn more and get a free estimate, call (859) 887-4070 or visit their website for more information about their services.