Shower Buying Guide
Whether you are planning to remodel your existing bathroom or build a new bathroom in a new home, Apache Glass can help! Before starting there are a lot of ideas to consider and think about. Let us help you!
The Steps
1
What shower door would be the best fit for your home? Frameless? Semi Frameless? Framed? What are the differences? Read about which shower would fit your needs the best.
2
Once you have picked which kind of shower you want, look through all the different options of styles. Then determine the layout. Do you want a wall? Or is your shower going over a tub?
3
Once all your tile or shower is complete, an estimator will come and record the measurements for your shower.
4
Explore the different kinds of glass we can install in your shower. What finish or style hardware do you want to install? Look through different styles to see what you like the best.
5
The fun part is here! Our shower experts will come and install your shower for you once everything has been ordered and arrives at our shop.
1. Know the Difference
Semi Frameless
A semi-frameless shower enclosure is a great option that offers both style and functionality. It combines the convenience of a framed shower with the open look of a frameless shower, creating the perfect compromise. This enclosure features a stationary panel with either a complete or partial frame, as well as framing on each side of the larger piece but not around the door panel. It is the perfect solution for those looking to add some openness to their bathroom space.
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Frameless
Frameless showers are a modern and stylish way to revamp your bathroom. They are usually built from clear glass, which provides a bright and airy shower space and lets you keep your shower fully visible. Frameless doors have minimal framing in order to provide an uninterrupted view into your shower, making it the perfect way to highlight tile, shower heads, and other high-end features. To ensure safety and strength, these frameless shower doors contain a heavy glass that is 3/8" thick. Please keep in mind these showers cannot be installed on a tub.
Framed
Our framed shower enclosures offer the perfect combination of style and sophistication. The framed enclosure includes frames around both the door opening and each panel and is designed to complement the finishing of other fixtures in your bathroom. Made of glass and surrounded by metal framing, framed showers come at an affordable price and are a great choice for your bathroom.
2. Choose your Shape and Layout
After choosing which type of shower you desire, the shape and layout are the next things to consider. If you are completely remodeling your bathroom, you are guaranteed to have much more flexibility in which shape and layout you can choose. If you are replacing an existing shower, you will probably need to keep the same shape, size, and layout of your original shower. Within these styles, there are different possible configurations to consider. View some more options here.
Single Shower Door
A single shower door consists of one door that hinges on 2-3 panels. It is usually the only glass in the shower. These doors cannot exceed 36" in width.
Door & Panel
A door and panel shower door is perfect for when your space is larger than 36". A door and panel consist of a single door with an additional glass panel. The panel can extend to the floor or it can be combined with a wall, such as a buttress panel.
Neo-Angle
Neo-Angle Showers consist of a single shower door centered between two panels that are angled at 135 degrees. These panels can be full length or combined with a half wall like a buttress panel,
90 Degree
90 Degree Showers have a single door with two pieces of glass that meet to form a right, or 90 degree angle. The glass can be set on a wall such as a buttress panel or it can extend to the floor.
Barn Slider or Napa
Slider
These showers can be a full length or they can be placed over a tub. These showers are frameless only. They consist of two glass panels that slide to open with a barn slider installed at the top of the glass.
Slider
These showers can be a full length or they can be placed over a tub. These showers are framed or semi frameless only. They consist of two glass panels that slide to open with towel bars placed horizontally in the center.
3. Measure
Once your shower components have been installed, your tile or fiberglass, etc., you can fill out a form online to get a quote. The more specific your measurements, the more accurate the quote will be.
Before we order your glass, we will send one of our estimators to get final and specific measurements. Your shower needs to be completed before we come to measure for the glass.
After the glass is ordered, it usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive the materials from our supplier. After delivery, we will set up a time to come and install in your home.
4. Customize your Shower
Pick Your Glass Type
Pick which kind of glass you want for your shower! The different options vary on which kind of shower you have picked. Click here to see examples of different glass patterns we offer.
Frameless: Clear, Satin, Bronze, Gray
Semi Frameless: Clear, Satin, Bronze, Gray
Framed: Clear, Rain, Everglade, Satin, Rolled Glue Chip, Flemish
Pick Your Hardware Finish
Now you can pick which hardware finish you want. Scroll through here to see all of the options we offer. Not all hardware options come with every shower.
Frameless: Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, Brushed Bronze, Antique Bronze. Polished Brass, Matte Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Antique Brushed Copper.
Semi Frameless: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Framed: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Pick Your Attachment Hardware
If your shower is frameless or only consists of a glass panel, your shower will need clamps or hinges. Clamps help to secure the glass panels to the floor or the wall. Hinges are what the shower door will hinge off from.
To look through the different styles of clamps you can choose from, click here. To look through the different styles of hinges to choose from, click here.
Pick Your Handle Styles
Whether your shower needs a handle or a towel bar, there are many options available to choose from. Different styles can completely change the look of your shower. Towel bars are need for slider shower and handles are needed for showers with a door.
To look through different styles of handles, click here. To view different types of towel bars, click here.
Easy Clean 10
Easy Clean 10 or EC10 is a glass treatment that can be installed on any shower. It makes cleaning a breeze and reduces cleaning time. We highly recommend having this glass treatment installed on your shower.
Read more about how EC10 works here.
5. Installation
At Apache Glass & Mirror Shop, we specialize in custom shower installation. We take pride in creating showers that are tailored to your exact specifications and needs, ensuring that you are completely satisfied with the results. Our unique approach to shower installation sets us apart from other companies, making us the perfect choice for your custom shower needs.
We make installing your shower door easy! All you have to do is make sure someone is home on the installation day and we will take care of everything else! We arrive with your shower enclosure and carefully bring it into your home and assemble it in your bathroom. With our experienced installers, you can trust that your shower door will be installed quickly and safely.
