Pivot Shower Doors – Advantages, Disadvantages and Product Options

Choosing a shower door is not the easiest task. Is it better to go with a pivot door, a sliding door – or get rid of the door entirely and do a walk in shower? In the article below learn what a pivoting door is, it’s advantages, disadvantages and options.

What is a pivoting hinged door – This shower door opens outward into the bathroom. It is available in very cost effective framed designs up to a high end luxury frameless designs in multiple sizes and glass types.

Advantages

• Can accommodate larger openings – This fact can be especially important for higher end luxury showers.

• Increased safety – Since the openings can be designed larger it can be safer for those with mobility challenges.

• No track at the bottom of the door – with sliding doors there is often a track at the bottom of the door – with a pivot shower door you can eliminate this track.

• High end luxury designs are available – Using thicker ½” frameless glass in a pivoting door will fit well in a high end home.

Disadvantages

• Not well suited to small bathrooms – Since the door opens outward (into the bathroom) it is not generally the best choice for smaller spaces.

• Some water may get on the floor when it’s opened – After a shower water may spill out onto the floor when the door is opened.

Door options – There are a good number of options available in hinged shower doors. The doors are available in framed (usually the least expensive), semi-frameless to completed frameless (generally the highest end and most expensive designs). If you’re looking for increased privacy an obscure glass pattern will work best – if you want to show off intricate stone or tile designs in a luxury shower a clear glass door will be the preferred option.

Glass thickness will range from ¼” (generally in a framed design) up to ½” thickness in a frameless door (this is the priciest door and will feel more sturdy than the thinner options).

Although some people may think all hinged doors are the same even the hardware can vary greatly. For example the Fleurco shower door line has an intelligent hinge system with an adjustable speed closure for the ultimate luxury and sophistication. Door finishes can vary as well – from ultra and bright chrome, brushed stainless, bright brass, polished & brushed nickel to oil rubbed bronze.

Shower base options – Pivoting doors can be set on virtually any type of base – whether it is made of acrylic, expanded polystyrene, cultured marble, tile or solid surface. The Fleurco acrylic shower base line has a unique way of combining the use of NEO angle, square, half curved, round and “slice” style bases with various price levels of pivoting doors to fit any budget.

Do you have any questions or experience with pivoting shower doors? Please comment below.

If you’re looking for more information or an estimate to install a pivot door or shower enclosure visit The Bath Doctor of Cleveland (216-531-6085) or Columbus (614-252-7294).For nationwide direct product sales call Innovate Building Solutions (877-668-5888). For complete bathroom remodeling contact Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-658-1270).