Framed Showers: Doors and Enclosure Guide

Framed showers tend to be the cheapest type of shower enclosure, and they are also the most traditional. However, there are plenty of ways to modernize your shower frame, and there are lots of pros to going the fully-framed route aside from price. In this guide, we’ll look at all there is to know about framed shower doors and enclosures. This includes their cost, benefits, drawbacks, and which bathrooms they are best for. 

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What is a Framed Shower?

A framed shower enclosure uses metal framing as a support system for the shower glass doors and walls. As a comparison, semi-frameless showers only have metal supports around the top and bottom while leaving the door clear of obstructions, and frameless showers have no metal supports at all.

These metal frames are sealed and caulked around the shower doors and walls to keep water from escaping, providing excellent protection from any possible water leaks.

What’s the Difference Between a Framed Glass Shower Door and a Framed Shower Enclosure?

The term “framed shower” can mean both the entire enclosure or just the shower door. But you should know what the difference between these two things is, especially when it comes to budgeting.

Shower Door With Frame

If the only part of your shower that has glass is the door, then you just need a framed glass shower door — a much cheaper installation or replacement than a full enclosure. In this case, the shower is built into an existing alcove or nook, like in the photo above.

Framed Shower Enclosure

If at least one (but possibly all) of your shower walls is made of glass in addition to your shower door, then you will need a framed shower enclosure. As a general rule of thumb, the more glass you need, the more expensive your shower project will be.

How Much Do Framed Showers Cost?

Framed showers are one of the most affordable types of showers, partly because their glass is thinner than other shower types. 

Typically, a framed shower should cost you under $7,500 and take under a day to install.

One way to save money is to replace the glass shower door, which costs an average of only $598. Keep in mind that prices can be higher in specific areas and as you add customizations to your shower.

You can use our shower remodel cost calculator to get a better sense of what your own shower might cost. If your new shower is part of a larger bathroom upgrade, then check out our bathroom remodel cost calculator.

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What Impacts the Cost of a Framed Shower?

The overall cost to install framed shower depends on the type of shower door you choose, the size of the shower, materials used for the frames and glass, and the typical prices in your location. Check out our guide to standard shower sizes to learn more about how shower size impacts many of these costs. Below you can find average price ranges to expect when planning for your project.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Framed Showers?

Pros of Framed Showers

1. Cost-effective. Framed showers can cost between 10-15% less than frameless, semi-frameless, and other shower options. They are also especially good for small spaces.
2. Less prone to leaks. The metal framing and caulking creates a water-tight shower enclosure that prevents water from spilling onto bathroom floors. Framed enclosures tend to avoid bathroom water leaks most effectively over time.
3. Shower door options abound. Unlike frameless showers, which can only have a hinged or pivot door, framed showers can have both of those door types as well as sliding, bi-fold, or neo-angle doors.

Cons of Framed Showers

1. Appearance of metal frames. Some homeowners dislike the appearance of metal framing on their new shower. Since this metal framing surrounds the top, bottom, sides, and joints of the shower walls, it can detract from the visual appeal of the shower’s interior.
2. Can make the bathroom appear smaller. Showers with metal frames can at times look tight and enclosed, compared to frameless showers, which often help to make bathrooms appear brighter and more open.
3. Trickier to clean. Because the glass sits within the metal framing, this shower type can be more difficult to clean. Metal shower door tracks and hinges can collect mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup over time. Not to mention, it’s tough to squeeze a shower brush into those tiny cracks and crevices.

Shower Glass Frames: Materials and Colors

Framed showers (and semi-frameless showers) come in:

• Aluminum. Popular for its durability, lightweight nature, and affordability.
• Stainless steel. Known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
• Composite. A combination of at least two different materials. Most often includes fiberglass and resin along with one of the above metals.

The material itself does not dictate the final appearance of your shower frame, however. You can find the following finishes and colors standard from most manufacturers:

• Chrome. This is a shiny, reflective finish that may easily show water spots and fingerprints, but also looks sleek and modern.
• Stainless. If you choose a stainless steel frame, you will likely get to choose from a shiny or brushed finish.
• Nickel. Typically comes in a brushed finish.
• Brass or bronze. Often chosen for traditional or vintage-style bathrooms. It can be polished or brushed. You might even want to look for an oil-rubbed bronze for a rustic vibe.
• Black. Matte black shower frames are enjoying a lot of popularity thanks to their modern look and to not showing much wear and tear.
• Gold. You will likely be able to choose from a shiny or brushed gold, either of which can add a touch of luxury.

Who Should Consider a Framed Shower?

Framed showers tend to be best types of showers for…

• Smaller bathrooms or half-baths. If you are converting a half bath to a full bath, these showers can be better at conserving space compared to frameless or semi-frameless showers.
• Preventing water leakage. If you dread the thought of water spilling onto your bathroom floors, this type of shower will be your best friend.
• Tight budgets. This is one of the cheapest types of shower there is. Think about how much extra money you’ll have to put towards other items in your bathroom remodel!

What Are Next Steps?

There are a few different paths you can follow now that you’ve learned all about framed showers.

• You can explore our guide to shower remodels to learn all about what you can expect and what you should plan for.
• Not sure this is the right shower for you? No problem. Check out the seven main types of showers to find the best one for your bathroom.
• Ready for a quote? You can explore our contractor directory to compare shower remodelers in your area.

You can also have Modernize do the research for you. We’ll ask a few questions about your project and then match you with up to four shower pros in your area.

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