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Glass thickness
Most frameless showers are 3/8" thick, but we encourage customers to consider 1/2" glass for an extra luxurious feel and also for additional stability if panels are wider than 30"
Hardware selections
Most frameless showers are built with "C-Pull" handles and wall hinges. Hardware finishes are available in chrome, brushed nickel, gold, oil rubbed bronze and other finishes to match your bathroom fixtures. Through the glass towel bars and robe hooks are also available. Custom hardware selections can be seen in our showrooms or on-line from C.R. laurence , Portals and Century Bath Works.
Channel or Clips how to fasten stationary panels
Most of our frameless showers are designed and built with no header and without clips for a cleaner and more elegant look. A channel is a discreet 1/2" metal between the glass and the tile. It provides a leak proof seal. Some customers want clips, which are 2" by 2" metal brackets. With clips, there is a gap between the tile that must be caulked and need to be maintained if it gets mildewed. Mainly, its a design choic that is up to you. Occasionally, design considerations and customer preferences require the use of headers across the top of the glass or the use of braces to hold the stationary panels, partcularly for neo-amgle showers.
Vinyl and Plastic sweeps and seals
Although we try to minimize the use of plastic seals on a frameless shower, they are sometimes necessary to having a leak-free shower installation (unless your shower is so large that there isn't much water splashing on the door).
Frameless Shower construction and tiling tips
• Threshold must pitch in towards shower: All frameless showers leak a little water. It is critical that the threshold be pitched in 1/8" to re-direct any water back into the shower. Solid thresholds are preferable to tiled thresholds, but either will be more leak free if they are strongly pitched in.
• Need wood framing where hinges/headers attach: The hinges need to be firmly anchored into a wood stud for maximum durability.
• Keep water spray away from the door: Avoid having body sprays or jets point at the shower door.
• Shower Heights and Door Widths: Most frameless showers are 72" tall, but the range is from 68" to 80" in height. They can also extend to the ceiling, but it is important to leave enough room for ventilation both while showering and to allow the shower to dry after showering.
MA Glass Design FAQ
The following glass options are available in addition to standard clear glass.
Starfire Glass
This low-iron glass is less green and more white/clear in color. It has a brilliance and sparkle like fine crystal and is absolutely beautiful.
Acid Washed or Biselux
These are frosted glass used to obtain complete privacy in a shared bathroom when you do not want clear glass. Ideally in a frameless shower, a patterned glass gives a more luxurious appearance while still obscuring the view.
Patterned Glass
Rain, Bubble, Antique, and other patterned glass is available for a distinctive frameless showers.
Slump Glass
Though very expensive, this custom glass is quite special. Either a standard pattern or your own unique pattern or design is molded in a sand bed and the glass is slowly heated until it slumps down into the contours of the sand – the results are truly unique and elegant.
Custom Sandblasting
Any design from you or your architect or designer can be custom sandblasted on the glass. Whether it's a pattern, a lighthouse or your family crest, the options are unlimited.