Shower Doors: The Schaaf Guide

Ever step out of your shower and find a puddle of water has soaked your bathroom? Quality construction and quality installation are just as important as sleek, modern design – and let’s not forget about the importance of tempered glass.

Our hand-picked selection of shower doors will help you create your own relaxing oasis that will perform well for years to come. With their sleek designs, durable construction and easy maintenance, a new shower door is the perfect way to upgrade your bathroom and start your day off right!

Read on to learn more about shower door styles, our installation process and some insider tips for choosing a door that you will love for years to come.

Sliding doors, also known as bypass doors, are popular for their space-saving design. They’re ideal for bathrooms with limited space and are available in both framed and frameless options.

Pivot doors swing open like a regular door, offering a wide entry point. They’re suitable for larger bathrooms and can create a dramatic look.

Frameless doors offer a sleek, modern appearance and are easier to clean due to fewer nooks and crannies where mold can grow.

Framed doors are typically more affordable and provide a traditional look.

Enclosures create a complete shower area and come in various shapes and sizes, including quadrant designs for corner spaces.

• Clear glass: offers a clean, open look
• Frosted glass: provides privacy while allowing light through
• Textured or patterned glass: adds visual interest and partial privacy
• Low-iron glass: provides exceptional clarity without the slight green tint of regular glass.

We only install tempered glass in bathrooms, which does not break into dangerous shards if it is ever cracked or broken. We strongly recommend never going with cheap glass and compromising on safety.

The thickness of shower door glass typically ranges from 3/8″ to 1/2″ for frameless doors. Framed doors may use thinner glass.

Consider the size of your bathroom when choosing a shower door. Sliding doors are great for small spaces, while pivot doors work well in larger bathrooms.

Shower doors can complement various bathroom styles, from modern to traditional. Consider factors like frame color, hardware finishes, and glass patterns.

For those with mobility concerns, consider wider door openings and low-threshold designs.

While some homeowners opt for DIY installation, professional installation ensures proper fit and functionality. Complex designs or custom doors often require professional installation.

Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. Consider factors like wall irregularities and tile thickness.

Water with a high calcium and/or magnesium content (“hard water”) can leave cloudy streaks on glass showers and form deposits on your shower head. Chicago’s water quality is relatively good, but we do see this problem over time.

We suggest using a squeegee after each shower to make cleaning less frequent. When it is time to clean your shower door, opt for a glass cleaner with vinegar or make your own mix of equal parts vinegar and water to break down those mineral stains and restore your glass door to looking good as new.

Check seals and sweeps for wear and ensure proper alignment of the door.

This can often be fixed by adjusting the rollers or cleaning the track. If the door is old and the metal is wearing out, it’s probably time for a new shower door.

We suggest using a silicone-based lubricant on shower door hinges, which will last longer in wet environments..

Barn-style sliding shower doors have become very popular in recent years, bringing a touch of rustic-chic to urban spaces. These doors glide effortlessly, save space, and add a dash of farmhouse charm to your daily routine.

For those craving drama, framed doors make a powerful statement! These sleek elements create a contrast against light-colored tiles, instantly changing your bathroom!

Craving a spa-like retreat? Oversized glass panels sweep the design world, blurring the lines between shower and sanctuary. These expansive sheets of crystal-clear glass create an illusion of space, flood your shower with light, and turn your bathroom into a luxurious oasis.

Textured and patterned glass surges in popularity, adding depth and privacy without sacrificing style. And for the tech-savvy, shower doors with built-in LED lighting and fog-resistant coatings revolutionize the bathing experience

The right shower door can transform your bathroom’s look and feel! Our in-house experts can recommend shower door options that would work well for your space, budget, and style preferences.

We also work on high-end luxury bathrooms and can fabricate glass for custom bathrooms. We have three dedicated full-time shower door and mirror installation crews that bring decades of experience to every project.

Schaaf uses only the best materials. Our tempered glass, sourced locally from Chicago Tempered Glass, is heated to extreme temperatures and rapidly cooled, making it incredibly durable and resistant to chips and scratches. If it ever breaks, it shatters into tiny pebbles, preventing sharp shards and ensuring your safety. For specialty projects, we partner with 310 Tempering, offering virtually limitless design possibilities.

Installing a new shower door requires specific skills, and our experienced team has them! With decades of combined experience, our installers ensure a perfect fit, clean caulk lines and a shower door you’ll love for years.

Ready to upgrade your bathroom with a stunning new shower door? Contact Schaaf today for expert installation and exceptional results. Send us a message and let’s start transforming your shower space!