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Latest Trends: The Shower Screen, with How-To Videos

Updated on June 6, 2012

A guide to shower screens

If you’re in the process of updating your bathroom, you have literally hundreds of options and combinations of options from which to choose. Modern homeowners are paying more and more attention to tubs and showers, and many are replacing older traditional fixtures with exciting new units. One popular contemporary update to the old shower door or shower curtain is the shower screen. To learn lots more about shower screens, visit Plumbing Point dot com.

What is a shower screen?

A shower screen is a device that encloses a shower or bathtub, much like shower doors or a shower curtain. Unlike these two older devices, the shower screen retracts back into the wall, into a canister or pocket. Another type of shower screen folds into a small space, while yet another opens outward via hinges.

Why is a shower screen better than shower doors?

A shower screen allows full access to the bathtub or shower, making it much easier to clean and to enter and exit. Also, as it slides back into its canister, it cleans itself. This means no more soap scum and mildew in the shower door track! As the screen slides, the canister serves as a squeegee, removing soap, shampoo, and water. Other types of screens have no track at all!

Another advantage a shower screen has over shower doors is that it makes the entire shower or bathtub visible. Because it “opens up” the space, it will make your bathroom appear larger, also.

What are shower screens made of?

Shower screens are usually made of either glass or a special polyester material that’s impervious to moisture. The screens are available in frameless, framed, and semi-frameless models.

What kinds of different styles are available?

Shower screens can be clear, frosted, or opaque. One popular style is the slumped glass decorative shower screen. These have a textured three-dimensional finish that does a great job of hiding fingerprints. They’re available in geometrical patterns and more elaborate designs.

Etched glass shower screens are comprised of glass in which a permanent design has been made by acid etching. Unlike the slumped glass screens, this style has a smooth finish.

Another option available for homeowners is the use of vinyl decals. These are easily applied to glass shower screens and come in a wide variety of patterns and motifs. This is a great inexpensive option for those who want to change the look of their shower and tub occasionally.

What about folding shower screens and hinged screens?

Folding shower screens are made up of sections that fold up into two or more panels. A bi-fold shower door contains two panels, but other styles have several panels. Some of the screens fold accordion style, while others fold up inside the shower itself. Some screens are completely removable, making full access to the bathtub-shower possible.

Glass shower screens that swing open are another option. These are fitted with a sturdy handle and have no bottom track, making getting in and out of the bathtub-shower a breeze. And with the absence of a track, keeping the bathroom fixture clean is a snap! Some of these screens are available with a gently curved edge instead of a hard straight edge.

A scalloped glass shower screen is a beautiful option for bathtubs and walk-in showers. These gracefully curved doors open outward for entry and are fitted with two knobs or handles.

Shower screens have been popular for years in Europe, and now they’re catching on in the United States. Many are moderately priced, and all of them will make your bathroom look bigger and will make bathing and showering easier and more enjoyable.

How to install a shower screen

If you're a do-it-yourself type homeowner, you'll probably want to install a shower screen yourself. You can save a substantial amount of money by doing so. By watching the videos below, you'll get step-by-step instructions on how to install a shower screen.


A frameless shower screen.
A frameless shower screen.

How to install a shower screen - part 1

How to install a shower screen - part 2

working

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