The Best Frameless Shower Doors of 2023

The best frameless shower doors transform a boring bathroom from functional to fabulous. Their clean lines and transparency open the space to create a spa-like feel in your own private sanctuary.

By Stacey L Nash | Updated Apr 13, 2023 1:27 PM

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The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option

Photo: amazon.com

Bathrooms can be an escape and sanctuary from everyday life. Frameless shower doors have played a key role in the transition from the bathroom as functional to home retreat. The best frameless shower doors provide a minimalist elegance, with either sliding or hinged configurations.

Without a frame, the eye keeps traveling, helping bathrooms to feel larger while making them easier to clean, too. Different door styles and hardware finishes offer a variety of looks to fit a wide range of interior designs. Read on for some of the best frameless shower doors available today and some tips for installation, sizes, and types.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Woodbridge Frameless Sliding Glass Shower Door
  2. RUNNER-UP: Vigo Elan Adjustable Frameless Sliding Shower Door
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DreamLine Aqua Uno Frameless Hinged Tub Door
  4. BEST HINGED: DreamLine Aqua Ultra Frameless Hinged Shower Door
  5. BEST SINGLE- SLIDING: Fab Glass and Mirror Marcella Shower Door
  6. BEST DUAL-SLIDING: DreamLine Essence Frameless Bypass Shower Door
  7. BEST FOR NARROW SPACES: DreamLine Aqua Fold Frameless Shower Door
The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option

Photo: depositphotos.com

How We Chose the Best Frameless Shower Doors

The best frameless shower doors provide a contemporary aesthetic to a bathroom while also being a functional barrier against water splashing from the shower. In our research, we found the best options on the market to meet these requirements with a comprehensive list of top recommendations in a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes.

Our top picks offer shoppers multiple glass thicknesses as well as a variety of hardware materials to suit their needs. Most hardware is available in various finishes for each product, allowing you to match your existing bathroom fixtures. Many of our recommendations are also reversible, and their installation can be adjusted to varying wall heights and even uneven surfaces.

Our Top Picks

Our top frameless shower door picks feature known brands and models that range from innovative to shower classics. Their look, quality, and installation options stand out from the competition.

Best Overall

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: Woodbridge Frameless Sliding Glass Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

The Woodbridge frameless sliding glass shower door features a modern design with hints of industrial elegance in the track. The stainless steel track offers 4 inches of adjustment to fit widths between 56 and 60 inches. The door’s height reaches 76 inches, but the rail sits slightly lower, so expect the shower’s actual entrance to be shorter than 72 inches.

The glass measures ⅜ inch thick, and the door is reversible to open on either the left or right side. Stainless steel hardware resists rust and corrosion, ensuring the door lasts for many years. It comes in several finishes, including matte black, chrome, brushed gold, and brushed nickel.

Product Specs

  • Type: Single sliding
  • Size: 56 to 60 inches wide by 76 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ⅜ inch

Pros

  • Modern industrial look can fit in most users’ current bathrooms
  • Reversible door design should be easy to install for professionals or DIYers
  • Rust-resistant materials will last for years to come; stainless steel track and ⅜-inch thick glass

Cons

  • Installation can be time-consuming; may require more than 1 set of hands

Get the Woodbridge frameless shower door at Amazon, Wayfair, or Woodbridge.

Runner-Up

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: Vigo Elan Adjustable Frameless Sliding Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

The Vigo Elan frameless shower door features a sliding top track, leaving a clear door to open the look and feel of the bathroom. That track has a soft-close feature to quietly close the door. It works with a slim track with less bulk than average and smooth sliders for easy, quiet door control.

This door also stands out because it measures an impressive 74 inches high. Those extra inches add weight to the door, making it heavier than a standard ⅜-inch-thick shower door. This Vigo sliding frameless shower door comes in multiple widths—suitable for shower gaps measuring between 44 and 72 inches wide—and five sleek finishes.

Product Specs

  • Type: Single sliding
  • Size: 48 to 72 inches wide by 74 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ⅜ inch

Pros

  • Smooth sliding design is easy to use; perfect for whole families to use
  • Quiet opening and closing; will not squeak or creak with frequent use
  • Contemporary look will match with most users’ current bathroom fixtures

Cons

  • Some users have reported difficulty installing this model; may require professional help

Get the Vigo sliding shower door at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Build With Ferguson.

Best Budget

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: DreamLine Aqua Uno Frameless Hinged Tub Door
Photo: amazon.com

The DreamLine Aqua Uno provides a sleek, open design of a glass door for tub/shower combos. Combo showers aren’t always the most elegant, but this ¼-inch-thick door’s sloped edge brings an elegance that opens up the space.

The door, which measures 34 5/16 inches wide, has a walk-in opening and swings open from the wall hinges. There’s no adjustment for nonparallel walls, so the measurements and leveling have to be exact. However, the frameless design attaches from either the right or left side, so it will fit a wide range of bathroom configurations.

Product Specs

  • Type: Single hinged
  • Size: 34 5/16 inches wide by 58 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ¼ inch

Pros

  • Combo design opens up the shower space; adds some room for those with limited mobility
  • Suits a range of bathroom configurations and fixtures; simple, clean design blends seamlessly
  • Easy to install compared to similar frameless shower doors; can be installed on the left or right side

Cons

  • May not suit some users’ bathrooms; cannot be installed on a curved bathtub

Get the DreamLine Aqua Uno frameless shower door at Amazon, Lowe’sThe Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best Hinged

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: DreamLine Aqua Ultra Frameless Hinged Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

The DreamLine Aqua Ultra features a fun walk-in opening but a hinged door that opens from a stationary panel. It works well in small bathrooms. At the same time, the curved door edge adds a sense of style.

An aluminum channel provides ¼-inch adjustment for uneven walls. It offers extra durability with 5/16-inch-thick tempered-glass construction. This shower door installs from either side, literally “opening the door” to bathrooms of different designs and layouts. For added versatility, the channel and hinges come in a variety of finishes, including brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, and matte black.

Product Specs

  • Type: Hinged
  • Size: 45 inches wide by 72 inches high
  • Glass thickness: 5/16 inch

Pros

  • Suitable for smaller bathrooms; compact, curved design adds ample versatility
  • Reversible design allows you to install on either the left or the right side
  • Channel and hinges come in multiple finishes to match a bathroom’s current fixtures

Cons

  • Not all parts are included; shower base is sold separately

Get the DreamLine Aqua Ultra frameless shower door at Amazon, Lowe’sThe Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best Single-Sliding

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: Fab Glass and Mirror Marcella Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

Enjoy the combination of style and effectiveness with the Marcella single-sliding shower door. This unique shower door is made with thick 10-millimeter tempered glass, aluminum wall material, and matte black stainless steel that resists scuffs, chipping, and rust.

At either 48 or 60 inches wide by 76 inches high, the elegant grid design of this shower door is unique and stylish while also being easy to clean and maintain. Plus, all of the materials are lightweight, which makes the installation process easy and strain-free. Finally, this model is made with a 19-millimeter EnduroShield coating on both sides of the doors to prevent watermarks and streaks.

Product Specs

  • Type: Single sliding
  • Size: 48 to 60 inches wide by 76 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ⅜ inch

Pros

  • Durable construction; durable 10-millimeter tempered glass and stainless steel
  • Unique, gridded design adds a pop of style to the room; black stainless steel gridded design
  • EnduroShield coating prevents watermarks and is easy to clean and maintain
  • Comes in 5 different sizes to accommodate most bathroom spaces

Cons

  • Some users have reported difficulty during the installation process
  • Only comes in 1 colorway; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the Fab Glass and Mirror frameless shower door at Amazon or Fab Glass and Mirror.

Best Dual-Sliding

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: DreamLine Essence Frameless Bypass Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

The DreamLine Essence frameless bypass shower door features 5/16-inch-thick tempered glass. That extra ⅛ inch provides extra durability (and weight) to these gorgeous doors. The dual-sliding door allows entry from either side.

An aluminum guard along the side keeps water in, but it also allows adjustments up to ¼ inch for uneven walls. Plus, the track trims down by 4 inches, giving some leeway in installation. The Essence fits openings from 56 to 60 inches wide by 76 inches high—an extra 4 inches of height in comparison to standard frameless shower doors.

Product Specs

  • Type: Dual sliding
  • Size: 56 to 60 inches wide by 76 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ¼ inch

Pros

  • Thick and durable tempered glass accommodates a multitude of shower sizes
  • Adjustable installation is perfect for professionals as well as DIYers
  • Sleek, high-quality look adds a touch of luxury to a bathroom space

Cons

  • Doors are very heavy; users may require some help to install

Get the DreamLine Essence glass shower door at Amazon, Lowe’sThe Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best for Narrow Spaces

The Best Frameless Shower Doors Option: DreamLine Aqua Fold Frameless Shower Door
Photo: amazon.com

A small bathroom doesn’t have to lack design. The DreamLine Aqua Fold shower door features a bifold design that works well in narrow, cramped spaces. The DreamLine creates a minimalist European look without a huge door installation.

An aluminum wall profile provides ⅜ inch of wiggle room for walls that aren’t quite even. The glass itself measures ¼ inch thick for a heavier feel over the standard ⅜-inch door. It comes in either a 29.5- or 33-inch width to accommodate showers of different sizes. However, the hinges and handle only come in a chrome finish, so they may not match some current bathroom fixtures.

Product Specs

  • Type: Hinged
  • Size: 29.5 to 33.5 inches wide by 72 inches high
  • Glass thickness: ⅜ inch

Pros

  • Ideal for small showers; bifold design is ideal for narrow shower openings
  • Clean minimalist look won’t draw the eye away from other bathroom fixtures
  • Multiple sizes available to accommodate most small to medium shower openings

Cons

  • Bottom may allow some water to escape; may require additional insulation
  • Hinges and handle only come in 1 finish; may not be ideal for some users’ needs

Get the DreamLine Aqua Fold glass shower door at Amazon, Lowe’s, or  The Home Depot.


Jump to Our Top Picks



What to Consider When Choosing Frameless Shower Doors

The job of choosing the best frameless shower door for the bathroom is no small task. They come in a wide range of styles, designs, and sizes. This shopping guide can help narrow down the style, door thickness, and hardware needed based on the bathroom configuration.

Types

A frameless shower door does not have a metal frame around the edge of the door. It comes in both sliding and hinged designs. Either type may have a frame or rail to which it attaches, but the metal isn’t attached directly to the door’s edge.

  • A single-sliding frameless shower door has two glass panels, but only one of them slides. They’re common among the true frameless designs, meaning those that have no frame or bottom rail. The stationary panel acts as an anchor point for the design’s sliding door. These shower doors work well in bathrooms with plenty of space. In a large bathroom, you may never need to get into the shower from the opposite side. These doors are less expensive than dual-sliding frameless shower doors.
  • In a dual-sliding design, both shower doors can slide open or closed. This type of design works well in midsize and smaller bathrooms because they allow entrance to the shower from either side. They cost more than single-sliding shower doors, and the more complicated installation takes a little longer.
  • Hinged (pivot) frameless shower doors open like a bedroom door by swinging open. Some hinged shower doors only open outward, while others can swing both inward and outward. A few designs have a hinge in the middle of the door, folding like a bifold closet door. They’re made in both single- and double-pane designs.
  • Single-hinged frameless glass shower doors take up less space, making them a great option for smaller bathrooms. Some people find the hinged frameless design easier to clean because soap scum and mineral deposits don’t get stuck in a track as they can with a sliding door.
  • Hinged or sliding tub frameless shower doors attach to a bathtub, giving another option besides a shower curtain. They come in full and half designs, as well as hinged or sliding. These doors are smaller and therefore are less expensive than full-size frameless shower doors. They offer the sleek appearance of a frameless shower door with the convenience of a traditional shower/tub combo.

Door Size

Measure carefully when selecting the shower door. Wait until all of the other shower finishings are complete, such as the backer board, tile, and any decor, to make sure users get accurate measurements. Just a note of caution—frameless shower door installation is fairly complicated and may require extra permits. Most people will require professional help unless they have considerable DIY experience.

The average frameless shower door has a 22- to 36-inch width. Heights are usually around 72 inches, though they can vary based on the bathroom design. It’s common for frameless shower doors to be custom-made to fit the bathroom space because they have to fit precisely to prevent water from getting out of the shower.

You’ll need several measurements to make sure you get a door of the right size. Start with height. Measure from the top of the fiberglass or tile on the wall to the floor of the shower. This measurement tells you the standard door height needed. You can measure higher if you’re considering an oversize or custom door.

Next, measure the full width of the door. Measure the top, middle, and bottom of the shower opening. If there’s a difference in these measurements, use a level to check the angle. In a perfect world, the walls must be parallel, though you may be able to use a tapered filler to adjust the opening if the walls aren’t exactly parallel.

Also, measure from the centerline to the edge. You will need this measurement for sliding shower doors because you’ll want to make sure the doors line up correctly. After the measurements have been taken, consult with a professional to select a door that’s equal to or slightly smaller than the measurements. When considering a hinged door, make sure it can open without hitting anything else in the bathroom.

Glass Thickness

Frameless shower doors range in thickness from ⅜ inch to ½ inch. Frameless doors are slightly more prone to falling or dropping during and after installation. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. As you can imagine, the thicker the glass, including tempered glass, the less likely it is to break if it falls or gets dropped.

However, thick tempered-glass varieties come at a higher price, and of course, they’re heavy. Some bathrooms may not meet the structural needs of a large ½-inch-thick glass door. Doors of this size may require extra reinforcing, or it may not be possible. A lighter ⅜-inch glass door is sufficient the majority of the time. They’re also easier to ship and install.

Hardware Material

In general, it’s a good idea to match the shower hardware with the rest of the hardware in the bathroom. For clear doors, make sure that the interior hardware matches the exterior hardware, too.

Most hardware is made out of aluminum, polished stainless steel, or a composite. Many shower doors include hardware in different colors such as black, chrome, nickel, and finishes like brushed, satin, or matte.

Reversible Installation Option

Doors with a reversible installation option can be installed with the opening on the left or right side of the shower. Not all doors include this option. Check to make sure before buying. You don’t want the door to arrive to find that it only opens from the left when you need an opening on the right.

FAQs 

The best frameless shower doors will make you want to spend more time in your bathroom than you probably should. They’re beautiful, sleek, and sophisticated. However, you might have a few questions about the installation and the door itself.

Q. How do you stop a frameless shower door from leaking?

A leak-free frameless or semi-frameless shower door starts with building the shower correctly. The floor should decline slightly toward the center to prevent water from pooling in the shower or leaking outside of it.

Next, make sure the water doesn’t point and spray directly at the shower door. This helps the door gently angle the water toward the floor and drain. Consider a rainfall shower head that directs the water toward the floor rather than spraying toward the walls.

Finally, plastic stoppers can be fitted onto the bottom of some frameless shower doors if you still have problems with leaks.

Q. What is the difference between semi-frameless and frameless shower doors?

Semi-frameless shower doors have a side or two or three encased in metal like framed shower doors. Parts of the semi-frameless door are frameless, but not the entire door. In a frameless design, the door itself has no metal frame on it. It may attach to a metal frame in the doorway, but the door is a single piece of glass with no frame.

Q. Are frameless shower doors safe?

They are safe as long as they are installed correctly, which can be said about any shower door. Correct installation assures that the shower walls can support the door and that tracks and anchor points are lined up correctly.

Q. How is a frameless shower door installed?

Installation of a frameless shower door requires more work and know-how than a framed or semi-frameless model. Measurements and angles must be precise before starting the installation to prevent gaps. Include an extra 1/16 inch in your measurements to account for the tape measure’s metal tang. You need to be as precise as possible.

The rest of the installation requires shims, drills, and at least two pairs of hands to hold the door, keeping it in place with attaching it to the hardware. Depending on the bathroom design, a masonry drill, other special power tools, or professional help may be needed. However, having it installed by a professional can be pricey.

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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.