Buying guide for best bathtub sliding doors
A sliding door can improve the look – and the convenience – of your bathtub, highlighting tile work and providing an easy way to enter and exit the tub. Choosing a sliding glass door for your bathroom means measuring carefully and considering what style of glass and frame you want.
The frame style is one of the largest determiners of price when choosing this product. Frameless designs are elegant, but they tend to be more expensive than their framed and semi-frameless counterparts. The thickness of the glass, as well as any coatings, can also influence the cost. Most bathtub sliding doors are made of tempered glass, but if safety is a primary concern of yours, you’ll want to look into doors with thicker or laminated glass.
Any bathtub sliding door is an investment, and you don’t want to order a door that doesn’t fit in your bathroom. To learn more about the key considerations in choosing a bathtub sliding door, continue reading. To see the models we think stand out from the rest, check out our top recommendations.
Key considerations
A sliding glass door offers many advantages over the traditional curtain and rod. Sliding doors are far less likely to leak water or collect mold, and they’re easier to use for both adults and children. Sliding doors are almost always more costly, but the result is a simple and straightforward system that improves the look of any bathroom.
Before purchasing a sliding door for your bathtub, you should consider the specifications you’re looking for, including the following:
Glass thickness
Bathtub sliding doors tend to range from 1/8 to 1/2 inch thick. This may sound like a small difference, but it can play a large part in the safety of the door, as well as its weight and appearance. Frameless doors often have thicker glass because they lack the extra support of a frame. Thinner glass is more likely to shatter, but it tends to be less expensive.
Tempered vs. laminated glass
Tempered: The most common material for bathtub sliding doors is tempered glass, which is designed to break safely so that any pieces won’t cut the skin. This is the same type of glass found in the side windows of most cars.
Laminated: This glass is made of a plastic layer sandwiched by two glass layers. The plastic is designed to hold any glass bits in place in case the door breaks. While laminated glass is safer, it is also more expensive and less common in bathtub sliding doors.
Size
Most bathtubs have an opening of around 60 inches. Sliding doors are designed to partially overlap, so when it comes to the glass, there is often a bit of wiggle room. Manufacturers typically list the range of tub sizes that a door can accommodate. The trim, frame, and guide often have to be trimmed during installation, however. Take note of the measurements of every included part to make sure that the sliding door you choose will fit your tub properly.
Clear vs. patterned
Choosing a type of glass is a matter of preference, but it also plays a role in the privacy your bathtub offers and the overall look of your bathroom.
Clear glass is the most popular choice for bathtub sliding doors, known for its simple look that shows off your tub and tile work. If you opt for a frameless or semi-frameless door, clear glass will complement the design well. Clear glass needs to be cleaned frequently, however.
Patterned or textured glass offers more privacy, and marks on it are less visible than on clear glass. Frosted glass is a common option, but a pattern may better suit the style of your bathroom. Some patterned glass may also have clear windows, allowing you to see out of or into the bathtub area.
Bathtub sliding door features
After determining the size and the type of glass, consider additional aspects of the design to find a sliding door that suits you and your bathroom.
Frame style
After the glass, the frame is the next biggest factor in the overall look of a bathtub sliding door.
Framed: These doors have a frame along the top edge and the sides of the glass panels. While this does add a bit of clutter to the look of a door, it’s also an opportunity to show off the metal finish.
Semi-framed: These bathtub sliding doors typically have a frame only along the top edge but not on the sides of the glass.
Frameless: These doors have a metal support near the top of the door that leaves the top of the glass uncovered. While not quite as free of metal as hinged bathtub doors, this is still your best option if you want a minimalist sliding design.
Metal finish
A stainless steel or chrome finish is common and likely to match the rest of your bathroom, but you might want to consider a less traditional finish. Some options include polished brass, aluminum, and brushed nickel.
Handles
Not all bathtub sliding doors have built-in handles. In most cases, you can push the glass easily enough with your hand, but this is likely to leave fingerprints and smudges. Some sliding doors include a horizontal or vertical handle on both panels.
Glass coatings
Some more expensive door options include water-resistant coatings that make the glass easier to clean and prevent the buildup of grime and mold. While this isn’t a necessary feature, it will save you plenty of cleaning time.
Bathtub sliding door prices
Inexpensive: Lower-priced bathtub sliding doors cost between $200 and $250. These are typically framed or semi-framed and may have frosted or patterned tempered glass.
Mid-range: In the $250 to $350 range are models that may have attractive finishes like brushed nickel or rubbed bronze. Some frameless designs may be available in this range, as well as laminated or tempered glass doors.
Expensive: Bathroom sliding doors priced from $350 to $500 are often frameless and made with clear or patterned tempered or laminated glass. Doors in this range glide smoothly and may have a water-resistant coating to prevent mold buildup.
Did you know?
Due to their popularity, a bathtub sliding door can increase the value of your home.
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Tips
Measure your tub carefully. Be sure to measure the width along the edge of the tub, near the ceiling, and at the midpoint of the two. Knowing the widest point where the door will rest is key to creating a reliable seal. For the height, measure from the edge of the tub to the ceiling or to the top of the shower area.
- Make sure you have all the necessary tools before installing. Before attempting to install a bathtub sliding door yourself, double-check that you have all the necessary tools and you’re comfortable performing the installation.
FAQ
Q. How do I know whether a tempered glass sliding door is genuine?
A. Most manufacturers state whether their glass meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards.
Q. I have a curved bathtub. Are there curved sliding doors?
A. Yes, but the degree of the curve will vary from one tub to the next. Your best bet is to purchase a sliding door made specifically for your tub.
Q. Can you slide either door to enter the shower area?
A. In most cases, yes. Both glass doors should slide so you can enter either opening.
