Framed doors use aluminum around the full perimeter of the glass. The frame carries the weight, so the glass can be thinner, which keeps the price down. They’re a practical pick for rental units, family bathrooms and tight budgets. The trade-off is the frame itself — those channels collect soap residue and need regular attention.
Semi-frameless doors frame the stationary panels but leave the swinging door edge exposed. You get most of the open look with a lower price than fully frameless, and fewer tracks to scrub.
Frameless doors use thicker tempered glass (typically 3/8″ or 1/2″) with minimal hardware — hinges, clamps and a handle. Visually, the glass disappears, which makes a small bathroom read as one continuous space rather than two boxes. They’re also the easiest to wipe down, since there’s almost nothing for grime to hide behind. The cost is higher because the glass is heavier, the fabrication is custom and the installation demands precise measurement.
One thing homeowners often miss: frameless doors need solid blocking behind the tile to carry hinge loads. If your renovation is still at the framing stage, that’s the moment to decide.
Not sure which fits? We’ve been fitting shower enclosures across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Bowmanville for over 20 years. Call 905-665-3256 for a free estimate.
