SHOWER SCREEN
TERMINOLOGY
DECODING SHOWER SCREEN TERMINOLOGY
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
Welcome to your ultimate guide to understanding shower screen language!
Whether you're a homeowner embarking on a bathroom remodel, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional renovator, navigating the world of shower screens can be a bit daunting.
Don’t worry, we’re here to simplify things for you.
Let's break down the shower screen jargon and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
SHOWER SCREEN FRAME TYPES
Framed vs Frameless Shower Screens
FRAMED SHOWER SCREEN
A framed shower screen has a metal frame around the edges of the glass panels.
This type typically offers more stability and can be a cost-effective option. The frame can add a traditional or modern touch, depending on the design and finish.
FRAMELESS SHOWER SCREEN
Frameless shower screens, on the other hand, use minimal hardware and rely on thicker glass for stability. They offer a sleek, contemporary look and are easier to clean due to fewer crevices where grime can build up. However, they can be more expensive than their framed counterparts.
Semi-frameless shower screens are also available, which have a partial frame around the edges but still offer a more open and modern look compared to fully framed options.
Generally the door is frameless or has minimal framing while the adjacent panels have a slim aluminum frame. This allows for more flexibility in design and customisation, as well as easier cleaning and maintenance.
WET ROOM
A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom with a shower area that is flush with the rest of the room. There’s no need for a shower tray or screen, while it provides an open feel, this type of bathroom can leave the home owners and visitors open to more slips and falls.
WALK IN SHOWER
A walk-in shower is an enclosed shower area that doesn’t require a door.
It typically includes a single fixed glass panel and provides easy access, perfect for a modern, minimalist look. the fixed panel shower style comes in both framed and framless options.
walk in showers are also known as "roll in" showers and are designed for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities. These showers can be fitted with grab bars and built-in benches for added safety and convenience.
But even for those without physical limitations, walk-in showers can still offer a luxurious and spacious feel in the bathroom. With no door to obstruct the view, they create an open and airy atmosphere that adds to the overall aesthetic of the space.
In addition to their practicality and style, walk-in showers are also low maintenance. Without a door to clean or sealant to worry about, these showers require minimal upkeep compared to traditional shower enclosures.
SHOWER SCREEN DOOR TYPES
SLIDING DOOR SHOWER SCREEN
Sliding doors are great for small bathrooms as they don’t require extra space to open. They glide along a track and can be single, double or even triple sliding, depending on the design.
Sliding shower screen doors can run parallel to each other, or, to accommodate limited space, be positioned adjacently and open away from each other at a corner, creating a larger opening.
PIVOT and HINGED DOOR SHOWER SCREEN
Pivot shower screen doors are another option, swinging open from a single point but without the need for a track.
The clever pivot design of the shower screen means you get a wider door opening, so stepping in and out of the shower is a breeze.
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Pivot opening spaces can vary are designed to meet diverse needs, some models can open a full 180 degrees for maximum accessibility and others at 90 degrees for more compact spaces.
WHAT IS A SHOWER PANEL?
The phrase "shower panel" can have multiple meanings, depending on the context. It commonly refers to a single, waterproof wall panel that serves as an alternative to traditional tiling in shower areas or bathrooms.
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When using the term shower panel in relation to a shower enclosure, shower cubicle, or walk-in shower this means a single pane of glass forms the enclosure.
We refer to this also as a fixed shower screen which is available in either a framed or frameless design.
SHOWER SCREEN GLASS TYPES
Let's look at glass terminology used for shower screens.
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Above all the glass in your showers screen should be either toughened or laminated glass for safety and pass rigid Australian Safety Regulations
CLEAR GLASS FOR SHOWER SCREENS
Clear glass stands as the top choice for shower screens, celebrated for its ability to provide unobstructed views while welcoming in the flow of natural light. This option enhances the brightness and openness of any bathroom.
To maintain its pristine appearance and clarity, regular cleaning is advisable, ensuring it remains spotless and free from watermarks.
FROSTED GLASS FOR SHOWER SCREENS
Frosted glass has a textured surface that provides privacy while still allowing light to pass through.
One of the main benefits of frosted glass is its ability to obscure vision, making it perfect for spaces where privacy is desired. The texture of the glass creates an opaque effect, making it difficult for someone outside the shower to see through. This is especially useful for shared bathrooms or en-suites where multiple people may be using the space at once, or when the shower is visible from a window or door.
In addition to privacy, frosted glass also offers increased light diffusion. This means that even though the glass is not transparent, it still allows natural light to filter through without harsh glares or hot spots.
Frosted glass is available in
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Spotswood
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Cathedral
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Metalux
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Fluted (see below)
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White translucent
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FLUTED GLASS FOR SHOWER SCREENS
Fluted glass in shower screens provides an elegant texture that enhances privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. This type of glass is commonly used in modern bathroom designs, as it adds a touch of sophistication and style to the space.
find out more about Fluted Glass Shower Screens
SHOWER SCREEN GLASS THICKNESS
Thickness of the glass in your shower screen type varies, as a general rule
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Framed shower screens and panels utilise 6.38mm laminated safety glass,
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Semi-frameless glass is usually 5mm or 6mm toughened glass.
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Frameless shower screen glass boasts a thickness of 10mm of toughened glass.
LAMINATED GLASS IN SHOWER SCREENS
Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This construction makes it shatter-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety. If it breaks, the glass sticks to the interlayer, preventing dangerous shards.
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TOUGHENED GLASS IN SHOWER SCREENS
Toughened (or tempered) glass is heat-treated to increase its strength. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury. It's a popular choice for shower screens due to its durability and safety.
SHOWER SCREEN HARDWARE
When we mention ‘hardware’ in the context of shower screens, we're talking about all the non-glass components.
This includes:
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Screws
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Handles
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Hinges
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Brackets
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U Channels
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Clamps
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Tracks and rollers (for sliding doors)
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The elements that make up your shower screen are key to its functionality and can dramatically influence your bathroom's overall aesthetic.
The exciting part? Much of your shower screen's hardware can be customised to perfectly match your home's design, allowing you to select colours and finishes that truly complement your space.
SHOWER SCREEN HINGES AND HANDLES
Hinges
Hinges are pivotal in determining how your shower door opens and closes.
Common types include:
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Pivot Hinges: Allow the door to pivot from a single point at the top and bottom.
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Continuous Hinges (also known as piano hinges): Run the entire length of the door, providing extra support and stability.
Handles
Handles come in various shapes and colours, from simple bars to circular knobs
They not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the overall aesthetic of your shower screen.
WHAT IS A SHOWER WASTE?
A 'shower waste' is that handy spot where all the used water from your shower magically disappears, keeping your shower tray empty and ready for next time. It typically features a removable grid, making cleaning and maintenance a breeze. Plus, shower wastes come in a variety of designs, shapes, and finishes to match your bathroom's style.
AFFIXING YOUR SHOWER SCREEN TO THE WALL
SHOWER SCREEN RETURN PANEL
A return panel is an additional glass panel that attaches at a right angle to the main shower screen. It helps to contain water within the shower area, reducing the risk of splashes and spills. Return panels are especially useful in larger shower enclosures and come in various sizes and styles.
SHOWER SCREEN CEILING ARM
A 'Ceiling Arm' refers to a shower fixture mounted directly to the ceiling instead of the wall. This feature allows for adjustable height, enabling you to tailor the shower's position to your preference. Available in a variety of designs, shapes, and finishes, ceiling arms offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
SHOWER SCREEN SUPPORT BAR
This reinforcement bar is designed to offer additional support to your shower screen, enhancing its stability. Shower support bars are typically available to complement the design and colour scheme of your shower frame or set, ensuring aesthetic cohesion.
AKA as a Support Brace.
WHAT DOES 'HINGED TO INLINE' MEAN?
The term 'hinged to inline panel' refers to a shower door that is connected to a smaller, adjacent inline panel.
It can also be called an infill.
This configuration, along with the shower door's dimensions, contributes to the overall size of that side of the shower enclosure. The connection between the shower door and the inline panel is achieved using hinges. In some instances, an inline panel might be positioned on the opposite side of the shower door, meaning the door is not hinged to it but rather closes against it. To determine your shower's dimensions, you can select a shower door, inline panel, and return panel in various sizes to create the desired shape and size for your shower.
We hope this guide has demystified some of the terminology you’ll encounter while shopping for a shower screen. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently choose the best options for your bathroom renovation project.
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Ready to find your perfect shower screen? Explore our range, and if you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to book a call with one of our experts. Happy renovating!