When I decided to remodel my bathroom, I knew the right choice of shower enclosure and shower door could significantly impact its look and functionality. Once I figured out what shower enclosure shape would be best for my bathroom, I got confused between various shower door options. The two most popular doors are pivot and sliding shower doors. I spent countless hours researching the pros and cons of each.
In this blog, I will share my insight into these doors, helping you to make an informed decision about your bathroom.
Advantages of Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding doors are a type of door that slides to open and close. They have sliding runners that allow them to move back and forth. Essentially, they consist of two panels fitted together. This means they require a bit more hardware, but you can also find frameless designs.
Here are a few advantages of sliding doors for a shower enclosure.
1-Cost Effective
Most of us have limited budgets, and that makes the price a big concern. The great thing about sliding doors is that they are cost-effective or cost less in comparison to the pivot shower doors option. So, if you have a limited budget, then you should prefer it.
2- No Water on the Floor
One of the biggest disadvantages of a pivot shower door is that when opened outwards makes the bathroom floor out of the enclosure wet. It is due to the water splashes on the glass door surface that end up on the floor. That makes the floor messy, and you cannot force everyone in your home to dry the floor every time they come out of the shower. So, want to avoid this trouble, install a sliding shower door.
3- Space Saving
Bathrooms tend to have less space. Therefore, utilizing it wisely should be your top priority. Where pivot doors require clearing space outside the enclosure, sliding doors don’t have any such needs. These are compact and take up less space in comparison to other types of shower doors. That makes them a preferred choice for a small bathroom. Therefore, it may not be a suitable option for a rectangular shower enclosure.
4- Wide Opening
Sliding doors have wider openings as you can open them from either side. Generally, there are two panels slightly overlapping each other that can move right and left. If you want, you can use either of the glass panel to open and enter the shower area.
5- Seamless Looks
The sliding shower doors can give your enclosure a seamless look as there is no obstruction in the light. It looks completely like a part of the enclosure that can be a great option for small bathrooms. You have an option to choose frameless to make it appear even more seamless.
Feature | Details |
Space Requirements | Ideal for smaller bathrooms, as they don't require extra space to open. |
Design | Modern and sleek, available in frameless or semi-frameless options. |
Ease of Access | Entry width may be limited due to overlapping panels. |
Maintenance | Tracks may collect debris and require regular cleaning. |
Durability | Fewer moving parts, making them durable over time. |
Supported Enclosure Types | Straight and curved enclosures, including rectangular and quadrant styles. |
Where to Fit | Best for small bathrooms or tight spaces where floor area is limited. |
Best for | Minimalist designs and maximizing available space. |
Price Range | Generally more affordable than pivot doors. |
Disadvantages
Besides advantages, there are a few disadvantages of sliding shower doors as well. The first can be that these are difficult to clean and maintain. The track on which the door moves and rollers may easily accumulate dirt and soaps, which can be hard to clean. Moreover, although the door can be open on both the right and left sides with two panels, it may still be congested and difficult for the elderly or anyone with mobility issues.
Advantages of Pivot Shower Doors
A pivot shower door is a type of door that swings outward. This is useful for creating a larger opening for an entrance. It is mounted on hinges that pivot the entire door, not just the outer edge, so it can swing in either direction. This allows for a door to be opened wider and remain secure. You can fit this type of door into a rectangular shower enclosure.
1-Easy to Clean and Maintain
The first advantage of this type of shower door is that it is easy to clean in comparison to all other types. With pivot glass shower doors, you can clean them quickly and easily without a lot of effort.
2-Completely Enclosed
Pivot glass shower doors have a special type of seal that prevents water from getting in and dirtying the glass. That means it completely encloses your shower enclosure.
3-Larger Opening
Another advantage of the pivot door is that it, due to its shape, offers a wide and larger entrance to your shower enclosure which perfectly complements large-size shower cubicles.
4- Simple Working
The pivot door works on the hinges and, in comparison to the sliding door, does not require much-sophisticated hardware. You will only have hinges on which door moves forward and backward.
Feature | Details |
Space Requirements | Requires more clearance space for the door to swing open. |
Design | Classic and versatile, suitable for both modern and traditional styles. |
Ease of Access | Offers a wider entry, making it easier to step in and out. |
Maintenance | Hinges are easier to clean but may need occasional lubrication. |
Durability | Hinges may wear out over time with heavy use. |
Supported Enclosure Types | Straight enclosures, including rectangular, square, and walk-in styles. |
Where to Fit | Best for spacious bathrooms with enough room for the door to swing open. |
Best for | Homes needing easy access or a traditional look. |
Price Range | Can be slightly more expensive due to additional hardware. |
Disadvantages
The pivot shower door also has a few disadvantages that include clearance space requirements when opening, high price, and wearing out of hinges. That’s why such doors are preferred for bathrooms where space is not a problem.
Ending Thought
Choosing between Pivot and sliding shower doors depends on the type of shower enclosure, the size of the bathroom, and personal reference. Both options are great for their unique benefits but you will need to decide which one fits best according to your space and layout requirements.
