Framed and Semi-Frameless Shower Doors in Cincinnati, OH

A framed door has metal channels on every edge of the glass. The frame carries the load, so the glass can be thinner than frameless glass. The door either swings on a hinge or slides on a track, and the frame is caulked to the wall and the curb or tub.

A semi frameless shower door is the middle ground. The door panel usually has little or no frame, while a header, wall jambs or a bottom track stay in place. You get a lighter, more open look than a fully framed unit without paying for heavy frameless glass and hardware.

Framed doors make sense when:

• You want the lowest cost for a working glass door.
• Keeping water in matters most. Fixr notes that with caulk and a metal frame there is less chance of water leaks than with frameless glass.
• It is a kids' bath, a guest bath or a rental where durability beats looks.

Semi-frameless makes sense when you want a cleaner look than a full frame but the budget or the walls do not suit full frameless glass.

They may not be the right call when:

• You hate cleaning tracks. Fixr calls framed doors harder to keep clean because the top and bottom tracks collect water, which feeds mold and mildew.
• The bathroom is a showpiece remodel. In that case, look at frameless shower doors.

Door style. Swing doors (pivot or hinged) work on stalls. Sliding doors work on tubs and wide openings; see sliding and bypass doors.

Frame finish. Chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and matte black are common. Fixr notes aluminum frames can corrode, and powder coating helps.

Glass. Clear glass is the default. Frosted or patterned glass adds privacy and hides spots. This Old House prices frosted glass at about $2 to $11 extra per square foot.

Coatings. A water-spot coating runs about $4 to $20 per square foot per This Old House, and it helps in hard water areas like Cincinnati.

A lot of Cincinnati bathrooms still have their original framed doors. Census data puts the median year built at 1978 for the middle zip code in the metro, and 1976 in 45242 (Blue Ash) and 1967 in 45230 (Anderson Township). Doors that age often have pitted frames, yellowed seals and tracks that never come clean.

Water plays a part. Greater Cincinnati Water Works reports plant averages of roughly 7 to 8 grains per gallon of hardness (approximate, per Culligan). Mineral buildup collects in the bottom track and the frame channels. Replacing the whole unit, frame included, usually solves this better than scrubbing. If the door is fine but a seal or sweep is gone, start with shower door repair.

Most framed jobs start with removing the old door, frame and caulk, then cleaning the tub deck or curb so the new frame seals well. The new frame is set plumb, fastened to the wall, and the door is hung and adjusted before fresh caulk goes on.

This Old House notes most standard shower door installations take two to four hours, and installers typically charge $50 to $100 per hour for labor. Out-of-square walls or damaged tile around the old frame can add time, so mention any cracked tile when you call.

• A photo of the current door and frame, plus a close-up of the bottom track or curb.
• Rough width and height of the opening.
• Whether it is a stall or a tub, and whether you want a swing or sliding door.
• Your preferred finish.
• Whether the old door needs to be removed and hauled away.

The installer will measure exactly before ordering.