Shower Glass Blog

What Is Frameless Shower Glass and Why Choose It?

When it comes to modern bathroom design, one term you’ll hear a lot is “frameless shower glass.” But what exactly does that mean, and why are so many homeowners in Wichita choosing it for their remodels?

What is frameless shower glass?

Frameless shower glass is a shower enclosure built with thick, tempered glass panels that don’t rely on bulky metal frames around the edges. The glass is anchored with minimal hardware—hinges, clips, and handles—so you see mostly tile and glass, not metal.

Why people love it

• A clean, modern look: Your bathroom feels bigger, brighter, and less cluttered.
• Easier to clean: With no frame trapping soap scum, a quick squeegee or towel wipe keeps it clear.
• Durable glass: The tempered glass is thick and built to handle daily use.

If you want your shower to showcase your tile instead of hiding it, frameless glass is almost always the way to go.

The Top 5 Benefits of Going Frameless in Your Bathroom

Thinking about upgrading your shower? Here are five reasons frameless glass is one of the best investments you can make in a bathroom remodel.

1. A sleek, modern aesthetic

Frameless glass delivers a high-end look without feeling fussy. The clean lines work with almost any style—from classic subway tile to bold, patterned floors.

2. Easier to clean

No frame means fewer nooks and crannies for grime to collect. Most homeowners just keep a squeegee or microfiber cloth handy and give the glass a quick wipe after showers.

3. Durability and safety

Frameless doors use thick tempered glass that’s several times stronger than regular glass. If it ever were to break, it’s designed to crumble into small, blunt pieces—not sharp shards.

4. Custom fit for your space

Because each panel is measured and cut to order, we can handle tricky layouts, benches, half-walls, and angled ceilings. That flexibility is especially helpful in older Wichita homes.

5. More light and a bigger feel

With less visual “stuff” in the way, light flows freely through the shower, and your bathroom feels larger—even if the footprint hasn’t changed.

Are Frameless Showers Safe? Debunking Myths and Concerns

Safety is one of the first topics that comes up when people start researching frameless glass. The short answer: yes, when installed correctly, frameless showers are very safe.

Tempered glass, not ordinary glass

The glass we use is tempered, which means it’s been heat-treated to be much stronger than regular window glass. It’s designed for daily, long-term use in wet environments.

What happens if it breaks?

On the rare chance tempered glass breaks, it’s engineered to crumble into small, rounded pieces rather than jagged shards. That design dramatically reduces the risk of serious cuts.

Why professional installation matters

Correct measurements, hardware placement, and support are key. A professional install keeps panels secure, minimizes stress on the glass, and ensures everything opens and closes smoothly.

When you combine quality tempered glass with proper installation, a frameless shower is a safe, everyday part of your home.

How to Prevent Leaks with Your Frameless Shower Door: Tips from the Pros

One of the biggest myths about frameless showers is that they “always leak.” In reality, a well-designed and properly installed enclosure controls water very effectively. Here’s what we focus on in our Wichita installs.

Start with a good layout

We look at where the shower head is aimed, how high the curb is, and how the door swings. Small layout tweaks can make a big difference in keeping water inside the shower.

Use quality seals and sweeps

Clear vinyl seals and door sweeps help guide water back into the pan. Over time they can wear, which is why occasional replacement is normal maintenance.

Check the slope

Your tile or base should gently slope toward the drain. If water naturally runs away from the door, you’ll have fewer issues from day one.

Do quick maintenance checks

Every so often, check your hinges, seals, and sweeps. If you notice drips or a worn seal, it’s usually an easy fix.

Customization Ideas for Your Frameless Shower: Making It Your Own

Because frameless glass is made to order, you have a lot of control over the final look. Here are a few options to consider as you plan your project.

Pick your hardware finish

Matte black, brushed nickel, chrome, brass—your hardware can either match your plumbing fixtures or create a deliberate contrast.

Choose your glass style

Clear glass keeps things open and bright. Frosted or patterned glass adds privacy. Low-iron “ultra clear” glass eliminates the slight green tint standard glass can have, which really lets white tile and light colors shine.

Door style and layout

We can do swinging doors, sliding systems, fixed panels with walk-in entries, or combinations built around benches and half walls. The layout is tailored to how you actually use the shower.

Little details that make it yours

From built-in niches and benches to linear drains and accent lighting, your glass enclosure becomes the clear frame around the rest of your design choices.

If you’d like design input, we’re happy to look at your tile choices and help suggest a glass layout that fits both your space and your style.