It is always exciting to use a new shower for the first time, especially if it has cutting-edge features and a beautiful finish. However, it is equally important to install a suitable shower enclosure, particularly if you don’t have a wet room.
Sliding shower doors are one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to keep your shower area watertight. If you decide to install one, you will have hundreds of products to choose from. In fact, there are so many that you might not know where to start looking.
To help you find the right model for your bathroom, we have reviewed seven of the best sliding shower doors available today. We chose these models based on their appearance, durability, and extra features such as towel rails.
- Smooth slide
- Can trim rails by four inches
- Stainless steel hardware
- Exposed rollers
- Hydrophobic glass for easy cleaning
- Four glass tint options
- Certified tempered glass
- Towel rail handle
- 1.5-inch width adjustment
- Made in the United States
- Certified tempered glass
- Left or right-handed
- Left or right-handed
- Treated glass for stain resistance
- Stable roller disks
- Very clear glass
- Minimalist design
- Left or right-handed
- Certified glass
- High-quality aluminum hardware
- Two-door corner design
Review Methodology: “At Sensible Digs, we provide an in-depth analysis of the best sliding shower doors on the market. Our experienced professionals draw upon extensive hands-on experience, conducting rigorous tests and comparing products based on key criteria such as design, material quality, and durability. We measure and track performance, providing you with objective data and facts to aid in your decision-making process. Our reviews detail the unique design choices of each product, highlighting what sets them apart from competitors. We rank products based on these results, providing first-hand evidence to support our recommendations. Trust us to guide you to the ideal sliding shower door for your home.”
The Best Sliding Shower Doors of 2024
To help you with your search, we have reviewed seven of the best sliding shower doors you can buy today, chosen for their high quality and stylish designs. To cater to all tastes, we included both framed and frameless models, with some of the most popular doors among customers and industry experts.
DreamLine Cavalier Semi-Frameless Sliding Door
Best Semi-Frameless Sliding Door
The DreamLine Cavalier semi-frameless door is a great option if you want the best of both worlds. It has a frame, but as little as possible to achieve a stylish minimalist look. It has polished stainless steel hardware and special rollers for a smooth, quiet slide.
A major benefit of this door is that it can adjust to fit uneven walls. The double sliding doors are convenient as they allow you to enter the shower from either end of the enclosure.
DreamLine recommends that this door is installed by a professional to ensure it is not damaged and works smoothly. This will also ensure that the door is covered by the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
What We Like
Smooth Slide
Nothing ruins the effect of a sliding door quite like bumps or friction when you try to open and close it. To avoid that, DreamLine has fitted this door with specialized rollers that achieve smooth, quiet sliding. You can also slide both glass panels, allowing you to enter the shower from either end.
Highly Adjustable
If your bathroom walls are not perfectly aligned, don’t worry. This shower door is adjustable to accommodate up to 3/8 of an inch difference. You can also trim the guide rails by up to 4 inches to ensure it fits into your shower area.
Stainless Steel Hardware
Shower hardware usually ages far quicker than shower glass. Thankfully, this door features stainless steel hardware that is durable and won’t rust. It has a polished finish that makes it a great match for steel or chrome bathroom fixtures.
Water-Repellent Glass
Unsurprisingly, shower doors are exposed to large amounts of water, which is often soapy or dirty. To help it stay clean and make it easier to wipe down, this door is coated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant coating that encourages water to quickly slide off it.
What We Don't Like
Difficult to Install
Installing this semi-frameless sliding door is relatively complicated. DreamLine recommends hiring a professional plumber to ensure it is done properly.
Product Specs
| Type | Semi-frameless |
| Dimensions | 56-60” W x 76” H |
| Color | Polished stainless steel |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Delta Shower Doors Semi-Frameless
Best Frosted Sliding Door
This frosted, semi-frameless sliding door from Delta is stylish and practical. Its frosted glass provides extra privacy in case your housemates use the bathroom while you’re showering. Its simple modern look has made it a very popular option.
If you don’t like the frosted look, you can opt for a clear door or one with a rain effect, depending on your preferences and which one will match your bathroom decor. You can even choose your handle design and color to ensure your door fulfills your requirements.
The door is straightforward to install thanks to clear instructions that will help you get it in place within a couple of hours. If you lack DIY experience, you should consider asking a professional to install it.
These doors are made with tempered glass, are easy to clean, and have a five-year warranty.
What We Like
Contemporary Track Design
The exposed rollers allow the door to smoothly glide along the track with no friction, making it very quiet to use. The tempered glass and anodized aluminum construction ensure long durability and corrosion resistance so you will be able to rely on this door for years to come.
Spot Guard
If you are tired of wiping water stains from your shower door, this door’s surface will help. All glass panels have a hydrophobic finish that encourages water to run off them and reduces stains, even in hard water areas. This means less soap scum and limescale build-up, making for easier cleaning.
Customizable
Delta allows you to choose from four glass effects: clear, transition, rain, and frosted. You can also choose your handle style and material to keep your towels nearby while showering. The material options are chrome, bronze, and nickel, ensuring it matches the rest of your bathroom decor.
What We Don't Like
Shattering Glass Issues
There are rare reports of the glass shattering, with one review saying that it was as though the glass exploded. These issues occurred during installation and even while cleaning. While these were isolated incidents, it is definitely something to keep in mind.
Product Specs
| Type | Semi-frameless |
| Dimensions | 2.06 x 59.37 x 58.12 inches |
| Color | Bronze, nickel, or chrome |
| Material | Tempered glass and anodized aluminum |
| Warranty | Five years |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Elegant Showers Semi-Frameless Bypass Door
Best Bypass Sliding Door
If you want the minimalist style of a frameless door but with the extra stability of a frame, this is a great option. This semi-frameless shower door by Elegant features two sliding glass panels that allow you to enter your shower enclosure from either end.
It allows for slight adjustment, meaning it is suitable for an uneven wall. It also includes a towel rail that doubles as a sturdy handle.
The clear tempered glass provides an almost invisible barrier between you and the rest of your bathroom. Two clear vinyl strips are incorporated to ensure your shower enclosure is watertight.
What We Like
Certified Tempered Glass
The ¼-inch thick, clear tempered glass is easy to clean and is ANSI certified, ensuring it is fit for purpose. It won’t break easily but, in the unlikely event that it does, it won’t break into sharp pieces that will injure you.
The polished panel around the glass looks stylish and is also easy to clean and maintain.
Useful Accessories
The exterior door handle doubles as a towel rail. It is made of aluminum and is resistant to rust and scratches (1). The handle is sturdy and will help you smoothly slide the door open and closed.
There are also two clear vinyl door seal strips to help prevent any water from escaping. They are made of premium vinyl and won’t make noise as the door opens and closes.
Width Adjustments
If your bathroom is not perfectly aligned, you can easily adjust the door to fit uneven walls. It allows for 1.5 inches of width adjustment, so you can trim the top or bottom rail track to make the door fit.
High-Quality Glass Clamp
The glass clamp is an essential component that holds the glass in place. This model’s clamp is highly durable and made of stainless steel. It also has a polished finish that matches other parts of the door.
What We Don't Like
Requires Professional Installation
Although Elegant claims this shower door is easy to install, we recommend that you hire a professional. They will know how to trim the top and bottom rails to ensure the door fits properly.
Product Specs
| Type | Semi-frameless bypass |
| Dimensions | 60” W x 72” H |
| Color | Not specified |
| Material | Tempered glass, aluminum hardware, stainless steel extras |
| Warranty | Limited two-year |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
DreamLine Enigma-X Fully Frameless Door
Best Glass Coating
If you are tired of dealing with annoying watermarks and stains on your shower door, the DreamLine Enigma-X is a great solution. It is a beautiful frameless sliding door that adds a touch of minimalist sophistication to any bathroom.
It features tempered glass that encourages water to quickly slide off its surface, reducing stains, and is highly resistant to shattering.
The top rail bar can be trimmed a significant amount to fit your bathroom alcove. However, it is not adjustable to fit a wall that is not properly aligned.
DreamLine guarantees the Enigma-X with a generous lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects or faults.
What We Like
Excellent Quality
The Enigma-X shower door was designed and manufactured in the United States. It features high-quality stainless steel hardware and a top guide bar. DreamLine claims this material is resistant to rust and corrosion, as well as scratches.
All the hardware has an elegant look thanks to its brushed finish. The subtlety of this finish means it should complement any other metal fixtures in your bathroom.
Certified Tempered Glass
The sliding door uses premium ⅜-inch thick tempered glass. It is completely clear and resistant to stains. The glass is also ANSI-certified, so it is safe to use in your home.
DreamLine has coated the premium tempered glass in its exclusive ClearMax coating. This makes the glass much smoother, discouraging watermarks and stains, and making it easier to clean.
Versatile Installation
When installing this shower door, you can adjust the top guide bar by 4 inches to fit your bathroom alcove. The door can also be reversed for left or right-handed installation.
What We Don't Like
Can’t Be Adjusted for Uneven Walls
Unfortunately, despite having an adjustable width, this door is unsuitable for uneven walls. You will need to align your walls before you can install the door.
Product Specs
| Type | Frameless |
| Dimensions | 56–60” W x 76” H |
| Color | Brushed stainless steel |
| Material | Not specified |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Vigo Elan Frameless Sliding Shower Door
Best Rolling Design
This stunning frameless sliding door from VIGO has one of the most stylish designs we have seen. It is made with high-quality tempered glass and stainless steel hardware. The glass also has a finish that is resistant to water spots and stains.
Its roller disk technology provides smooth door operation and allows you to open it in either direction. Installation is made much easier thanks to Vigo’s flex-sizing technology, which enables you to adjust it by up to four inches.
To ensure your shower enclosure is watertight, VIGO includes a seal strip that prevents water from leaking out onto your bathroom floor.
What We Like
Customizable
This shower door can be installed to fit your bathroom’s size and layout. This includes being installed either left or right-handed.
Treated Glass
The most beautiful shower door can be ruined by watermarks, fingerprints, or spots on its glass panels. To prevent this, VIGO treats its glass to help it resist these common unsightly issues. The smooth surface is also easier to clean and maintain.
Stable Roller Disks
To keep the door gliding smoothly and without wobbling, it is fitted with two roller disks. One is at the top of the rail and the other is below it. These roller disks ensure the door is stable and won’t wiggle out of place.
Seal Strip
VIGO has incorporated a full-length clear seal strip. It is installed between the wall and the door to prevent any water from escaping your shower enclosure.
What We Don't Like
Low Rail
Although the glass door is 74 inches tall, the rail is several inches lower. This means tall people might struggle to enter and exit the shower without lowering their heads.
Product Specs
| Type | Frameless |
| Dimensions | 56–60” W x 74” H |
| Color | Chrome |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Sunny Shower Frameless Sliding Door
Best Looking Sliding Door
If you want a sliding shower door that is barely visible, this frameless model from Sunny Shower is an excellent choice. The minimalist design is enhanced with high-quality hardware and very smooth operation.
The shower door can be installed for left or right-handed opening, and it can be adjusted to fit an uneven wall.
Thick, tempered glass will prevent shattering, and a waterproof seal ensures your shower’s water won’t end up on your bathroom floor.
What We Like
Beautiful Design
The clear, tempered glass is barely visible, creating a minimalist shower enclosure. In addition to the glass, it also has a large handle with a brushed nickel finish.
This door is ideal for achieving an airy, open feeling in your bathroom as it allows a lot of light into the shower area.
Anti-Shatter Glass
The ⅜-inch-thick tempered safety glass is anti-shatter and certified by ANSI. Only one panel slides while the other keeps the unit stable. The glass is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance thanks to its smooth surface.
Customizable Installation
You can install this shower door for a right or left-handed opening. The sides are also trimmable, so you can adjust them to fit your bathroom alcove.
Be aware that this door is very heavy. If you intend to perform the installation yourself, you will need someone strong to hold the door in place while you work on it.
What We Don't Like
Unclear Instructions
Customer reports state this door’s installation instructions aren’t up to par. There are no written instructions but only pictures, which can be confusing without context.
Product Specs
| Type | Frameless |
| Dimensions | 64” W x 72” H |
| Color | Brushed nickel |
| Material | Tempered glass |
| Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Elegant Double Opening Sliding Doors
Best Framed Sliding Door
If you want a framed shower with sliding doors, we recommend this corner model from Elegant. It is sleek and stylish and won’t look out of place as some other framed designs can.
The frame, hardware, and track rail are made of stainless steel with a chrome finish. There won’t be any annoying noises as you open or close the shower, as it will glide smoothly.
This model is fitted with a clear vinyl seal and magnetic strips, which keep the doors watertight. The double sliding door provides a wide opening, so it will be easy to enter and exit the shower.
What We Like
Certified Glass
Elegant never disappoints when it comes to glass quality, and this model is no exception. It has ultra-thin glass but it is strong and won’t shatter. The glass has even been certified by ANSI as a mark of its quality.
High-Quality Hardware
The hardware is made from aluminum, so it is resistant to rust and corrosion. Customers report that the entire build of this enclosure feels high-quality and smooth to the touch.
Sturdy
These doors have two stationary panels that help to keep them secure. These provide stability and don’t make a noise when a door is moved.
What We Don't Like
Unclear Instructions
Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring theme with Elegant. The instructions are rather vague on how to install the shower door. There is no text to accompany the images, which can make them confusing.
Product Specs
| Type | Framed |
| Dimensions | 36 W” x 72” H |
| Color | Chrome |
| Material | Aluminum, tempered glass |
| Warranty | Limited two years |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Type | Dimensions | Color | Material | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamLine Cavalier Sliding Door | Semi-Frameless | Semi-frameless | 56-60” W x 76” H | Polished stainless steel | Stainless steel | Limited lifetime |
| Delta Shower Doors Semi-Frameless | Frosted Sliding Door | Semi-Frameless | 2.06 x 59.37 x 58.12 inches | Bronze, nickel or chrome | Tempered glass and anodized aluminum | Five years |
| Elegant Showers Semi-Frameless Door | Bypass | Semi-frameless xpass | 60” W x 72” H | N/A | Tempered glass, aluminum hardware, stainless steel extras | Limited 2-years |
| DreamLine Enigma-X Fully Frameless Door | Glass Coating | Frameless | 56–60” W x 76” H | Brushed stainless steel | N/A | Limited lifetime |
| Vigo Elan Frameless Sliding Shower Door | Rolling Design | Frameless | 56–60” W x 74” H | Chrome | Stainless steel | Limited lifetime |
| Sunny Shower Frameless Sliding Door | Design | Frameless | 64” W x 72” H | Brushed nickel | Tempered glass | N/A |
| Elegant Double Opening Sliding Doors | Framed | Framed | 36 W” x 72” H | Chrome | Aluminum, tempered glass | Limited 2-years |
How to Find the Right Sliding Shower Door
Shower doors vary greatly in terms of their appearance, their footprint, whether they are left or right-handed, and much more. When searching for the best sliding shower doors, keep the following in mind:
Framed vs. Frameless
One of your major decisions will be whether to get a framed or frameless shower door. This is a matter of both personal preference and, unavoidably, your budget.
Framed doors tend to be more affordable but can also be less durable and more difficult to clean as the frame can eventually rust. Frameless doors are more expensive but are easier to maintain and have a sleek, minimalist appearance.
Framed Sliding Doors
Framed doors usually have thin, tempered glass. Thin glass can be used because the frame provides support.
The frame itself is usually constructed from aluminum. Some are powder-coated to achieve a specific color or finish. Frames can be textured or smooth, depending on the model.
Frameless Sliding Doors
Frameless doors also use tempered glass but it is usually significantly thicker than framed models. The glass must be thicker as there is no frame to support it.
Hinges, clips, and door pulls are attached to the glass. These are usually caulked around the edges and corners to seal the glass. Some frameless doors have a rubber sweeper at the bottom to protect the floor.
Choosing the Right Glass
You will have multiple glass options, but most will be tempered. Tempered glass is used because it is stronger and is designed to break into smaller, rounded pieces. This reduces the risk of injury if you have an accident (2).
You can usually choose from different tints of glass as well as various patterns. Choosing colored or patterned glass will provide some extra privacy compared to clear glass.
Keep In Mind
Door Hardware
Both framed and frameless sliding shower doors require some form of hardware to hold them in place. This usually includes brackets, handles, and runners.
These fixtures are typically available in various finishes and colors to help them match the rest of your bathroom. Find out which finish will best match your shower head and faucets. For example, gleaming chrome will likely clash with more rustic oil-rubbed bronze fixtures.
Features
Some sliding shower doors include extra features designed to add convenience to your time spent showering. Here are some of the most popular:
- Towel rails: It can be very unpleasant stepping out of a warm shower and having to run across a cold room to grab a towel. Some shower doors include a matching rail so you can hang your towel nearby.
- Water deflector: A water deflector is designed to keep water inside the shower and away from your bathroom floor.
- Shelves: When showering, it is very helpful to have your soap, shampoo, and conditioner to hand. Some doors include a shelf where you can conveniently store these necessities while showering.
How to Measure for a New Door
Getting your measurements right before buying a sliding door is critical. Buying the wrong size will not only make it more difficult or impossible to install, but it also means your enclosure won’t be watertight.
If you are renovating your bathroom or building one from scratch, take measurements after everything else is finished. Tiles will make your shower area slightly smaller, which will have a significant effect on the correct measurements.
If your bathroom alcove is not perfectly aligned, there are sliding doors designed to accommodate this. They allow you to trim the runner to ensure it fits the space snugly.
Measurements should be taken at the top and bottom of the shower space. You should also use a plumb line to check whether or not your walls are straight. If the plumb line isn’t even, we recommend choosing a sliding door with an adjustable bracket. This will help you fit the door into an uneven space.
However, if the walls are significantly out of alignment, it is worth fixing them rather than trying to compensate with your shower door.
FAQs
How Long Do Sliding Shower Doors Last?
Sliding shower doors can last for many years if they are properly maintained. The key to prolonging the life of your sliding shower doors is to regularly clean and lubricate the tracks. Doing this will prevent dirt and grime, which can cause the doors to stick or even break.
Also, make sure that the doors are properly aligned so that they slide smoothly. If you notice any issues with your sliding shower doors, it is best to call a professional for help.
How Tall Should a Sliding Glass Shower Door Be?
A sliding glass shower door is usually between 72 and 96 inches tall. One important thing is the height of your shower head and how far away it is from the door.
If your shower head is close to the door, you’ll want to ensure the door is tall enough so that water doesn’t splash out while you’re showering.
Another factor is the height of your ceiling. If your ceiling is low, you might want to choose a shorter door so that it doesn’t block too much of the light.
Really, the best way to determine the perfect height for your sliding glass shower door is to play around with it to see what looks and feels best in your bathroom space.
What Is the Best Thickness for a Sliding Shower Door?
A sliding shower door made from glass needs to be at least 3/8″ thick, with 1/2″ being a better and more substantial choice.
The thickness of the door will depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the door, the type of materials used, and the desired look and feel of the door.
Some homeowners prefer a thicker door for added stability, while others prefer a thinner door for easier cleaning. Ultimately, deciding what thickness is best for a sliding shower door depends on personal preference.
Which Side Should a Sliding Shower Door Open?
It simply depends on what is most convenient for you and your bathroom layout.
If you have limited space, it might make more sense for the door to open on the opposite side of the showerhead. This way, you won’t have to worry about the door slamming into the wall or getting in the way when you’re trying to shower.
However, if you have a larger bathroom, it might be more convenient to open the door on the same side as the showerhead. Basically, it’s up to you which option is best for your needs.
Do Frameless Sliding Shower Doors Leak?
No, frameless sliding shower doors do not leak. They are one of the most effective ways to prevent water leaks in your shower. This is because frameless doors have a tight seal against the shower wall, preventing water from seeping through.
Remember that any type of shower door can leak if it’s not installed properly. So, it’s important to make sure that your frameless sliding shower door is installed correctly by a professional. If you leak, it’s usually easy to fix by ensuring the door is sealed correctly.
What Is the Difference Between a Bypass Shower Door and a Sliding Shower Door?
Bypass shower doors have two or more panels that slide past each other on tracks, while sliding shower doors have one fixed panel and one door that slides open and closed on a track.
Bypass shower doors are a great option if you want to save space in your bathroom, as they don’t require any extra room for the door to open.
However, they can be more difficult to clean than sliding shower doors, as there are more nooks and crannies for soap scum and grime to build up in.
Sliding shower doors are much easier to keep clean, as there is only one door that moves.
