Short definition
A hinged shower door swings open on hinges (vs. sliding doors that ride in a track). The category splits three ways by hardware: framed (aluminum frame around the glass), frameless (heavy tempered glass with minimal hardware), and semi-frameless (hybrid). All shower glass must be tempered per IRC R308.4.
What it is
The three hardware categories:
- Framed. Aluminum extruded frame around the glass; gasket-sealed against the frame; commodity, durable, and inexpensive. Glass is typically 3/16-inch tempered. The standard residential default for decades.
- Frameless. Heavy tempered glass — 3/8-inch (10mm) or 1/2-inch (12mm) — with metal hinges only at the top and bottom, or on the jamb side. Modern aesthetic; demands precise framing because the heavy glass amplifies any out-of-plumb. More expensive.
- Semi-frameless. Hybrid: some edges framed, some not.
Hinge orientation: most pivot from a wall (jamb side) so the door swings out into the bathroom. Center-pivot designs handle split openings.
Why it matters to a homeowner
Cost is the headline difference:
- Framed shower door: $200 to $700 part; $300 to $800 pro install.
- Frameless shower door: $800 to $3,500 part; $500 to $1,500 pro install (custom installs run higher).
- Semi-frameless: in between.
The hidden install cost on frameless is in-wall blocking. Frameless hinges pull on the jamb wall under the full weight of half-inch tempered glass — the fasteners need to hit solid wood blocking added during framing, not just drywall and a stud. If you’re remodeling and want frameless someday, specify blocking now while the walls are open.
DIY-wise, framed kits are achievable for most homeowners over a weekend. Frameless installs really benefit from a pro: aligning heavy glass to plumb, level, and gap tolerances takes practice, and a misaligned frameless door rubs, sags, or doesn’t latch closed.
All shower glass must be tempered per IRC R308.4 / IBC 2406 and WA’s adoption via WAC 51-50 / 51-51. Common residential brands shipping in 2026 include DreamLine, Aston, Vigo, Kohler, and Delta.
Common failure modes
- Hinge fasteners pull from drywall. No in-wall blocking; door sags then pulls free.
- Bottom sweep fails. Water leaks at the curb; replace the rubber sweep.
- Magnetic strike weakens. Door doesn’t latch closed.
- Tempered glass shatters. Impact or thermal stress; full replacement (the panel can’t be repaired).
Common variants
- Framed (aluminum) vs. frameless (heavy glass + minimal hardware). Cost and aesthetic axis.
- Hinged (this entry, pivots) vs. sliding (rides in a track). Different door for different stalls.
- Semi-frameless. Hybrid intermediate.