You know that feeling- when you step into the bathroom and everything just...works? The light, the way the shower door glides effortlessly? That's the dream. But before you get there, there’s a choice you need to make: sliding door or hinged door? It’s not just about what looks good (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about how your bathroom feels when you’re waking up on a busy morning or winding down after a long day.
Before you get stuck overthinking, let’s walk through the pros, cons, and best uses for each so you can pick the one that feels just right. And if you’re still torn, don’t worry, the shower installation pros in Monroe County have your back.
Is it better to have hinged doors or sliding doors?
To make a choice that fits you best, make sure you know the differences:
Hinged shower doors
First up: hinged doors (also known as called pivot doors) swing open just like a regular door, attached to the wall with strong, sturdy hinges. Simple, right?
Here’s why people love them:
- They look seriously high-end. If you’re chasing that spa-day-everyday vibe, hinged doors deliver. Especially frameless designs, embody sleek, modern, and effortlessly stylish.
- You get a full, wide opening. Sliding doors only open halfway, but hinged doors swing all the way open, making it easier to step in and out without bumping into anything or feeling cramped.
- They’re a breeze to clean. No tracks where water, soap scum, and (let’s be honest) random hair like to get snagged. Just smooth glass that wipes clean in seconds.
- Perfect if you’ve got space to spare. If your bathroom has enough room for the door to swing open, a hinged door can make the whole space feel bigger, brighter, and more open.
Cons:
- They need more space. Hinged doors swing outward, which means you’ll need extra clearance. If your bathroom’s already a little snug, they might not be the best fit.
- Watch out for water drips. Since these doors open outward, it’s easy for a few drops to sneak onto the floor after a shower, but a trusty bath mat to catch them will do the trick.
Sliding shower doors
Sliding shower doors, sometimes called bypass doors, glide along a track instead of swinging open. You’ll usually see two or more glass panels that slide past each other, making them a smart, space-efficient option.
Why you might love them:
- They’re space-savers. Since they don’t swing out, sliding doors are perfect for tighter bathrooms where every inch matters.
- No puddles on the floor. Because the door stays inside the shower enclosure, you don’t have to deal with water dripping out every time you swing it open.
- They’re built to stay put. Hinged doors hang off their hinges, but sliding doors are anchored along a track, meaning they’re less likely to sag or go crooked over time.
- They’re made for tub-shower combos. If you’ve got a bathtub with a shower, a sliding door is usually your best (and sometimes only) move.
Cons:
- Tracks can get dirty – Soap scum, hard water stains, random gunk…it all tends to build up in the tracks. You’ll have to stay on top of cleaning regularly.
- Smaller entryway. Since one side of the door doesn’t move, you’re only working with half the space to get in and out. It’s not a deal-breaker for most, but it can feel a little tight, especially if you need more room or have mobility challenges.
- More parts to keep an eye on. Rollers, tracks, multiple panels... sliding doors have a few more moving pieces than a basic hinged door, which means maintenance can be a bit more of a thing.
Who offers expert shower installation in Monroe County, PA?
Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? No stress, Kitchen Magic makes it easy. As Monroe County’s go-to team for kitchen and bathroom remodels, we’ll help you pick the best materials, the easiest options to keep clean, and those little finishing touches that make a big difference. Got questions? We’ve got answers, just give us a call!
