Frameless vs Semi-Frameless vs Framed Shower Screens
Choosing a shower screen is one of the key decisions in any bathroom renovation. The right shower screen keeps your bathroom dry, looks great, and should last for decades. But with so many options: frameless, semi-frameless, framed, pivot doors, sliding doors, where do you start? This guide breaks it all down simply.
TL;DR Summary
- Frameless: Best look, easiest to clean, highest cost. Great for luxury or modern bathrooms
- Semi-frameless: Best balance of looks, practicality and price. Most popular choice
- Framed: Most affordable, very durable. Suits budget renovations and rental properties
Frameless Shower Screens
A frameless shower screen uses thick toughened glass (typically 10mm) with minimal or no metal framing. The glass is held in place by wall channels and hinges only, creating a clean, open look that makes any bathroom feel more spacious.
Pros of Frameless Shower Screens
- Superior aesthetics: clean lines, open feel
- Easiest to clean: no frames to accumulate soap scum and mould
- Makes small bathrooms feel larger
- Timeless design that won’t date
Cons of Frameless Shower Screens
- Higher cost: typically $800–$2,000+ for supply only
- Requires accurate tiling and precise installation
- Small gaps at edges where water can escape if not installed carefully
Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
Semi-frameless screens use a thinner glass (typically 6mm–8mm) with framing only at the top and bottom or around the opening, not on all edges. This gives a cleaner look than fully framed screens at a lower cost than frameless.
Pros of Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
- Great balance of style and value
- More affordable than frameless: typically $400–$900
- Easier to install than frameless
- Wide range of styles and configurations available
Cons of Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
- More cleaning required than frameless (some frame sections)
- Not quite the premium look of frameless
Framed Shower Screens
Traditional framed shower screens have aluminium frames on all edges of the glass panels. They use thinner glass (typically 4mm–5mm) which is fully supported by the frame structure.
Pros of Framed Shower Screens
- Most affordable option: typically $200–$500
- Very robust and durable
- Easy to install
- Good water containment
Cons of Framed Shower Screens
- Frames collect soap scum and mould: require more cleaning
- More dated look compared to frameless options
- Bulkier appearance
Door Configurations to Consider
- Pivot Door: Swings open on a central hinge. Classic, suits most bathrooms, requires swing clearance
- Sliding Door: Slides along a track. Great for small bathrooms where a swinging door won’t fit
- Hinged Door: Swings open from one side. Most common in frameless screens
- Fixed Panel + Door: One fixed glass panel with a hinged door. Very popular in modern bathrooms
What Size Shower Screen Do You Need?
Standard shower screen heights are 1800mm or 2000mm. Width varies based on your shower recess: measure carefully. For walk-in showers, you may only need a single fixed panel or a small return panel to stop water splashing.
See Our Shower Screen Range at QA Bathroom Warehouse
We stock a wide range of frameless, semi-frameless and framed shower screens at our Malaga showroom. Our team can help you choose the right screen for your bathroom layout, style and budget. Visit us at 1/807 Marshall Rd, Malaga WA 6090, open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–2pm. Phone: (08) 9249 2026.
