What is a bypass shower door? A bypass door has glass panels that slide past each other on a rail, so nothing swings into the bathroom. Semi-frameless versions use tempered glass with slim metal trim on some edges. Both usually cost less than a fully frameless hinged enclosure and are a smart fit for tubs, narrow bathrooms and tighter budgets.
Custom measured, fabricated to fit, and installed by our own Florida-licensed crew.
Heavy frameless glass hung from a sleek top rail with a minimal floor guide. The look of frameless with the space savings of a slider.
Two panels that slide past each other with slim trim for support. A clean, modern look at a lower price than fully frameless.
A classic sliding style with subtle detailing. A good match for traditional bathrooms and warm hardware finishes.
Short answer: choose a slider when space is tight and a hinged door when you want the widest, most open entry.
| Sliding / bypass | Hinged frameless | |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | None outside the shower | Room for the door to swing |
| Entry width | About half the opening | Full door width |
| Best for | Tubs, narrow baths, long openings | Walk-in showers, larger baths |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Cleaning | Wipe rail and floor guide | Squeegee glass only |
Want the all-glass look instead? See frameless showers.
A frameless sliding door gliding on its top rail.
Choose from polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze and gold tones to match your fixtures.
Frameless doors use thick tempered glass with only hinges and small clips, so there is no metal around the glass. Semi-frameless doors add slim metal trim on some edges for support, which lets them use thinner glass and cost less while still looking modern.
A sliding (bypass) door is better when space is tight, such as a narrow bathroom, a tub, or a toilet or vanity near the shower, because nothing swings out. A hinged door gives a wider opening and the most open, all-glass look when you have room for it to swing.
Usually, yes. Semi-frameless and sliding systems generally cost less than a fully frameless hinged enclosure of the same size. Most of our shower door projects fall between $900 and $2,500; we give you an itemized price after measuring. See our cost guide.
Yes. Sliding bypass doors are one of the most popular choices for tub and shower combos because they keep water in without swinging into the room. See tub shower doors.
A well-installed slider keeps water in during normal use. The panels overlap where they meet, and seals along the edges close the gaps. Keeping the floor guide and seals clean helps them keep working.
Squeegee the glass after showering and wipe the top rail and floor guide every week or two. Top-rail systems have no deep bottom track, which makes them much easier to keep clean than older framed sliders.
Sliding hardware comes in finishes such as polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze and gold tones, so it can match your faucet and fixtures.
We measure in your home, walk you through glass and hardware options, and give you a written price. No pressure, no obligation.
