SHOWER SCREENS
How
much do frameless shower screens cost?
This question needs a little clarification to
get the right answer. Most frameless shower screens, especially those seen
in the glossy magazines, are 10mm clear toughened, but most of the “frameless”
shower screens sold are actually semi-frameless.
To answer it accurately, a typical made to
measure frameless door and side panel with all the appropriate stainless
hardware is about $3,000. On the other hand, an imported standard size version
could be as little as $600.
These
two photos cover a single wall with divisions to separate the shower from the
dressing and vanity area. It is located in one of the penthouses in the Sebel
Harbour Lights Hotel overlooking The Pier in Cairns
Why so
much variation in frameless pricing?
The imported version is produced by the tens
of thousands, probably in
What’s
the difference between semi-frameless and frameless?
Semi-frameless
screens have evolved from the old framed sliding screens. By using the now easily
obtained toughened glass, thinner panels with minimal aluminium can be produced
to look very similar to thick, frameless glass screens.
Semi-frameless doors do not hinge, they are
mounted on pivots that allow part of the door to swing in, taking up less swing
area in small bathrooms. Only the outer frame is metal, and then as minimal as
possible, enough to hold the pivot points for the door. With no vertical metal
lines visible, the screen appears to be largely frameless.
You can see the thin outer frame at the top
of the screen which provides a base for the top pivot.
The semi-frameless shower screen is far more
common and most new residential apartment buildings feature mostly
semi-frameless with a couple of frameless screens in the penthouses.
Are
framed shower screens cheaper?
Yes, but not much. While the toughened glass
can be even thinner, the cost of the extra metal takes up most of the saving
and the labour is nearly the same. The cost difference is so little, we have
not installed a framed shower screen for several years. At best, in our
opinion, they are suitable for workshops or the cheapest housing.
Are
sliding shower screens still available?
Yes. They are rare, but occasionally space is
so limited, even the pivot door on a semi-frameless has no swing room. The
downside is higher maintenance with replacement of rollers giving the most
trouble.
Are
stand alone panels safe?
Absolutely. The benefits of toughened glass
are strength, flexibility and safety, the perfect combination for bathrooms.
Panel size will determine thickness and larger panels are generally done in 10
or 12 mm.
Its not that 6mm has insufficient strength,
its lack of stiffness makes it feel insecure. In any case the thicker glass
looks more classy in larger sizes.
How
can I get a quote?
To save your time and ours
(and keep costs down) we do all our quotes over the phone or by email. We don’t
send out sales reps just to quote. In fact, we don’t have any sales reps at all
because we don’t believe our customers need to be “sold” anything. We are sure
you are perfectly capable of deciding if you want to buy a shower screen.
A short discussion by phone
is generally all we need to provide you with a price and so far, we have never
had an issue understanding a description of a bathroom or a shower screen
configuration.
We do not vary the quote for
minor changes, even reasonably different sizes, so generally, what we quote,
will be the final cost to you. After we receive your signed off quote and
deposit, we send a tradesman to take the accurate measurements. About a week or
so later, the tradesman will arrive with your new shower screen.
Call or hit email now while
you have all the information in mind.
Daytime, between
Call 07 4725 4444 or email info@austinglass.com.au
Evening, between
email info@austinglass.com.au and we will
call you (if you want) at your convenience.