Space-saving is a key factor in modern bathroom design. When choosing shower enclosures, the door is one of the most important considerations. Shower doors must take up minimum space, keep the enclosure tightly sealed, and require little maintenance. Folding and bi-fold shower doors provide all these features while giving your bathroom a sleek, modern look. Read on to learn more about folding and bi-fold doors, some buying options, and how they can improve your bathroom’s look and functionality.

What are they?

Folding shower doors consist of folding panels hung from the top of the door opening. A set of rollers are attached to the bottom, designed to slide loosely along a set of tracks. This allows the panels to compress to open the enclosure, and stretch out to close. Depending on the panel material and type of door frame, folding doors can be secured with bolts or magnetic catches. Magnetic closures are ideal for steam showers because they withstand heat better than metal bolts. Wider door openings often use a multi-fold door with small accordion-style pleats to save space, since bigger folds will extend out to the bathroom floor and the enclosure itself. 

Bi-fold shower doors are have a similar design, except that they are divided into shaped folding sections. The panels are suspended from overhead tracks and moved by a set of casters. This design allows each panel to move independently from the casters and overhead attachments. Like folding doors, bi-fold doors take up minimum space while also providing full access to the enclosure. This makes them ideal for homes with elderly or disabled people. However, the track tends to collect dirt and oil with frequent use, so they require more maintenance and regular cleaning than folding shower doors.

Framed and frameless doors

Both types of shower doors are available in framed or frameless varieties. In framed doors, the panels are held together by metal supports and backings. These are extremely sturdy, but are also high-maintenance because water can get trapped between the frame and the panel. Frameless doors, on the other hand, are made entirely of glass, held in place by strong waterproof glue. These doors are made of thick, tempered glass to compensate for the lack of frames, making them just as durable as framed doors while maintaining their sleek, delicate appearance.

Outward and inward opening

Folding and bi-fold shower doors can open outward or inward. Some manufacturers design their doors to open in only one direction, while others can be installed in both directions. Doors that open outward are ideal for shower enclosures with a wide swing-out space. Inward doors can trap you inside the shower enclosure, but can come in handy if your shower is in a tight area. For both types, be sure to clear the door’s path when installing to make sure it will not hit other fixtures when opened.

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