Shower Screen Selection Guide

The aim of this blog is to help you determine the most appropriate shower screen for your bathroom. We will compare the three main types being:

1. Fully Frameless

2. Semi-Frameless

3. Fully Framed

Feel free to get in touch if you have more questions. You can also learn about the different types of glass such as privacy glass (acid etch), Ultra Clear (low iron) and Fluted (Narrow Reeded) click here.

1. Fully Frameless Shower Screens

✅ Pros:

• Premium product uses thicker 10mm/12mm glass

• Quality solid brass hardware in a wide variety of styles and colour finishes

• Sleek, minimalist look that makes bathroom feel larger

• Easier to clean as there is less metal framing the glass

• Highly customisable and good for open or disabled access showers

• Adds resale value if upgrading to fully frameless

• Longest useful life especially if glass is treated with Professional Glass Protection

❌ Cons:

• Most expensive option

• Requires precise installation

• Can leak if poorly designed/installed

• Small gaps on either side of doors and under the door may allow water to escape

• Uses thicker, heavier glass increased risk of explosion when handling

Best for: Mid - High-end bathrooms, modern renovations, upgrading the shower

Check out our installation videos and photo gallery of fully frameless shower screens

2. Semi-Frameless Shower Screens

✅ Pros:

• Balancing cost and style bringing the frameless look without the price tag

• Reduced cost as we can use thinner 6mm glass

• Better water containment as options for overlapping door and raised sill on the floor

• Handles uneven walls well and can be customised

• Durable and practical for the average family home

• Sill-less options are available for disabled access showers

❌ Cons:

• Not as sleek and robust as frameless

• More detailed cleaning is required around metal edges

• Water can get trapped inside the sill creating smells and corrosion

• Glazing rubbers and plastic components may wear out prematurely

• Some designs still have small gaps either side of the door where water can escape

• Mid-range cost and mid-range useful life

• Limited range of metal colours

Best for: Family bathrooms, rental properties, most renovations, upgrading from fully framed

Check out our installation videos and photo gallery of semi-frameless shower screens

3. Fully Framed Shower Screens

✅ Pros:

• Slightly more affordable option than semi-frameless as we can use 4-6mm glass

• Best water containment as there are no gaps and the shower is fully sealed

• Strong and durable as all glass panels are framed

• Works well with uneven walls

❌ Cons:

• Bulkier appearance

• Harder to clean (tracks collect grime)

• Can look dated

• Frames and components may wear over time

• Glazing rubbers and plastic components may wear out prematurely

• Water gets trapped in metal sills and channels creating smells and corrosion

Best for: Containing water, Budget installs, rental properties

Summary

• Frameless: Best appearance and longevity

• Semi-frameless: Best overall value and functionality

• Fully framed: Best for budget and water containment

Left to right:

• Fully Frameless

• Semi-Frameless

• Fully Framed

👉 Notice how the amount of metal framing increases as you move right.

🧱 Key Structural Differences

• Frameless: Minimal hardware, thick glass panels only

• Semi-Frameless: Frame around edges, but door/panels partly exposed

• Fully Framed: Glass is fully enclosed in a metal frame

Frameless designs use thicker glass (typically 10–12mm) with minimal support, while semi-frameless uses thinner glass (around 6mm) with structural framing for stability 

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	Fully Frameless	Semi-Frameless	Fully Framed
💰 Cost	High ($$$)	Medium ($$)	Med-Low ($)
🎨 Appearance	Premium, modern	Modern	Basic / dated
🧼 Cleaning	Easiest (no frames)	Moderate	Hardest (tracks & frames)
💧 Water Sealing	Moderate - Good	Good - Moderate	Excellent
🛠 Installation	Complex (pro required)	Moderate pre-assembly and a bit easier on site	Easiest but complex pre-assembly
🧱 Wall Tolerance	Low (needs straight walls unless custom)	Medium	High
🔩 Durability	Strong but relies on install	Reasonably durable	Most robust
🏠 Best Use	Luxury bathrooms	Family homes	Budget / rentals

🧠 Practical Recommendation

• Choose Frameless if: You want a high-end long lasting result thats easy to keep clean, modern bathroom and budget isn’t a concern

• Choose Semi-Frameless if: You want the best mix of style, durability, and value

• Choose Fully Framed if: You want a cost-effective way to retain water, low-risk, highly practical solution

🏁 Final Takeaway

• Frameless = Best look

• Semi-frameless = Best overall value

• Fully framed = Best for budget & water control

Choosing the Right Installer Matters

No matter which shower screen you choose, the quality of installation is largely what determines if you get the maximum useful life out of your shower screen.

At Noosa Frameless, we tailor every installation to suit:

• Your bathroom layout

• Waterproofing system or lack thereof

• Design goals

• Budget

• Compliance

Get Expert Advice for Your Shower Screen

If you are a Noosa / Sunshine Coast home owner planning a bathroom renovation or simply a bathroom refresh with a new shower screen we’re happy to help you choose the right screen.

A quick consultation can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your shower screen looks incredible and remains functional for years. Click Here to book a free, no Obligation quote or call +61 429 049 408 email info@noosaframeless.com.au