One of the most common questions we get at Jones Paint & Glass is what actually separates frameless, semi-frameless, and framed shower enclosures. It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is that the best choice depends on your bathroom, your budget, and what you want the finished room to feel like.
Here’s how each shower glass option actually works.
Framed Shower Enclosures
A framed enclosure has metal borders running along all four sides of each glass panel and around the door. It’s the most traditional option and usually the least expensive upfront. The frame provides structural support, which means the glass itself can be thinner and lighter.
The tradeoff: framed enclosures trap water and soap scum in the metal tracks, making them harder to keep clean. They also show their age faster than the other options. If you have an older home, this is probably what you’re working with now.
Framed shower glass provided and installed by Jones Paint & Glass at a home in Utah County.
Semi-Frameless Enclosures
Semi-frameless designs keep a frame around much of the glass but remove the metal border from the door or between sliding glass panels. The result is cleaner than a fully framed setup without the cost of going all the way to frameless.
For a bathroom that needs an upgrade but isn’t getting a full renovation, semi-frameless lands in a useful middle spot. It’s a meaningful visual improvement over framed without a significant jump in price.
Semi-frameless shower glass provided and installed by Jones Paint & Glass at the St. George Area Parade of Homes. Photo by Mykal’s Architectural Photography.
Frameless Enclosures
Frameless is the option most people want once they see one in person. There’s no metal border around the glass. Instead, thick tempered glass — typically 3/8″ or 1/2″ — is held in place by minimal hardware: hinges, a handle, and small clamps at key structural points.
The practical benefits are real. No metal tracks means cleaning is straightforward. The glass itself holds up well over time. And because there’s less hardware collecting water and soap residue, the enclosure tends to stay looking good with less effort.
Visually, a frameless enclosure makes the room feel larger and lets your tile work do what it was meant to do. It’s also the option that holds up best from a resale standpoint.
Frameless shower glass provided and installed by Jones Paint & Glass at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes. Photo credit Utah Valley Videos.
Which One Should You Get?
If your bathroom is primarily functional and budget is tight, framed or semi-frameless gets the job done. If you’re updating a master bath, renovating for resale, or are envisioning a luxury spa-like bathroom, frameless is almost always worth the extra cost.
The glass thickness options matter too. Our specialists can walk you through the difference between 3/8″ and 1/2″ tempered glass in person, along with hardware finishes, edge treatments, and glass types including clear, low-iron, and frosted. Every Jones Paint & Glass installation also includes our Scargard 2 protective coating, which makes the glass harder and more resistant to scratching without changing how it looks.
Come see the options at any of our Utah showrooms, or schedule a free in-home estimate and we’ll tell you exactly what works for your layout.
Jones Paint & Glass has been installing custom shower glass for Utah homes since 1938. See our full shower glass options →
About the Author
Mikelle Despain has been providing design tips and inspiration for Jones Paint & Glass for over 10 years. She is a regular guest on the KSL Home Radio Show and Podcast with Heather Osmond where she shares color trends, design ideas, and information about paint and glass products. With a background in journalism and passion for interior design, she enjoys the opportunity to share the latest trends with Utah and beyond.
You may also be interested in...
Top Glass Shower Trends for 2026 in Utah Valley and St. George
A beautiful glass shower can change the entire feel of a bathroom. In Utah Valley and St. George, homeowners are continuing to move toward bathrooms that feel brighter, calmer, and more custom in 2026. The trend is not just about luxury for luxury’s sake. It is about...
The Utah Homeowner’s Guide to Energy-Efficient Windows in 2026
In Utah, windows do a lot of heavy lifting. From summer heat to winter cold, outdated windows can make it harder to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. That is why replacing older windows is often about more than appearance (although that's a wonderful...
The High-Altitude Thermal Engineering Guide for Utah Windows
In Utah, a window is more than a view; it’s a component of your home’s engineering. For homeowners along the Wasatch Front or in mountain communities like Park City, standard windows manufactured at sea level are often a recipe for premature failure. At Jones Paint...
2026 Home Design Trends: Paint, Windows, Doors & Glass for Modern Homes
Home design in 2026 is evolving in a quieter, more intentional way. Instead of chasing bold, short-lived trends, homeowners are focusing on updates that feel warm, personal, and practical; choices that look beautiful today and still feel right years from now. There’s...
Auto Glass Repair & Replacement: What to Know (Winter Edition)
It's a commomn misconception that the primary purpose of windshields is, well, shielding the wind. In reality, it has a much more important role: windshields are a critical safety component of your vehicle; they are a critical part of the structural integrity of the...
Andersen Storm Doors: Style, Strength, and Comfort for Utah Homes
Utah’s dramatic seasons—hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters—call for home upgrades that combine durability with design. Andersen storm doors do exactly that. Built for performance and beauty, these doors help Utah homeowners protect their homes from wind, dust,...
Home Upgrades for Smart Returns: How Utah Homeowners Can Maximize ROI
Every homeowner wants to know which home improvements actually pay off. The newly released 2025 Cost vs Value Report from Zonda Media & Journal of Light Construction offers clear answers and good news for Utah homeowners. Curb-appeal and energy-efficiency projects...
Why Designers Love Frameless Glass: Minimalism That Maximizes Luxury
In interior design, trends to come and go, but minimalism has staying power. It’s not just about simplicity; it’s about intention. When every line, surface, and material is thoughtfully chosen, the result feels modern and undeniably luxurious. That’s exactly why...
From Builder-Grade to Beautiful: How Upgrading Your Bathroom Mirror Instantly Elevates the Space
Vanity mirrors in the bathroom may seem like a small detail, but in design terms, can be a powerful design element in a bathroom. While the standard builder-grade mirror many homes come with gets the job done, it rarely adds personality, depth, or design impact....
What to Look for in Windows Across Utah’s Unique Climates
Utah is a state of contrasts. From the snowy Wasatch Front and Cache Valley to the high desert plateaus of St. George and Moab, homeowners face dramatically different weather conditions depending on where they live. Choosing the right windows for your home isn’t just...
How Window Design Shapes the Look and Feel of Your Home
Windows are one of the most defining design elements in any home. They not only let in light, but also frame your view, set the tone of your home’s architecture, and influence everything from energy efficiency to curb appeal. The right window design can make a home...
Product Highlight: PPG Manor Hall® Exterior Paint + Primer
When it comes to protecting and beautifying your home’s exterior, the right paint makes all the difference. Homeowners know that exterior paint isn’t just about color; it’s about durability, coverage, and long-lasting protection against the elements. That’s where PPG...
Recent Comments