Though a shower curtain may serve as a decorative element in the bathroom and can keep water from splattering onto the floor, a shower door is a far more efficient, easy to use, and permanent solution for containing the water in the shower.

Prefabricated showers are often produced with integral doors. But for existing showers or bathtubs that require a door, a custom shower installations, a wide range of choices are available. Where can you shop for them? Check out major home improvement centers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s for products. Or look up Shower Enclosures or Glass Dealers in your phone book—they can show you a raft of possibilities and can handle installation.

Shower doors operate several different ways--they may swing open, fold back, slide, or pivot. Some are all glass and are hinged directly to the shower entrance. Others are framed with aluminum in any of several finishes, including chrome, brass, and epoxy-coated colors.

Though some doors are made from inexpensive plastic, opt for more durable materials. For safety and to meet building codes, glass should always be tempered. The glass may be clear, frosted, mirrored, or patterned.

A door for a steam shower, is different than a conventional shower door. It is designed to seal completely. For more about steam showers, see Steam Showers.