Choosing the Best Frameless Shower Screens for Your Perth Bathroom Renovation
Renovating a bathroom in Perth often comes down to one goal, creating a sense of space. Given our love for bright, open living, the heavy aluminium frames of the past feel out of place in a modern home. Frameless shower screens have become the standard for local homeowners who want a clean, high end look without the visual clutter.
However, selecting the right glass for your ensuite or family bathroom involves more than just picking a clear pane. You need to consider safety, local council regulations, and the specific layout of your room.
Understanding Your Glass Options
In Australia, safety is the priority. Any frameless screen you install must meet strict Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2208). Because there is no metal frame to support the edges, the glass itself must be incredibly strong.
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Toughened Safety Glass: This is the industry standard. Most Perth installers recommend a thickness of 10mm or 12mm. It is heat treated to withstand impacts. If it does break, it crumbles into small, blunt cubes rather than dangerous shards.
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Clear vs. Low Iron Glass: Standard "clear" glass has a slight green tint due to iron content. If you have white tiling or a marble feature wall, this tint might be noticeable. Low iron glass (often called "extra clear") removes that green hue, ensuring your tiles look exactly as they should.
Design Considerations for Perth Homes
Perth bathrooms vary wildly, from compact apartments in East Perth to sprawling coastal homes in Cottesloe. Your choice of frameless screen should match your floor plan.
1. The Wall to Wall Entry If you have a narrow bathroom, a single fixed panel is often the smartest choice. It creates a "walk in" feel. This design removes the need for a door entirely, which means fewer hinges to clean and no door swinging out into your vanity.
2. Corner Configurations For most suburban renovations, the shower sits in a corner. You will likely need a 90 degree setup. These require high quality solid brass or stainless steel brackets to hold the glass panels together securely.
3. The Hardware Finish While the glass is the star, the hardware provides the accent. Currently, matte black and brushed gold are popular in Perth showrooms. However, polished chrome remains a timeless choice because it resists water spots better than darker finishes.
Maintenance in a Mediterranean Climate
Perth’s water can be "hard," meaning it contains minerals that leave white spots on glass. Over time, these minerals can etch into the surface.
Pro Tip: Ask your installer about a permanent glass coating. These coatings act like a non stick pan for your shower, causing water to bead and slide off. It reduces cleaning time by about 90% and keeps the glass looking new for years.
Finding a Local Expert
A frameless screen is only as good as its installation. Because there is no frame to hide mistakes, your walls and floors must be level. A professional Perth glazier will measure your space down to the millimetres after your tiling is finished. This ensures the glass fits the slight slopes of your floor, preventing leaks and rattles.
Choosing a frameless screen is an investment in your home’s value. It turns a functional room into a retreat, making even a small bathroom feel like a luxury spa.
