Shower Enclosures: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before buying a shower enclosure, including frameless vs framed, glass thickness, sizing, installation, and how VIGO compares to other brands.
Shop VIGO Shower EnclosuresTop seller: VIGO Elan Winslow Frameless Rectangle Shower Enclosure — from $1,034.90. 3/8-inch tempered glass, reversible door, stainless steel or matte black hardware.
What is a shower enclosure and how is it different from a shower door?
A shower enclosure is a complete self-contained unit that includes all the glass panels and a base or tray, fully enclosing the shower space on all sides. A shower door, by contrast, is just the door panel that fits into an existing tiled or walled shower opening. If you are building a shower from scratch or want a freestanding unit that does not require tiling all four walls, a shower enclosure is the right choice. VIGO offers both shower enclosures and shower doors.
What sizes do VIGO shower enclosures come in?
VIGO shower enclosures are available in a range of sizes to fit standard bathroom layouts. The Elan Winslow Frameless Rectangle Shower Enclosure, VIGO's top-selling enclosure, comes in 34 x 46 inch and other configurations. Neo-angle enclosures are available for corner installations in smaller bathrooms. Always measure your available floor space and ceiling height before ordering, and confirm the rough opening dimensions match the enclosure specifications.
What is the best VIGO shower enclosure?
The VIGO Elan Winslow Frameless Rectangle Shower Enclosure is VIGO's top-selling enclosure, starting at $1,034.90 in stainless steel. It features 3/8-inch thick tempered safety glass, a frameless design with minimal hardware, and a reversible door for left or right opening. It is available in stainless steel and matte black finishes and fits standard bathroom layouts.
What is the difference between a frameless and a semi-frameless shower enclosure?
A frameless shower enclosure uses thick tempered glass (typically 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch) with minimal metal hardware at the hinges and handle only. There is no metal frame around the perimeter of the glass. A semi-frameless enclosure has a frame on some edges but not all, typically around the fixed panels but not the door. Frameless enclosures look more open and modern, are easier to clean, and are the premium choice.
How thick is the glass on VIGO shower enclosures?
VIGO frameless shower enclosures use 3/8-inch (10mm) thick tempered safety glass as standard. This is the industry standard for frameless enclosures and provides excellent rigidity and safety. The glass is ANSI Z97.1 certified, meaning it meets US safety standards for shower glass. If the glass breaks, it shatters into small rounded pieces rather than sharp shards.
Can I install a VIGO shower enclosure myself?
Yes, with intermediate DIY skills. VIGO shower enclosures include all hardware, installation instructions, and templates. The installation requires drilling into tile or walls to mount the hinges and wall profiles, leveling the unit, and sealing the base with silicone. Most installations take 4 to 6 hours for two people. If you are not comfortable drilling into tile or working with silicone seals, a professional installer is recommended.
What shower enclosure is best for a small bathroom?
For a small bathroom, a neo-angle corner shower enclosure is the most space-efficient option. Neo-angle enclosures fit into a corner and use a diagonal door, which maximizes floor space in tight layouts. VIGO's neo-angle enclosures start at 34 x 34 inches. If you have a slightly larger space, a rectangular enclosure with a sliding door is another good option since the door does not swing into the bathroom.
What shower enclosure is best for a large or master bathroom?
For a large or master bathroom, the VIGO Elan Winslow Frameless Rectangle Shower Enclosure is the top choice. Its frameless design and thick tempered glass create a spa-like focal point that suits larger spaces. Larger enclosures in the 48 x 36 inch range or custom configurations are available for master bath remodels.
Does a shower enclosure come with a base or tray?
Some VIGO shower enclosures include a base and some do not. Enclosure sets that include a base are clearly labeled as sets in the product title. If you purchase an enclosure without a base, you will need a separate shower tray or a custom-tiled floor. VIGO sells coordinating shower bases in acrylic and stone resin that are designed to pair with their enclosures.
How do I keep a frameless shower enclosure clean?
The easiest way to keep a frameless enclosure clean is to squeegee the glass after every shower. This prevents water spots and soap scum from building up. For weekly cleaning, use a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia, which can damage the hardware finish. VIGO glass panels can also be treated with a hydrophobic glass coating to repel water and reduce cleaning frequency.
What finish hardware is available on VIGO shower enclosures?
VIGO shower enclosures are available with stainless steel, matte black, and brushed gold hardware depending on the model. Stainless steel is the most durable and the most popular choice. Matte black is the top choice for modern and contemporary bathrooms. Brushed gold is available on select models for a warm, design-forward look. The hardware finish should be matched to your faucet and other bathroom fixtures for a cohesive look.
Are VIGO shower enclosures worth the money?
For most homeowners, yes. VIGO shower enclosures offer frameless tempered glass construction, reversible door configurations, and a limited lifetime residential warranty at a price point significantly below custom glass enclosures from local glaziers, which typically start at $2,000 or more. The Elan Winslow at $1,034.90 delivers comparable quality to enclosures that cost twice as much from specialty bath retailers.
What is the Elan Winslow shower enclosure and why is it the best seller?
The VIGO Elan Winslow Frameless Rectangle Shower Enclosure is VIGO's top-selling enclosure because it combines a clean frameless design, 3/8-inch tempered glass, and a reversible door in a package that fits standard bathroom layouts. Starting at $1,034.90, it is available in stainless steel and matte black and includes all mounting hardware.
Can I use a VIGO shower enclosure with an existing shower base?
Yes, as long as the dimensions match. VIGO shower enclosures are designed to sit on a flat shower base or tiled floor. The bottom of the enclosure is sealed with silicone rather than a fixed track, so it can be installed on most standard shower bases. Confirm the interior dimensions of your existing base match the enclosure footprint before ordering.
What warranty does VIGO offer on shower enclosures?
VIGO shower enclosures are backed by a limited lifetime residential warranty covering the glass, hardware, and finish against defects in materials and workmanship. Commercial use is covered for one year. VIGO also provides free replacement parts for the life of the product, so individual hinges, handles, or seals can be replaced without purchasing a new enclosure.
