A framed shower door is constructed of thinner less expensive glass 1/8" to 3/16" thick and utilizes metal to strengthen the enclosure.A frameless shower door enclosure is made up of 3/8" to ½" thick tempered and polished safety glass which is strong and sturdy enough to use minimal metal only to secure panels in place instead of strengthening them.
What are the advantages of a frameless shower door?
A frameless shower door will increase the value of your home, lasts three to four times longer than a framed shower door, and eliminates almost all the metal framing. In addition, your frameless shower door can always be cleaned to "like new" condition. Frameless doors open in and out verses a framed shower door, which opens out only.