If you’re renovating a bathroom in Jefferson Parish — whether you’re in Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, or anywhere in between — one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make is replacing a dated shower enclosure with custom shower glass. It opens up the space visually, makes cleaning easier, and adds real value to the home.
Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless: What’s the Difference?
This is the first decision most homeowners face when shopping for shower glass, and it comes down to aesthetics, budget, and the look you’re going for.
Frameless shower enclosures use thick tempered glass — typically 3/8″ or 1/2″ — with minimal hardware. No metal tracks are running along the bottom of the door, and the only metal you see is the hinges and handle. The result is a clean, open, modern look that works in almost any bathroom style. Frameless enclosures are also easier to clean because there’s no track to collect grime.
Semi-frameless enclosures use a combination of framed panels and frameless doors, or they feature minimal aluminum framing around the perimeter with a frameless door. They’re a popular choice for homeowners who want a cleaner look than a fully framed enclosure but want to manage costs.
Fully framed enclosures — the kind with aluminum channels running along all edges — are the most affordable option and perfectly functional, though they’re less popular in custom renovations for aesthetic reasons.
Glass Options: Clear, Low-Iron, and Frosted
Beyond the frame style, you’ll also choose your glass. Standard clear tempered glass is the most common choice and works well in most applications. Low-iron glass (sometimes called ‘starphire’ or ultra-clear) has a noticeably less green tint than standard clear glass — a popular choice for luxury bathroom renovations.
Frosted or textured glass adds privacy while still letting light through, which is a practical option for shared bathrooms or layouts where the shower is visible from the main bathroom entrance.
Design Your Shower Online — Use our Shower Designer at starglass.com/shower-designer/
Hardware and Finish Choices
The hardware — hinges, handles, clips, and towel bars — plays a bigger role in the final look than most people expect. Chrome is the classic choice and works with most bathroom fixtures. Brushed nickel is a warmer, more matte alternative that has become very popular in recent years. Matte black hardware is a bold, contemporary option that pairs well with modern or industrial bathroom designs.
The Process: From Measurement to Installation
Custom shower glass isn’t a stock product — every enclosure is measured and fabricated specifically for your space. The process starts with an on-site measurement, followed by fabrication of the glass panels to your exact specifications. Installation is typically completed in a single visit once the glass is ready.
One important note: shower glass should be installed after tile work is complete. If you’re mid-renovation, plan for the glass installation toward the end of the project.
Ready to Get Started?
Star Glass Inc. serves Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and the greater New Orleans metro. Reach us any way that works best for you:
Call or text: (504) 368-8826 Email: glass@starglass.com Visit us: 1000 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053