The Middle Path — and Often the Smart One
A semi-frameless enclosure keeps a slim metal frame around the perimeter of the unit but leaves the door panel itself frameless along its swing edge. You get open, glassy sight lines where your eye actually looks, while the perimeter frame adds rigidity, forgiving adjustment range, and better water sealing — all at a price meaningfully below full frameless.
Where Semi-Frameless Shines in Tri-Cities Homes
- New construction second baths. Builders in Pasco’s Broadmoor area and Kennewick’s Southridge often hand over bathrooms with a curtain rod. A semi-frameless door is the upgrade that matches the home’s finish level without master-bath pricing.
- Fiberglass and acrylic surrounds. Common in homes across all three cities — these flex too much for heavy 1/2″ frameless glass, but a semi-frameless unit distributes weight through its frame beautifully.
- Busy family bathrooms. The extra sealing of a framed perimeter is simply more forgiving of splashy kids and handheld sprayers.
Options & Finishes
Semi-frameless units typically use 1/4″ tempered glass in clear, frosted, or rain patterns, with frame finishes in brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze. Hinged, pivot, and sliding configurations are all available, and we recommend the same protective glass coating we offer on frameless units — our hard water doesn’t care what your frame looks like.
What It Costs
Most semi-frameless doors in the Tri-Cities install for $600–$1,600 depending on size, glass, and configuration — typically 30–40% less than a comparable frameless unit. Call (509) 355-6999 with your opening width and we’ll give you a ballpark on the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between semi-frameless and frameless?
Frameless doors have no metal framing at all and use thick 3/8″–1/2″ glass. Semi-frameless doors keep a slim frame around the perimeter of the enclosure but leave the door's swing edge frameless, using lighter 1/4″ glass — which is why they cost less.
Can a semi-frameless door go on a fiberglass surround?
Yes — it's often the best choice. The perimeter frame spreads the load across the surround instead of concentrating it on hinge points, which matters on flexible fiberglass and acrylic walls.
How do I clean the frame?
A quick wipe with a soft cloth and mild cleaner keeps frames spotless. Avoid abrasive pads on anodized finishes. Squeegee the glass after showers to keep Tri-Cities mineral deposits from building up.
How long does installation take?
Standard-size semi-frameless doors can sometimes be installed within days; custom-measured units typically take 1–2 weeks for fabrication, with the install itself finished in 2–3 hours.