Frameless vs. Framed Shower Doors Which Sells Better in the UK Market in 2025

Abstract

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the frameless versus framed shower door debate within the UK market, tailored specifically for B2B retailers in 2025. We examine current market trends, sales performance, and forecast data, and provide detailed procurement strategies and style considerations. Drawing on our two-plus years of experience working closely with UK bathroom retailers, we offer a clear side-by-side comparison of costs, installation requirements, and product performance—complete with a detailed comparison table. You’ll also find actionable insights on bulk purchasing, wholesale ordering, and tailoring your offering to both modern and traditional UK homes. Finally, discover why One Percent remains the go-to partner for stable lead times, flexible pricing, and a one-stop bathroom solutions portfolio that goes beyond shower doors to taps, vanity mirrors, shower sets, and bathtubs—all compliant with UK standards and available from MOQ 50 units.

Table of Contents

• Market Overview: UK Shower Door Trends 2025 and Beyond

• Frameless vs. Framed: Technical Definitions & Core Differences

• Sales Performance & Forecast: Which Style Sells Better?

• B2B Procurement Guide for UK Retailers

• Functional, Installation & Style Considerations

• Cost Comparison & Profitability Analysis

• Market Data & Trend Highlights

• Why Choose One Percent?

• FAQs

Market Overview: UK Shower Door Trends 2025 and Beyond

The UK shower enclosure market has shown resilience despite broader construction slowdowns. In early 2025, installers reported a 1.7% year-on-year value increase in shower door sales, driven by renewed renovation demand across both urban flats and suburban homes (ONS Construction Output June 2024).

Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.5% for the UK shower enclosure segment between 2025 and 2030, mirroring broader European trends. According to Grand View Research, Europe’s shower cubicles market was valued at USD 175.5 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR through 2032 (Data Bridge).

Core Drivers

• Bathroom Renovation Demand UK: Homeowners continue to invest in space-saving bathroom upgrades as small-flat refurbishments surge (Better Homes & Gardens 2025 Bathroom Trends).

• Modern vs Traditional UK Homes: Frameless designs dominate in urban developments, while framed doors remain strong in heritage conversions.

• UK Bathroom Retail Market: Retailers are expanding SKU ranges to cover both minimalist frameless enclosures and budget-friendly framed options.

These dynamics offer retailers a clear roadmap to optimize their product mix for upcoming procurement cycles.

Frameless vs. Framed: Technical Definitions & Core Differences

Understanding these distinctions helps guide retailer recommendations based on project budgets, installation capabilities, and target home styles.

Sales Performance & Forecast: Which Style Sells Better?

Current Market Share

• Frameless: Approximately 60% of UK shower enclosure sales by volume.

• Framed: The remaining 40%, with strong performance in budget and heritage-style segments.

Top 5 UK Best-Selling Models (Q1 2025)

Forecast: Frameless variants are expected to grow at ~4% annually through 2030, compared to ~2.5% for framed options—driven by the continued popularity of minimalist frameless shower enclosures in modern UK developments.

B2B Procurement Guide for UK Retailers

When sourcing shower doors in bulk for your retail business or commercial projects in the UK, understanding MOQ, lead times, and pricing options is crucial. For frameless shower doors, a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 50 units typically applies, with attractive discounts available for larger orders—5% off for orders over 100 units and 10% for over 250 units. Lead times generally range between 6 to 8 weeks, ensuring timely delivery to meet project deadlines.

To support UK retailers, we provide a dedicated portal offering real-time stock visibility and order tracking, simplifying the procurement process. For those interested in wholesale shower doors in the UK market, downloadable price lists are available upon request, allowing you to plan purchases with full transparency.

Additionally, for commercial projects such as hotels or gyms, framed shower doors offer durability and easy maintenance, meeting industry standards for washroom installations. Retailers can explore our top-performing shower door models, comparing key features like dimensions, glass type, and price points to find the best fit for their customers.

By providing these tailored solutions and clear purchasing options, we aim to support UK retailers in making informed, confident decisions for their shower enclosure needs.

Functional, Installation & Style Considerations

1. Easy Install Shower Doors UK

• Framed doors: semi-DIY installation (~2 hours).

• Frameless doors: professional installation recommended (~3–4 hours) 

2. Minimalist Frameless Shower Enclosures UK

• Ideal for small-footprint flats, maximizing perceived space.

3. Traditional Framed Shower Doors UK

• Perfect match for heritage and country-style bathrooms.

4. Anti-Limescale Shower Glass UK

• Reduces cleaning frequency by up to 50% in hard-water regions (Viakal Case Study).

5. Black Frame Shower Doors UK Interior

• A striking accent trending in modern-industrial and Scandinavian designs.

Incorporating UK bathroom design preferences, such as matte black fixtures and brushed nickel accents, further aligns product offerings with specifiers’ expectations.

Cost Comparison & Profitability Analysis

Table 2: Profitability Comparison for Frameless vs. Framed Doors

While frameless units incur higher upfront costs, they command premium pricing and yield stronger margins—especially in high-end renovation projects.

Market Data & Trend Highlights

• UK Shower Door Trends 2025: Frameless enclosure search volume on trade portals rose by 12% year-on-year.

• Shower Door Consumer Trends: 68% of specifiers cite ease of cleaning as a top purchase criterion.

• Space-Saving Bathroom Upgrades: Corner-entry frameless enclosures saw a 15% sales increase in small-unit refurbishments.

• Bathroom Renovation Demand UK: Government-backed home improvement incentives drove a 9% rise in bathroom renovation permits in Q4 2024.

Sources: Houzz 2025 Bathroom Trends, ONS Construction New Orders Q4 2024.

Why Choose One Percent?

1. Professional Service & Support

• Stable Lead Times & Quality: Guaranteed shipments within 6–8 weeks; pre-shipment inspections; UK warehouse buffer stock.

• Flexible Pricing: Tiered discounts for both small-batch (50–100 units) and large commercial runs; transparent fee structure.

• Dedicated Pre- & Post-Sales Teams: Expert assistance on project specifications, compliance checks, and after-sales support.

2. One-Stop Bathroom Solutions

• Beyond shower doors/enclosures, we offer taps, bathroom vanity mirrors, shower sets, and bathtubs—enabling cross-sell opportunities and streamlined project procurement.

3. UK Compliance & Standards

• All products meet UK Building Regulations (Parts G & N) and hold WRAS approval where required, minimizing compliance risk for your clients.

4. Customization & MOQ Flexibility

• MOQs starting at 50 units, scaling up to 1,000+, with bespoke glass tints, frame finishes, and hardware options.

Consultative design support for hotel, student housing, and multi-unit development projects.

Conclusion

Framed and frameless shower doors each offer unique advantages, and the right choice ultimately depends on your target customers, price positioning, and design focus. Frameless options continue to lead in modern UK developments, offering high margins and premium aesthetics. Meanwhile, framed models remain a smart choice for traditional and commercial settings with lower installation costs and faster sell-through rates.

Armed with market data, installation insights, and profitability analysis, UK retailers can now fine-tune their product mix with confidence.

Looking to streamline your next procurement cycle?

Request our 2025 wholesale price list to explore top-selling frameless and framed shower doors tailored for the UK market. With flexible MOQs starting at just 50 units, real-time stock tracking, and full UK compliance, One Percent is your reliable bathroom supply partner—beyond just shower doors.

FAQs

1. What’s the Difference Between Framed and Frameless Shower Doors in the UK?

Framed shower doors use 6–8 mm glass enclosed within full metal frames, offering a classic look and better budget control. In contrast, frameless shower doors use 8–12 mm thick tempered glass with minimal hardware, creating a more open, modern aesthetic ideal for high-end bathrooms.

• Framed: cost-efficient, traditional, easier to install

• Frameless: sleek, modern, higher resale appeal

2. Are Frameless Shower Doors Worth It UK?

Yes—for UK homeowners or developers seeking a premium finish, frameless doors often increase perceived space, require less cleaning due to fewer seals, and boost property value. They typically cost 10–20% more than framed models, but offer a strong return in modern refurbishments and rentals.

• Tips: Frameless designs are especially popular in London, Manchester, and other high-end urban markets.

3. Which Shower Door Style is More Popular in the UK Market?

Frameless shower doors now hold over 60% market share by volume in the UK, driven by walk-in and pivot designs for modern renovations. Framed doors, however, still lead in traditional properties and commercial projects, thanks to their affordability and stability.

4. What Should UK Retailers Know When Buying Shower Doors in Bulk?

Structure your procurement around high-intent terms like:

• “Bulk Frameless Shower Doors UK” – target luxury residential and boutique hotels

• “Framed Shower Doors for Commercial Projects UK” – ideal for student housing, care homes, budget hotels

• Retailer Tip: Match regional style preferences (e.g. frameless in urban flats vs framed in countryside homes).

5. What’s the Cost Difference Between Frameless and Framed Shower Enclosures in the UK?

Frameless units cost more due to thicker glass and precision hardware, but offer premium resale value and minimalist appeal.