Blog
Here we host info on our other products, additional photos, and progress on our jobs. We are continually updating our site, and have yet to include all of our products. Please check up on this page, email, call, or visit our showroom to see our products!
We Drilled in every room! A home filled with our glass.
In this business, we see and do a lot of cool and unique work. This job in particular was one that really showcased not only our work, but it also enabled us to focus on what it takes to get a job like this done from start to finish. Originally this job was introduced to Tom Nolan via email and a set of plans. Typically, Tom does the plans, provides a rough budget based on what is listed, and then awaits the client to inform us when the job is ready to measure. It went to me, Alex, to focus the budget with a few emails and design changes which led to me going on site and starting my measurements.
The home in San Francisco
The initial visit, the free estimate, was to get a feel for the site as a whole as the tile was not ready in some of the showers. I was able to get rough sizing of the showers and start to get an idea about the mirrors. Once everything was ready I was able to measure. There was a lot of back and forth about design, location, and style. While we are considered a contractor we are also a designer in a sense that our units aren't just enclosures, but focal points in bathrooms, wine rooms, offices, etc. Thus, our expertise, experience, and advice is crucial to assuring the client gets exactly what they want, assuming it is within the realm of possibility.
This job was a decent size, with four shower doors, four mirrors, and stair railings. With a job like this, full of many design changes and many visits, mistakes can happen. Unfortunately, the original mirror pictured to the right had came in without bevels. Luckily, we use mirror mastic, which is a industry standard glue, that when properly heated can be easily removed and allow us to replace the mirror as needed. As mistakes come, I am glad this was a simple one which was taken care of immediately.
Once the shower doors and mirrors were installed the railings came next. Since I was the original estimator on site, I was able to discuss their plans for glass railings and discovered that they were going to use special and expensive hardware for a stand-off set up. I had mentioned we do that all of the time without the need of special hardware. I had asked for the plans and once I received them I forwarded them to Marcos Canizales, VP and head of railings. He was able to achieve exactly what the clients had wanted and at a fraction of the cost! Below you can see the railings as well as all of the other work we installed.
As always, please feel free to look at our work, our other products, or contact us!
Smooth and clean
Having been in the glass business for over 80 years, we have had the pleasure of doing some truly unique and difficult enclosures. However, there is something to be said about a relatively simple enclosure coming together smoothly and finishing with a gorgeous look. It is a great way to showcase our motto and for us to admire our process, from A to B to C, internally.
Below are some examples of recent work where we were able to make something simple in design look elegant and methodical.
Regency series enclosure using Starphire glass with a non-operable transom. Please note the sloped ceiling.
Standard clear Regency series enclosure with channel, pivot hinges, and three in-line return panels.
1/4" mirror back splash with mirrored outlet cover plates.
As always, please feel free to look at our work, our other products, or contact us!
It's Hip To Be Square!
More times than we can count, we get asked if we can do what most other glazing companies can't or will not do. It has become a mantra of sorts that when asked said question we reply, "that's our specialty!" Below are photos of an enclosure that may seem daunting to others, but is right up our alley!
Tony Contreras, one of our senior estimators, was able to provide a beautiful enclosure to a somewhat unusual (not so much to us) set up. When asked about this project, Tony had this to say:
“This particular job was unique. It had to make sense to the Designer, and most importantly, with the needs and practical use for the homeowners without going overboard. The job is located in Orinda and it took 2 trips to complete and, as you can see, the ultimate result is fantastic! It pays off when you plan things the right way!”
This unit was created using our low-iron Starphire glass and rounded square clips. Using the Starphire glass was a great choice as you see the stunning stone work inside the unit while also giving the bathroom space and depth that standard clear glass wouldn't have achieved.
As always, please feel free to look at our work, our other products, or contact us!
Glazing Phrasing: Terms of the Trade
Not understanding your contractor, estimator, or workers!? This post will help better communicate with everyone on site!
Right now the Bay Area is booming in the real estate field and everything that comes with it. Many more homes are in a state of remodel, demolition, and reconstruction, all over San Francisco and the surrounding areas. As a homeowner these larger projects can be daunting, confusing, and sometimes frustrating, especially if there is a breakdown in communication. Communicating your needs and concerns can sometimes be difficult to a seasoned professional and vice versa. We here at California Shower Door want to make sure we are all on the same page and that we can all better communicate so that you can get exactly what you want. So we have compiled a list of commonly used terms with definitions so that you are better prepared for not only your new glass install but for any construction project!
- Glazing: the act of installing glass.
- Estimate: pricing given by an estimator that reflects your needs and wants with complete measurements (ideally).
- Lead Time: the time it takes for glazing to occur, starting from date of deposit.
- Level: a horizontal line of condition, for example, on a curb or tub.
- Plumb: the vertical surface is truly flat, using a level to determine.
- Curb/Tub Curb: the raised portion of an enclosure, located at the entrance.
- Slope: similar to plumb it is the angle of a curb, for example, going either towards or away from the drain.
- Feature Strip: a special set of tile or change in tile, typically spanning horizontally on the walls of a shower.
- Bow/Bubble: the space coming from or going into the surface of where we are installing.
- Satin: another term for frosted glass.
- Lami: glass panels laminated and stuck together.
- Starphire: another term for low iron glass, which is glass with a minimum of tinting due to its reduced iron content.
Now that you know the basic terms, you are better prepared for our visit for a free estimate!
As always, please feel free to look at our work, our other products, or contact us!