Frameless enclosures represent the most beautiful shower enclosure option if you believe that less framing is a good thing! The goal when designing frameless shower enclosures is to use as little metal as is possible while achieving a structurally safe unit.

 

These enclosures rely on the surrounding surfaces for support and therefore, are not an option if you have a fiberglass or acrylic shower stall- look at semi-frameless enclosures for those units.

Frameless enclosures are typically fabricated from 3/8" and 1/2" thick tempered safety glass. 1/2" thick glass is frequently used for stationary glass panels (due to its higher strength and rigidity) when the design requirements exclude a header (see Frameless Enclosure Terms). Doors are almost always fabricated with 3/8" thick glass because it supplies the "heft" and luxury feel that most people want without unnecessarily stressing the hinges.

This picture shows a "leakproof" jamb. It's a continuous stop which assures the tightest seal possible on a single door- usually the toughest opening to get reasonably water tight due to likely irregularities in the wall surfaces.