The classic 5-foot (60″) tub alcove is everywhere in Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, Warren, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re ready to retire the curtain and convert to a walk-in shower, this guide gives you a clear, local-proof plan—from layout and water control to glass, hardware, and hard-water care.
The quick answer
- Door style: In most 60″ alcoves with tight aisles, a sliding/bypass system is the safest, cleanest daily driver. If you have room for a wide entry, a pivot/swing door + fixed panel delivers a premium feel.
- Splash control: Shallow depths (30–32″) favor sliders or a pivot with a tapered threshold + seals. Aim sprays away from the strike edge.
- Glass: 3/8″ tempered is the sweet spot for strength and weight; use 1/2″ for taller spans or upgraded feel.
- Hard water: Plan a squeegee habit and choose finishes that hide spots (brushed/satin).
- Accessibility: For aging-in-place, target low or zero threshold, a wider clear opening, and wall-anchored grab bars.
Step 1: Measure once, decide right (5-minute checklist)
Bring these notes to the showroom for instant guidance:
- Width at three points — curb, ~36″ high, and top (detects out-of-square).
- Height — curb to desired glass height.
- Depth — back wall to front of curb (important for splash planning).
- Aisle clearance — curb to nearest obstruction (toilet/vanity).
- Plumbing wall — left or right; note niche or bench ideas.
In older homes from Sterling Heights to Royal Oak, a 1/8″–3/16″ width change is normal—easy to solve with the right system.
Step 2: Choose a layout that works every day
A) Sliding/Bypass (two moving panels or single “barn” slider)
Best for: Narrow aisles, family use, and 30–32″ depths common in hall baths.
Why: No swing clearance, soft-close options keep mornings quiet, excellent splash control with full-length sweeps and aligned guides.
B) Pivot/Swing + Fixed Panel
Best for: Primary baths with more floor space.
Why: Widest clear opening and a crisp frameless look. Add a tapered threshold, magnetic strike, and full-length seals to keep water in.
C) Doorless (select cases)
Best for: Deeper conversions (≥36″) or when the entry is shielded by a longer fixed panel.
Why: Zero door to operate; depends on spray direction and drain placement to stay dry.
Step 3: Design in water control (don’t chase it later)
- Thresholds & curbs: Keep the curb sloped inward. For swings, a tapered sill gives the bottom sweep a perfect landing.
- Seals that matter: Bottom sweeps, magnetic strikes, and optional deflector seals at the hinge/strike side.
- Spray direction: Mount handhelds so they don’t blast the door gap when opening.
- Guides & tracks: Favor open or lift-out guides for quick cleanouts—great in hard-water areas across Troy and Warren.
Step 4: Pick glass & hardware like a pro
- Glass thickness:
- 3/8″ for most 60″ alcoves (rigid, not too heavy).
- 1/2″ for taller doors or a luxury feel (common in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills primaries).
- Clarity: Low-iron (“extra clear”) keeps whites bright and metals true; standard clear has a subtle green cast.
- Finishes: Brushed/satin hardware hides droplets better than mirror-polished in our hard-water region.
- Pulls & bars: Choose grippable pulls; towel bars on glass are fine (just size them to avoid panel collisions on sliders).
Step 5: Plan for hard-water reality (Metro Detroit routine)
- Daily: Squeegee glass, microfiber the metal, run the fan 15–20 minutes.
- Weekly: Use non-abrasive cleaners; if you have marble/travertine, stick to pH-neutral, stone-safe products (no vinegar on stone).
- Monthly: Replace bottom sweeps when stiff or nicked—small part, big performance.
Accessibility & aging-in-place upgrades
- Low/zero threshold for easier entry; pair with precise seals for splash control.
- Wider clear opening via pivot or a slider with a dominant daily-use side.
- Grab bars anchored into blocking on the walls (not the glass).
- Low-iron glass improves visibility if contrast sensitivity is a concern.
Decision matrix (choose in 30 seconds)
- Tight aisle / 30–32″ depth → Sliding/bypass
- Widest entry / premium feel → Pivot + fixed with tapered threshold
- Minimal maintenance / no door to operate → Doorless (≥36″ depth + smart spray)
- Designing for long-term mobility → Low/zero threshold + pivot (outswing or dual-action) or doorless
- Hard-water worry → Brushed/satin hardware, daily squeegee, and open/lift-out guides
Real-world Metro Detroit scenarios
- Sterling Heights 60″ x 32″ hall bath
- Pick: Double-bypass slider with soft-close, full-length sweeps, open bottom guide.
- Why: Tight aisle; two moving panels make cleaning and daily access easy.
- Troy 60″ x 34″ primary upgrade
- Pick: Pivot door + fixed panel, tapered threshold, magnetic strike; low-iron 3/8″ glass.
- Why: Wider feel and upscale look with predictable splash control.
- Royal Oak 60″ x 36″ deeper conversion
- Pick: Doorless fixed panel + linear drain near entry; deflector at panel edge.
- Why: Open, modern entry; smart drainage keeps floors dry.
- Clinton Township family bath
- Pick: Single “barn” slider (one moving, one fixed) with a larger daily-use opening.
- Why: Kid-friendly, simple maintenance, quieter mornings.
Timeline & budget expectations (typical, not a quote)
- Adjustable slider (TruFit-style): Efficient pricing and fast turnaround; handles mild out-of-plumb common in mid-century homes.
- Custom heavy glass: Higher material and templating precision; ideal for premium looks, tall doors, or unique details.
- Process: Showroom consult → Field measure → Fabrication → Installation (two clean visits).
FAQs
Will a sliding door make my alcove feel smaller?
Modern low-profile headers and clear sightlines keep the space feeling larger than a curtain ever did.
Can I add a bench in a 60″ alcove?
Yes—just place it opposite the door seam and confirm the door or panel won’t interfere with seating.
Do I need a new drain for doorless?
Not always, but a linear drain near the entry or along the back wall improves performance in open designs.
What if my walls aren’t perfect?
Common in Sterling Heights, Warren, and Royal Oak. We’ll advise whether an adjustable system or custom templated glass is the better long-term fit.
See the options in person (and leave with a plan)
Bring photos, the quick measurements above, and any finish samples. Compare sliders vs. pivots, clear vs. low-iron, and privacy textures side-by-side—then walk out with a confident design and next steps.
Visit our showroom: 42624 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Precise measurement, clean installation, and everyday livability—built for Metro Detroit’s 60″ alcoves.
