I had assumed that we'd get clips for our pony wall glass since that's what I've seen most often. Instead our glass pro suggested a u-channel at the wall and just silicone at the ceiling and ledge. I couldn't be happier with how clean and unobtrusive it looks.

We have CLR pivot hinges...

The u-channel is barely noticeable...

Having the glass siliconed at the ledge merely requires a quick wipe to clean. It might take a little more effort if you need to have a u-channel there but I'd still much prefer it to clips. For me, less hardware is better.

This is a pic taken before the room was finished but it shows the shower's overall appearance the best...

Check out this previous thread for some other info/options...

Here is a link that might be useful: Previous thread about u-channels & clips

I did something very similar to the above post, although I'm still waiting for them to replace the glass with starphire (which should be in sometime this week). But, as long as you're using chrome/polished nickel (or some other silver finish), the u channel is not that noticeable. In chrome it practically disappears.

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The company I work for uses "mini-clips" as opposed to the channel and I really think it looks much cleaner and a lot less metal

Here is a link that might be useful: Mini-clip pic

Those mini clips look like broken up pieces of u channel, which should make them cheaper than regular clips. But you still have the problem that you have with clips: gaps that need to be filled with silicone to prevent water from running underneath the glass. Unless your shower is large enough for water not to be an issue, that's the reason that I went with the U channel: it was substantially cheaper than adding four clips because of the materials and the labor, avoiding the appearance of silicone between clips (which I would have needed given that my shower has body sprays and is only 5' x 3'), and you really don't even notice the channel. That being said, I would never put the metal around the door or threshold like some do.

I'd price both so that you can make an economic decision, and then, depending on that and whether you want to look at silicone (if your shower configuration requires it), make the decision between clips, mini clips, or the u channel.

Good question. I prefer the look of the clips. I feel that the uchannel takes away from a frameless shower (although the above pix are gorgeous!).

While I agree that the clips are essentially short pieces of channel two or three clip properly spaced look much better then channel all the way around, just too much metal for me.

I think this is largely an aesthetic decision and up to individuals' personal preference. For me, my eyes go right to the clips...

[Traditional Bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by San Francisco Architect Thomas Saxby Architect

especially if you're using ORB...

[Traditional Bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by Boston Design-build ARCHIA HOMES

whereas a narrow channel blends in and becomes less noticeable, particularly if you are able to limit it to just where the glass attaches to the wall.

[Contemporary Bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Seattle Kitchen And Bath Kayron Brewer, CKD / Studio KB

The most important hardware to avoid, to me, is the metal header bar at the top, which really defeats the idea of a "frameless" shower.

[Traditional Bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by Philadelphia Tile Stone And Countertop StoneMar Natural Stone Company LLC

It really comes down to what you're comfortable with and what works best in your particular configuration. Don't hesitate to meet with several glass pros to get their input. It wasn't until I met with my third guy that I found out that a single uchannel at the wall with silicone at the top and bottom would work in my application. I'm glad that I did.

I agree if you use that type of clip we generally always use what is called a "mini clip" and is much less obtrusive then that type of clip. It is essentially about the same size as the channel just approximately 2 1/2" long.

Do you have a picture of a shower using mini clips? I'm all in favor of minimizing shower hardware so I'd love to see how the mini clips look installed in a shower.

I do love a beautiful shower door handle though (like Kevin's) and have no problem with them being noticed!

Nice photos! the orb shower looks like a hardware display , eekss.

Even though i thought i wanted clips, i actually now prefer the channel. as mentioned by TOD, channel actually blend in.
avoid the header because you want to see a clear floating glass edge at top.

if you are willing to be a fussy customer, you can order a panel of tempered glass that is exactly the right size to fit a space AND have it siliconed into that space without using any metal hardware at all. Insist, and get someone who agrees to do it.

They have to measure well, and maybe even make a template. Or, you do.

I did this.

hi davidro 1! I am very interested in your post..I have heard about "structural silicone" is that what you used? Is it just normal silicone? Many thanks!

I am faced with a decision right now on clips vs u channels. i was told that clips are the more popular choice; however, i am leaning toward the u channels. I don’t object to the appearance. My experience as a guest in homes with clips in their showers was that it is difficult to maneuver a squeegie around the clips. I am ordering the Shower Guard glass but that still necessitates wiping or using a squeegie. I’m all for a quick clean up after my shower.

Getting quotes on glass as I write... Being advised that clips, if not properly secured, can become loose with time. If the house settles or there is truss uplift, it can result in excess stress on the glass and cause the glass to shatter. He's been called to fix/replace too many existing showers with clips and won't use them on his installs.

"He's been called to fix/replace too many existing showers with clips and won't use them on his installs."

What does he use instead of clips?

millworkman He uses channel, screwed to vertical surfaces. A special type double-sided tape for horizontal surfaces (threshold and kneewall) so that the water-tight membrane integrity isn't compromised. In the lower horizontal channel the glass is sealed with silicone and I gather that the glass floats in the channel at the top of the shower. (Here in Canada we like our shower glass going to the ceiling to keep the warm steam in during winter months.)

I agree with channels vertically but would not trust take alone at the base. I realize he is using VHB tape but even still.