Note the distance between the opening of the shower and any nearby plumbing fixtures, such as the toilet or sink, to leave adequate clearance. Record the measurements of the shower stall on a separate piece of paper in case you need to refer to it at any point during the installation process. [2] X Research source
Should you decide to put in a sliding door, the measurement for the threshold’s halfway point will become important, as this is where the edges of the 2 separate door panels will overlap when closed. Compare different sizes and styles of doors to find one that matches your shower enclosure. [4] X Research source
A miter box can help you make cleaner, more precise cuts. Go over the sawed ends with a metal file to smooth them down. Be sure to vacuum up any stray metal shavings afterward to keep them from leaving scratches on the bathroom floor. [6] X Research source
Mark the placement of the base track with a pencil. That way, you’ll be able to easily recenter it should it happen to slip while you’re working.
Most quick-drying sealants will set up within 3-12 hours. However, it may take up to a full day for the sealant to cure completely. [9] X Research source To prevent leaks, avoid using the shower until the sealant has had time to dry.
The hinge-side jamb can be distinguished from the strike-side jamb by the mounting slots for the door hinge on the inner edge. In most showers, the door hinge is placed on the opposite side of the stall from the shower head. Sliding doors won’t have specific hinge side and strike side jambs, but the installation of the side rails is essentially the same process. [11] X Expert Source Eric ShipeHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
Grease pencil markings may show up on tile or acrylic shower walls better than graphite.
It may help to notch the screw holes with a small chip or divot to get them started. This will provide a shallow seat for the drill bit, making it less likely to wander. Drill carefully to ensure that each hole is perpendicular to the wall.
Drill slowly to avoid overtightening. This can create stress fractures on the surrounding frame.
Don’t forget to confirm the plumb and flush of the piece and insert wall anchors before you fasten the screws. The construction of the strike-side jamb is simpler than that of the hinge-side—it’s most often an L-shaped piece that acts as a stop for the door.
It’s important that you measure and cut the upper rail separately, rather than duplicating the dimensions of the base track. It may not be exactly the same width as the bottom of the frame. [16] X Research source
Many shower door headers are slotted to fit over the the top of the jambs, without the need to join them to the frame separately. For swinging doors, make sure the shorter arm of the header is facing outward so the door can swing open and shut freely.
Take your time to get the plumb just right. The frames of most glass shower doors allow for a 1. 5 inches (3. 8 cm) margin of error to enable you adjust the alignment without disengaging the hinge rail from the jamb. Recruit an extra set of hands to help you maneuver the heavy shower door into place. It may be too unwieldy to safely handle on your own. [18] X Research source
If you’re working alone, a few strips of duct tape can come in handy for preventing the door from shifting. Suction up and dispose of any loose metal shavings after drilling.
If the hinges meet with resistance at any point or you notice excessive squeaking, it may be necessary to check the tightness of the screws or inspect the flush, plumb, or level of the base track and hinge-side jamb.
Some shower doors only feature one bumper stop in the center of the strike-side jamb. Others may use 2 or 3, spaced at regular intervals wherever there’s a screw hole in the rail.
Double check that the brackets are resting flush against the plastic separators to ensure a stable connection. If the rollers that allow the door to slide open and shut aren’t built into the hanging brackets, you’ll need to attach them separately using 1. 5 inches (3. 8 cm) screws. [23] X Research source
The rollers should go on the outside (the uncoated side) of the inner door panel, and the inside (coated) of the outer door panel. This will allow the doors to glide open and closed in opposing directions. [25] X Research source
Be sure to hang both doors with the coated or textured side facing in. This coating is designed to protect the surface of the glass from continual exposure to the water in the shower. It also hides the appearance of streaks and water spots to make them less noticeable. If the doors aren’t moving the way they’re supposed to, remove them from the frame and reposition them until you get the alignment right.
Typically, glass door fixtures are designed to be positioned from outside the shower and fastened from inside. You also have the option of shopping around for different fixtures or having them custom made to your personal specifications, though this may require additional drilling.
Provided you’ve assembled the door frame correctly, you’re unlikely to discover any glaring structural imperfections. Still, thorough sealing is a good precaution to take if you want to be certain that the construction of your new enclosure is totally watertight.
Towel off the wet frame before adding more sealant, and allow the sealant to cure completely prior to your next test. If water is escaping between the door and base track, consider attaching a separate drip tray to catch and redirect what would otherwise end up on the floor.
