Are you up for bathroom remodeling?
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. You can either make an impression or ruin it with your bathroom interior or transform it into a super comfy place.
Investing in an elegant shower enclosure is a big bet. It creates an exquisite spa-like feel at home and enhances the interior. But we usually see that bathroom renovation projects go downhill due to the overall expenses. The price of fixtures along with the installation costs makes a good sum of money. However, we want you to execute your renovation projects successfully at a minimal cost. Therefore, we are here with a comprehensive guide on how to install a frameless shower door?
Let’s get started!
Why Should You Install Shower Door by Yourself?
Glass shower door installation is an intricate job usually done by professionals. The service costs big bucks. The installation cost typically depends on the door type and size. Sometimes the installation service alone costs more than the door itself.
By doing it yourself you can cut down the installation cost and invest in a better more luxe shower enclosure. Moreover, you can skip the hassle of finding the right glass assembler and complete the task yourself in a matter of hours.
Shower door installation, no doubt, is a tricky project but with the right motivation and proper set of instructions you can do the job like a pro.
Different Types of Shower Doors and Their Installation
There are different types of shower doors. The installation process is mostly the same for every door type. Here we will discuss some major types of shower doors and provide a guide to their installation. Let’s act it out!
- Fixed shower door
- Sliding shower door
- Swinging/hinged glass shower door
Required Tools
- The tools required for installing different types of shower doors are mostly the same. So here is what you need to carry out the installation.
A person to assist in the process - Drill and bits
- Silicone caulking
- Cleaning spray
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Sandpaper
- Rubber Anchors
- Wood spacers
Now let’s start the installation.
How to Install a Fixed Shower Panel?
Fixed shower panels are screwed into the fixtures and cannot move once they’re installed. The user moves in or out of the shower through the open space.
Clean the space
Start by cleaning the space where you want to install the door. Use cleaning spray to clean the walls and floor.
Check that the door fits properly
Take another person’s assistance. Hold the door up in the shower opening. Make sure that the door fits in the space. If not, take the measurements. Mark the door with a pencil and use a hacksaw to cut the excess material. Smooth the freshly cut ends with a file or sandpaper.
Take centerline measurements
Use a measuring tape to accurately measure the centerline of the shower. Mark the centerline for the glass panel.
Drill holes in the U-channel
Measure the channel and see if it corresponds to the centerline measurements. Use an aluminium cutter to trim the excess. Now drill almost a quarter-inch deep holes in the U-channel.
Fix the U-channel
Screw the U-channel on the marked centerline. Use some silicone caulk to ensure a strong seal.
Install the glass panel
Hold the glass panel straight up and place it in position. Use the level to check if the door is in the right position. Fix the panel in the U-channel. Use silicone sealant on the inside and outside to secure the channel.
How to Install a Sliding Shower Door?
These shower doors slide on stainless steel tracks. Sliding doors are held in place by metal rods. Here is how to install them.
Measure the tracks
Use a measuring tape to check if the rails correspond to the measurements. Use a hacksaw to cut the excess material and file the ends smooth.
Fix the frames
Secure the left and right tracks. Use the level to check if they are straight up. Screw them in place. Make sure to put some silicone in the holes to seal them. Take the base track and set it on the marked centerline. Use silicone caulk to seal the tracks.
Set the top track
Measure the top track and set it in place. Fix the top track by screwing it to the left and right frames.
Install the rollers
The rollers come attached as well as separate with the tracks. Either you have attached or separate rollers, note that the rollers for the inner glass panel will face inwards and the rollers for the outer panel will face out of the shower.
Put the glass doors in place
In sliding shower doors, there are two glass panels. First, take the inner panel and slide it in the tracks all the way to the wall. Then take the other panel and slide it in the outer track. Slide both of them to check if they are smoothly gliding. Finish the installation by attaching handles to the doors.
How to Install a Swinging Shower Door
Swinging doors are attached to the glass enclosure through hinges. The doors operate by swinging in and out, thus the name swinging doors. Here is how you can install swinging doors by yourself.
Clean the space and take measurements
Clean the walls and floor. Make sure that the door fits exactly in the space by holding the door straight in the space or just take the measurements and cross-match.
Fix the rails
Drill holes in the wall to fix the side tracks. Insert rubber anchor in the holes and tape the side rails in place. Screw the tracks to the wall anchor and fix them.
Set rubber spacers
Use rubber spacers to hold the stationary door panel of the door.
Fix the stationary glass panel
Hold up the glass panel that won’t swing in and out. And slide it into the side rail. Now attach the remaining rails. Fix the centre and top rail to the glass panels. Add silicon fillers to seal the rails.
Attach the hinges and swinging door
Screw the hinges to the bottom and side rails. Now take the other panel i.e., the swinging door, and fix it in the hinges.
Time for Some tips!
- Here are some common things that you should consider while installing a shower door by yourself.
- Be careful while handling the glass panels. Make sure they don’t touch any hard surface. Broken edges ruin the aesthetic appeal of glass doors. Above all, chipped edges can cause injuries.
- Don’t take on the installation all alone. Take assistance from another person. Be it a friend or someone with professional experience.
- Make sure to take the measurements at least twice.
- Always check that everything is level before fixing.
- Use wall anchors when installing heavy glass doors.
DIY Like a Pro!
Nothing can elevate the outlook of a bathroom like a glass shower enclosure. Invest in a quality shower door and cut down the installation costs by installing it on your own. Follow the guide and install the shower door on your own.
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