Whether you want to save money or prefer DIYs, installing your shower stall can be enjoyable and rewarding.
It will improve the general functionality and aesthetic of your bathroom. So, the beauty of your bathroom is also dependent on your work.
These factors may make the task daunting, but installing your shower stall is simple. In most cases, you don’t need to call a professional for it.
These factors can make the task daunting, but installing a shower is simple. In most cases, you do not need to call a professional for this.
If you have any questions, you can also contact George Bathroom and they will have professional staff to answer your questions.
This depends on the types of shower door stall you’re installing. It may also depend on the type of shower stall that you need to uninstall to place in the new one.
Types of Shower Doors
The installation process for most shower doors is usually the same. But it’s good to know the variations so you’ll know what to remember while installing your stall.
Firstly, there are single-panel and multi-panel shower doors. As the name implies, the difference between these doors is simply in the amount of slats they have. So, when installing multi-panel doors, you must do the same steps a few more times.
1. Sliding shower doors
Sliding shower doors are used in bathrooms for shower enclosures. These doors operate on a track system, allowing them to slide open and close horizontally.
They are the perfect choice for space conservation. They occupy the same amount of space, whether they are open or closed, so they don’t intrude on the rest of the bathroom space.
2. Framed shower doors
Framed shower doors are enclosures with frames around the glass panels. This frame provides structural support to the glass, typically thinner than that used in frameless designs.
Installation of framed shower doors is generally straightforward. The frame provides some leeway for uneven walls, which can benefit older homes where walls may not be perfectly upright.
3. Frameless shower doors
The frameless shower door is a type of shower without metal framing. The most distinctive feature of frameless shower doors is their clean, unobstructed look.
To ensure structural integrity without the support of a frame, the glass used in frameless shower doors is thicker than that used in framed doors. It’s typically between 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch thick and is tempered for safety.
Installation. Frameless shower doors require precision and expertise, as the heavy glass needs to be perfectly aligned and securely mounted. This often necessitates professional installation.
The Materials And Tools You’ll Need
In a nutshell, these are the materials that you’ll need to install your shower door:
- Level
- Electric drill
- Caulk
- Hole saw
- Cedar shims
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- The Shower Unit
- And any special tools recommended by the shower stall manufacturer
Most of the above tools are pretty much the same aside from the shower unit. The shower unit is what determines the kind of installation process you’ll have to do. We’ll now go through the fixing of various types of shower units/enclosures.
Preparations
The main goal of your preparations is to take measurements as accurately as possible. You also should focus on cleaning your workspace, ensuring that there is no dirt or moisture around the area you’ll be using.
After pulling out the old shower door, you need to completely scrape off any caulking. Wear the appropriate safety gear to avoid injuries.
Measure the width and height of the shower opening. Take these measurements from three different places – the two edges and the center.
For the width, you measure the top and bottom, and then the middle. While for the height, you measure the sides and the center. Compare these dimensions to that of the door you want to install.
As the measurements are taken, you should mark the locations where the top and bottom of the door would fit.
Also, take note of the placement of the anchors, hinges, and handles and mark them. The height of the handle depends on personal preference, but it’s usually around waist level.
It’s advisable to take these measurements more than once to ensure accuracy. Also, if you’re getting a swinging door, you should consider the direction it swings.
As for the cleaning, thoroughly dry the area of the shower before any installation. If there’s any moisture left, it can attract mold in places you won’t be able to reach after installing your door. As for safety gear, eye protection, gloves, and boots will work.
To Install A Shower Door
1. Drilling and Anchoring
Using the markings of the hinges that you’ve made, carefully drill holes for the anchors and hinges into the shower unit. Take your time with this, because mistakes made in this part are difficult to correct.
Insert the anchors into the holes, making sure that they are held securely. It’s important to use anchors that are suitable for the kind of material you’re attaching them to.
For example, for tiles, masonry anchors work the best, while for drywall, it’s best to use plastic anchors. The depth of the drilled holes should match the length of the anchor.
2. Installing the Frame
Following the instructions of the manufacturer, attach the frame to the anchor securely. The way you do this will depend on the type of anchor being used.
Use the marked vertical centerline and level to ensure that it is aligned correctly. After attaching the frame, ensure that it isn’t wobbly before moving on to the next phase.
It also helps to measure the gaps between the frame and the wall to make sure that it is uniform.
3. Attaching the Hinges and Door
Align the hinges to the pre-drilled holes and then secure them with screws. Also, attach the door to the hinges.
As you do this, refer to the manufacturer’s guide, as this stage may vary depending on the product being used.
When you’re done, check that the door is swinging smoothly from the hinges. You could apply a silicon-based lubricant to the hinges so that the doors can swing better.
4. Install Handle
This part is simple, just align the handle and screw it into the holes. Tighten the screws firmly, but don’t over-tighten them. When you’re done, check the alignment again and test the handle to see if it’s working smoothly.
5. Sealing and Waterproofing
Obviously, your shower door should be able to stop any moisture from leaving the shower stall, so it needs to be waterproofed around the edges.
Wipe down the areas to be worked on and use a caulk gun to seal them. To create uniformity, it’s best to use masking tape to the edges of the door you wouldn’t touch.
To Install Sliding Shower Doors
The steps involved in this type of door are quite similar to the regular swinging door. There are only a few minor deviations from the original guide.
Again, these steps should be carried out with the manufacturer’s guide to compare.
1. Take measurements
of all the edges of the opening, and then vertical and horizontal center. Measure more than once for increased accuracy. Also, check if the walls are plumb.
2. Pull out the old shower door
All you need for this is your screwdriver and utility knife. Scrape off any residual caulk from the walls and floor.
3. Install the wall and bottom track
You may need to trim the tracks to your required size and edge shape. This can be done with a hacksaw.
Put the tracks against the wall or floor and make sure they are level. Mark the wall and floor through the pre-drilled holes, and drill with the required type of drill bit.
(For example, use a masonry bit for tile or ceramic walls). After drilling the holes, just fasten the tracks using screws. Use anchors if necessary.
4. Install the fixed panel
Fit it into the wall-mounted track and make sure that it is level. Put in your top support bar and make sure it is level.
This part is important because it’s what would prevent the sliding door from falling out. Insert the side jamb and door stops, ensuring that they are aligned with the bottom track.
Attach the rollers according to the directions of the manufacturer. Hang the sliding door on the roller, making sure that it is positioned snugly into the bottom guide.
Seal the edges of the door frame with caulk to avoid water leakages. You should also apply a water seal if it is provided in the shower kit.Test the door to see if it is sliding smoothly.
To Install A Frameless Shower Door
The only difference between this and the other types of doors is that it does not have a frame attached. The glass is usually thick and heavily tempered to make up for the lack of protection from a frame.
If you are aiming to produce a modern feeling in your bathroom, then this is an excellent choice. However, this type of door is usually more tricky to install.
- Measure and check for plumb walls. Ensure that the width between the walls and door size match.
- Install the bottom and wall track. Mark the drilling points and then drill. Use a screw to attach the tracks to the wall and floor. Use wall anchors if they’re required.
- Place the hinges and fix the door onto the hinges. Ensure that the door and hinges are level.
- If there is a top support bar, install it next.
- To prevent leakages, seal the edges of the door with caulk.
- Finally, test the swing of the door and check for any leakages.
What Does It Cost?
Installing a shower door yourself will save you the cost of hiring a professional to do it. Even though you risk doing a job that is not as neat, it’s worth the DIY because there aren’t many places that you could go wrong. Just make sure to take accurate measurements and use your level.
The cost of hiring a professional depends entirely on the person, and it is difficult to accurately estimate it. Usually, whatever company you’re purchasing the shower kit from may also provide you the option of using their services.
With that in mind, a good estimate, according to Forbes, is $700 as the average price. Shower installations can cost as little as $400 to as much as $4000.
The most expensive kinds to install are the frameless shower doors, and it is usually better to leave them to the professionals.
Professionals may charge about $60 per hour, and more than one person may be required to safely install the doors.
On the other hand, doing it yourself costs about $500 on average, if you already have all the necessary tools.
If you’re someone who’s used to DIYs, it’s worth it to give it a go. However, if you’re not confident in your skills, it’ll be worth your time and money to invest in professional help.
How Long Does It Take?
A shower door installation can easily be completed by professionals in about two to three hours. Since you probably don’t have as much experience as they do, you can expect it to take an hour or two more.
Even with help from this article and the manufacturer’s guide, you may take some time trying to figure out certain details, especially those that are particular to the product you choose.
If you’re doing it yourself, set aside a free day or a weekend so that you can have enough time to focus on the task.
FAQS
1. Do shower door kits come with all the necessary parts?
Shower door kits usually include most of the necessary parts. However, you may need to purchase additional tools or materials, and some kits may not include certain items like wall anchors.
2. Do I need to waterproof the shower door installation?
Yes. You need to. It’s important to use waterproof sealant around the edges of the door to prevent leaks, otherwise, the shower stall can be considered to be malfunctioning.
3. How do I adjust the door if it doesn’t close properly?
Most shower doors have adjustment mechanisms. If yours doesn’t close properly, check the manufacturer’s guide to see how to adjust the hinges, rollers, or channels so that the door can be properly aligned.
4. Can I install a frameless shower door on any shower opening?
Frameless shower doors require careful measurements and may not be suitable for all openings. Check the specifications given by the manufacturer.
Related readinig: Top 10 shower brands in 2023
