How to Install a Glass Shower Door

When you're in the process of renovating your home or constructing a new bathroom from scratch, you may come across a hurdle that many homeowners face: how to install a glass shower door.

Glass shower doors are an aesthetically pleasing option that many homeowners prefer over shower curtains, but they also offer functional benefits, including preventing water leaks.

Installing a glass shower door can be daunting, especially if you’re new to DIY projects. Whether you’re installing a whole new shower or simply replacing your old shower door, you can ensure that the job gets done correctly the first time. All you need are the right tools and a comprehensive step-by-step guide on installing shower doors.

Install Your Glass Shower Door in 7 Steps

If you’re unsure how to install glass shower doors, here are seven easy steps to guide you through the process.

Step 1: Measure Opening Widths in 3 Spots

Accurately measuring your shower space is critical for ensuring that your shower door fits perfectly. Using your handy tape measure, you’ll perform the following three initial steps:

• Measure the Vertical Opening (A): First, measure the space that spans from the top of the shower or bathtub threshold to the top of the tile or the shower walls that surround the area
• Measure the Horizontal Opening (B): Next, measure the width of the opening for the top and bottom of the enclosure
• Measure the Threshold or Sill (C): Lastly, measure the depth from the front to the back (or from one edge to the other) of the shower or bathtub threshold

As you measure, make it a point to do so carefully and precisely. Even the smallest of errors can cause major problems later on during the shower door installation process, including an improper fit and water leaks.

Step 2: Determine the Opening Direction

Most glass shower enclosures open to the right or left. The appropriate orientation of your shower door will depend on the general layout of your bathroom. This is a crucial foundational aspect of bathroom remodel planning.

Any obstructions within the room or constraints like tight space will likely affect the opening direction you choose. Keep in mind that this decision not only determines how your shower opens but also dictates the arrangement of door panels, hardware, and other components.

Step 3: Install the Wall Tracks

Wall tracks are vertical bars that attach to the shower walls and serve as foundational support for both the door and the glass panels. You can temporarily use shims to hold wall tracks in place while you go about performing the installation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install wall tracks:

1. Begin by leveling the walls and shower base. Position the metal track about 22mm (¾ of an inch) from the edge of the base and make sure it aligns with the center.
2. Double-check that the metal track is level. Misalignment can cause the door to function poorly and may even cause damage over time. Once you’ve confirmed that the track is level, use your pencil to mark the correct hole positions in the wall.
3. Remove the track and open pilot holes at the marked position using an 8mm (⅓-inch) ceramic drill bit. These holes will accept your fastening screws and ensure a secure fit.
4. Insert wall anchors into the screw holes you drilled by gently tapping them into place with a rubber mallet. Make sure the anchors are flush with the wall. This is important, as they not only add stability but also help distribute the door’s weight evenly, preventing damage to the shower wall.
5. Secure the metal track with screws, being careful to tighten them just the right amount. If you over-tighten them, you could damage both the track and the wall; if you under-tighten them, the wall tracks could be unstable.

Take your time with this process, as it’s one of the most important in your home improvement project. Without the right foundation for your shower doors, every subsequent component will be installed on an unstable base.

Step 4: Install Fixed Panels

Fixed panels are glass panels that don’t move. Rather, they function to provide support for the door’s moving parts. Fixed panels are typically installed at an angle adjacent to the door and are a major part of the shower setup.

Start by placing the fixed panel into the metal track you installed in the previous step. Adjust the panel until the plastic gasket is in place; this will help protect the glass.

Make sure the panel is sitting level on the bottom track, as any tilt could compromise the stability of your shower door setup. Use a level to confirm that the panel is sitting precisely vertically.

Once the panel is in its appropriate position, use your pencil to mark the holes within the guide for the sliding door, then drill pilot holes using a 3mm (⅛-inch) drill bit. Insert screws to hold the sliding door guide in place.

When you’re done, you’ll be ready to move on to the support bar.

Step 5: Mount the Support Bar in Place

The support bar is an important piece that connects the tops of the fixed panels and extends from one shower wall to the other.

1. Start by removing the support bar.
2. Place the support bar anchors onto the wall mark, marking the centers on the wall.
3. Use your 8mm bit to drill holes for the center marks.
4. Tap wall anchors into the drill holes using your rubber mallet.
5. Secure the center fitting onto the support bar anchors with screws. Then, add the appropriate hardware, including the roller stoppers and support bar anchors.
6. Once you’ve attached the hardware, connect the support bar to the shower walls.
7. Use brackets to attach the previously installed fixed panel onto the support bar. The hex screws and keys will ensure that the support bar is secured to the anchors.

Almost there!

Step 6: Install Shower Door Panels

Now comes the fun part: installing the shower door panels. At this stage, you’ll see all your hard work come together and get a sense of how the project will look once it’s complete.

1. Start by installing the top two rollers onto the glass door panel, then use your ratchet to tighten the bolts.
2. Place the door seal strip onto the door panel.
3. Hang the door panel via the two top rollers on the support bar. Make sure the bottom of the door is properly lined up inside the guide.
4. Use a drill with a 3mm bit to secure the panel in place.
5. Secure the wall track using fittings, screws, and caps.
6. Fasten the panel seal strips and cut away any excess material so the rollers slide easily without being obstructed.
7. Install the vertical seal strip on the closing side.
8. Line up the roller stoppers to prevent the door panels from slamming into the walls when opened or closed. A hex key can help secure the stoppers.
9. At this point, it’s time to install the bottom two rollers onto the door panel. You’ll need to adjust the rollers until the door closes properly, then use a ratchet to tighten the bolts.
10. Add the decorative part of the metal track to the front of the door panel using silicone adhesive. Lastly, slide on the end caps.

When you’re finished with this series of procedures, take a moment to stand back and admire the results of your hard work. Just one more step to go now!

Step 7: Attach the Handle and Seal the Edges

The final steps of your bathroom renovation involve installing the door handle and sealing the edges to make them watertight.

Take your hex key and use it to install the door handle securely, keeping in mind that a loose handle can cause breakage or other difficulties.

Test the door’s action a few times to make sure it opens and closes smoothly and seamlessly. When closed, the door should seal tightly between the glass panels and the frame to prevent water leakage.

Next, apply clear silicone sealant around the entire perimeter of the shower, paying special attention to the following areas:

• Between the glass panels
• Along the walls
• At the base

Silicone sealant offers a watertight seal that will help prevent water leakage outside the shower. The sealant will need about 24 hours to dry before you can use your new shower.

Once the sealant has had time to dry completely, your shower will be ready to clean and use!

How to Install Glass Shower Doors: Variations

While this brief step-by-step guide offers a comprehensive outline for installing standard glass shower doors, it’s important to recognize that the installation process may vary depending on the unique design of the doors you choose.

Some design aspects that can affect the installation process include:

• The type of shower door
• Installation type (alcove, corner, or tub)
• The width and length of the track
• The types of handles
• The number of panels and their arrangement

Sometimes, even the specific brand of shower doors you choose can impact how the doors must be installed and any necessary accompanying procedures.

Specialized shower doors like pivot, frameless, and curved glass doors usually come with an installation guide written by the manufacturer. These guides are typically included in your purchase and provide thorough, specific instructions that account for the features and design of the specialized doors.

Follow these instructions to the letter to ensure that your new doors are set up the way they’re supposed to be.

Professional Shower Door Installation

Installing a glass shower door can be a rewarding DIY project, but don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you think you need it. These kinds of jobs are often complex and require extensive knowledge of various tools, as well as a high degree of dexterity and precision.

If you still don’t understand how to install shower doors and feel uncertain about the installation process, consider hiring professional help. A professional can put in your new doors in the blink of an eye while also saving you money by avoiding the kinds of mistakes or accidents you might make if left to your own devices.

The goal is to have a beautiful, functional glass shower door that enhances your bathroom space. Whether you decide to go DIY all the way or work with a professional to keep things simple, focusing on correct installation will allow you to enjoy your shower door for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower Door?

How much does it cost to install a shower door yourself? What about with a professional’s assistance? Here’s what you need to know.

The overall cost depends on various factors, including the cost of materials, the type of door you choose, and whether you bring in a professional installer at any point.

The main costs for a DIY project are the shower door itself and any additional tools or materials you need that you don’t already have.

If you end up moving forward with professional services, you’ll also have to pay for labor costs. However, this can be well worth it in the long run since faulty shower door installation can lead to costly repairs.

Finding the Right Glass Shower Door for Your ProjectHow Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower Door?

Now that you have a better idea of how to install shower doors, it’s time to choose the best design for your space.

Vintage Tub & Bath has an extensive selection of glass shower doors to fit any bathroom design! If you need help deciding which shower door is right for your home, check out our comprehensive shower door buying guide.

We’re proud to offer five of the most popular types of shower doors on the market. We’re confident that no matter what you’re looking for, we can help you find it! Reach out to our team today to learn more.