How to Measure for a Shower Door: A Comprehensive Guide
Measure your shower door to guarantee a perfect fit before installing a new one. At Gatsby Glass, we understand that measuring for a shower door may seem confusing, but the process proves more straightforward than you think. In this article you will learn how to measure for a shower door to ensure a successful installation.
Why You Should Measure for a Shower Door
Obtaining an accurate shower door measurement before installation is imperative for your installers. Discover the top four reasons you should measure for a shower door below.
1. Ensure a Proper Fit
Accurately measuring your shower door ensures the right fit. If you mismeasure by a few millimeters, the door might not close properly, resulting in leaks or other issues.
2. Save Time and Money
Save time and money by correctly measuring for your shower door. If the wrong size door is ordered, you must return it, remeasure your shower opening, shop for a new one, and restart the process.
3. Install a Custom Door
Knowing the exact measurements of your shower door will allow us to customize it to your taste. If you own a home with uneven walls, you must take custom measurements for a successful glass installation.
4. Safety
One of the best reasons to measure for your shower door involves the safety and security of your family. An improperly fitted door, especially one made of glass, poses a safety hazard.
Types of Shower Doors
Once you know the exact measurements of your shower entrance, you must choose your door type. Let’s examine the most common types of shower doors.
Hinged Shower Doors
An excellent option for spacious showers, hinged shower doors swing open and closed. They provide easy access while keeping the water inside.
Sliding Shower Doors
For a sleek modern look, consider sliding shower doors for your bathroom. This type of shower door usually consists of glass and slides along a track. We can install it on either the bottom or top of the shower opening.
Fixed Shower Doors
If you prefer an open-concept shower, fixed shower doors will deliver the look you crave. They also require less maintenance, last longer, and add style and elegance to your bathroom.
Folding Shower Doors
For small bathrooms, folding shower doors save a lot of space. They fold up easily and stay out of the way when not in use — convenient for small or irregularly shaped bathrooms. The folding mechanism requires maintenance to remove soap residue and dust.
Pivot Shower Doors
To ensure the smooth operation of pivot shower doors, you need a bathroom with ample space to accommodate a bottom track. Pivot doors prove easier to maintain than most other types of shower doors.
For a perfect fit, you must take several measurements of the shower entrance and the nearby floor space. If you do not know which door to select, seeking advice from an expert can help. The kind of shower door you choose will offer unique benefits and require specialized maintenance.
Tools Needed For An Accurate Measurement
You can accurately determine the dimensions of most shower doors using a tape measure. Once measured, record the measurements with a pen and paper. The recorded measurements are referred to when ordering your door. These tools will make the installation process smoother by ensuring the right door is ordered the first time.
9 Essential Things to Measure
Choosing the right shower door will create the perfect shower experience. So, getting the correct measurements before replacing the shower door is crucial. Let’s examine the nine vital measurements you must take to ensure we perform a seamless installation of your custom shower door.
1. Shower Opening
You must measure the opening where you want us to install the shower door. Measure the height and width of the shower entrance to select the correct door size.
2. Shower Door
Measuring the door’s dimensions is essential to ensure it fits perfectly in the shower opening. This measurement will help us decide which type of shower doors will fit your shower opening.
3. Glass Thickness
Thick glass lasts longer than thin glass but comes at a higher price. Factor in the thickness of your new shower door for additional safety.
4. Hinge Placement
We always pay attention to the distance between the hinges and the top and bottom of the shower entrance. Account for the distance between the top and bottom of the hinge cutouts. Accurately measuring these distances will save us a lot of frustration and disappointment.
5. Handle Placement
We consider the door knob’s placement by measuring the distance from the center of the handle’s hole to the edge of the door. This small task will ensure the latch can lock the shower door and will not cause an obstruction.
6. Notches
If your bathroom has an irregular shower opening, use notched glass. It involves measuring the irregularities in your shower entrance and cutting the glass to fit the opening’s unique shape. In some cases, notched glass provides the only solution for homeowners with custom showers.
7. Out-of-Plumb Walls
Taking measurements of out-of-plumb (not straight) walls requires extra effort because multiple points along the border must be measured to get an accurate reading. This measurement will help us determine the exact angle of the wall so your door fits well.
8. Obstructions
Bathroom fixtures like towel bars, soap dishes, toilets, or sinks can block your shower entrance. Measure the distance between those fixtures and the edge of the opening to account for any obstacles that might block your shower door.
9. Custom Shower Doors
If you remodel your bathroom and want a custom shower door, the manufacturer needs precise measurements of the new shower opening. That way, your custom shower door gets tailored to your one-of-a-kind shower opening.
FAQs
What do you measure for a shower door?
For a shower door, you measure the shower opening, door, glass thickness, hinge placement, handle placement, notches, out-of-plumb walls, obstructions, and fixtures to create a perfect. You must take special measurements for newly created shower door openings as well.
What is the standard size for a shower door?
The standard size for a shower door varies by type. The most common sizes for shower doors include:
- Pivot Shower Door: 36” W x 74” H to 48” W x 74” H
- Sliding Shower Door: 60” W x 62” H to 60” W x 82” H
- Clear Door: 60″ W x 62″ H, 5/16” thick to 60″ W x 82″ H, 5/16” thick
- Frameless Shower Door: 60″ W x 62″ H, 5/16” thick to 60″ W x 82″ H, 5/16” thick
How much of a gap between shower door and wall?
The gap between a shower door and the wall depends on the type of shower door and the installation method. Generally, a gap of about ¼” to ⅜” allows for proper clearance, preventing the door from rubbing against the door frame or wall.
What is the minimum opening for a walk-in shower?
The minimum opening for a walk-in shower depends on several factors, such as the size of the bathroom. It can be as little as 32” wide and 60” high. Account for the size of the shower entrance to guarantee sufficient space for ingress and egress.
What is the standard size of a frameless glass shower door?
The standard size of a frameless glass shower door is 22” to 36” wide. Most walls can not support a frameless glass shower door wider than 36”. Your municipal code will tell you the minimum thickness for your shower door.
How much space should be between the shower door and ceiling?
There should be between 6” and 12” of space between the shower door and ceiling. The gap between the shower door and ceiling allows for proper ventilation.
Get the Perfect Shower Door for Your Bathroom | Gatsby Glass
Now that you know how to measure for a shower door, you can guarantee a proper fit for your door and avoid any safety hazards. By following our comprehensive guide, you can precisely measure your shower door. But, if you still feel unsure about the installation process, call Gatsby Glass at 866-GLASS-64. Our experts will take the most precise measurements for your shower door so you can enjoy luxurious shower experiences for years.