Creating a custom glass shower enclosure is equal parts art and precision engineering. As the General Manager of Gatsby Glass in Treasure Valley, I've guided hundreds of homeowners through this transformative process. While the stunning end result often appears deceptively simple—pristine glass panels that seamlessly integrate with your bathroom—the journey from concept to completion involves meticulous attention to detail at every step.
Many of our clients are surprised to learn about the craftsmanship and technical expertise that goes into each custom glass shower. In this article, I'll take you behind the scenes to understand the comprehensive process we follow at Gatsby Glass to ensure your custom shower not only looks beautiful but functions flawlessly for years to come.
Phase 1: Consultation and Design
The Initial Conversation
Every great custom shower begins with understanding your vision. During our initial consultation, we discuss:
- Your aesthetic preferences and bathroom style
- Practical considerations like entry/exit convenience
- Budget parameters
- Timeline expectations
- Special features or hardware preferences
This conversation helps us determine whether you're looking for a completely frameless design, semi-frameless option, or other specialized solutions like neo-angle enclosures for corner showers or sliding doors for tighter spaces.
For homeowners who want to explore options before our consultation, we offer an online configuration suite where you can experiment with different shower designs. Visit our Configuration Suite to start visualizing your dream shower today.
On-Site Evaluation and Precise Measurement
At Gatsby Glass, we combine the site evaluation and measurement process into one efficient in-home consultation. This comprehensive visit allows us to:
- Assess the current bathroom layout
- Identify any structural considerations
- Check wall conditions and plumbing placement
- Note any out-of-plumb walls or uneven surfaces (very common even in newer homes)
- Take detailed, precise measurements
- Discuss material options in your actual space
Our measurement technicians use specialized tools and techniques during this visit to capture exact dimensions:
Check for plumb and level - We carefully measure wall angles, as most walls are not perfectly perpendicular. This affects how glass panels need to be cut to create a proper fit.
Record curb measurements - The shower curb (threshold) is measured for height, width, and level across its entire length.
Document wall measurements - We take multiple measurements at different heights, as walls can bow or angle irregularly.
Note fixture locations - The placement of shower heads, controls, benches, niches, and other features is documented to ensure glass panels accommodate these elements.
Create dimensional diagrams - Our technicians draw detailed diagrams with all measurements that will guide the fabrication process.
Check for special conditions - We identify any unique challenges like bullnose tile edges, decorative borders, or structural elements that might affect installation.
During this visit, we use our digital visualization tools to help you envision different glass types, hardware finishes, and design configurations directly in your space. This technology allows you to see how clear, frosted, or textured glass might look against your existing tile and fixtures.
You can also get a head start on this visualization process with our online Configuration Suite, which lets you experiment with different shower styles, glass types, and hardware options from the comfort of your home before our visit.
Phase 2: Digital Documentation and Design
With detailed measurements obtained during our initial consultation, we proceed to the digital design phase.
Digital Blueprint Creation
All measurements are entered into our specialized software which creates a digital blueprint of your shower enclosure. This technology allows us to:
- Generate 3D renderings of the final design
- Calculate precise glass cutting requirements
- Determine optimal panel configurations
- Specify hardware placement
- Create detailed fabrication instructions
At Gatsby Glass, we've found that this digital approach significantly reduces the margin for error compared to traditional paper-based measurement systems.
Design Review
Before proceeding to fabrication, we review the digital design with you to ensure it meets your expectations and addresses any unique requirements of your space. This might include:
- Confirming glass type and thickness
- Finalizing hardware selections
- Reviewing any special considerations for your specific installation
- Addressing any questions about the proposed design
This collaborative review ensures the final product will perfectly match your vision and functional needs.
Phase 3: Glass Selection and Hardware Choices
With accurate measurements in hand, it's time to finalize your material selections.
Glass Options
We guide you through selecting the appropriate glass for your enclosure:
- Thickness - Typically 3/8" or 1/2" for frameless showers, each offering different levels of stability and visual impact
- Type - Clear, low-iron (ultra-clear), frosted, patterned, or textured
- Edge treatment - Polished, beveled, or other finishing options
- Protective treatments - Our Crystal Shield System that repels water and prevents mineral buildup
Hardware Selection
The hardware components are both functional and decorative elements:
- Hinges and clamps - These provide structural support while complementing your bathroom fixtures
- Handles and pulls - Available in various styles and finishes
- Support bars - Often required for stability in larger enclosures
- Finish options - Chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and more
Using our digital showroom, we can show you examples of these components and how they would look in your space, helping you make confident decisions about these details that significantly impact the final appearance of your shower.
Phase 4: Fabrication and Preparation
With design approved and selections finalized, we move to the fabrication phase.
Glass Fabrication Process
The creation of your custom glass panels involves several specialized processes:
Glass cutting - Using computer numerical control (CNC) technology, glass sheets are precisely cut according to your measurements.
Edge work - All edges are finished according to your selected treatment, typically with a polished edge that removes any sharpness while creating a beautiful, transparent profile.
Notches and cutouts - Any specialized cutouts for hardware or fixtures are precision-cut.
Hole drilling - Holes for hinges, handles, and other hardware are strategically drilled with specialized diamond-tipped tools.
Tempering - Perhaps the most critical step, the glass undergoes a controlled heating and rapid cooling process that increases its strength up to four times that of standard glass. This safety feature ensures that if the glass ever breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than dangerous shards.
Quality inspection - Each panel undergoes rigorous quality checks to verify dimensions and ensure there are no imperfections.
Hardware Preparation
While the glass is being fabricated, we prepare all hardware components:
- Verifying correct specifications and finishes
- Pre-assembling components when possible
- Testing functionality
- Preparing installation supplies and sealants
Phase 5: Installation Day
The culmination of all planning and preparation happens on installation day, typically 3-4 weeks after the final measurements are taken.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before our installation team arrives, we ask homeowners to:
- Clear pathways for material transport
- Remove personal items from the bathroom
- Ensure the shower area is clean and dry
- Make the space accessible for our technicians
The Installation Process
Our certified installers follow a methodical process:
Site preparation - The work area is carefully prepared with floor protection, and the installation team reviews all components to ensure everything is present and undamaged.
Template verification - Before any permanent installation, temporary templates might be used to verify measurements and make any final adjustments.
Hardware mounting - Wall clamps, hinges, and support mechanisms are precisely installed first, creating the foundation for the glass panels.
Glass panel installation - Each panel is carefully brought in and mounted to its corresponding hardware, with temporary supports used during this process to ensure safety and precision.
Door alignment - For enclosures with doors, meticulous adjustment ensures proper alignment, smooth operation, and appropriate clearances.
Weather stripping and seals - Water-tight seals are applied where needed to prevent leakage while maintaining the clean aesthetic of the design.
Silicone application - Professional-grade silicone is applied to necessary junctions, creating watertight seals while remaining visually unobtrusive.
Hardware finishing - All handles, pulls, and accessories are installed and adjusted.
Final adjustments - The entire enclosure is tested and fine-tuned for perfect operation.
The installation typically takes between 2-6 hours for standard enclosures, though more complex designs may require additional time.
Beyond Installation: Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn't end with installation. Gatsby Glass provides ongoing support:
24-hour settling period - We recommend waiting 24 hours before using your new shower to allow silicone to fully cure.
Follow-up call - A few days after installation, we check in to ensure everything is functioning as expected and address any questions.
Maintenance support - Our team remains available to provide guidance on caring for your enclosure.
Warranty service - Should any issues arise, our responsive service team is ready to address them promptly.
Pre-Installation Preparation of Glass
For customers who choose our Crystal Shield System, we apply this protective treatment in our shop before installation day. This system:
- Creates an invisible barrier that repels water
- Prevents mineral buildup and soap scum
- Makes cleaning dramatically easier
- Extends the pristine appearance of your glass for years
Having this treatment applied before installation ensures the glass is fully protected from day one, giving you maximum benefit from this premium feature.
The Gatsby Glass Difference
What distinguishes our process at Gatsby Glass is our attention to detail at every stage. Custom glass showers represent a significant investment in your home, and our methodical approach ensures that investment provides beauty, functionality, and value for years to come.
The transformation a custom glass shower brings to a bathroom is remarkable—beyond enhancing aesthetics, it creates a sense of spaciousness and luxury that few other upgrades can match. By understanding the comprehensive process behind creating these enclosures, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and expertise that goes into each installation.
If you're considering a custom glass shower for your Treasure Valley home, we invite you to experience the Gatsby Glass difference. Contact us for a consultation, and let us guide you through this transformative process from initial concept to completed installation.
Phase 6: Final Inspection and Education
Quality Assurance
Before considering the project complete, we conduct a comprehensive final inspection:
- Checking all hardware for secure attachment
- Verifying door alignment and operation
- Inspecting silicone application for completeness and neatness
- Ensuring all glass edges are properly sealed where needed
- Testing water containment with spray testing when appropriate
- Confirming all components meet our quality standards
Customer Education
We take time to educate you on how to maintain your new shower enclosure:
- Demonstrating proper door operation
- Explaining maintenance procedures
- Providing our Ultra Gentle Wash cleaner with instructions
- Reviewing warranty information
- Answering any questions you might have
We leave you with a care package containing:
- Maintenance instructions
- Warranty documentation
- Ultra Gentle Wash cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Squeegee for daily water removal
About the Author
James Patterson is the General Manager of Gatsby Glass in Treasure Valley. A proud local resident since 2006, James is passionate about bringing high-quality glass solutions to the community he calls home. With over a decade of experience in business management and customer service, he focuses on authenticity, growth, and providing top-tier craftsmanship to every client.
When he's not helping homeowners transform their bathrooms, James enjoys spending time with his kids exploring the great outdoors—whether it's hiking, biking, or camping in the beautiful Treasure Valley. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes Gatsby Glass the go-to choice for all your custom glass needs.