4 DIY Tips for Installing Shower Doors

Home renovators know that installing things themselves can save a lot of time and money, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment. A professional installation is always a smart move, but perhaps you’re thinking about installing a shower door on your own. Whether you’ve got a lot of DIY experience under your tool belt or you’re just starting to consider trying a few projects at home, there are some things you should know. These tips from Nathaniel Schultz, product design engineer at Liberty Hardware, will start you down the path to success when you’re planning to install a shower door.

1. Measure Once

“While it may be more fun to start with selecting the doors, properly measuring the space dimensions and ensuring that the enclosure opening is level can eliminate a lot of potential problems that many customers may face during installation,” Nathaniel says.

Follow Nathaniel’s advice and take the time to learn about your shower environment before you make a purchase. Measure and record the opening width and wall height (measured from the top of the tub apron or shower threshold. Using a level, check to make sure that the bottom sill and walls are both level and straight.

2. Narrow the Options

The Delta Shower Door design tool walks you through the entire process of creating your ideal shower doors. The unique component-based system allows you to mix and match styles of glass doors, tracks and handles. A retail home improvement store will likely have many combinations available for in-store purchase, but the full range of thousands of configuration options is available through this online tool. The items selected can then be shipped to your local Home Depot for pickup.

“If you’re interested in coordinating your shower doors to the rest of your bathroom fixtures and hardware, the design tool gives you a chance to review your creation before you order,” Nathaniel says.

3. Installation Preparations

“Before you begin, make sure you’ve got all the tools you’ll need to complete the job, as well as any required components,” Nathaniel says. Check the installation guides for a list of tools and parts for each door and how they are packaged. In the unlikely event that something is missing, it’s best to find out before the project is fully underway.

It’s also smart to find out early if you’ll need a second person to help mount the doors, so you can secure assistance ahead of time.

4. Take Your Time

There are many professional contractors who could complete the shower doors installation process and be on to the next job in no time. But for the average DIYer making their first attempt, it will take a little longer. Don’t rush the process and be sure you read the instructions carefully. Take extra care when instructed to measure, cut or drill during the installation.

“The instruction booklets for each door have many steps,” Nathaniel says. “Don’t get overwhelmed. Each step is designed to be accomplished within a few minutes and will keep you moving smoothly through the process.”

There are many resources for you to access during the installation. Remember to follow the installation guides as closely as possible. If you’ve got questions during the installation process, check out the instructional videos available online or contact customer support.