Shower doors are easy to install and can dress up your bathroom. Sliding and hinged models are available, and the doors come in a variety of colors. Read the product directions carefully: installation procedures differ between brands. Materials:
shower doors
tape measure
level
Caulk gun with waterproof caulk
Hacksaw
Drill, bits, and Phillips-head extension bit
Safety goggles
Miter box
- Measure the inside area for the shower door. Transfer the measurement to the track. Using a hacksaw, cut the track 1/16" shorter for an easy fit (figure A). Use a miter box for straight edges. You may need to round off the corners with a file if your shower has rounded corners.
- Center the track in place on the shower or bathtub sill, and secure it with tape.
- Snap the side rails (jambs) into place, and use a level to check for plumb ( figure B).
- Mark the holes for mounting the jambs, along both sides of the curb.
Mounting the Door Frame - Remove the curb and jambs.
- Drill mounting holes, using a 3/16" drill bit. Mark the holes with an awl to make a depression for your drill bit. You may need a tile-cutting bit for tile walls.
- Tap plastic wall anchors into place, and wipe any dust from the work surface.
- Apply caulk inside the lines for the track, and set the track in place (figure C). The track has weep holes on one side for draining. Be sure to keep them on the inside of the shower.
- Set one side rail into place, and secure it to the wall with screws (figure D). Slide the header onto the other side rail (figure E), and slide the other end of the header onto the rail on the wall.
Installing the Door - Install rollers (figure F) on the door by screwing them into place. The doors hang from the rollers and allow them to slide along the track. They are installed in diagonal slots so they can be adjusted (figure G).
- Install the inside door closest to the showerhead. This prevents water from getting through the gap and onto the floor.
- Set the bottom of the door into the shower area. Push the top part into the track, and let it hang from the rollers. Hang the second door, and push both doors to one side. Set the center guide in place, and drill a pilot hole through the side of the tub. Secure the guide with a screw (figure H).
- Place rubber bumpers over the screws in the side rails (figure I).
- Attach the handrail to the door.
- Caulk the corners where the sides meet the wall and where the track meets the sill.
Next Weekend Project: Installing a Wall Safe Weekend Projects Index
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