If you are planning a new glass shower door, accurate measurements are an important starting point. To measure a shower door opening, check the width at several points, measure the height from the finished shower surface, and look for walls that are not perfectly straight or level. These measurements help you understand what type of door may work for your shower. However, they should not be treated as final fabrication measurements. A qualified glass professional should verify the opening before the glass is ordered.
For homeowners in Phoenix and nearby Valley communities, AQ Glass Shower Doors Phoenix provides professional custom shower door installation and can verify the opening before fabrication.
Where Should You Start When Measuring a Shower Door?
Begin with the finished shower opening rather than the rough opening. Use a reliable tape measure and record every measurement clearly. The finished tile, walls, shower curb, or threshold should already be in place before taking measurements.
Starting with the finished opening gives you a more accurate picture of the space available for the new glass door.
How Do You Measure the Shower Opening Width?
Measure the width from one finished wall to the other. Take measurements at three different points because the opening may not be exactly the same from top to bottom.
Measure the:
- Bottom of the opening
- Middle of the opening
- Top of the opening
Record all three measurements instead of choosing one yourself. A glass professional can use these measurements when evaluating the opening. These measurements can help a professional determine the right custom shower door for your opening.
How Do You Measure Shower Door Height?
Measure from the finished shower surface to the planned top of the glass. If the shower has a curb or threshold, measure from the actual finished surface where the door will be installed.
Do not assume that the height of an existing glass door will work for a replacement. Tile, flooring, and other bathroom changes can alter the finished opening.
How Can You Tell if Your Shower Walls Are Straight?
A shower wall can look straight while still being slightly out of plumb. Use a level to check the side walls and note any noticeable gaps or variations.
Uneven walls can affect how the glass door sits and how the hinges or pivots are installed. This information is useful for the installer when determining the appropriate glass configuration.
Does the Shower Base Need to Be Level?
The bottom of the shower opening also needs to be evaluated. Shower floors and curbs may have slopes designed to direct water toward the drain.
Because of this, measuring with a tape alone does not provide every detail needed for glass fabrication. The installer should evaluate the actual finished surface before the glass is ordered.
Plan Your Glass Shower Door With Confidence
Before ordering custom glass, have your finished shower opening professionally verified. Learn more about us and our experience with custom glass shower doors in Phoenix. Then contact AQ Glass Shower Doors Phoenix for a free quote to discuss your shower layout and installation needs.Call Us Today: (623) 755-5350
What Shower Door Configuration Do You Have?
The layout of your shower can determine which glass door style will work best. Look at the available opening and the surrounding bathroom space.
Common configurations include:
- Single door openings
- Corner showers
- Hinged doors
- Pivot doors
- Sliding glass doors
The position of shower controls, walls, panels, toilets, and vanities can also affect the door configuration. A frameless shower door may also be an option when you want a clean glass look and the shower layout supports the design.
How Much Space Does the Glass Door Need to Open?
If you are considering a hinged or pivot door, check the area outside the shower. The door should have enough clearance to open without hitting a vanity, toilet, wall, or another fixture.
A sliding configuration may be an option when swing clearance is limited. A glass professional can help determine which configuration fits the space.
What Should You Include on Your Measurement Checklist?
Keep all measurements and observations together before contacting an installer.
Shower Door Measurement Checklist
- Width at three points
- Finished opening height
- Wall alignment
- Shower surface condition
- Nearby bathroom fixtures
- Door configuration
- Available door clearance
Why Should a Professional Verify the Measurements?
Home measurements are useful for planning, but they should not be treated as guaranteed fabrication measurements. Even small differences in the opening can affect the glass size, hardware placement, and door operation.
AQ Glass Shower Doors Phoenix can verify the finished shower opening before fabrication and installation. Professional measurement helps ensure that the selected glass and hardware match the actual conditions of the shower.