Shower Doors
Part 1- The Basics
Part 2 - Measuring & Installing Shower Doors (this page)

Measuring & Installing Shower Doors

As we mentioned in Part 1, when installing any type of shower, provisions must be made to make sure the water stays in the shower area. Ordering the correct size enclosure is the first step to a proper installation.

• Determine the application
  Tub or Shower enclosure
  
  
• Define the surface material
  The installer will also need to know to what kind of surface the door will be mounted to:
  

  Ceramic Tile
  Marble
  Acrylic
  Fiberglass
  Corian
  Formica
  Swanstone
  Other
  

  Note: Ceramic Tile and Marble surfaces must be handled with more care to avoid cracking and damage to the surface glaze.
  
  
• For acrylic or fiberglass determine the manufacturer and model number.
  
  While many shower door manufacturers offer ready made shower enclosures to fit acrylic or fiberglass tubs and or showers (you will need to know the manufacturer and model number of your unit), opening widths and heights are subject to change without notice. It is highly recommended that you carefully measure before ordering a new shower door for your unit.
  
  
• Determine exact size of unit needed.
  
  Whether you are replacing an existing shower door, or building a new shower enclosure, proper measuring is critical for a perfect fit.
  
  Do not take any measurements until the enclosure is complete and the walls are finished.
  
  Measurements should be made precisely to the sixteenth of an inch, and checked twice. The opening may not be perfectly square or uniform and the door may have to be modified to fit the opening properly.
  
  Measurements must be taken not only at the top and bottom of the opening, but also at the middle. In addition, the opening should be measured corner to corner to check for square-ness. If any surface is out of level more than 3/8" or more, a tapered filler should be used.
  
  View the BASCO Measuring Guide for complete instructions (PDF)
  
  
• Determine the models which fit your application.
  
  BASCO offers a Cross Reference Guide (PDF) for acrylic and fiberglass modular enclosures.
  
  
• Select the type/model (Basco unit #)
  Visit our Norwood showroom, or visit the BASCO website.
  
  
• Select glass and frame options.
  Glass Types
  Frame Options
  
  If you haven't done so already, please read Part 1 of this article to learn the pros and cons of different glass and frame types.
  
  
• Order your new shower door
  Bring your completed measurement sheet to our Norwood showroom A member of our sales staff will help you determine the correct shower door for your application.
  
  
• Installation
  Each shower door comes with complete manufacturer's instructions for fitting and installing the door on site. Different doors will require different fittings, seals, etc. Refer to the installation guide for your particular model.
  
  

Insure a perfect fit without the hassle ...
Bring your rough measurements to the BASCO Idea Center at our Norwood showroom, pick out the style and color you like, and we will arrange for a BASCO representative to do the final measuring and installation for a nominal fee.

Part 1- The Basics
Part 2 - Measuring & Installing Shower Doors (this page)

See Also:
Introduction to Showers
Thermostatic Shower Valves
Hand-Held Showers
Custom Showers - Part 1 -The Basics
Custom Showers - Part 2 - Shower Sprays
Custom Showers - Part 3 - Shower Towers
Custom Showers - Part 4 - Body Spas
Custom Showers - Part 5 - Carwash Showers
Shower Doors - Part 1
Shower Doors - Part2
Ventilation

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