How to Measure Your Shower Space for Perfect Door Installation
Installing a new glass shower door is one of the best ways to upgrade your bathroom. Not only does it add a sleek, modern touch, but a frameless glass shower door can also make your space look larger, cleaner, and more luxurious.
But before you buy a door or call someone to install it, you need to do one very important thing: measure your shower space the right way.
If you live in Phoenix, AZ many people trust AQ Glass Shower Doors Phoenix to help with this. But if you want to learn how to measure it yourself first, this guide is just for you!
Don’t worry—it’s not hard. We’ll show you how to do it step by step, using simple tools and easy instructions. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and paper
- Level tool (to check if things are straight)
- Flashlight (optional, for darker spaces)
- A helper (optional, but it makes the job easier!)
Step 1: Understand Your Shower Type
Not all showers are the same. First, figure out what kind of shower space you have. This helps you pick the right type of shower door.
Common Shower Types
- Alcove shower: It’s like a little room with three walls and one open side.
- Corner shower: Usually has two glass sides and fits in a corner.
- Tub and shower combo: A bathtub with a shower above it.
- Walk-in shower: No tub, just a wide open shower area.
Knowing your type helps you decide between:
- Sliding shower doors
- Swinging (hinged) doors
- Frameless shower doors
- Bi-fold or folding shower doors
Step 2: Measure the Width
Now let’s measure how wide your shower opening is.
How to do it:
- Take your measuring tape and place it across the top of the shower opening—from wall to wall.
- Write down that number in inches.
- Now measure the middle of the opening.
- Finally, measure the bottom of the opening.
Tip: Walls can bend a little, so all three numbers might be slightly different.
Always use the smallest number for your door width. This ensures the door will fit properly.
Step 3: Measure the Height
Next, you need to measure how tall your shower space is.
How to do it:
- Start at the bottom (where the shower base or tub begins).
- Measure straight up to where you want the top of the door to be. Most shower doors are between 72 to 76 inches tall.
- Write that number down.
Tip: Use a level tool or ask someone to help hold the tape straight if you’re measuring a tall spot.
Step 4: Check if the Walls Are Level
Even if your shower looks fine, sometimes the walls or floor are a little crooked.
How to check:
- Take a level tool and place it on the side walls of your shower.
- If the bubble in the level stays in the center, the wall is straight.
- Now check the floor where the door will sit.
Why this matters:
If your walls or floors are not level, your door may not close properly or could leak water.
Step 5: Measure the Opening Style
Think about how your door will open. Do you want it to swing open, slide, or fold?
Things to look at:
- Is there enough room for the door to swing open?
- Will it bump into a toilet, sink, or towel bar?
- Does the shower door need to slide over another panel?
This helps you decide on the best shower door style for your space.
Step 6: Consider Frameless vs. Framed
Now that you have all the measurements, think about the kind of glass shower door you want.
Frameless Shower Doors
- Sleek and modern
- Made of thick, strong glass
- No metal frames around the glass
Framed Shower Doors
- Have metal edges for support
- Often less expensive
- Come in many styles
If you’re choosing a frameless shower door, your measurements need to be extra precise, because there’s less room for mistakes.
Clean the Area Before Installation
Before your new door is installed, make sure the area is clean:
- Remove any old sealant or glue.
- Wipe down the walls and base with soap and water.
- Dry it fully with a towel.
Clean surfaces help the shower door fit better and seal properly.
What to Do After Measuring
Now that you’ve measured everything:
- Double-check your numbers.
- Pick the type of shower door you want.
- Choose the glass thickness and style (clear, frosted, patterned).
- Call a professional if you’re not 100% sure.
Pro Tip: Leave It to the Experts
Measuring is the first step, but installing a glass shower door is a job that needs experience. If the measurements are even a little off, it could lead to:
- Water leaks
- A door that won’t close
- Cracked or broken glass
That’s why people in Arizona trust the experts at AQ Glass Shower Doors Phoenix. Their team will double-check your measurements, help you choose the best shower door, and install it perfectly. They’ll make sure everything fits just right—and your bathroom looks amazing.
