How to Install a Sliding Glass Shower Door
Part of our Showers guides.
Glass panels are heavy and fragile; never install alone. Turn off the water (and power at the breaker for anything electrical) before starting, and follow the product manual where it differs from these general steps.
| Time | 3-5 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate-hard |
| Tools | Level, drill with tile bit, tape measure, silicone, helper |
Step by step
- Measure. Measure width at top, middle and bottom; check walls for plumb.
- Mark wall channels. Level and mark the wall jambs or brackets.
- Drill and anchor. Drill with a tile bit, insert anchors.
- Install rail. Fit the top rail and adjust within its range.
- Hang panels. With a helper, hang the fixed and sliding panels.
- Adjust. Set rollers so the door glides and closes evenly.
- Seal. Install bottom seals and run silicone on the outside joints; let cure before use.
Tips & common mistakes
- Silicone the outside, not the inside, so water inside drains back.
- Wait 24 hours before showering.
Measure the right way
Measure the opening wall-to-wall at the top, middle and bottom (on a tub, measure at the tub ledge). Use the smallest number to choose the door; the adjustable rail handles small differences. Then check each wall with a level: if a wall is out of plumb by more than the adjustment range (often about half an inch), you may need shims or a different door.
Prepare the surface
Remove the old door, scrape away old silicone and clean with rubbing alcohol. New silicone won't bond to soap scum or old caulk residue.
Drilling into tile without cracking
- Place masking tape over the mark to stop the bit wandering.
- Use a carbide or diamond bit at slow speed, without hammer mode.
- Avoid drilling within about half an inch of a tile edge.
Adjusting for a smooth slide
Frameless sliders have adjustable rollers. Lower or raise each side until the door closes evenly against the wall and doesn't drift open. The bottom guide should keep the panel vertical without rubbing.
Leaks after installation
Water on the floor usually comes from a missing or misaligned bottom seal, or silicone applied on the inside that traps water. Seal the outside edges only and let the inside drain back into the tub.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a shower door on an uneven tub?
Adjustable rails and wall channels absorb small variations; large slopes may need correcting.