Learn how to measure your shower for Houston shower doors.
Before you can install your Houston shower doors, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of your shower. This will help ensure you receive the perfect Houston shower doors for your space. Measuring for shower doors can be a little tricky if you’re not sure what you’re doing. However, with our measuring guide, you’ll be able to provide the measurements your glass technicians need for your Houston shower doors.
Some things you may need to measure for your new shower enclosure include:
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Protractor
- Pen
- Paper
A great first step is sketching out a diagram of your shower enclosure. Then, you can write the measurements in beside the lines on the diagram that represent that portion of your shower enclosure. This can help reduce confusion or mixed up measurements.
How to Measure for Houston Shower Doors and Enclosures
Your glass technicians will need a few key pieces of information for your shower enclosures. You’ll need dimensions for the height and width of your shower and also need to know whether your shower is level (straight horizontally) and plumb (straight vertically). You may also need to know the angles of your shower enclosure if they’re different from standard.
In addition, you will need to measure your after your shower is finished. Finished walls mean you have the tile or shower wall surround in place. This is because these products affect your measurements, as they add thickness to the wall.
Also, you should take most of your measurements more than once and in multiple areas. This will help you ensure you have accurate dimensions for your Houston shower doors and enclosures. If the measurements differ because your walls are out of plumb, then your glass specialists may need to customize the panels to suit the irregularities.
Measuring Shower Door Height
Shower enclosure height is an important measurement. Doors and panels that are too short will not block water from splashing outside the enclosure. Over time, this could mean water damage that is costly to repair.
First, measure the height on each side of your shower. If your tile ends before the ceiling, then use this as your maximum Houston shower door height. If your tile goes all the way to the ceiling, just ensure that your desired shower door height is above the shower head to prevent water from spraying all over your bathroom. We can help you determine the right height for your shower to help prevent water damage.
In addition, many showers feature benches or short solid walls that may affect the height of your fixed glass panels. For example, your shower might feature half walls on either side of the door opening. If this is the case, then be sure you also measure from the top of these areas to get the height of the fixed panels you will need to surround your Houston shower doors. Once again, remember to measure in multiple areas for accurate sizes. The reason you need to measure on both sides of your shower is because measurements can vary between sides.
Measuring Width for Houston Shower Doors and Enclosures
For the width of your Houston shower doors, you’ll want to measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening. If your measurements are different between the three, then your walls may be out of plumb. In this case, you may need Houston shower doors that can be adjusted for out of plumb walls.
In addition, if you have a neo-angle shower, then you will need to measure the walls that form the corner as well as the three angled measurements on the shower pan. Be sure to note which dimension is which so you receive the right Houston shower doors and fixed glass panels.
Plumb or Out of Plumb
Also, you will need to know if your shower base is level and if your walls are plumb. Take your level and place it on the shower base to determine if it is straight. If the bubble is in the center of the two lines, then your shower base is level.
For your shower walls, you may already suspect that they are plumb or out of plumb based on your width measurements. However, it’s important to also check with the level tool. Be sure to check both the top and bottom of the walls to make sure they’re plumb all the way up. If your walls are out of plumb then angle the level back until the bubble is in the center of the two lines. Then, measure the gap between the wall and your level. Make sure to note this on your drawing. This will help us determine the most practical solution for your out of plumb walls.
Measurements for Swinging Shower Doors
If you’re planning to install swinging frameless shower doors in Houston, it’s also important to ensure that it can easily open and close. To do so, take your measuring tape and open it to your width measurement. Then, place the end of the measuring tape where the hinges of your doors will be. Next, swing it side to side, pivoting from the hinge point to ensure your doors will have plenty of room. If not, consider installing a different type of shower door, such as sliding doors or curved shower doors.
Measuring Non-Standard Angles
While this is somewhat less common, some showers may also have non-standard angles. Most showers use 90° angles throughout their design. Neo-angles generally use a standard of 135° angles on the three front areas. If you suspect that your shower doesn’t use these angles, then it’s time to get the protractor out. The protractor will help you measure what the angles are and then you can work with our glass specialists to customize the panels and Houston shower doors to your needs.
At Apple Glass Company, we offer expert shower glass fabrication and installation to suit your needs and budget. Our glass professionals can help you choose the right patterns, finishes, and hardware to complement your bathroom’s décor. We also offer glass services for your car and your business, such as commercial glass installation and windshield repair in Houston. Call us today at (713) 680-1400 in Houston or (281) 296-0600 in The Woodlands to discuss your upcoming bathroom remodel with our team and request a free estimate. We are here to serve you!
