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photo: Scott T. Kubo
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Installing
your own shower enclosure requires only a few basic tools, including a
tape ruler, an electric drill with a 3/16-inch masonry drill bit, a
Phillips screwdriver, a hacksaw and a level. Caulking and a caulking
gun, a marker and screw shields are also necessary materials.
Begin
by measuring the bath or shower area that you wish to enclose. Next,
visit a local home center, such as City Mill, to choose from the
variety of shower-door designs available. These shower enclosures are
sold in kits, which include the doors, tracks, screws and framing.
The
first step for installation is to remove the old shower rod. Then,
clean the area where the tub enclosure is to be installed. Using your
tape ruler, measure the distance from wall to wall along the top of the
tub or shower base. Cut the track to size with the hacksaw, about
1/4-inch shorter than the length between the walls. The shorter
measurement leaves room for the joint between the tracks and the
upright pieces. If the cut is rough it can be smoothed with a metal
file.
Apply
a bead of caulking under the bottom track and press the track firmly
onto the tub or shower base. The caulking compound forms a watertight
seal between the tub and the track.
Next,
install the upright pieces. With a level, make sure the uprights are
straight. Then, with a marker, dot the wall through the upright pieces’
predrilled holes. Use an electric drill, with a 3/16-inch masonry drill
bit, to carefully drill the ceramic tile at the marked points. If the
masonry bit slips and slides on the tile surface, nick the tile
slightly with a nail punch. Once the holes are through the wall
covering, insert the screw shields into the holes. Now, make sure that
the bottoms of the uprights fit onto the bottom tracks. Fasten the
uprights to the wall with the screws. Check for levelness once again.
The framework must be square or the shower doors will not open and
close properly.
Now
measure and cut the top rail so it fits tightly between the vertical
uprights and screw it in place. With the tub/shower caulking compound,
go around the joints of the frame on both sides to form a watertight
seal.
Finally,
hang the doors on the top track. When the rollers are positioned on the
top rail, be sure to install the smooth side of the glass facing the
inside of the shower. Cleaning is easier with the smooth side facing in.
For Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine, this is Frank Suster saying, “You can do it yourself.” |
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