When to Order Your Shower Door During a Bathroom Remodel

In a bathroom remodel, the shower glass is almost always the last thing installed. That leads many homeowners to think about it last as well, and that is where the delays come from. The glass is measured and made after the tile is finished, but several decisions that affect it have to be made much earlier, when the walls are open and the shower is still being framed.

This guide lays out the remodel timeline from the glass point of view: what to decide at each stage, when to book the measure, and what to share with your contractor so the glass goes in without a hitch.

Why Glass Is Measured Last

Frameless glass is custom cut to the exact finished opening, and tempered glass cannot be trimmed afterwards. See our tempered glass guide for why. If we measured before tile, the finished opening would be different by the thickness of the tile and setting bed, and the glass would not fit. So the measure waits until every surface the glass touches is finished.

The Remodel Timeline, From the Glass Point of View

1. Design: choose the style

Decide the enclosure style while the bathroom is being designed. The style affects things your contractor builds:

• The curb: its height and shape, or a curbless floor for a walk-in. A neoangle needs an angled curb.
• The drain and floor slope, especially for a walk-in with a splash panel.
• The shower head position, which should point away from the door or opening.
• Steam: a steam shower needs vapor-proofing, a generator and full-height glass, all planned at this stage.

Try the style finder to narrow it down:

2. Framing: plan the fixings

While the walls are open, it is worth making sure there is solid backing where hinges, clamps or a slider rail will fix. Glass hardware is heavy-duty, and fixing into solid material is always best. Tell your contractor the style and where the door will hinge.

3. Waterproofing and tile

Your tile setter finishes the walls, the curb, any bench or niche, and the floor. Ask them to keep the curb level along its length where possible, and the walls as plumb as practical. We can work with walls and curbs that are not perfect, but straighter is always better. See how to measure a shower opening for what we check.

4. Book the measure

Get your free quote early, often right over the phone, so the price is settled. As soon as the tile and grout are finished, book the measure: we measure in your home and bring samples, so you can confirm your glass and finish.

5. Fabrication and installation

Your glass is cut and tempered to the measurement and your hardware prepared. Our crew installs it in one visit. Ideally this is one of the last trades in the bathroom, after the painter and plumber have finished. See the full installation timeline.

What to Tell Your Contractor

• The enclosure style and where the door or opening will be.
• Where the hinges, clamps or rail will fix, so backing goes in.
• The curb height and shape, or that it is curbless.
• The shower head and drain positions.
• Whether it is a steam shower.
• Who is supplying the glass, so it is in the schedule.

Avoiding Delays at the End

The most common delay is simple: the glass is booked only when the rest of the bathroom is done, and then everyone waits for it. Book the measure as soon as the tile is finished, not after the final clean. If you are working to a deadline, our 3-Day Rush Service can take you from estimate to installation in three days.

Replacing Glass Without a Remodel

Not remodelling? Replacing an old enclosure in an existing shower is simpler: the tile is already finished, so we can measure straight away. See our guide to what moves the price and browse styles on our frameless shower doors page.

The Remodel Timeline at a Glance

Common Remodel Mistakes Around Glass

• Building the curb before choosing the enclosure. A neoangle, a walk-in and a slider all want different curbs.
• Putting the valve where the door hinges. The hinge side needs solid wall without plumbing behind the fixing points.
• A niche too close to the edge. Niches near where glass meets the wall can clash with hinges or clamps.
• A shower head aimed at the opening. Especially important for walk-ins.
• Booking glass after the final clean. Book the measure as soon as the tile is finished.

Working With Your Contractor

We coordinate with contractors and tile setters regularly. The simplest way to keep things smooth is to bring us in early for a conversation about the style, even before tile, and then book the measure as soon as the tile is complete. If you are managing the remodel yourself, share this guide with your trades; the table above is a good checklist.

If Your Remodel Is Already Underway

Walls are open

Perfect timing. Choose the style now and make sure your contractor adds solid backing where hinges, clamps or a rail will fix.

Tile is going on

Confirm the curb shape and edge trim suit your chosen enclosure. Ask the tile setter to keep the curb level and the walls plumb where possible.

Tile is finished

Book the measure now. Do not wait for paint, fixtures or the final clean.

Everything is done except the glass

Ask for your quote today and mention 3-Day Rush Service if you need the shower back quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you measure before the tile is done?

We can talk through options and plan early, but the measurement the glass is made from has to be taken on finished tile.

Do you work with contractors?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with homeowners’ contractors and tile setters during remodels.

Should glass go in before or after painting?

Ideally after. Glass is one of the last items installed.

How soon after tile can you measure?

As soon as the tile and grout are finished and the curb is in its final form.

Can I live without a shower door while the glass is made?

Many people use a temporary tension curtain. If you need the shower back quickly, ask about our 3-Day Rush Service.

Do I need to choose finishes before the measure?

No. We bring samples to the measure so you can choose in your own bathroom.

Planning a remodel? Get a free quote and we will help you plan the glass from the start, then measure in your home. Or call 800-715-0031.