If you’re planning to upgrade your bathroom and want to learn how to install framed shower door, this simple guide will walk you through every step in a clear and concise way. Many homeowners attempt to install their own shower doors initially, but often end up calling a professional when the task becomes complicated. That’s why Plano Bath is here to help you understand the process, the tools you’ll need, and when it makes sense to get expert help.
Before You Begin: Measure Your Shower Opening the Right Way
Getting the right fit begins with accurate measurements. A framed shower door needs to sit square in the shower opening so the door frame and glass panel line up without gaps.
What to Measure
Use a reliable tape measure and check:
- The width of the shower opening at the top, center, and bottom
- The height from the shower base to where the top track will sit
- Whether your walls are plumb (straight up and down), by using a level to ensure proper alignment.
If the walls lean even slightly, you’ll need to adjust your door jamb during installation.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gather these ahead of time so you can take your time during each step:
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Masking tape
- Pencil
- Anchors
- Silicone
- Screws
- Shower door kit
- Safety glasses
- A level
- Glass cleaner
- Screwdriver
- Caulking gun
Your shower door kit may include the metal frame, door panel, glass door, top and bottom track, and door handles.
Step-by-Step How to Install Framed Shower Door
These step-by-step instructions will help you follow the same process the pros use.
Step 1 — Dry Fit the Bottom Track
Set the bottom track on the shower threshold.
Ensure it sits snugly along the edge and doesn’t rock or slide. Use a pencil to mark the exact position.
Place a piece of masking tape on the threshold to hold the track in place while you check the alignment.
Step 2 — Install the Side Jambs
Hold one door jamb against the wall.
Use a pencil to mark where you’ll drill pilot holes.
Place a strip of masking tape on the tile before you drill—the tape helps keep the bit from slipping on smooth surfaces.
Drill holes slowly, add anchors, and screw the jamb securely into place.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 3 — Install the Top Track
Now it’s time to install the top.
Set the top track into both jambs and make sure it sits level. This piece supports some of the weight of the doors, so it has to be straight.
If it isn’t, the sliding shower door may not glide smoothly later.
Step 4 — Hang the Door Panels
Lift the glass shower door carefully and set the rollers into the top track.
You’ll usually install the inner door first (the one closest to the shower head), then the outer door.
Make sure the bottom of the door sits properly in the bottom guide.
Step 5 — Adjust the Rollers
To make sure the door opens and closes smoothly, adjust the rollers until the door moves without resistance.
A common fix is to adjust the roller screws so that the bottom of the door doesn’t scrape the track.
This step helps your door slide smoothly.
Step 6 — Seal the Frame
Use a thin bead of silicone to seal all gaps along the edges—especially where the frame meets the walls and the threshold.
This keeps water from leaking into the wall or shower area.
Do not apply silicone on the inside of the shower frame—only on the outside. This lets any water drain back into the shower enclosure.
Step 7 — Add the Door Handles and Final Hardware
Install the door handles, end caps, and other small door components that came with your kit.
Wipe everything clean with glass cleaner.
Step 8 — Test the Door
Open and close the door several times.
Check:
- Does it glide smoothly?
- Does it stay on the track?
- Does the door fits square in the frame?
- Does any water leak when you splash the edge?
This ensures the shower door is installed the right way.
How to Replace a Framed Shower Door Seal Strip
If your old shower starts leaking at the bottom, you may only need a new seal strip.
Here’s how to replace it:
- Open the door fully.
- Pull the old strip off the bottom of the door panel.
- Cut the new strip to size.
- Push it firmly onto the bottom edge.
- Test the seal with a little water.
How to Adjust a Framed Glass Shower Door
Most adjustments involve the rollers or the hinge area.
Common signs you need an adjustment:
- The door drags
- It rubs the side frame
- It doesn’t line up with the magnet strip
You can adjust the rollers by turning the small screws that raise or lower the glass door.
If the frame itself is uneven, loosen the jamb screws slightly and shift the frame back into a plumb position.
How to Remove a Framed Shower Door
Removing an old shower door is simple:
- Lift the sliding door out of the top track.
- Unscrew the side jambs.
- Pull off the bottom track.
- Scrape old silicone.
- Clean the tile.
This prepares your shower for a new shower enclosure or updated framed shower glass doors.
Professional Framed Shower Door Installation Guide vs. DIY
Installing shower doors can be done at home, but it takes patience and skill.
Missing one small detail can cause leaks or misalignment.
A professional shower door installation service can help with:
- Cutting tracks to the exact size
- Handling heavy tempered glass
- Ensuring correct plumb alignment
- Protecting tile and walls
- Making the job fast and clean
If you want a perfect finish, calling local experts is often worth it.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to install a framed shower door?
Most installations take 2–4 hours, depending on the opening size and the levelness of the walls.
2. Do framed shower doors need studs?
Not always. Anchors enable the frame to attach to tiled walls without the need for studs behind them.
3. What holds a shower door in place?
The door frame, rollers, top track, and bottom guide work together to keep the glass securely in place.
4. How do you seal a framed shower door?
Use silicone along the outside edges of the frame to stop leaks.
5. How to install a framed glass shower enclosure?
The process is similar: install the bottom track, side jambs, and top track, then hang the doors and seal.
6. How long does it take to install a frameless shower door?
Frameless doors take longer—typically 3–5 hours—due to the heavier glass and the need for precise adjustments.
7. Can you install a shower door on any type of shower?
Most types of shower doors fit standard openings, but some older showers or custom tile installations require special measurements.
8. Can you install a sliding glass shower door alone?
It’s better with two people because of the weight and size of the panels.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to install a framed shower door provides a better understanding of what the job entails. While many homeowners can handle the basics, achieving a clean, leak-free finish is easier with the help of trained installers. Plano Bath offers professional help and high-quality framed shower glass doors, frameless shower glass doors, shower enclosures, and hardware options for a smooth, polished upgrade.
Ready for a new bathroom look without the stress of DIY? Plano Bath offers expert installation for shower and bath doors, including framed and frameless glass options. We serve homeowners across Plano, Texas, and nearby areas.
For a clean, secure, and long-lasting upgrade, call us at (972) 797-9533 or visit our shop at 3304 Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75023. Contact us today!
Also Read:
11 Reasons Framed Glass Shower Doors Are Perfect for Modern Homes
5 Factors to Think Before a Framed Shower Door Replacement: Best Tips Revealed
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