Cool DIY Shower Door Ideas to Revive Your Bath
Is your bathroom in need of a makeover but you're on a budget? Installing new shower doors can transform the look of your bath without breaking the bank if you do it yourself. DIY shower doors allow for customization and creativity while saving on labor costs. We'll provide tips to choose the right door for your shower layout and installation techniques even DIY beginners can tackle.
Choosing the DIY Shower Door That's Right for You
When embarking on a DIY shower door project, the first step is deciding which style works best. Consider the size and configuration of your shower area along with the features you want from a door. Here are some key factors to weigh:
- Layout: Hinged doors work well for showers with one open side, while sliders shine for narrow tub/showers.
- Space: Sliding doors require minimal clearance compared to swinging hinged doors.
- Material: Clear glass provides an open look, while textured or opaque glass offers more privacy.
- Customization: Frameless doors allow for engraving and glass etching.
- Budget: Frameless runs higher than basic sliding doors.
Carefully measure the shower opening since precise sizing is crucial for proper installation and water control. Most DIY kits include detailed instructions to guide you through this critical first step.
Hinged vs. Sliding Shower Doors
The two main styles of shower doors are hinged, which pivot open, and sliding doors that glide along a track. Hinged doors require ample clearance inside and outside the shower, so they work best when replacing existing doors. Sliding doors take up minimal space, making them ideal for tight enclosures with limited elbow room.
Glass Features and Options
Standard clear glass shower doors provide the most openness but little privacy. Alternatives like frosted, tinted, patterned and opaque glass obscure visibility while allowing light to filter through. Consider adding window film on clear glass for a decorative touch and extra coverage. DIY glass etching or engraving creates artistic frameless doors. For safety, choose tempered glass around 5/16 to 3/8 inches thick.
Installing Frameless Shower Doors with DIY Flair
Frameless glass shower doors deliver a clean, elegant look popular for contemporary bathroom styles. Stepping up your DIY skills to install frameless doors without front frames or crossbars has big rewards. You can create a custom etched or engraved design for a fraction of the cost. Follow these tips for achieving frameless shower door greatness:
Reinforce Surrounding Walls
Frameless doors require ultra-secure anchoring to prevent loosening or cracking glass caused by weight shifting. Use wallboard, cement board or moisture-resistant backer board when waterproofing shower walls. For additional strength, apply wood blocking behind joints between enclosure walls and framing.
Set Bottom Track Perfectly Level
The base track that glass panels slide along must sit perfectly level and plumb to prevent doors binding up. Use a laser level and shims during the track installation process. Allow 1/4 to 1/2 inch channel between door glass and track to enable smooth operation.
Carefully Hang Doors
Special heavy-duty, non-boring hinges are a must for frameless glass doors to prevent cracking or breaking. First glue hinges to glass using super-strength epoxy , allowing proper cure time. Then fasten hinges to metal backplates affixed inside the shower enclosure. Adjust hinge placement so doors align evenly.
Install Handles and Seals
Choosing handle styles, knobs and pulls to match your bathroom's decor adds finishing flair. Ensure water-tightness by properly sealing all joints and connections with silicone caulk. We recommend applying window film to doors at this point before carefully testing operation.
Budget-Friendly DIY Sliding Shower Door Ideas
Sliding bypass doors provide easy access without requiring room for the door to swing open. The concentric track systems enable you to stack doors at either end and are relatively easy for DIYers to install. Choose from affordable kits or design custom sliding doors using materials purchased separately. Follow this process when installing sliding shower doors yourself:
Precisely Measure and Mark Opening
Making careful measurements is crucial for smooth door operation. After mapping out the track's exact positioning, use a level to mark its height on both walls. Indicate the locations for wall brackets based on the door hardware kit instructions.
Level Tracks and Test Sliding
Use shims when mounting tracks to keep them perfectly straight and prevent binding issues later. Install wall jambs and panels, then test slide doors multiple times before permanently screwing supports in place. Finally, attach handles and waterproof seals between panels and tracks.
Get Creative with Neo Angle DIY Shower Door Ideas
Angled neo corner showers present an intriguing shape but require specially configured doors. While some companies sell angled shower door kits, custom DIY fabrication using mitered glass cuts better complements unique designs. Skilled DIYers can cut and join glass panels to form the frames. Hire a pro if you're uncomfortable attempting the detailed glasswork yourself. DIY ideas for neo angle doors include:
- Partial neo angle door with standard return panel on one side
- Fully custom glass enclosure with multiple asymmetrical panels
- MAIN KEYWORD curved or patterned glass shapes filling the angled gap
Installing DIY shower doors lets you spend less while adding major visual impact to your bath. Careful planning and accurate measurements ensure proper installation success. For ambitious DIYers, frameless glass doors provide the ultimate modern style. Sliding doors work well for smaller spaces when clearance is limited. Even challenging neo angle showers can get amazing doors through creative custom fabrication techniques and glass work. With the right prep and materials, you can revive your bath with beautiful new shower doors.