How to Install a New Shower Door Frame

When remodeling or updating a bathroom, many homeowners install a new shower as part of the overall project. After the shower has been installed, a door or curtain rod must be installed to prevent the water from the shower from getting onto the floor, which can make it slippery. In most cases, a shower stall is enclosed with a door. Before installing the door itself, you must install the door frame.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Shower door and frame kit
• Pencil
• Level
• Hammer
• Nail
• Drill
• 3/16-inch masonry drill bit
• Plastic mallet
• Plastic wall anchors
• 1 1/2-inch stainless steel pan-head screws
• 7/32-inch drill bit
• 1/2-inch stainless-steel pan screws
• Pliers
• Clear, mildew-resistant silicone caulk
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the shower threshold with a tape measure. Cut the base track from the door kit with a hacksaw to the correct length.

2. Place the base track on the threshold. Center it and mark the location of each side with a pencil.

3. Hold the door jamb against the wall that the door is being attached to. Place the end of the jamb into the base track and use a level to check it for plumb (vertically straight). Mark the location of the screw holes on the wall.

4. Remove the door jamb. Make a pilot hole at each screw hole location by tapping a nail into the wall with a hammer.

5. Drill into the holes in the wall with a 3/16-inch masonry drill bit.

6. Drive plastic wall anchors into the holes with a plastic mallet.

7. Place the door jamb against the wall and line the holes in the door jamb up with the plastic wall anchors. Attach the jamb with 1 1/2-inch stainless-steel pan-head screws.

8. Slide the door's hinge rail into the door jamb and position it so the door swings out. Check the outer edge of the door for plumb.

9. Hold the door in position, with help from an assistant. Drill four 7/32-inch pilot holes through the holes located on the hinge rails and into the door jamb. Attach the hinge rail to the jamb with 1/2-inch stainless-steel pan screws.

10. Place the door jamb on the other wall into the base track and attach the magnetic strike rail to it. Position the door jamb and strike rail so they line up with the shower door.

11. Mark the locations for the plastic anchors, and install the jamb, using the same process that you followed for the other door jamb. Take the strike rail off the door jamb.

12. Measure the length of the header and cut the header with a hacksaw.

13. Put the header into position over the door. Drill pilot holes through each end of the header into the door jambs with a 7/32-inch drill bit. Attach the header with 1/2-inch screws.

14. Place the magnetic strike rail back onto the strike jamb. Adjust the strips on the strike rail so the door seal is watertight when closed.

15. Attach the strike rail to the strike jamb with 1/2-inch screws.

16. Attach the handles to the door.

17. Drill pilot holes where the jambs meet the base track and header, and drive 1/2-inch screws into the holes. This helps strengthen the door frame.

18. Remove the vinyl sweep from the drip rail and cut it to fit the width of the shower door.

19. Replace the sweep in the drip rail and crimp down on the edges with a pair of pliers.

20. Attach the drip rail to the bottom of the door with 1/2-inch screws. The vinyl sweep must point down.

21. Apply a thick bead of clear, mildew-resistant silicone caulk around all the edges of the base track and door jambs with a caulking gun.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Shower Door