Shower Screen Installation Tips: What First-Time Renovators Should Know
Shower screens might seem like a minor detail in a bathroom renovation, but getting them right can make or break the final result. Poor planning can lead to installation delays, water leakage, or an awkward layout that ruins the flow of your space. Whether you’re choosing a frameless screen or a semi-framed option, here are some essential tips to help you plan ahead and avoid common mistakes.
1. Know Your Layout Before You Tile
One of the biggest mistakes renovators make is leaving the shower screen decision until after tiling. But the location, size, and type of screen will affect where waterproofing and tiles are laid — especially when working with custom screens.
Tip: Finalise your shower screen type and layout early in the design stage. Ensure your tiler and waterproofing contractor know the exact measurements and placement.
2. Standard vs Custom Screens: What’s the Difference?
Standard screens are usually quicker and cheaper to install, but only work if your space has standard dimensions and perfectly square walls and floors.
Custom screens are measured and manufactured to suit your bathroom exactly. They’re more expensive but give a cleaner, more accurate fit — especially important if your walls aren’t square or you’ve added a shelf wall or nib wall.
Tip: If you’re building out a shelf wall or a half-height feature wall, budget for a custom screen to ensure a seamless fit.
3. Frameless, Semi-Framed, or Fully Framed?
Each type of shower screen offers different pros and cons:
Frameless: Sleek, modern, and minimal — but requires precise installation and thicker glass.
Semi-framed: More forgiving with walls/floors that aren’t perfectly square. Slightly more durable due to the framing support.
Fully framed: Budget-friendly and durable but can look dated in modern designs.
Tip: Frameless screens look stunning in minimalist bathrooms, but they need perfectly flat and plumb walls and floors. Ask your builder if your bathroom is suited for one.
4. Allow for the Lead Time
If you're ordering a custom screen, expect to wait a couple of weeks between measure-up and installation. This is because the screen is measured after tiles are laid — not before — to ensure a perfect fit.
Tip: Don't schedule your screen install immediately after tiling. Instead, plan for a 2-week buffer before it arrives.
5. Don’t Forget Drainage and Waterfalling
Your shower screen should complement your drainage strategy. A poorly positioned screen can send water in the wrong direction, or fail to keep it contained altogether.
Tip: Ensure your floor is correctly sloped (‘waterfalled’) toward the drain — and that the screen aligns with this to avoid pooling water.
6. Hinges, Swing Direction, and Clearance
If you’re using a hinged door, make sure you consider:
Which direction it will open (into the shower or out)
What obstacles might be in the way (e.g. a towel rail, vanity, or toilet)
That there's enough clearance to comfortably enter and exit the shower
Tip: Always check that the swing won't hit any other fittings. For small bathrooms, consider sliding or pivot options to maximise space.
7. Glass Thickness and Safety Compliance
Wherever you're renovating, safety should be a top priority when it comes to glass. Most frameless shower screens use 10mm toughened (tempered) safety glass, which is designed to withstand impact and break into small, less harmful pieces if shattered.
Tip: Make sure your supplier or installer follows your local building codes and safety standards — whether you're in the US, UK, Australia, or elsewhere. Using uncertified or low-quality glass can pose serious safety risks and may void your insurance or warranty.
A beautifully installed shower screen ties the entire bathroom together — but only if it’s planned properly from the start. Think about your layout, budget, space constraints, and how your screen will integrate with the rest of the bathroom finishes.
Planning ahead can help you avoid costly mistakes, lengthy delays, or awkward layouts that compromise the overall look and function of your space.
P.S We know planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming!
Stay organised, save money, and avoid costly mistakes with our all-in-one renovation template!
