If you're wondering how to fit a shower cubicle, you've come to the right place. We'll show you how to install a wet room or walk in enclosure in a splash. All you need is a couple of tools, a strong friend and a bit of time. Here, we break it down into five bite-sized chunks but before you start, take some time to check your walls for pipes and cables.
Please note, in this guide, we assume your shower tray is already installed. But if that's not the case, just follow the fitting instructions in your manual.
Alrighty, let's dive straight in.
You will need
- A tape measure
- A tape measure
- The fixings kit for your shower cubicle
- A manual screwdriver or Allan key to match your fixings kit
- Electric drill
- A choice of drill bits, including a 3.2mm bit
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Claw hammer
- Scissors
- Electric drill
- A choice of drill bits, including a 3.2mm bit
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Claw hammer
- Scissors
- Clear silicone sealant
- A sealant gun
We also recommend
- Protective eyewear
- A strong helper
- Protective eyewear
- A strong helper
- A vacuum cleaner
Step 1 – Install the first wall profile
Start by cleaning all your surfaces. You want to remove any dust or debris that could come loose or potentially cause a leak in the future.
Next, lay out all of your pieces. If you have a small bathroom, you may wish to do this in another room.
Ok, now it's time for the fun part.
Measure 10mm in from the front edge of the shower tray, and place the first wall profile against the wall. Make sure it stands perfectly plumb by using your spirit level, then mark the screw holes on your wall with a pencil.
Next, drill over the pencil marks to the width and depth of your wall plugs. Then gently tap the plugs in place with a claw hammer.
Finish by piping a length of silicone sealant along the back of the profile. Place this over the plugs then screw it into place.
Top tip: We recommend wearing protective eyewear while drilling and using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust created from drilling.
Step 2 – Secure the front fixed glass panel
Slide the long glass panel horizontally into your newly installed wall profile, checking it's straight with a spirit level. You'll need to push the glass at least 10mm into the wall profile – your strong friend will come in handy here.
If your walls are not completely vertical, you can tweak the profile's built-in adjusters to accommodate the angle.
Next, load up your drill with the 3.2mm bit and create a small hole inside the enclosure – this will hold your glass panel in place. Depending on the type or brand of the enclosure, you may need to drill two or three holes, but your manual will confirm this. Take care not to penetrate the outer edge of the profile, as this can cause water to escape.
Next, thread a tiny plastic cap onto each self-tapping screw, then tighten with a manual screwdriver in your freshly drilled hole(s). Finish with screw caps; these just click into place over the plastic element.
Top tip: Triple-check your installation manual for the exact location on where to drill a hole. And always use a manual screwdriver to tighten self-tapping screws, as an electric drill will strip the thread.
Step 3 – Add the shower return panel
Place the return panel's corner piece onto the open end of the front panel. Then, push the glass gasket (a strip of flexible, transparent seal) into the corner panel and trim any excess with sharp scissors.
If your cubicle comes with a small bracing bar, please keep reading. Otherwise, skip straight to step four.
Taking your fixing bracket, push a screw upwards through the hole on the underside. Add a spacer (ensuring the convex side faces outwards) and screw to one end of the short bracing bar. Tighten, then repeat at the opposite end.
Position the finished bar over the front and return panels to sit diagonally across the corner in a bracing position. Finally, centralise the bar, then tighten both screws to lock it in place.
Step 4 – Fit the wall bracing bar
Place a fixing bracket on the wall bracing bar and screw together loosely. Arrange this on top of the fixed glass panel, with the bracket touching the wall. Then, making sure it's straight, mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Slacken the screws and remove the bracket from the bracing bar. Then drill another hole for the wall plug and tap it gently into place. Angle your screws upward and secure the bracket to the wall. Finish by sliding the bracing bar into the wall bracket, lowering the fixing bracket onto the panel, and tightening the screws at both ends.
Step 5 – Install the second wall profile and the fixed glass panel
Repeat the relevant steps above to fit your second wall profile. Then, seal the outside of your enclosure with silicone sealant and leave it to cure for 24 hours.
And voila, you’ve fit a shower cubicle. Give yourself a pat on the back and a nice hot brew.
Parting advice
And there you have it; that's how to fit a shower enclosure like an expert. If you haven't yet found your perfect cubicle, browse our full range of walk in enclosures with sliding, bi-folding or pivot doors. We even have coordinating accessories to help you finish your room your way. Or, for more inspiration, take a peek at our Pinterest page.
If you've found this guide helpful, we'd love to see your finished enclosure over on Instagram, just tag @betterbathrooms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I tile before fitting a shower enclosure?
No. Start by fitting the shower tray, then tiling onto this to ensure a watertight seal.
How do you fit a quadrant shower cubicle?
Most quadrant shower cubicles follow a similar installation process as above – with the addition of wheelsets. These attach to the top and bottom of each door. But if in doubt, consult your manual.
Do you seal the inside of a shower enclosure?
You'll hear many conflicting pieces of advice on this; we recommend only sealing a cubicle with silicone on the outside. If applied to the inside, water may leak through the profiles causing a damp patch. And if sealed on both the inside and outside, trapped moisture will stagnate within.
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