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Has anyone DIY-ed a frameless glass shower enclosure install?

14 years ago

I've only gotten one quote back from a local fabricator/installer and it was out of my budget range. But I see there are places on line that will build and ship custom frameless enclosures.

Has anyone installed one yourself? How was it? (DH is a systems tech/carpenter so he's very handy...)

I also see places where you can purchase all the parts separately (hinges, channels, door handles, etc). Has anyone bought the parts, had a local glass company cut and polish the panels, and done the WHOLE build/install yourself?

STacey

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Comments (2)

thull
14 years ago
I did ours through Wilson Glass. They shipped me a kit of parts/hardware and suction cups. They placed the glass order with a local tempering plant. I picked up the glass and installed. Shipped the suction cups back to Wilson when I was finished.

That was 3.5 years ago. The main things to keep in mind are that 1) you have to do the measurements, so any error is on you and 2) the glass is heavy. We did 1/2" glass, and our fixed panel (admittedly big) is about 120lb, IIRC. The 30" wide door is more like 70lb.

Getting the door and panel in place took 3 people and 3-4 hours. Mostly 2 to move/position/hold and 1 to mark/drill/install hardware.

Measuring for the door and panel was a challenge, and having a helper for that makes sense if it's more than just a door. Our fixed panel is 42" or so wide and has a cutout for a bench. It's held in place by 4 small clips/channels and gravity. Locating them (2 on the wall, 2 on the bottom, with the cutout in between) was also a painstaking process.

If that doesn't dissuade you, go for it. I saved somewhere around $700 to $1k by DIYing it.
busybme
14 years ago
Search out some more companies to quote the job for you. I just finished the pricing process and my quotes varied from $1800 to nearly $5000. I had provided each of the 5 vendors with drawings and very specific specs, so I was comparing apples tp apples.

The installation from the vendor I chose will be $135. Not bad considering they will come out to measure as well as deliver and install.

Btw, the company I chose was a 'high-end' plumbing showroom. They offered the best price, quickest turnaround and most comprehensive service. I was surprised.

Sandy
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