Q I currently use a shower curtain and my floors end up wet, especially after my children use the tub and shower. After my upcoming remodeling project, I want to protect my new bathroom floor. Can you give me some basic information on choosing a shower door for the new multipiece unit?
A Even if you're not doing a remodeling job, installing a new shower door can change the look of your bathroom, plus protect your floor.
For "nonstandard" tub and/or shower areas that may have been specially built for a specific bathroom, the best bet is to call a custom shower-door company. For most bathrooms, adjustable factory-made doors can be installed to fit standard tubs and showers.
If a contractor is doing the job, or if you plan to install the shower door yourself, first you need to properly measure the opening. For door height, measure from the flat top of the shower lip or tub wall up to about a foot away from the ceiling. For opening width, take two measurements: one across the fixture's top opening and one across its bottom. Use the larger measurement, which will allow the door to fit. Most tub and shower doors will have wiggle room to adjust to a crooked wall.
With the correct measurements in hand, you can go to your local home center and choose the tub and/or shower door to best fit your needs. Always follow factory instructions.
Here are a couple of final tips: Look for shower glass with built-in "clean coat" protection for low maintenance. Also, look for tub and/or shower doors with "quick install" features to avoid cutting and drilling. With features like that, you might say installation can really be a snap.
Ed Del Grande, master contractor/plumber, is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com.
