Wilson Glass

The typical door has 3/16" clearance on each side and 7/16" at the bottom. The door is 3/8" less than the opening width. However, many hinges with Full Backing Plates require 1/4" at least on the hinge side. It is better to get the door a little small than too big.

Measure the width at top, the middle and the bottom. So long as the middle is not smaller than the top or bottom you can forget about it. The very bottom of the tile wall often curves in. Watch out for that. It is hard to measure accurately to inside corners because the tape has to bend. Click here for a tip.

Example of how to write down the out-of-plumb-edness.
You should even measure the level of the sill - ESPECIALLY

if you are doing a partition over a tub. Old tubs are seldom level. I've seen them out of level over an inch.

When you order a door from us, we need to get the opening sizes and how out-of-square the walls are.

You need to use a long (72" or more) level to measure the walls. It is virtually impossible to measure the out of plumb with a four foot level. This is due to the possibility of curvature of the wall, or as we call it bowed-dedness. Actually you can use a 4' level with a straight stick.

We'll make the deductions and we'll make a drawing and send that back to you for double checking. Once you say it is okay, then we'll order the glass and in about two weeks it will be ready.

Wall Bowed In.
This is the hardest situation. The glass has to be cut straight. All you can do is go for the best fit.

Use the long level. Tilt it against the wall until Dimension A equals Dimension B in the photo. Write that dimension down. Then tilt the level back up to vertical. Write down dimension C.

Measure Dimension D using the technique mentioned above. The width of the opening then becomes D-A at the bottom and D-C at the top. The right wall is out of plumb, leaning in or out by C-A.
A bowed wall can be avoided when you tile. Doing that would save you from having to add and subtract. It would also make your hinges operate without slipping or creaking due to the fact that they are pointing in different direction.

ONE MORE TIP: If the level is, you know, an eigth from the wall, it's hard to measure accurately. I like to use a shim, slide it in there, and then measure the shim.

The height can be anything you want; whatever looks good to you. 70" or 72" is common and I generally subtract the 7/16" clearance from that dimension so that the top of the glass lines up with the requested height.
If the difference in top and bottom on the width is 1/16" I would consider making the door fit the smaller dimension. It is up too you.
If the difference in width between top and bottom is 1/8" or more, I would make the door out of square to fit the opening.
If you are measuring a complex shower take a look at the Measuring Neo's.
Our customers all over the country have installed some pretty complex door systems and they have had a very high success rate. Testimonials Page.
There are more tips on the types of doors page.

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