How to replace shower screen?

[Atoshi]

 

  

I’m planning to replace my current fully framed sliding shower door with a semi-framed one. The existing shower recess measures 94mm depth and 88mm width.

I’m looking for DIY-friendly, budget options available at Bunnings that fit these measurements. Any recommendations or product suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Also, if you have tips for easy and safe removal of a fully framed sliding shower door, please share!

Thanks so much!

[JacobZ]

Hi @Atoshi,

Great to hear you're planning to update your shower screen. This is a fantastic project that can help give your bathroom a fresh feel. 

It looks likely you'll be able to use a semi-frameless shower screen designed for a 900x900 base; however, I'll need to double-check the measurements to point you towards a specific product.

The measurements you have taken are from the outside of the frame, which is good, but to better understand what we are working with, I'll need to see the measurements taken from the inside of the shower along the floor. These measurements will give a better picture of what you can use.

Some photos of how the current shower screen fits against the floor would also be helpful to ensure the shower screen sits correctly in relation to the shower rebate.

When it comes to removing your existing fully framed sliding door, it’s important to prioritise safety, especially when working with glass and tiled surfaces. While the process can be manageable for someone confident in D.I.Y., it does involve handling heavy panels, cutting through old silicone, and potentially drilling into tiles - all of which carry a risk of injury or damage if not done carefully. If you're not experienced with this type of work or don’t have the right tools, it may be worth considering a professional for the removal and reinstallation. They can ensure the old screen is removed without damaging your tiles or waterproofing and that the new semi-frameless unit is fitted securely and level. This can save time, reduce stress, and provide peace of mind knowing the job’s been done right.

Let me know how you get on with those measurements and photos.

Jacob

[Atoshi]

 

 

 

 

   

Thanks for your quick response. I’ve taken some photos from inside the shower screen as requested. Could you please check if everything looks okay? Let me know if you need any more details.

Also, if it’s possible to just replace the current fully framed sliding door with a frameless one while keeping the existing frame, I’d be  happy to go with that option too.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Atoshi,

I'm trying to work out whether you have a sunken floor inside the shower area, but it's hard to tell from the photos. 

Is there a noticeable difference in height of around 10-20mm from the inside of the shower frame to the outside? Can you take a photo with the flash on, showing underneath the frame from the inside? What do you see?

If the floor is sunken, like I suspect, then the shower frame would need to sit on the outside of this sunken area on the higher level of tiles.
 

I'm sorry, but it doesn't look like an off-the-shelf frameless shower screen is going to work if it is sunken, as I suspect it is. The frame needs to be able to extend out beyond this sunken area, which is slightly larger than standard shower bases, for which semi-frameless shower screens are designed.

Unfortunately, it seems likely you will have to contact a glazier for their assistance installing a custom shower screen. They may be able to reuse some of the frame; however, you would have to confirm this with them.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Atoshi]

 

  

 

  

Hi, thanks for your response. The middle part does seem slightly sunken, possibly designed that way for better water drainage. Our other bathroom has a similar setup, where the tiles are laid a bit lower in the centre. I’ve attached a photo showing the tiles near the shower grate, along with a few more photos to give you a better idea.

When I checked underneath the frame using the flash, looking through the gap from the inside (the photo with the arrow), I could see the aluminium shower frame on the other side, approximately 10mm.

Apologies if I’m asking the same question again. I’m just a bit confused and trying to figure out the best option for me.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Atoshi,

No need to apologise, I am just trying to understand what we are looking at so I can provide you with the best information I can.

Curbless showers, like yours, are created by having a cutout in the floor. This cutout allows the floor to be sloped towards the drain, using a cement-based product called screed.

Basically, I am trying to work out if you have a cutout in your concrete floor because if you do, any shower screen you use needs to be big enough to sit on the higher level of the concrete. 

Looking at the 900mm measurement taken on the inside of the shower, I don't believe you can get an off-the-shelf shower screen that would do this.

It may be worth contacting a glazier so they can come out and assess what you have and what your options are. I would hate for you to set yourself on the path towards a project only to realise it is not possible as you had hoped. 

Allow me to tag @Nailbag for another opinion. Based on your experience, do you think there is a sunken section in the tiles?

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @Atoshi 

If you are talking semi-frameless as in frame-less only for the entrance door, then it may be possible. The floor will need to have suitable all and the door will need a deflector sill under the bottom. There does appear to be quite some fall from those internal bottom of frame photos you sent. You could get a quote to have one installed and see what they say and then decide if you want a DIY solution through Bunnings to save some $.

The photo below is our shower setup, but the floor was designed for this type of glass.

Nailbag