How To Fit a Shower Enclosure

In most cases, you should hire a professional installer to ensure the job is done well. However, if you’re a DIY expert with good knowledge, prior experience and the right tools, you may be able to fit a shower enclosure yourself. In this guide we’ve outlined the different types of shower cubicles you can choose from, the tools you’ll need to fit one yourself, and a step-by-step guide to fitting a shower enclosure.

There are a wide range of shower enclosures available, and the one you choose will depend on the size of your bathroom and the space available for the cubicle, as well as personal preference. Here’s a quick look at the most common types:

Pivot shower enclosures

This type of shower enclosure features an outward-opening door that pivots on discreet hinges – one at the top and one at the bottom of the door.

Bi-fold shower enclosures

Bi-fold shower enclosures are designed to maximise space by opening inwardly in a concertina effect. They’re perfectly suited to an en-suite or a small bathroom.

Quadrant shower enclosures

Quadrant shower enclosures fit into the corner of your bathroom and feature a stylish curved front, with sliding doors for easy entry.

Walk-in shower enclosures

Perfect for a larger bathroom or wet-room, walk-in shower enclosures are stylish and an increasingly popular option in contemporary bathrooms.

Sliding shower enclosures

Sliding shower doors are another space-saving idea. In this type of shower cubicle, the door slides inside the other half, providing a wide entrance.

As we’ve seen, shower enclosures come in a range of shapes and sizes, with different entrances, doors and features, but for this guide we’re focusing on fitting a square shower cubicle into the corner of your bathroom, where you’ll only require one side panel and one door panel. That said, the same principles can be applied to other types of shower enclosure too.

Before fitting your shower enclosure, make sure the shower tray is completely level all the way around, and properly sealed to the wall. Check out our guide for step-by-step instructions on installing a shower tray.

Tools you’ll need to fit your shower cubicle

• Electric drill
• Screwdriver
• Silicon sealant gun
• Spirit level
• Pencil
  
  

You’ll also need

• Channels
• Rawl plugs
• Fixings
  
  

You may also need a second person to help you.

Step 1 - Start by aligning your channels – these are where you’ll mount the enclosure – against the wall to find the correct positioning. Use your spirit level to ensure they’re vertical, and mark the positions with a pencil so you have a guide for where to drill.

Step 2 - Drill the holes you've just marked using your electric drill, being careful not to drill into any piping or wiring. If you’re drilling into a tiled wall, use a masonry bit to avoid shattering the tiles.

Step 3 - Insert raw plugs and screw the channels on to the wall.

Step 4 - Decide which side you want the door on, then take the side panel and slot it into the appropriate channel. Fix it in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need an extra pair of hands to help you with this step and the next.

Step 5 - Fit the door panel into the other channel.

Step 6 - Using your screwdriver and the fixings supplied, screw both panels firmly into place.

Step 7 - Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any additional requirements, such as door handles, and fit those at this stage.

Step 8 - Seal the outer edges of your shower enclosure using silicone sealant and a sealant gun to prevent water from leaking from the cubicle.

And there you have it, a successfully fitted shower enclosure. Explore the full range of Mira shower enclosures, or check out our guide to installing a Mira Leap shower enclosure, equipped with pre-assembled doors and panels and our unique Twist and Lock screwless installation system.