Glass Shower Screen Buying Checklist: What to Decide Before Ordering

Buying a glass shower screen isn’t just about picking something that looks good. Many homeowners rush the decision, only to face leaks, fitting problems, or unexpected extra costs later.

This checklist walks you through everything you must decide before ordering a glass shower screen, helping you avoid mistakes and ensuring the final result fits perfectly, functions properly, and lasts for years.

Use this guide as a step-by-step reference before requesting quotes or placing an order.

1. Measure Your Shower Area Correctly

Before looking at styles or prices, accurate measurements are essential.

What to measure:

Width of the shower opening (top and bottom)
Height from tray or floor to desired screen height
Any slopes or uneven walls
Distance to nearby fixtures (toilet, basin, radiator)

Important:
If your walls are not perfectly straight (very common in UK homes), standard sizes may not fit correctly. In such cases, custom glass is often the safest option.

2. Decide Between Standard or Custom Shower Screens

Standard (Off-the-Shelf) Screens

Best if:

Walls are straight
Shower tray is a standard size
Budget is limited

Pros:

Lower cost
Faster delivery

Cons:

Limited size options
Gaps may require filler strips

Custom (Made-to-Measure) Screens

Best if:

Walls are uneven
You want a frameless or wet-room look
You need cut-outs for pipes or benches

Pros:

Perfect fit
Cleaner finish
Better water control

Cons:

Higher cost
Longer lead time

If you are unsure, exploring custom glass shower screen options helps you understand when bespoke glass makes sense:
👉 https://www.glasshelp.co.uk/glass-shower-screens/

3. Choose the Right Glass Thickness

Glass thickness affects safety, appearance, and price.

Common Options:

6mm glass – Budget option, usually framed
8mm glass – Strong, modern, popular choice
10mm glass – Premium, heavy, used for frameless designs

Thicker glass feels sturdier but also:

Requires stronger fittings
Costs more to install
Needs precise measurements

4. Confirm the Glass Is Toughened Safety Glass

This is non-negotiable.

All shower screens must be made from toughened safety glass, which:

Is up to 5x stronger than normal glass
Breaks into small blunt pieces if shattered
Is safe for family use

Never accept standard float glass for a shower enclosure.

5. Decide on the Screen Style

Your bathroom size and layout should guide this choice.

Walk-In Shower Screens

Fixed glass panel
Modern and minimal
Best for larger bathrooms

Hinged Shower Screens

Door opens outward
Easy access
Requires clear floor space

Sliding Shower Screens

Space-saving
Ideal for smaller bathrooms
Slightly more complex hardware

A layout overview is helpful if you’re comparing styles — this guide to walk-in shower screen layouts explains which designs work best in different bathrooms:
👉 https://www.glasshelper.co.uk/sliding-vs-hinged-glass-shower-screens-which-works-best-for-your-bathroom/

6. Check Wall and Floor Conditions

Before ordering, inspect:

Are tiles securely fixed?
Are walls plumb (straight)?
Is the shower tray level?

Uneven walls or loose tiles may:

Increase installation cost
Require additional sealing
Make standard screens unsuitable

This is one of the most common reasons installations fail or leak.

7. Decide on Frame Type and Finish

Frame Options:

Framed – Budget-friendly, more forgiving on uneven walls
Semi-frameless – Balance of cost and style
Frameless – Cleanest look, highest precision required

Hardware Finishes:

Chrome (most affordable)
Matte black
Brushed brass
Gunmetal

Premium finishes increase cost and may require extra care to maintain appearance.

8. Consider Water Containment (Leak Prevention)

Ask yourself:

Is the screen wide enough to prevent splash?
Does the design include seals or channels?
Is the screen height sufficient?

Walk-in screens require careful positioning to prevent water escaping.

9. Decide If You Want an Easy-Clean Coating

An easy-clean coating:

Reduces limescale buildup
Makes cleaning easier
Keeps glass clearer for longer

This is especially useful in hard-water areas and adds long-term value, even though it slightly increases upfront cost.

10. Confirm Installation Details

Before ordering, clarify:

Is installation included?
Does the installer handle sealing?
Is removal of the old screen included?
Is there a warranty on installation?

Installation costs typically range from £70–£150, but complex jobs may cost more.

11. Check Lead Times and Delivery

Custom glass screens often require:

Site survey
Glass manufacturing
Scheduled installation

Lead times can range from 1–4 weeks or longer during busy periods. Plan accordingly, especially if your bathroom is unusable during renovation.

12. Review Warranty and After-Sales Support

A reliable supplier should offer:

Warranty on glass
Warranty on fittings
Clear support if adjustments are needed

Avoid suppliers who offer no after-sales support once the screen is delivered.

13. Final Pre-Order Checklist

Before placing your order, confirm:

✔ Measurements double-checked
✔ Glass thickness confirmed
✔ Toughened safety glass specified
✔ Screen type and opening direction chosen
✔ Frame style and finish selected
✔ Installation included or arranged
✔ Lead time confirmed
✔ Warranty provided

If any of these are unclear, pause and ask questions before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

A glass shower screen is a long-term bathroom investment. Rushing the decision often leads to leaks, poor fit, or regret.

By working through this checklist, you ensure:

Correct sizing
Better water control
Cleaner appearance
Fewer surprises
Long-term satisfaction

If you want to compare options or explore professionally made solutions, view custom glass shower screens here:
👉 https://www.glasshelp.co.uk/glass-shower-screens/