How to Make a Budget Walk in Shower

Measure your shower’s width at three points: the base, at 5 feet and in the middle. Take these measurements with you to make your glass door purchase. You’ll be shopping for a framed glass door, as it’s less expensive and easier to install.

Measure the length of your shower, and cut the base track to the exact length you need with a hacksaw. Smooth the cut you’ve made with a file. Clean up the shavings right away.

Center the base track against the threshold of your shower or bathtub. It should be completely centered from back to front. So, if your bathtub is 3 inches wide, place the center at exactly 1 1/2 inches. Mark the exact track with a pencil in case the base track slips while you are installing it.

Set one of the side jambs into the bottom piece, and use a level to adjust it against the wall until it’s completely straight with the wall. Mark this line’s screw holes with a pencil, and then repeat for the other side.

Remove the jamb. Pound a small divot at each marked point with a hammer and nail set just enough to chip the tile so that your drill does not slip.

Put a masonry bit on your drill, and drill holes through each marked space.

Place the jamb back onto the door with the bottom rail in place. Gently tap a plastic wall anchor into each screw hole followed by a 1 1/2 inch pan-head screw.

Place the door into the jamb, and make sure it is plumb with the jamb and level with the rail. Have a friend hold it in place while you attach it with the hinge rail. Repeat with the other side.

Screw together the frame at the joints, being careful to avoid hitting the glass.

Attach the drip rail to the inside of the doors.

Caulk along the entire inside of the frame with clear, mildew-resistant silicone caulk. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before using the shower.