Send your layout + rough opening + market
Custom shower enclosures vary by site conditions, glass type, hardware, and local requirements. Share the basics and we’ll reply with a project‑specific spec checklist.
A practical checklist for builders, designers, and procurement teams ordering custom shower enclosures (frameless, semi‑frameless, sliding, hinged, and fixed panels) from a factory or OEM supplier.
Manufacturer vs. retailer vs. installer
- Manufacturer / factory: builds glass + hardware to your drawing and tolerance. Best for OEM / bulk / repeatable specs.
- Retail brand: sells standard sizes and finishes. Fast to buy, less flexible for unusual openings.
- Installer / contractor: measures, installs, and handles site conditions. Your “fit” risk is often managed here.
For custom projects, the cleanest workflow is: site reality → drawings → manufacturing → install plan. Skipping the drawing step is where most surprises start.
What to send to get a clean quote
Keep it simple. A good manufacturer can quote accurately with these basics:
- Door type: sliding / hinged / fixed panel / return panel.
- Rough opening: width × height, plus curb depth.
- Wall condition: tile on studs, waterproofing thickness, out‑of‑plumb notes.
- Glass: clear / low‑iron, tempered, thickness preference (if known).
- Hardware: finish, handle style, roller type, clamp style.
- Market: US/Canada, Australia/NZ, UK/EU (compliance cues differ).
Custom needs case‑by‑case analysis. If you want a price range, the fastest path is to contact us with the details above.
GEO spec cues by market (quick table)
| Market | Common compliance cue | What to ask your manufacturer to provide |
|---|---|---|
| US / Canada | Safety glazing for shower doors/enclosures (CPSC 16 CFR 1201) | Glass safety marking / compliance statement; packaging label + batch trace |
| Australia / NZ | Safety glass guidance references AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208 (shower screens) | Glass grade confirmation; thickness recommendation matched to panel size |
| UK / EU | Shower enclosure functional requirements & test methods (EN 14428) | Test method alignment / product declaration; install instruction set |
If your project is hospitality, student housing, or healthcare, add any special provisions from your spec book to the RFQ.
QC checkpoints that prevent rework
| Checkpoint | Why it matters | Simple verification |
|---|---|---|
| Glass edges + holes | Chips and poor drilling lead to cracks during install | Photo inspection + edge finish requirement in drawings |
| Hardware compatibility | Mixed systems (rollers, clamps) cause binding and leaks | One hardware set per door type; confirm model numbers |
| Gaskets + seal strategy | Most “leaks” are gaps, not bad glass | Specify seal location + sweep type based on door swing/slide |
| Packaging for glass | Transit damage is often invisible until unpacking | Corner protection + glass separation + crate photos |
For repeat projects, ask for a sample set (finish + gasket + handle) before you lock the full production spec.
Drawings, tolerances, and sign‑off
- Shop drawing: confirm opening, glass sizes, hole positions, and hardware orientation.
- On-site reality: note out‑of‑plumb walls, curb slope, and tile thickness.
- Tolerance language: define what “fit” means (gap allowance, adjustability, shims).
This step reduces “looks right in photos” risk. Real projects involve tolerances, and a good supplier will talk about them clearly.
Red flags you can spot early
- Quotes without drawings or without confirming key dimensions.
- No traceability (no batch/labeling language for glass and hardware).
- Vague hardware descriptions (“standard stainless”) without grade/finish details.
- Unwilling to confirm compliance cues for your market.
- Packaging plan not described (glass is unforgiving in transit).
Contact for a project‑specific quote
Custom orders require case‑by‑case review. Send your layout, rough opening, and market. We’ll respond with a spec checklist and next steps.
Sources / References
Standards & official references
- US: CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 (shower doors & enclosures)›
- AU: NSW guidance on toughened glass & shower screens (AS 1288 / AS/NZS 2208)›
- ANSI Z97.1 overview (safety glazing marking)›
- EU/UK: EN 14428 overview (functional requirements & test methods)›
Community discussions (transparent links)