To measure a shower door opening before ordering, record the finished width at the top, middle and bottom, the intended installation height, and the wall and threshold conditions. Keep these site measurements separate from the final product and glass sizes. A clear measurement record helps a supplier review the layout and prepare a quotation without guessing from a photograph.
This guide is for buyers preparing an inquiry for a wall-to-wall shower door or a custom enclosure. For a larger OEM specification package, use it alongside our OEM drawing and quotation checklist.
1. Identify the Opening and the Supply Scope
Start with a front-view sketch. Label the left and right sides as viewed from outside the shower, and identify the intended door position. Add a top view if the enclosure has a return panel, a half wall, a curved front or an angled entrance.
State whether you need a complete frameless shower enclosure with the specified glass or a profile and hardware kit without glass. A kit order still needs a confirmed layout and compatible glass details; the opening dimensions alone do not define the glass order.
2. Measure Between the Finished Surfaces
For final sizing, measure after the wall finishes and shower base or threshold are in place. Mark earlier measurements as preliminary and identify unfinished surfaces. Measure at the intended installation line, record widths at three heights, and check the walls with a level. Include trim or other projections that may interfere with the door.
At intended product height
At base / threshold
3. Record Every Width Instead of Averaging
Send all three readings with their measurement positions. For example, an inquiry might state A = 1204 mm, B = 1201 mm and C = 1198 mm. The difference between the largest and smallest readings is 6 mm. These are illustrative site measurements, not a recommended product size.
A width difference is a reason to review the installation conditions. Equal widths also do not prove that both walls are vertical, so include the level check. Describe which wall leans and in which direction, using an annotated photo or sketch where helpful.
4. Record Height, Threshold and Door Clearance
Show where the height measurement starts and ends. Identify the finished base or threshold as the reference and mark the intended top of the enclosure. Note a low ceiling, soffit, sloping ceiling or other restriction above the installation area.
Record the usable flat mounting area on the threshold, its level condition and any change in surface height. Add photos showing the wall-to-base junction and the intended mounting line. The required mounting width and fixing arrangement must be checked for the selected model.
For a hinged or pivot door, draw the opening arc and mark nearby toilets, vanity units, towel rails and handles. For a sliding door, show the fixed panel position and required entrance side. Compare the layouts in our sliding, pivot and hinged door guide. Overall enclosure width and usable entrance width are different dimensions.
5. Add a Top View for Corner and Shaped Enclosures
A single width is not enough for a corner enclosure. Mark both wall-side dimensions, the planned panel positions and the door opening. For a half-wall return, include the wall height and the dimensions above it, with the measurement reference clearly labelled.
For a quadrant layout, provide the tray drawing or confirmed radius information rather than estimating the curve from a photograph. For a neo-angle layout, show the angled front and adjoining panel dimensions. Our quadrant versus neo-angle comparison explains the layout differences to discuss before quotation.
6. Keep Site, Product and Glass Dimensions Separate
| Dimension type | What it describes | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Finished opening | The measured space between completed installation surfaces. | Measurement positions, units, wall condition and base reference. |
| Overall product size | The assembled enclosure or door system defined by its drawing. | Which outside edges are included and the model’s approved installation range. |
| Glass panel size | Each individual panel, including its specified holes, cut-outs and edge details. | The approved panel drawing and compatible hardware before glass production. |
| Usable entrance | The access space when the door is in the defined open position. | Panel overlap, door travel or swing, handles and surrounding obstructions. |
When sourcing glass locally for a YFX kit, request the confirmed glass dimensions and machining details for that configuration. Do not use the product photograph or the nominal opening size as a fabrication drawing.
7. Send a Clear Measurement Record for Quotation
Use a document number, revision and date on the sketch. If the measurements change after finishing work, issue an updated record and identify the changes. For a project with several openings, give each location its own reference rather than combining slightly different measurements under one size.
Copy this inquiry checklist:
- Project / opening reference and measurement date
- Product link or layout sketch; complete enclosure or kit without glass
- Finished or preliminary dimensions; all measurements in mm
- A: top width; B: middle width; C: bottom width
- Intended height and its base reference
- Wall plumb check, threshold condition and usable mounting area
- Opening direction, entrance side and nearby obstructions
- Front and top views, plus clear site photographs
- Preferred finish, glass scope, quantity and destination
Send your measurements to YFX for a model and quotation review. Final product dimensions, included components and glass details are confirmed for the selected configuration before production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order from the nominal shower tray size?
Use the actual finished installation dimensions and identify the tray model or drawing when available. A nominal tray size does not by itself define the finished opening or door position.
Should I send the smallest width or all three widths?
Send all three, labelled by position, together with the wall plumb check. The supplier needs the complete record to assess the selected system; a rule for one model may not apply to another.
Can a profile kit compensate for an uneven wall?
Only within the selected model’s confirmed adjustment capability. Provide the measured condition for review instead of assuming that every U-channel or wall profile offers the same allowance.
Can YFX quote before tiling is finished?
Send the available drawing and mark unfinished dimensions as preliminary. Ask what information is needed for an initial review, and reconfirm the finished measurements before final sizing and production approval.