When it comes to upgrading your bathroom with a stunning glass shower door or enclosure, precision is everything. Even the most beautiful shower door can cause headaches if it doesn’t fit properly. Whether you’re working with Aston’s Bromley collection or another model, taking accurate measurements from the start will ensure your new enclosure looks flawless and functions perfectly. Here’s what you need to know to avoid common measurement mistakes, especially when pairing your enclosure with a new shower base or tray.
Why Measuring Matters
Glass shower doors and enclosures are custom-fitting pieces for your bathroom. If your measurements are even slightly off, you could end up with:
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A gap that causes leaks
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A door that won’t open or close properly
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Glass panels sitting in the wrong place
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Extra costs for reordering or modifying parts
By getting your measurements right the first time, you save time, money, and stress to ensure a professional, polished finish.
The Tray & Enclosure Misconception
It’s a common misconception that a 42” x 36” shower tray will perfectly match a 42” x 36” shower enclosure, like Aston’s Bromley Collection. In reality, those dimensions usually refer to the outside edge of both the tray and the enclosure, not the interior space where the glass will rest.
Here’s the issue: mounting an enclosure on a tray of the same measurements will place the glass right at the edge of the tray. Instead, the glass should rest in the center of the tray’s curb for proper sealing and support.
If you add a backing board, tile, or both to your shower construction, the usable portion of the tray will be even smaller than the advertised size.
Pro Tip: A general rule of thumb is to select a shower enclosure about 2 inches shorter on each side than your shower tray. However, it’s essential that your installer carefully measures:
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The shower tray’s actual usable surface area
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Wall finishes and thicknesses
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Drain placement
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Floor and wall alignment
By accounting for these details, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure your enclosure fits exactly as intended!
How to Measure for a Perfect Fit
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Measure the Width – Take measurements from wall to wall at the base, middle, and top of the shower’s opening. Use the smallest measurement as your guide.
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Measure the Height – Start at the shower’s curb (or base) and measure up to where you want the glass to end.
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Check for Out-of-Plumb Walls – Even small variations can affect how the glass fits. Use a level to check if the walls are perfectly vertical.
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Account for Materials – If tile, backing board, or waterproofing layers are not yet installed, factor in their thickness when measuring.
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Measure the Tray’s Curb Center – The glass should rest in the middle of the curb, not on its edge.
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Check the Drain Location – Make sure the enclosure layout works with the drain placement.
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Consult Your Installer – While DIY measuring is possible, working with a professional installer can save time, stress, and money. They have the tools and experience to account for every nuance, especially in complex remodels or when pairing a new base/tray with a glass enclosure.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
The perfect glass shower door or glass enclosure starts with perfect measurements. Taking the time to double-check dimensions, factor in wall finishes, and understand how your enclosure fits on your shower tray will save you from frustrating installation issues. Proper measuring is the key to enjoying a leak-free, elegant shower for years to come.
Check out our Renovation Roadmap, a guide designed to give you an idea of what the process of a bathroom renovation project can look like.
