Hello all!
We are do-it-yourselfers that have tackled many things, but we are a bit uncomfortable with this one. We would like to install 2 glass walls in a walk-in shower [ 3′ x 8′ and 2′ x 8′]. It is new construction, so I can put support columns or walls wherever I want. Can anyone give me advice on how to secure the glass…to the wall, ceiling, and any columns?
What fittings should I use to anchor the glass & where can I find them?
Can I assume the glass should be 1/2″ safety glass? or what size/type?
Should we make the glass go to the ceiling or not?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Edited 3/1/2006 9:30 am ET by glassgirl
Edited 3/1/2006 9:37 am ET by glassgirl
Replies
Well, since you can't make the glass by yourself, you're gonna have to go to a glass shop anyway. Most of the glass shops here sell fittings for mounting glass panels, and can advise you of the best method for your particular case. If you buy the glass and parts from them, they should be happy to give lots of advice. They will probably try to talk you out of it, but as long as you don't hold them liable when you crack the glass, it can be done.
It has to be safety glass. It can either be tempered or laminated. I have a shop here that does nothign but shower enclosures, and they can get custom size tempered glass in two days. And htey sell the fittings in about 6 different finishes, but many are non-stock.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Thanks for your input! Before my initial post, I contacted several glass shops in the area. All had glass & recommended tempered safety glass, but they did not sell fittings & could not make recommendations.....I do live in a terribly rural area. Wonderful to live in, not always easy to buy in.
Thanks again!
C R Laurence is the source for most of those fittings. http://www.crlaurence.com/ProductPages/showLine.asp?GroupID=8121&Path=::8121
Tremendous thanks to you for the info and your kindness!
We plan to have a shower installer for the custom pan & one piece side-back wall. But we are trying to contain costs & think we can do the glass.
Do you think it will be greatly difficult for individuals to install the glass without a professional? We do beautiful ceramic tile & stained glass work.
Thanks again & Have a great day!
The weight of the glass will be a concern. You will need to rent, borrow, or buy a pair of suction cups.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
The CRL link that someone posted is the best manufacturer/ distributor for the components. See if they will send you a catologue. You will find that easier than the website only because you will inadvertantly turn to a page while getting to another which will spark a new thought.
The only problem with CRL is they will not sell to you, but they should be able to recommend a nearby supplier. Many of the local suppliers around me only sell what they install. Hardware is expensive - even wholesale.
The glass MUST be tempered. You must provide a template to the fabricator. You must select your hinges and have them in-hand in order to make the template.
Installation is all about keeping things clean and the adhesive where you want it an away from where you don't want it. Easier said than done.
It's all about preparation. That's why these guys get the big bucks.
Frankie
There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.
—Hunter S. Thompson
from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
Frankie, THANK YOU! for taking time to help! I'll probably post when it's complete, but know that will be at least 2 months down the road.
Again, am grateful for your kind & helpful comments.
glass girl in the vast and beautiful sticks
I'm doing a custom shower with 3 glass walls, my shop recommended 3/8 thick tempered glass.
Unless you're doing a steam shower set-up I wouldn't go to the ceiling, it will trap moisture/humidity and make the shower an extremely hot place to be. Besides, you don't want a glass door that tall - it'll weigh a ton which will stress the hinges.
My glass shop always requires that I have the base/pan set and all other tile-work & walls complete. They come in and measure and do a template even if everything looks square. They will not take my measurements, this helps avoid fingerpointing down the road.
My 3 wall shower will cost $2,700 just for glass, and these guys will earn every penny doing the install. It's heavy work that also takes finesse.
-Norm
have you considered glass blocks? just did one and it's a cinch, bob
I hadn't looked at glass blocks for this job, the shower is going in a fairly small bath that's already occupied by a soaking tub, toilet and big vanity - - they wanted the shower to be somewhat invisible as you walked into the room. I like the glass block look but have never used them, can you point me to a good online resource for reading material?? Thanks bob.
-Norm
Thanks for your helpful comments!
We are contracting the shower pan and the 2 walls made of 1 piece acrylic. which I expect should come to around $2,500.
We plan to sandwich 2 glass panels between floor to ceiling, tiled columns and 1 acrylic walls...in other words: 3' x 6.5' glass between & perpendicular mounting to 1 wall and one column. Then 2' x 6.5' glass between two columns.
Again, thank you for taking time to help!
Glass/ floor to ceiling dimension is 6'-5"? Seems kind of low for a ceiling in the shower considering the shower head height requirement.FThere he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.—Hunter S. Thompson
from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
ooops...what are the requirements for shower heads?
Should we go 7'?
gg
This is easy to figure out. Have the tallest person in your house stand in your current shower. Do they fit under the head or do they have to bend over? You can do this yourself even if you are not the tallest person. Just extrapolate the numbers that apply to you, to another height. I am 6'. I therefore want a minimum showerhead feed at 7'. This accounts for the bend in the shower arm too. Do you know what head you are getting? Some drop lower than others though most are pretty standard.I like 6" of clearance between me and the shower head and anothe 6" above the head, minimum, so I don't feel the ceiling above. Oh yeah, you will need the above clearance in order to screw on the shower arm.FramkieThere he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.—Hunter S. Thompson
from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
This might be of help. Because we live out in the sticks, we couldn't go to a local supplier. If you follow the web site, and provide EXACT measurements, you'll get everything you need to do your job.
As far as glass thickness, 3/8" tempered glass will do the job if you're going floor to ceiling, having the glass anchored on most sides. For a moderately sized shower, 1/2" is only necessary for the appearance of a thicker edge, in most cases.
http://glasss.com/
And another possibility ...
http://www.eshowerdoor.com/
Bruce
Between the mountains and the desert ...
Edited 3/1/2006 8:02 pm by Bruce
Edited 3/1/2006 8:03 pm by Bruce
Thank you Bruce!
We're making a 4' x 6' walk in shower with 2 acrylic walls and 2 sectioned glass walls. We decided against floor to ceiling - and are currently thinking 6.5' - 7' will be tall enouch.
We plan to position the 3' wide glass panel between and perpendicular to one acrylic wall and one ceramic tiled, floor to ceiling column.
We plan to position the 2' wide glass panel between 2 floor to ceiling ceramic tiled columns.
Given this scenario, do you think the 3/8 glass might work?
Again, thank you so much for your help!
Glass girl in the beautiful sticks
I am no expert. My "guess" is that 3/8 would be OK. I would suggest that you all or e-mail Wilson Glass for an opinion. I'm sure your local glass outfit could give you and answer. I'm totally satisfied with the stuff I got from Wilson, but if you don't live near one of the centers they drop ship the glass from, it can be expensive. I'd price your local outfit too.
So where's the sticks?Bruce
Between the mountains and the desert ...
I do everything myself it seems....
But I wouldn't do this.
That said, if you are going to attach the glass with only a few clips, 1/2" is the way to go. If you use channels, then you can get away with less.
Wait until you have finished surfaces and cut a template. VERY important to the finished look. Channels are more forgiving to mistakes. The clips will show if the job is botched.
The installation is not easy, and you only get one shot. Getting the door gap right, and everything square is tough, and the silicone...eeessssh! better them than me, LOL.
Once the glass is cut it gets tempered, and if it's wrong, they throw it away and start over.
I like to make the glass about 6'9" or 7' above the shower floor. Leave space above for venting.
Also, make sure the shower head clears the door if the door swings in...if not, it could get nasty.
And they make a slim clear plastic peice that fits between the door and the wall...a must have. I think it glues on.
GOOD luck!
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT