Measuring for your shower enclosure is one of the first steps to creating a brand new bathroom space. The area that you have available will determine the type of shower space you can accommodate as well as any tolerances or alterations needed. Many shower manufacturers, like our team here at The Shower Lab, have a dedicated measuring service. Here, professional installation specialists will visit your site and take the correct measurements. However, having a rough understanding of dimensions will help you during the first stages of designing a new bathroom. 

This blog will give you tips and advice on how to get the right measurements for your shower enclosure. 

What measurements are needed? 

In order to achieve the most seamless install, you’ll need to take into account the height, width and depth of the space in question. We recommend that you take these measurements two or three times to check their accuracy. Make a note of each length and repeat the process to ensure you have the right dimensions. 

Things to take into account

Shower trays

Most shower trays have a square edging. In this scenario, take the measurement from the top flat edge. However, if you have one with rounded edging, making sure to measure from where the curve finishes. This will help you to get the most accurate dimensions without variations that could lead to issues. 

Out-of-plumb walls

It’s not uncommon to find that your walls aren’t 100% plumb the whole way up. This could be due to road traffic vibrations, additional floors or increased floor loads and general movement over time. This normally isn’t anything to be concerned about but you need to take this into account when measuring. 

We recommend taking 3 measurements for width at different points along the walls. Giving all of this information to your shower manufacturer will allow them to put adjustments for tolerance into place to guarantee the perfect fit. 

Existing enclosures

One easy and quick way of getting the right dimensions is to measure an existing shower enclosure. Take into account whether there have been any leakage issues due to movement when doing this. And advise your bathroom designer or shower manufacturer of the method you’ve used to take these measurements. 

Measuring your shower enclosure

To measure for your shower enclosure, follow our easy checklist guide below. 

1. Sketch out your shower enclosure

   Make a rough sketch of the existing enclosure or the space that you’re working with. This will allow you to note down measurements along the relevant sides and keep track of where you are in the process. 

2. Start with the width

   Use a tape measure to measure the width of the shower space/enclosure from one wall to another. As we mentioned above, do these in 3 different spots (top, middle bottom) to take into account out-of-plumb walls. 

3. Measure the height

   Now measure from the base of your shower enclosure to the top. If you have a shower tray, start measuring from the top edge - do not include the shower tray depth in your measurements. If you have a wet-room design in mind, measure from the floor upwards. Remember, if you’re looking to have a shorter enclosure made and installed than the one you currently have, only measure up to your desired point. 

4. Take into account opening doors

   If you are opting for a shower space with a hinged or pivot door, you need to ensure you have the floor space to accommodate this. Taking a measurement of the desired opening and judging this against your existing bathroom layout is the best way to determine practicality in this situation. If you have an existing enclosure fitted and you’re replacing like-for-like, measure the door width. Holding the tape measure where the hinge will be, move the other end in a semicircular movement. By doing this, you’ll determine whether a hinged door of this design would be practical. 

Contact your local bathroom designer/shower manufacturer

Taking these measurements is the first step to finding the shower space of your dreams. One of the best ways to ensure nothing gets missed is by working with an experienced bathroom designer. These professionals work day-in-day-out, creating bathrooms that work for all kinds of households. And, they have close relationships with their suppliers which allows you to benefit from the most bespoke and personalised experience. 

Here at The Shower Lab, we work with the best bathroom designers across the UK. Our range of premium standard and bespoke shower spaces can be configured to fit your bathroom, no matter the size. We also have a team of Professional Bathroom Installation Specialists on hand to take these much-needed measurements for you before returning to install your chosen space. If you have any questions, please get in contact with your local The Shower Lab partner showroom today.