Planning a fixed shower screen? Here's the full Dulles Glass process — in-home measurement, custom glass fabrication, install day, and what the installer checks at every step.
Reviewed by John Flouhouse, Installation Team Lead at Dulles Glass
A custom fixed shower screen installation usually takes about two weeks from deposit to finished glass, even though the final install appointment only takes a few hours. That timeline allows your shower opening to be measured, the glass to be custom-cut and tempered, and the panel to arrive ready for a clean, secure fit — measured, made, and installed by one team. A single pane of frameless shower glass also gives the bathroom a clean, open look, with no metal framing to interrupt the view.
This guide is for homeowners planning a frameless fixed shower panel, walk-in shower screen, or stationary glass shower enclosure. If you are still comparing styles, it helps to look at Tela shower screens, frameless shower doors, and custom shower doors before booking your measurement. If your project includes a swinging door or a full enclosure, the measurement and fabrication steps are similar, but the hardware and installation time may vary.
Because each panel is custom measured and fabricated, final pricing is confirmed after the in-home measurement.
Quick Answer
A custom fixed shower screen installation usually takes about 2 weeks from deposit to finished installation. The in-home measurement is typically scheduled 2-3 business days after deposit, fabrication takes 7-10 business days, and install day usually takes 2-3 hours with two installers.
Key Takeaways
- Full timeline: about 2 weeks from deposit to installed glass.
- In-home measurement: 30-60 minutes, scheduled 2-3 business days after deposit.
- Custom fabrication: 7-10 business days. Glass is cut, polished, drilled, then tempered.
- Install day: a single 2-3 hour appointment, two installers.
- Includes: measurement, fabrication, hardware, delivery, installation, sealing, and a 3-year warranty.
Fixed Shower Screen Installation Timeline
Most of the project timeline happens before install day because the glass must be measured, fabricated, tempered, inspected, and delivered before it can be installed.
| Step | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Initial quote and deposit | Same day |
| In-home measurement appointment | 2-3 business days after deposit |
| Final quote | Same day or next day after measurement |
| Custom glass fabrication and tempering | 7-10 business days |
| Installation appointment | 2-3 hours on-site |
| Total project timeline | About 2 weeks |
For customers, Dulles Glass handles measurement, fabrication, delivery, and installation under one schedule — one point of contact from quote to installed glass.
What Happens During the In-Home Measurement
Bathroom walls are almost never perfectly straight, so the in-home measurement captures every quirk of your specific opening — and that is what lets the glass fit cleanly the first time.
Before your glass is made, our installer checks the details that affect fit:
- Opening width at the top, middle, and bottom (walls rarely match across all three).
- Whether the wall is straight enough for the panel to sit securely where it anchors.
- Whether the threshold is level and how the shower floor slopes toward the drain.
- The wall material — tile, acrylic, or fiberglass — which determines what anchoring hardware is used.
- Where the panel can be securely anchored, including studs or backing behind the wall.
- Where the shower head is positioned relative to the planned panel location.
- Nearby fixtures — a vanity, toilet, towel bars, or a door swing that affects where the panel sits.
A Dulles Glass installer measuring a walk-in shower opening before fabrication.
The appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The specialist confirms hardware finish, glass thickness, and any optional upgrades (low-iron glass, ClearShield coating) on-site so the final quote reflects exact specs.
Custom Glass Fabrication and Tempering
Once the final quote is approved, the panel goes into the fabrication queue. This part of the timeline should not be rushed.
The fabrication sequence:
- Glass cut to exact dimensions based on the measurement appointment.
- Edges polished to a smooth, finished profile (frameless glass has visible edges, so polish quality matters).
- Holes drilled for any clamps, hinges (on hinged variants), or hardware.
- Tempering — the glass passes through a controlled heating and cooling cycle that makes it roughly 4 times stronger than annealed glass. Tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled afterward.
- Optional coatings — ClearShield or low-iron upgrades are applied at this stage.
- Quality inspection — the panel is inspected for chips, edge defects, or stress marks.
Why fabrication can't be rushed
Tempered glass goes through a precisely controlled heating and cooling cycle. There's no way to shorten the cycle without compromising the strength rating — which is what makes the glass safe for a shower environment. The 7-10 business day window covers cutting, polishing, drilling, tempering, and quality inspection.
Installation Day, Step by Step
Install day is a 2-3 hour appointment, usually with two installers. Here's what happens:
- Floor and tile protection. Drop cloths over the bathroom floor, padding on the tub edge if relevant, and protective sheeting on the vanity.
- Dry-fit the panel. The installers position the glass in the opening to verify the fit before any anchors go in.
- Mark anchor locations. Wall clamps and any threshold hardware are positioned and marked.
- Drill anchors. Pilot holes are drilled into the wall, using the right anchors for the wall material (tile, acrylic, or fiberglass).
- Set the hardware. Wall clamps, threshold channel (if used), and any structural support are installed.
- Set the panel. The glass is lifted into place and clamped to the hardware. Adjustment for plumb is done at this stage.
- Seal the perimeter. A bead of clear, shower-safe silicone is applied where the panel meets the wall and threshold.
- Final inspection. The installers test panel stability, confirm the silicone is curing, and walk you through care instructions.
A frameless fixed shower screen secured with chrome wall clamps after installation.
How to Prepare Your Bathroom
Before the installer arrives
- Clear the shower area — remove shampoo bottles, caddies, and anything stored inside the shower.
- Clear the bathroom floor — rugs, scales, hampers, anything that gets in the way of moving the glass panel.
- Confirm vehicle access — the installers arrive in a glass-rated van with the panel; tight driveways or apartment elevators need pre-confirmation.
- Keep pets and children away from the work path — the install team carries large pieces of tempered glass through the home, so a clear route matters.
- Plan for the silicone cure — the perimeter seal needs 24 hours to fully cure. The shower is usable after that.
Warranty and After-Install Care
Every Dulles Glass custom shower installation includes a 3-year warranty covering parts and workmanship. This 3-year warranty applies specifically to custom shower installations; in-stock, mass-produced products carry a 1-year warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and installation workmanship; it excludes damage from acidic cleaners, abrasive scrubs, and impact damage.
Day-to-day care after install is simple: a daily squeegee on the inside glass, a weekly pH-neutral wipe, and a monthly visual check on the silicone bead. The first 24 hours, avoid running the shower so the silicone fully cures.
The install appointment takes only a few hours. The two weeks of measurement, fabrication, and delivery before it are what help the panel fit cleanly without on-site improvising.
How Much Does Fixed Shower Screen Installation Cost?
The cost of a fixed shower screen installation depends on several factors: the size of the glass panel, the glass thickness, the hardware and finish you choose, any optional coatings (such as ClearShield or low-iron glass), and the site conditions in your bathroom. Because every opening is different, final pricing is confirmed after the in-home measurement, when the panel can be priced to your exact opening and specifications.
Schedule a Fixed Shower Screen Installation
Ready to plan your fixed shower screen? Dulles Glass measures, fabricates, delivers, and installs custom shower glass. Explore our Tela shower screens, frameless shower doors, and custom shower doors, or request a quote to schedule your measurement appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fixed shower screen installation take?
The on-site installation typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The full project from deposit to installed glass is about 2 weeks: 2-3 business days for measurement, 7-10 business days for fabrication, and a 2-3 hour install appointment.
Do I need to be home for the installation?
Yes. Someone needs to be present to confirm the installer can access the bathroom, verify the final placement of the panel, and accept delivery of the glass. The appointment usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
What does the installer check before installing a fixed shower screen?
The installer checks whether the walls are straight, whether the threshold is level, how the shower floor slopes, the wall material (tile, acrylic, or fiberglass), and where there is solid backing to anchor into. These details determine the right anchoring hardware for your bathroom.
Can a fixed shower screen be installed on acrylic walls?
Yes. Acrylic and fiberglass walls need anchors rated for that material, or added backing reinforcement, rather than standard tile hardware. Your installer confirms the wall material during the measurement appointment and specifies the correct hardware before fabrication.
What is included in a custom fixed shower screen installation?
A Dulles Glass custom fixed shower screen install includes the in-home measurement, custom glass fabrication and tempering, hardware, delivery, professional installation, sealing with silicone, and a 3-year warranty on parts and workmanship.
How much does fixed shower screen installation cost?
The cost depends on glass size, thickness, hardware, finish, coatings, and site conditions. A final quote is provided after the in-home measurement so the panel can be priced to the exact opening.
Can I install a fixed shower screen myself?
Some stock panels are sold for DIY installation, but custom fixed shower screens should be professionally measured and installed. Tempered glass cannot be altered after fabrication and must be anchored correctly to be safe and watertight.
What is the difference between a fixed shower screen and a shower door?
A fixed shower screen is a stationary glass panel that stays in place, often used for walk-in showers. A shower door opens and closes with hinges or rollers. Fixed panels usually have fewer moving parts and create a clean, open look, while shower doors provide more full-enclosure coverage.
Ready to schedule a fixed shower screen installation?
Dulles Glass installs custom fixed shower screens. Send us your opening dimensions and we'll book the measurement appointment to start the 2-week timeline.
