Should I install a shower door before or after tile?

Author: Citlalli Gorczany  |  Last update: Saturday, February 14, 2026

The work on the shower door is typically one of the last things to occur in a bathroom remodel, usually not beginning until the tile has been set.

Should you tile or install a shower enclosure first?

Yes, It is advisable that tile work should be done before the installation of the shower cubicles or shower doors. Installing a shower cubicle and shower door is very easy. It is should be done on the finished floor area only.

Do you install door or tile first?

You want the casing to sit on top of the floor for a more finished look. The entry door should go in first anyway as the tile is cut up to the threshold. If your interior doors are split jamb, you may want to wait until after the floor is in. You will have the option of cutting them to fit your new floors.

Do you fit shower or tile first?

It's generally recommended to tile bathroom walls and floor before fitting the suite.

Do you install a shower before tiling?

tile your walls first, then install the bath,sink and toilet, check for any leaks, when you are sure there is no leaks THEN tile the floor, and the adhesive you are planning to use, take it back to where you bought it and buy some proper adhesive and grout mate.

DIY Shower Door Install [How To install a glass shower door on tile - Bifold]

Should shower door go before or after tile?

The work on the shower door is typically one of the last things to occur in a bathroom remodel, usually not beginning until the tile has been set.

Do you tile before or after plumbing?

Ask any professional Tradesperson and they'll tell you that wall and floor tiles should go in first, before installing your fixtures and fittings. This allows for a more professional finish, and means avoiding awkward tile cuts to fit around fixtures.

When installing a shower, what is installed first?

Shower Pan Install

A waterproof base is the foundation of any shower. Also known as the ""shower pan,"" this base requires precise measurements and proper slope to ensure efficient water drainage (and to prevent leaks).

Should you install shower screen before or after tiling?

Installing a shower screen after tiling ensures that you can achieve a precise fit, as you can measure the exact dimensions of the tiled walls and the overall shower area. This method allows for more accurate adjustments, ensuring that the shower screen aligns perfectly with the tiles for a seamless look.

Is it better to install doors before flooring?

Doing it before is easier for the door installer, but that can lead to problems installing the floor. When the doors are installed before the flooring, we usually undercut the jambs with a Japanese pull saw, laying the saw on a scrap piece of flooring.

What do you put down first before tile?

Inspect your subfloor and correct any dips, cracks or uneven places that will cause your tile to buckle or not install properly. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor, install a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. Concrete subfloors typically don't require backer board.

Do you install cabinets before or after tile flooring?

The general rule of thumb with kitchen remodels is to follow this order: lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in the appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures and backsplash for the final touches.

Do you install bathtub or tile first?

Protection against Damaged Floors

However, if you have the flooring installed first, it can easily get scratched, cracked, or even completely ruined by trying to place a heavy object such as a bathtub on it, so it's often best and more convenient to place the tub first and add the new flooring afterward.

Do you tile before or after fitting a shower tray?

Fit the tray first, seal it to the wall with sanitary silicone, then tile down onto the tray.

Can you put a shower enclosure over tile?

Shower surrounds can be installed directly over securely fastened ceramic tile. Loose ceramic tiles and plastic tiles must be removed, and the walls will need to be sanded smooth before installation. In new installations, the enclosure should be applied over waterproof backerboard.

Do you install a shower door before tiling?

If the tiles are not installed before measuring for the enclosure, it will be nearly impossible to create a watertight seal between the enclosure and the tiles. Water leakage can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Therefore, completing tile work first helps prevent this potential issue.

Do you tile before installing a shower enclosure?

Before you get started

Following this, any tiling will then usually be done first before the shower enclosure is fitted.

What should you not do when tiling a shower?

Avoid These 7 Bathroom Tiling Mistakes
  1. Not Preparing the Wall. ...
  2. Haphazardly Applying Caulking. ...
  3. Skipping a Backer Board. ...
  4. Laying Out Tile Incorrectly. ...
  5. Using Improper Tools. ...
  6. Skimping On Quality Grout. ...
  7. Creating Grout Haze. ...
  8. How Do You Avoid Bathroom Tile Mistakes?

What order should I do my shower?

  1. The Everyday Shower Routine. Everyone knows that the best showers start out even before you get in the shower. ...
  2. Step 1: Shampoo. Obviously not every day is a hair wash day, but on the days that are you want to be sure to start your shower off with shampoo. ...
  3. Step 2: Conditioner. ...
  4. Step 3: Body Wash. ...
  5. Step 4: Face Wash.

Should you tile or screen shower first?

A: It's often best to put in a shower screen after tiling. This way, you can see how water flows and make sure everything fits right.

What to consider when installing a shower?

14 Things To Consider For Your Bathroom Shower Options
  1. Curb Or Curbless Shower? The first consideration when choosing a walk in shower is to decide between curbed or curbless. ...
  2. Cost. ...
  3. Installation Process. ...
  4. Shower Type. ...
  5. Tile. ...
  6. Shower Systems. ...
  7. Accessories. ...
  8. Function.

Do you tile walls first before installing shower?

Install the wall tiles first to save time. The floor tiles will no longer need as much time to cure. Also, wall tiles can be partially dried and set.

In what order do you install a bathroom?

  1. Step 1: Before you get started… ...
  2. Step 2: Demolition and removal. ...
  3. Step 3: Pipework, electrics and plastering. ...
  4. Step 4: Installing the shower and bath. ...
  5. Step 5: Flooring overhaul. ...
  6. Step 6: Tiling. ...
  7. Step 7: Cabinets and vanity set-up. ...
  8. Step 8: Lighting enhancements.

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