If you’ve ever tried to find a standard shower enclosure that fits your bathroom perfectly, you already know the frustration. Most bathrooms don’t come in standard sizes, and off-the-shelf panels leave awkward gaps, require costly workarounds, or simply don’t deliver the clean, tailored look you’re after. That’s why more homeowners and contractors are turning to bespoke shower glass — and learning how to order custom shower glass the right way, from the very first measurement to final installation.
This guide walks you through the entire glass order process, so you can approach your project with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and get a result that looks like it was always meant to be there.
Why Choose Bespoke Shower Glass?
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why bespoke shower glass has become the preferred choice for modern bathroom renovations.
Standard enclosures are designed around average bathroom dimensions. The moment your space deviates — even slightly — you run into fitment problems. Bespoke shower glass, by contrast, is cut to size specifically for your bathroom. Every panel is made to your exact shower glass dimensions, which means no filler strips, no awkward silicone patches, and no compromises on finish.
Beyond fit, custom shower glass also opens up a wider choice of glass types, thicknesses, finishes, and hardware options. Whether you’re going for a minimalist frameless walk-in or a traditional framed enclosure, ordering glass panels custom-made ensures the final result matches your design vision precisely.
Step 1: Plan Your Shower Enclosure Layout
The first step in how to order custom shower glass is to decide on the type of enclosure you want. This shapes everything that follows — what measurements you’ll need, how many panels are required, and what hardware suits the design.
Common enclosure types include:
Walk-in panels — one or two fixed panels, ideal for open, contemporary bathrooms. These are the simplest to measure and order.
Hinged door enclosures — a fixed panel combined with a hinged door. More complex to measure, as door swing space must be factored in.
Sliding door enclosures — two panels that overlap and slide, good for tighter spaces where a hinged door won’t work.
Frameless vs. semi-frameless vs. framed — frameless panels use minimal hardware for a clean look; framed panels use aluminium channels and are often more forgiving on imperfect walls.
Once you know your enclosure type, you can move to measurements.
Step 2: Take Accurate Shower Glass Dimensions
This is the most critical part of the entire process. Incorrect shower glass dimensions are the number one cause of delays and reorders, so take your time here and measure more than once.
Tools You’ll Need
- A steel tape measure (not a fabric one)
- A spirit level
- A pencil and notepad or a measurement diagram
What to Measure
Width: Measure the width of the shower opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Walls are rarely perfectly plumb, so you may get three slightly different numbers. Note all three.
Height: Measure floor to ceiling (or to the point where you want the glass to end) at both ends and the centre. Again, note any variation.
Return dimensions: If you have a return panel (a side panel that meets the main panel at 90°), measure its depth from the wall to the shower opening.
Out-of-square allowance: If your walls are noticeably out of square — common in older homes — note this carefully. A reputable glass supplier will ask about it, as panels may need to be cut at a slight angle rather than perfectly square.
When in doubt, take photos alongside your measurements. A picture of the shower recess with a tape measure in frame can be invaluable when discussing your order with a supplier.
Step 3: Choose Your Glass Specification
Once your measurements are confirmed, you move onto the glass specification itself. This is where personal taste, safety requirements, and budget all come into play.
Glass Type
Toughened (tempered) safety glass is the standard for shower enclosures and is required by building regulations in the UK. It’s far stronger than standard glass and, when broken, shatters into small granular pieces rather than dangerous shards.
Low-iron glass (sometimes called “extra-clear” or “optiwhite”) has a reduced green tint compared to standard float glass. It’s worth considering for frameless panels where clarity is a priority.
Patterned or obscure glass can be incorporated into panels where privacy is needed, particularly for shower areas visible from the room.
Glass Thickness
For shower enclosures, the most common options are 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
- 6mm is suitable for smaller panels and framed enclosures
- 8mm is the most popular choice for frameless walk-in panels
- 10mm is used for large frameless panels and doors where rigidity and stability are important
Thicker glass feels more premium and reduces flex, but also adds weight — a consideration for hinged doors and wall fixings.
Glass Finish
Clear remains the most popular choice, giving a clean, open feel to the shower area.
Satin or acid-etched glass has a frosted finish on one or both sides, providing privacy without blocking light.
Tinted glass (grey, bronze, or blue) is available for a more design-led look, though it can darken the shower space.
Easy-clean coatings are worth considering for any custom shower glass. A hydrophobic coating causes water and soap residue to bead off the surface, significantly reducing cleaning time and limescale build-up.
Step 4: Request a Custom Shower Glass Quote
With your measurements and glass specification in hand, you’re ready to get a custom shower glass quote. At Berwyn Glass, this process is designed to be as straightforward as possible — you can submit your dimensions and specification online or by phone, and receive a detailed, itemised quote in return.
When requesting your quote, be prepared to provide:
- The type of enclosure (walk-in, hinged, sliding, etc.)
- Exact measurements for each panel, including any out-of-square allowances
- Glass thickness, type, and finish
- Edge finishing requirements (polished edges for exposed sides, or bevelled for a more decorative look)
- Any cut-outs needed (for example, a notch around a wall-mounted shower arm)
- Hardware requirements, if ordering as a package
A good supplier will review your measurements and specification before confirming the quote. At Berwyn Glass, this review step is standard — if anything looks unusual or potentially problematic with the shower glass specification, the team will flag it before production begins.
Step 5: Review and Approve Your Order
Once you receive your custom shower glass quote, review it carefully before approving. Check that every measurement matches what you provided, that the glass specification is correct, and that any cut-outs or special requirements are listed.
This is also the time to ask any remaining questions. Can the panels be delivered at a specific time? Is packaging designed to prevent edge chipping during transit? What’s the lead time for your order?
At Berwyn Glass, all orders are confirmed with a detailed specification sheet that mirrors what will go into production. Customers are asked to sign off on this before cutting begins. This step exists to protect you — once glass is cut to size, it cannot be returned or exchanged, so accuracy at this stage is essential.
Step 6: Production and Lead Times
After approval, your order enters production. For standard glass panels cut to size, lead times at Berwyn Glass are typically 5–10 working days, depending on order complexity and current production schedules. More complex orders involving special finishes, large panels, or multiple cut-outs may take a little longer.
During this time, your glass is:
- Cut to your exact shower glass dimensions using precision CNC cutting equipment
- Edged and polished on any exposed sides
- Toughened in a tempering furnace (this process permanently sets the shape — no further cutting is possible after tempering)
- Coated, if an easy-clean or other surface treatment has been specified
- Inspected for quality before packaging
Because tempering is the final production step, it’s worth emphasising again: measurements must be correct before the order is approved. There is no way to re-cut or adjust toughened glass.
Step 7: Delivery and Installation
Your completed panels will arrive carefully packaged — typically in foam-lined crates or protective film — to prevent damage in transit. On delivery, check each panel against your specification sheet before signing off. Look for any chips on the edges, check that dimensions match, and confirm that any cut-outs are in the correct position.
For installation, frameless glass panels require precise fixing to walls and floors. Unless you’re an experienced fitter, it’s worth using a professional installer — particularly for large or heavy panels. Incorrectly fitted glass can put uneven stress on the panel, increasing the risk of spontaneous breakage over time.
Berwyn Glass can provide fixing guidance and recommended installer contacts for customers in our service area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Glass Panels
Even experienced contractors occasionally run into problems when they order glass panels. Here are the most common issues — and how to avoid them:
Measuring only once. Always measure three times in each direction and record every reading. Walls move, floors slope, and tape measures can slip.
Forgetting the frame rebate. If you’re fitting panels into a frame or channel, the glass needs to be smaller than the opening to sit inside the channel. Check your channel depth and subtract accordingly.
Ignoring out-of-square walls. If you simply order a rectangle and your walls aren’t square, the panel won’t sit flush. This needs to be addressed at the measurement stage, not after delivery.
Ordering the wrong thickness for the hardware. Shower door hinges and clamps are designed for specific glass thicknesses. If your hardware is designed for 8mm glass and you order 10mm, it won’t fit. Always check hardware compatibility before specifying glass thickness.
Underestimating lead times. If you’re coordinating a bathroom renovation with other trades, factor in the glass production lead time from the start. Trying to rush a glass order to fit around a tiler’s schedule is a common source of project delays.
Getting Started with Berwyn Glass
Knowing how to order custom shower glass correctly makes the difference between a renovation that runs smoothly and one that ends in expensive reorders and delays. The key is precision at every step: accurate measurements, a clear glass specification, a detailed quote, and a thorough sign-off before production begins.
At Berwyn Glass, we specialise in shower glass cut to size for residential and commercial projects across the UK. Whether you need a single walk-in panel or a complete bespoke shower glass enclosure, our team will guide you through the entire glass order process — from your first measurement to final delivery.
Ready to get started? Contact Berwyn Glass today for your custom shower glass quote, and let’s make your bathroom renovation exactly what you envisioned.
