Common Misconceptions About Shower Screen Installations (and What to Know)

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On the surface, installing a shower screen seems pretty straightforward. You measure the space, order the glass, and bolt it in—right? Not quite. After more than 30 years in the industry, I can tell you first-hand that shower glass installation is one of the most misunderstood parts of a bathroom renovation. And it’s often the final step that catches people off guard.

At REGAL Shower Screens, we work with some of the most experienced builders and bathroom renovators across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. I’ve also turned to a few of our long-term trade partners to help shed light on the most common shower screen installation mistakes—because they’ve seen them too, time and again, on-site.

So in this article, we’re clearing the air. I’ve pulled together the biggest misconceptions we hear when installing a shower, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to avoid each one—based on real jobs, real feedback, and the lessons we’ve learnt along the way.

“Shower Screen Installs Don’t Require Wall Preparation”

One of the most common assumptions we hear is that if a shower screen is custom-made, it’ll simply “fit” the space, no matter how uneven the walls or floors are. But here’s the truth: even with frameless shower installations, glass doesn’t flex. It’s custom-cut, not custom-shaped. If your tiling is off, your grout lines don’t align, or your walls are bowed, you’ll see the result—and you won’t like it.

We’ve had clients assume the glass will cover imperfections or magically adjust to out-of-level surfaces. It doesn’t. As I often explain to homeowners, “We’re last in, so we can only work on the canvas we’re given. We’re custom-made, but we can’t bend glass.” If the wall prep isn’t right—if floors aren’t level or corners aren’t square—there’s only so much we can do to make it look clean.

Poor prep often leads to visible gaps, misaligned seals, or a screen that appears crooked even though the glass is perfect. It’s one of those shower installation issues that could easily be avoided with the right groundwork.

“Shower Screens Are 100% Waterproof”

This one surprises people all the time—shower screens help control splashing, but they aren’t a waterproof barrier. They’re designed to minimise water escape, not block it completely. If your bathroom isn’t properly waterproofed underneath, no amount of screen seals or silicon will stop water from leaking out over time.

We’ve had situations where a screen was blamed for water on the floor, when in reality, the floor slope was incorrect or the waterproofing was never done properly. That’s why we always remind customers that the screen is not the first line of defence—it’s the final layer.

As I often explain to clients during a new shower installation, “Shower screens are not a waterproof item. These are not required by law and are an aesthetic item that prevents extra water going out onto the floor. The bathroom should be fully properly waterproofed, so there should not be any issue with water.” That’s something a lot of people don’t realise until damage starts showing up.

“All Shower Glass is the Same”

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear—especially from homeowners comparing quotes—is that shower glass is just shower glass. If it looks the same, it must be the same, right? But the truth is, not all glass is created equal.

We’ve seen a lot of imported glass hit the market that doesn’t meet Australian safety standards. It might look fine on the surface, but when it comes to impact resistance, long-term durability, or certification, it often falls short. And if you’re planning to resell, or if something goes wrong, you may find your insurance won’t cover a screen that’s not fully compliant.

As Nathan Capewell from The Plumbing & Bathroom Specialists puts it:

“Many clients underestimate the importance of professional installation for waterproofing and longevity, and some initially think all glass types are the same.”

At REGAL, we only use Grade A safety glass—toughened, locally processed, and certified to Australian Standards. Every panel is traceable and installed by a licensed expert. That means no guesswork, no hidden risks, and peace of mind for years to come.

“You Can Install a Shower Screen Yourself”

We get this one a lot—“Can I just install it myself?” And look, we get it. DIY is everywhere right now, and a DIY shower screen installation might seem simple enough. But in reality, installing shower glass without the right tools, training, and experience is one of the riskiest parts of a bathroom reno.

We’ve seen panels crack during installation, glass set out of level, and cheap adhesives that fail within months. Worse still, we regularly get calls from homeowners who bought a screen online or from a hardware store, only to find that no professional will install it. As I often say, “When purchasing glass from a hardware or bathroom store, you’ll have difficulty getting a shower screen company to install it. Most imported glass doesn’t come with any certification forms, which can be a real issue down the track.”

There’s also the insurance side—if something goes wrong with a DIY renovation, you could void warranties or find yourself out of pocket for damage repairs. It’s not just about getting the glass on the wall—it’s about ensuring it’s safe, compliant, and long-lasting.

“You Can Just Buy Glass Off-the-Shelf and Have it Installed”

Many homeowners assume they can buy a piece of glass from Bunnings, bring it home, and then call a professional to install it. But here’s the catch—most licensed installers, including REGAL, won’t install off-the-shelf shower screens. And there’s a good reason for that.

When you buy imported or mass-produced glass, you usually don’t get the right certification paperwork. That’s a problem for warranty support, insurance claims, and even resale. As I’ve told clients often, “When purchasing glass from a hardware or bathroom store, you’ll have difficulty getting a shower screen company to install it. Most imported glass doesn’t come with any certification forms, which can be a real issue down the track.”

Even if the screen looks like it will fit, it hasn’t been measured, manufactured, or safety-checked for your specific space. And when it comes to frameless shower screen installation, precision is everything. A millimetre out can cause leaks, cracks, or failure under pressure.

“Standard Screens Will Fit Any Space”

We’ve seen plenty of homeowners assume that a standard-size shower screen will work in their bathroom—especially in a renovation. But the truth is, very few bathrooms are perfectly square. Wall angles can vary, tiles can throw out the level, and even a few millimetres can make a screen sit out of alignment.

Chris Holmes from Homes by Holmes explained it well when reflecting on one of their more complex renovations: “REGAL installed custom semi-frameless sliding shower screens in challenging bathroom layouts. Their precise fitting and creative solutions helped avoid extensive modifications, keeping our project timeline on track.”

This is exactly why we don’t recommend pre-made screens for renovations. Whether it’s an odd recess, sloping ceiling, or tiling variation, the layout almost always calls for custom fitting, especially when working with shower installation services that require long-term function and finish.

How to Avoid It

If you plan to install a new shower, book a measure with a team that can design and install to suit your space, not just what fits the box. At REGAL, we custom-cut every panel to suit out-of-square walls, tight corners, and unique bathroom layouts, ensuring your screen looks built-in, not tacked on. Contact us today for a free measure and quote.

“You Can Measure Before Tiling to Speed Things Up”

It’s tempting to get ahead of the schedule and book your shower screen measure before tiling is done. We’ve had clients suggest it many times to “save time.” But in reality, measuring too early nearly always creates more problems than it solves.

Tile depth, grout lines, and even minor inconsistencies in the wall or floor finish can all affect the final fit of the screen. If we measure before those are in place, it’s impossible to guarantee accuracy. That often means reordering glass or adjusting the install, which leads to delays, not savings.

As I always explain to clients: “Mostly asking for a measure prior to tiling. Being custom-made, we require this to ensure the best possible result. Often wanting this before in aid of accelerating the process, only makes for errors and further delays.”

Our process at REGAL is built around accuracy. Once your bathroom is fully tiled and ready, we’ll take precise measurements and provide a same-day quote—so your new shower installation goes smoothly, with no surprises at the end.

“The Glass Will Hide a Bowed or Uneven Wall”

This is a common one—clients often think that once the shower glass is in place, it’ll cover up any wall imperfections. But glass doesn’t bend. If your walls are bowed, your grout lines run out, or your tiling dips in the corners, that will show up loud and clear—especially with frameless shower installations, where every detail is on display.

We do our best to compensate. As I often explain, “We cut glass out of square, but if the wall is bowed or your tiling is out, it can look like the screen isn’t fitted right. We have to make the glass level, so if the ‘canvas’ we’re working on isn’t, it can throw everything out.”

Even a few millimetres of variation can cause gaps, misalignment, or visual distortion—none of which are the glass’s fault. That’s why proper wall prep matters just as much as precision measuring.

“Glass Doesn’t Need Any Maintenance”

Many assume that once their shower screen is installed, it’ll stay crystal clear forever. But like anything in a bathroom, glass needs regular care to keep it looking its best. Water spots, soap scum, and even airborne chemicals like fly spray can slowly break down the surface, especially on uncoated glass.

We’ve seen screens that were only a year or two old start to get cloudy or develop permanent marks, usually because harsh cleaners or abrasives are used. Glass is porous. Without proper cleaning, residue builds up over time and becomes harder to remove.

That’s why we always recommend weekly cleaning with a soft cloth and a 50/50 mix of water and mild detergent. And if you want to make it even easier, we offer a protective coating that helps repel water and grime. Refer to our How to Clean Your New Shower Screen guide.

When cleaned correctly, this nano-coating comes with a 10-year warranty, giving you extra peace of mind.

“You Can Make Design Changes After the Measure”

Once a shower screen has been measured, that’s it—it’s locked in. However, some clients assume they can still tweak the design, change a layout, or swap a door type after the fact. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works when dealing with custom cut glass.

Every REGAL screen is made to order, cut to size, and processed for toughening immediately after measurement. If changes are requested post-measure, the glass must be re-cut and reprocessed from scratch, which means starting the timeline over. Our screens are custom-made, so the glass is pre-cut in our factory and delivered on site on installation day. Changes see delays and even a return to site, which could result in weeks.

It’s not just about job delays; last—minute changes can cause miscommunication, add costs, and disrupt your entire renovation schedule.

Conclusion

Most of the issues we’ve covered here are easy to avoid—but only if you know what to look out for. And that’s where working with an experienced team really makes all the difference. At REGAL, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners and builders across the Gold Coast get their shower installation services right the first time.

From design advice to final install, we manage the whole process with precision and care. Every shower glass installation is measured, cut, and installed by our trained team, not a subcontractor. That means no guesswork, no surprises, and a finish you’ll be proud to show off.

If you’re planning a renovation or just want trusted advice from someone who’s been there, give us a call on 07 5596 3135. We’ll organise a free on-site measure and quote, talk you through your options, and make sure your shower screen is one decision you won’t have to second-guess.