Swapping a dated framed enclosure for a frameless shower door can instantly modernize a space, add value, and impress clients. But not all frameless doors are equal — contractors face a maze of choices, from glass thickness and hardware finish to shipping policies and supplier reliability. This guide covers every step from pre-order prep to final handover.
Before You Order: Pre-Project Checklist
✓ Exact opening dimensions
Width at top, middle, bottom; height from curb to enclosure top. Record to nearest millimeter for custom glass.
✓ Wall and curb plumb/level
Digital or bubble level on all surfaces. Out-of-plumb conditions require special hardware or custom glass cuts.
✓ Substrate verification
Solid backing (studs or blocking) behind tile at all hardware anchor points. Frameless doors weigh 80–120 lbs — drywall alone won't hold.
✓ Door type decision
Sliding (UKS04, UKS13) for space-constrained layouts. Swing (UKH07) for accessibility and luxury installations.
✓ Local building code confirmed
Unikoo SGCC safety glass meets North American standards — confirm any jurisdiction-specific amendments before ordering.
✓ Shipping logistics confirmed
Someone available to receive and inspect on delivery day. Damage not noted on the delivery slip before the carrier leaves can void the claim.
Pro tip: For large or custom projects, request a technical drawing or glass cut sheet from Unikoo before ordering. This catches measurement errors before fabrication — not after.
1
Sliding vs. Swing — Which Configuration?
Layout · access needs · installation speed
Warning: Never assume walls are perfectly plumb. Even a small tilt affects door swing and sealing. Always measure real-world conditions — not the architectural drawings.
2
Free Shipping and Factory-Direct Pricing
Volume discounts · custom crating · consolidated delivery
| Order volume | Discount tier | Additional benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 units | Standard | Free shipping on select series · custom cut sheet sign-off |
| 5–9 units | Volume tier 1 | Dedicated account rep · consolidated billing |
| 10–19 units | Volume tier 2 | Phased delivery coordination · priority support |
| 20+ units | Maximum discount | Custom fabrication lead time prioritized · split delivery by phase |
Pro tip: Standardize on one series (e.g., UKS13) for large multi-unit projects. Simplifies installation, spare parts inventory, and future maintenance across the property.
3
Accurate Measurement and Site Preparation
Three-point width · plumb check · substrate verification
3×
Width measurements — top, middle, bottom. Use the smallest for ordering.
4 ft
Level minimum for wall plumb check — laser preferred for openings over 60 in.
After tile
Always measure after tile installation — tile adds 3/8–1/2 in. per wall.
Common mistake: Measuring before tile is installed, or from the rough framing dimension. Always measure finished surface to finished surface, after tile and grout are fully cured.
4
Placing Your Order
Online portal · cut sheet sign-off · hardware selection
Unikoo's ordering process is designed for both one-off homeowners and high-volume contractors. Staff double-check all specs before fabrication — if anything looks off, they'll flag it before glass is cut. The cut sheet sign-off step is your last opportunity to catch errors.
1
Enter measurements and hardware preferences via online portal or dedicated rep
2
Unikoo staff review specs — width mismatches and non-standard openings flagged before fabrication
3
Select finish and handle style — standardize across units for multi-project installs
4
Sign off on the cut sheet — this is the last chance to catch errors before glass fabrication begins
5
Receiving, Inspecting, and Staging
Crate inspection · inventory check · damage documentation
Damaged glass or missing hardware can delay a project by days. The inspection sequence before the carrier leaves is the critical window — what isn't documented on the delivery slip before they depart may not be covered under warranty.
1. Inspect crates before signing
Photograph any external damage before uncrating. Note on delivery slip before carrier leaves.2. Inventory check against packing list
Verify all glass panels and hardware. Unikoo shipments include a checklist — use it item by item.3. Panel inspection against cut sheet
Check each panel for chips, scratches, or incorrect holes/notches. Compare against the signed cut sheet.4. Report issues immediately
Contact Unikoo support with photographs. Fast reporting streamlines warranty and replacement claims.
Warning: Accepting a shipment without noting damage can void the claim. Document everything before the carrier leaves — not after.
6
Installation — Sliding and Swing Systems
Field-tested sequence · common pitfalls · silicone protocol
Common Pitfalls — and the Fix
Skipping the dry-fit
Small misalignments cause leaks or binding. Always check fit before final drilling.
Small misalignments cause leaks or binding. Always check fit before final drilling.
Ignoring out-of-square walls
Use shims or order custom glass. Hardware installed to a non-plumb wall fails under load.
Use shims or order custom glass. Hardware installed to a non-plumb wall fails under load.
Inadequate substrate
Retrofit blocking before proceeding. Hardware anchored only to tile will eventually pull out.
Retrofit blocking before proceeding. Hardware anchored only to tile will eventually pull out.
Insufficient silicone
Water leaks are the most common post-install callback. Seal all glass-to-tile joints fully.
Water leaks are the most common post-install callback. Seal all glass-to-tile joints fully.
7
Final Inspection, Handover, and Maintenance
Gap check · seal test · client education
Final inspection checklist
- Uniform 1/8 in. gaps along all edges
- Smooth swing or slide — adjust bumpers and stops
- Water test at all seams — pour, don't spray
- Clean all fingerprints and silicone residue
- No exposed sharp corners anywhere
Client maintenance guidance
- Weekly: non-abrasive glass cleaner only
- No ammonia-based products — dulls glass and hardware
- Annual hardware check: tighten screws, inspect rollers/hinges
- Squeegee after each shower — prevents mineral buildup
- Property managers: keep spare hardware kit on hand
Contractor accounts and volume pricing
Bulk discounts from 5 units · dedicated rep · free shipping on select series · custom fabrication in 2–3 weeks
All frameless shower doors · UKH07 swing doors · Custom dimensions — quote in 2 hours