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Question

I want to install a shower door to my shower cubicle which currently has three tiled sides and an open front. The shower door is 780mm wide, including the frame. Unfortunately, the walls are not plumb and I need to cut a slot, or groove, for the full 1.8 metre height of the door in the 6mm thick tile.

The slot would need to be 35mm wide by at least 4mm deep, so I might as well cut a slot/groove for the full 6mm depth of the tile. The tiles are 250mm wide x 400mm long. The slot /groove I need to cut will begin 30mm into the tile - not from the edge of the side wall.

Is this possible and, is it is, what tool would I use? Would I grind the slot because it it too much to stitch drill a slot 1800mm high x 35mm wide by 4 or 6mm deep.

Kind Regards

Graham Carpenter

Submitted: 171 days and 21 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $12

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 171 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

Hi graham
What you are proposing is not a good idea. You will be destroying the integrity of the tile job. The way to deal with a wall that is out of plumb is to use a tapered wall filler which is an extruded aluminum channel that fits to the shower door wall channel. If you cut the tile you risk creating a path for water to leak by the tile.

171 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Hi Rick

I understand the implication of creating a path for water, but I am happy to rely on a silicon seal either side of the frame, once fitted.

Since I have already purchased to shower door I either have to return it, and there are none under 780mm wide in France, or I have to cut a groove/slot in the wall. Is it possible to cut such a slot, how would I do it and what tools would I use?

Kind Regards

Graham

Accepted Answer

Hi Graham
You can cut a slot in the tile such as you propose. The best method would be to use a small grinder with a carbide disk. This is the tool my granite fabricators use to make cuts in granite slabs on site. I don't know what is available in your area to buy or rent but here is a pic of the type of tool I am referring to

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	6/4/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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