Table of Contents
- What’s included in your frameless shower?
- Are the holes really pre-drilled?
- Do you need to drill anything yourself?
- Tools required for installation
- What comes in the package?
- How to install (with drilling tips)
-
Common questions answered
- Our Ace Decor promise
- Final thoughts on drilling
- Explore related topics
Frameless corner shower enclosures are stylish ways to upgrade any bathroom, but when it comes to upgrading your bathroom with such a unit, precision and clarity matter no less than aesthetics. Here at Ace Decor, we strive to offer quality shower solutions that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also developed for longevity.
However one of the most popular questions we are asked about our 36"W x 36"H Frameless Corner Shower Enclosure with 1/4″ Tempered Glass is:
"There are pre-drilled holes on the aluminum that it says, but we don't see any holes. Are we just supposed to know to predrill the holes? And if so, where?”
This article is written to answer that very question in detail, taking you through what you can expect to be delivered to your shipment, how the actual installation works, as well as what your responsibility (if any) is when it comes time to drilling into the aluminum.
Product Overview: What You Purchased
Before we get into the minutia of drilling, let's take a step back to understand what the product is and how the design is built.
| Product Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ace Decor |
| Model | Frameless Corner Shower Enclosure |
| Dimensions | 36" Width x 36" Height |
| Glass Type | 1/4" (6mm) Clear Tempered Glass |
| Frame | Minimalist Aluminum Alloy Bracket System |
| Installation Style | Corner (Neo-angle) |
| Door Type | Swing Door |
It's a frameless system intended for contemporary bathrooms where straight lines and transparency reign supreme. Although "frameless" describes the glass panels themselves, the supporting hardware is anodized aluminum, chosen for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
The Confusion: Are There Pre-Drilled Holes… or Aren't There?
The product manual does refer to pre-drilled holes on the aluminum rails — which has understandably led to some confusion. Let's clarify:
- Select components (specifically the wall profile rails attaching to your shower walls) do have pre-drilled holes.
- Not all holes are visible right off the bat though, and users often mistakenly expect to see every screw hole when they first open a case.
- This is typically done on-site so wall variance and precision can be established as the last step of final drilling as holes are often marked or recessed for placement.
So, Do You Need to Drill? Here's the Answer:
| Component | Are Holes Pre-Drilled? | Do You Need to Drill? | Why/Why Not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Aluminum Profiles | Marked / Pilot Holes | ✅ Yes | For accurate alignment with wall studs |
| Glass Panel Clamps | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Factory-prepared for exact fit |
| Bottom Threshold | ❌ No | ✅ Optional | Only if you want to fix it more permanently |
| Top Rail (if included) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Custom drilled based on ceiling height & stability |
To put it concisely — yes, you are actually required to drill specific holes into the aluminum profiles during installation, but this has to be done only at certain parts of the frame. This enables better adjustment against the wall and guarantees that it sits flush on uneven bathroom surfaces.
Tools You'll Need
Here are some things that you might want to prepare to cleanly and successfully install:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drill with metal drill bits (5/32", 3/16") | Drilling through aluminum |
| Spirit level | Ensures vertical alignment |
| Measuring tape | For precise placement |
| Pencil or marker | Marking drill positions |
| Screwdriver set | For securing components |
| Silicone sealant | For waterproofing edges |
| Safety glasses & gloves | Protection during cutting or drilling |
Tip from Ace Decor Installers: Aluminum is a soft metal. Use slow rates of drill and steady pressure to avoid damaging the finish or warping of the bracket.
What's Inside the Box
Ace Decor 36x36 Frameless Shower Kit includes:
- 2 tempered glass panels
- 1 glass door
- 2 aluminum wall profiles
- Threshold bar
- Mounting hardware kit (screws, anchors)
- Hinge
- Silicone strip seals
- Assembly instructions
Inspect all pieces before getting started. Maybe if anything is missing, reach Ace Decor customer service.
Post Installation Guidance (Drill Focused)
Here's an overview of the installation process with more focus on what requires drilling:
1. Mark Wall Studs
You can then create wall profiles with the notes that you located. Check for vertical alignment with a level.
2. Align Wall Profiles
Push the aluminum profile vertically on the wall. The Pilot notches you see on it — these are drill guides.
Using a stepper drill, drill into aluminum profile making final holes, generally 3 to 4 spaced evenly depending on height
3. Drill Into Wall
If drilling into tile or stone, use a masonry bit, and make some holes in the wall where you've marked through on the aluminum.
4. Secure Wall Profiles
If needed, insert wall anchors, then screw profiles. Verify that profiles are flush and plumb.
5. Install Glass Panels
Insert glass into brackets or clamps as directed. These are non-drill; the holes are pre-cut at the factory.
6. Lock First Rail (if present)
Certain models come with a stabilizer top rail. You'll be drilling into the aluminum and then wall (or ceiling) for a secure fitting.
Q&As: Common Questions from Customers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why not drill all holes at the factory? | Not all walls are the same height, material, or flatness — on-site drilling makes for a tighter fit. |
| What if I don’t have a drill? | If you're not a cracking pro, we advise hiring a local handyman or contractor to prevent missteps or damage. |
| Can I glue instead of drill? | While certain thresholds are often glued down for an accepted solution on temporary setups, aluminium profiles are fixed to the walls with screws. |
| Will drilling affect the aluminum strength? | No — if done properly, it will remain structurally sound and secure. Use the correct drill bit size. |
Ace Decor Quality Promise
Ace Decor is backed by our quality promise for our bathroom furniture and fixtures. We consider materials, design and ease of installation so your remodel is as seamless as possible.
In case of installation doubt:
- Consult the instruction manual that's included
- Reach our dedicated Support Team at sales@acedecorbath.com
End of text Conclusion: Yes, Some Drilling Is Necessary — And Here's Why That's a Good Thing
Whether you've recently bought a new home, or are just updating an old one, installing a 36x36 frameless corner shower enclosure is a rewarding and luxurious touch. It may sound surprising that some drilling is needed, but the flexibility makes it possible to get a tighter fit, better seal and longer performance — particularly in bathrooms with non-standard walls.
The key is preparation. Armed with the right tools and the knowledge of what parts need pre-drilling, your installation will go over without a hitch — and you'll enjoy your Ace Decor frameless shower for many years to come.
