How Much Does It Cost to Install Shower Doors?

April 18, 2021 by Team HomeServe

Shower Door Costs at a Glance

Average cost of glass shower door installation: $500-$1,000+
Frameless shower door installation: $1,000+
Sliding door shower installation: $200-$400
Frameless shower door price: $3,000
Semi-frameless: $900-$2,000
Framed: $600-$1,500
Glass tub door: $1,000
Sliding: $500

Changing out your shower door can give your bathroom a fresh new look and may even boost your home's resale value. Shower door installation costs can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the style of the door, the type you’re installing and its size.

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Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to pay to install or replace shower doors.

Professional Shower Door Installation Costs

The cost of installing a new shower door varies based on several factors, including the style of the shower door, the size and glass type. The installation price also depends on whether you need a framed shower door or a frameless, pivot or slider design.

Average labor costs for glass shower door installation can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on style, type and size. Frameless shower door installation by a professional can cost $1,000 or more. For sliding door shower installation by a pro, typical costs run about $200 to $400.

Whether you’re changing out your shower door because you need a replacement or you want to enhance your bathroom with luxurious spa-like surroundings, making sure you install your shower door properly and safely is key.

DIY Shower Door Installation Cost

If you go the do-it-yourself route and install your own shower door, there’s a good chance you already have the basic tools on hand. Naturally, the first and most important thing you need is the shower door, which you can pick out at any home improvement store or online. You also need the following:

Hammer
Level
Tape measure
Caulk gun
Plastic mallet
Drill/driver
Hacksaw
Utility knife
Stainless steel screws
Wood shims
Anchors
Tape
Silicone sealant

Can a New Shower Door Add Value to a Home?

Whether you’re going for the modern look, sleek detail or minimalist design, adding a glass shower enclosure opens up your bathroom space, making it feel more inviting and appear larger. And it can even improve the functionality of your shower.

Replacing your old plastic shower curtain with a new frameless glass shower door can add light to your lather-and-rinse space. But don’t convert your bathroom into a luxury spa solely for the sake of drawing in potential buyers if you’re looking to sell anytime soon.

A shower door replacement won’t provide a high enough return on investment to justify the expense, but if you install a new shower door and then find yourself selling your home, it’s definitely a feature that new owners would potentially appreciate.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Shower Door?

The length of time it takes to receive your shower door and have it installed depends on your style and features. If you order a customized shower door that fits in your specific space, it might need to be fabricated and delivered. It can take up to three weeks from the time you place your order until it arrives, but the actual installation typically takes a professional contractor 2 to 3 hours to complete. Some contractors may suggest you wait 24 hours after installation before showering again.

Why Is Shower Glass So Expensive?

Glass shower doors can be pricey, depending on the type of glass and style of door. Fogged, etched or clear are the three main types of shower glass, and the one you select is going to dictate the price. There are a variety of door designs, hinge configurations and hardware finishes to choose from, as well.

The standard thickness for glass shower door panels is 3/8 inch, but you can upgrade to half-inch glass, if you'd like, which provides the benefits of extra thickness and stability. Keep in mind that half-inch glass is also heavier, which means it likely costs more overall, since there are extra steps involved with manufacturing and shipping.

7 Types of Glass Shower Doors

1. Frameless shower door: This type of enclosure relies on sturdy half-inch-thick tempered glass that doesn’t use metal supports around the exterior edges. This popular modern look is designed to put the focus on the shower walls and features. Frameless shower doors typically cost twice as much as a basic shower door model, sometimes as high as $3,000.

2. Semi-frameless shower door: If the complete frameless look is out of your budget, a semi-frameless shower door is a great alternative. This type of shower door is made with 3/8-inch-thick tempered glass, and looks sleek and contemporary. Prices typically range from $900 to $2,000, depending on the brand, size and overall style.

3. Framed shower door: Framed shower doors are made of sturdy aluminum framing and come in a variety of appealing finishes to match your bathroom decor. Prices range from $600 to $1,500.

4. Glass tub shower door: If you want to upgrade from a plastic shower curtain but can’t quite afford the frameless shower door option, a glass tub shower door might be a good choice. It's made with 3/8-inch-thick glass and rolls easily over a stainless-steel track bar. Glass tub shower doors run about $1,000.

5. Sliding shower door: Known as bypass doors, sliding shower doors are a practical option designed for narrow bathrooms and are priced as low as $500.

6. Frosted shower door: Also known as textured shower glass doors, these are easy to maintain and add an element of privacy to your shower. They tend to be less expensive than frameless shower doors.

7. Neo-angle shower door: This space-saver shower door is ideal for small bathrooms. It's designed with two small side panels that run perpendicular to two side walls. Typically, the shower door opens into the room.

Many options, including glass shower doors, can transform your shower and the overall look of your bathroom. Depending on what kind of style you choose or how much money you want to spend, you can create a private space to enjoy steamy, luxurious showers.

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Pro or DIY?

You can go the DIY route and install your shower door by yourself, or hire a professional contractor to handle the job for you — they may even be able to unclog the shower drain while they're there. Installing a shower door on your own may be manageable — and it is — but even an experienced professional contractor can run into trouble sometimes. While the DIY route might save you money, hiring a pro will save you time and give you peace of mind that the job is done correctly and safely.

Similarly, when you’re prepared with a coverage plan from HomeServe, it can cut down on stress about surprise repairs or replacements of major components. A plan from HomeServe can give you peace of mind, as a licensed and insured technicians will be sent to your door to handle all your covered repairs.