Framed Showers: Doors and Enclosure Guide

What Is a Framed Shower?

A framed shower enclosure uses metal framing as a support system for the shower glass doors and walls. As a comparison, semi-frameless showers only have metal supports around the top and bottom while leaving the door clear of obstructions, and frameless showers have no metal supports at all.

These metal frames are sealed and caulked around the shower doors and walls to keep water from escaping, providing excellent protection from any possible water leaks.

How Much Do Framed Showers Cost?

Typically, a framed shower should cost you under $7,500 and take under a day to install.

They’re one of the most affordable types of showers, partly because their glass is thinner than other shower types. 

One way to save money is to replace the glass shower door, which costs an average of only $598. Keep in mind that prices can be higher in specific areas and as you add customizations to your shower.

You can use our shower remodel cost calculator to get a better sense of what your own shower might cost. If your new shower is part of a larger bathroom upgrade, then check out our bathroom remodel cost calculator.

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How Much Does a Framed Shower Door Cost?

A framed shower door typically costs $300 to $900 installed, with most homeowners paying around $600 for a standard-sized door. The final price depends on the door style (hinged, sliding, bi-fold, or pivot), the thickness of the glass, and the type of metal frame.

Basic aluminum-framed doors with clear glass fall on the lower end of the range, while thicker glass, specialty finishes, or custom sizing can increase costs. Installation is usually straightforward and can often be completed in a few hours, especially when replacing an existing door.

If you’re only replacing the door and keeping your existing shower walls, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your bathroom.

What Affects My Costs?

Your cost depends on the type of shower door you choose, the size of the shower, materials used for the frames and glass, and the typical prices in your location. Check out our guide to standard shower sizes to learn more about how shower size impacts many of these costs. Below you can find average price ranges to expect when planning for your project.

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Is a Framed or Frameless Shower Better?

In short, framed showers excel in value and function, while frameless showers are best suited for homeowners focused on aesthetics and minimalist design.

Framed showers are generally the better option for homeowners prioritizing affordability, water containment, and flexibility in door styles. The metal framing provides structural support and helps prevent leaks, making framed showers especially practical for family bathrooms and smaller spaces.

Frameless showers, on the other hand, offer a sleeker, more modern appearance and can make bathrooms feel larger and more open. However, they typically cost significantly more and may require thicker glass and more precise installation.

What’s the Difference Between a Framed Glass Shower Door and a Framed Shower Enclosure?

The term “framed shower” can mean both the entire enclosure or just the shower door. But you should know what the difference between these two things is, especially when it comes to budgeting.

Shower Door

If the only part of your shower that has glass is the door, then you just need a framed glass shower door — a much cheaper installation or replacement than a full enclosure. In this case, the shower is built into an existing alcove or nook, like in the photo above.

Enclosure

If at least one (but possibly all) of your shower walls is made of glass in addition to your shower door, then you will need a framed shower enclosure. As a general rule of thumb, the more glass you need, the more expensive your shower project will be.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Framed Showers?

Advantages

1. Cost-Effective: Framed showers can cost between 10-15% less than frameless, semi-frameless, and other shower options. They are also especially good for small spaces.
2. Less Prone to Leaks: The metal framing and caulking creates a water-tight shower enclosure that prevents water from spilling onto bathroom floors. Framed enclosures tend to avoid bathroom water leaks most effectively over time.
3. Shower Door Options: Unlike frameless showers, which can only have a hinged or pivot door, framed showers can have both of those door types as well as sliding, bi-fold, or neo-angle doors.

Disadvantages

1. Appearance of Metal Frames: Some homeowners dislike the appearance of metal framing on their new shower. Since this metal framing surrounds the top, bottom, sides, and joints of the shower walls, it can detract from the visual appeal of the shower’s interior.
2. Can Make the Bathroom Appear Smaller: Showers with metal frames can at times look tight and enclosed, compared to frameless showers, which often help to make bathrooms appear brighter and more open.
3. Trickier to Clean: Because the glass sits within the metal framing, this shower type can be more difficult to clean. Metal shower door tracks and hinges can collect mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup over time. Not to mention, it’s tough to squeeze a shower brush into those tiny cracks and crevices.

Shower Glass Frames: Materials and Colors

Framed showers (and semi-frameless showers) come in:

• Aluminum: Popular for its durability, lightweight nature, and affordability.
• Stainless Steel: Known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
• Composite: A combination of at least two different materials. Most often includes fiberglass and resin along with one of the above metals.

The material itself does not dictate the final appearance of your shower frame, however. You can find the following finishes and colors standard from most manufacturers:

• Chrome: This is a shiny, reflective finish that may easily show water spots and fingerprints, but also looks sleek and modern.
• Stainless: If you choose a stainless steel frame, you will likely get to choose from a shiny or brushed finish.
• Nickel: Typically comes in a brushed finish.
• Brass or Bronze: Often chosen for traditional or vintage-style bathrooms. It can be polished or brushed. You might even want to look for an oil-rubbed bronze for a rustic vibe.
• Black: Matte black shower frames are enjoying a lot of popularity thanks to their modern look and to not showing much wear and tear.
• Gold: You will likely be able to choose from a shiny or brushed gold, either of which can add a touch of luxury.

Who Should Consider a Framed Shower?

• Smaller bathrooms or half-baths. If you are converting a half bath to a full bath, these showers can be better at conserving space compared to frameless or semi-frameless showers.
• Preventing water leakage. If you dread the thought of water spilling onto your bathroom floors, this type of shower will be your best friend.
• Tight budgets. This is one of the cheapest types of shower there is. Think about how much extra money you’ll have to put towards other items in your bathroom remodel!

Next Steps

There are a few different paths you can follow now that you’ve learned all about framed showers.

• You can explore our guide to shower remodels to learn all about what you can expect and what you should plan for.
• Not sure this is the right shower for you? No problem. Check out the seven main types of showers to find the best one for your bathroom.
• Ready for a quote? You can explore our contractor directory to compare shower remodelers in your area.

You can also tap the button below to have Modernize do the research for you. We’ll ask a few questions about your project and then match you with up to four shower pros in your area.

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