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.
| Project Scope | Materials | Labor | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed shower door replacement only | $250 to $500 | $200 to $600 | $400 to $1,100 |
| Basic framed shower (sliding doors, alcove) | $700 to $1,400 | $800 to $1,600 | $1,800 to $3,000 |
| Framed shower with pivot or hinged door | $900 to $1,800 | $1,000 to $2,200 | $2,200 to $4,000 |
| Full framed shower enclosure (glass only) | $1,400 to $3,000 | $1,400 to $3,500 | $2,800 to $7,200 |
How Much Does a Full Framed Shower Installation Cost?
If you’re replacing the entire shower — not just the glass — your costs will include:
- Shower base or pan
- Wall system (tile, acrylic, or fiberglass)
- Plumbing connections
- Waterproofing
- Framed enclosure or door
National Average for Full Shower Installation
- Typical: ~$8,000
- Common range: $4,400 to $12,300
- Low-end prefab: $2,500 to $5,000
- High-end custom: $12,000 to $16,000+
Cost by Shower Type
| Shower Type | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic prefab shower (with framed door) | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Standard tile shower + framed door | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Framed shower with pivot/hinged door | $6,000 to $12,000 |
| Full framed enclosure (multi-panel glass + tile) | $7,000 to $15,000+ |
Most homeowners pay $5,000 to $9,000 when replacing a shower while keeping the existing layout.
Framed Shower Cost Per Square Foot
For full shower projects, cost is heavily influenced by size and complexity.
- Typical: ~$300 per sq ft
- Common range: $250 to $450 per sq ft
- Budget installs: $150 to $250 per sq ft
- High-end custom: $500 to $900+ per sq ft
Cost Breakdown by Shower Type
| Shower Type | Materials ($/sq ft) | Labor ($/sq ft) | Total ($/sq ft) | Typical Total Cost | Example Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic prefab (fiberglass/acrylic + framed door) | $50 to $120 | $80 to $150 | $130 to $250 | $2,500 to $5,000 | 3’x3’ | Lowest-cost option |
| Prefab + upgraded framed glass door | $70 to $150 | $100 to $180 | $170 to $300 | $3,000 to $6,000 | 3’x4’ | Better glass + hardware |
| Tile shower + framed sliding door | $120 to $250 | $150 to $300 | $270 to $450 | $5,000 to $9,000 | 3’x5’ | Most common remodel |
| Tile shower + framed pivot door | $140 to $300 | $180 to $350 | $320 to $500 | $6,000 to $12,000 | 4’x4’ | Higher precision install |
| Full framed enclosure (multi-panel glass + tile) | $180 to $350 | $200 to $400 | $380 to $550 | $7,000 to $15,000+ | 4’x5’ | Walk-in or corner |
| Custom tile shower (premium finishes) | $250 to $500 | $250 to $500 | $500 to $900 | $10,000 to $20,000+ | 5’x5’ | Luxury tier |
Real-World Cost Examples
- Budget replacement: 3’x3’ prefab → $1,800 to $3,000
- Most common remodel: 3’x5’ tile shower → $4,500 to $7,500
- Mid-range upgrade: 4’x4’ tile + pivot door → $6,000 to $10,000
- Large enclosure: 4’x5’ → $9,000 to $14,000
- High-end custom: 5’x5’ → $12,500 to $20,000+
Key takeaway:
- Door or enclosure projects are not size-driven
- Full shower remodels are heavily driven by square footage and labor
How Much Does a Framed Shower Door Cost?
A framed shower door typically costs $400 to $1,100 installed, with most homeowners paying around $600 to $900.
The final price depends on:
- Door style (hinged, sliding, bi-fold, or pivot)
- Glass thickness
- Frame material and finish
Basic aluminum-framed doors with clear glass fall on the lower end, while thicker glass, custom sizing, or specialty finishes increase costs.
If you’re only replacing the door and keeping your existing shower walls, this is one of the most affordable bathroom upgrades.
What Affects My Costs?
Your cost depends on several key factors:
- Shower size and layout
- Type of wall system (prefab vs tile)
- Glass thickness and enclosure complexity
- Plumbing changes
- Labor rates in your area
For example:
- Switching from prefab to tile can add $3,000 to $8,000
- Moving plumbing can add $1,500 to $5,000+
- Custom glass panels increase both material and labor costs
Is a Framed or Frameless Shower Better?
In short, framed showers excel in value and function, while frameless showers are best suited for aesthetics and modern design.
Framed showers are generally the better option for homeowners prioritizing affordability, water containment, and flexibility in door styles.
Frameless showers offer a sleeker look but typically cost $1,000 to $3,000 more and 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.
Framed Shower Door Replacement
If only the door is glass, you’re looking at a simple replacement:
- Cost: $400 to $1,100
Framed Shower Enclosure Replacement
If one or more walls are glass along with the door:
- Cost: $2,800 to $7,200
The more glass panels you add, the higher the cost.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Framed Showers?
Advantages
- Cost-Effective: Framed showers can cost 10% to 15% less than frameless options.
- Less Prone to Leaks: Metal framing and caulking create a tight seal.
- More Door Options: Sliding, bi-fold, pivot, and hinged doors are all available.
Disadvantages
- Visible Metal Framing: Some homeowners prefer the cleaner look of frameless designs.
- Can Feel More Enclosed: Frames may make small bathrooms feel tighter.
- Harder to Clean: Tracks and seams can collect soap scum and mildew.
Shower Glass Frames: Materials and Colors
Framed showers come in:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Composite materials
Common finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, black, and gold
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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