Bathroom Remodel
Frameless Shower Cost
Average Cost: $3,985 – $10,980
The average cost to install a frameless shower is $3,985 to $10,980. Your project cost will depend on the size of the shower, the type and thickness of the glass, and the finishes and hardware you choose.
If you just need to install or replace a glass shower door, costs on average run from $1,650 – $3,000 depending on the size door you need.
Compare the best shower contractors in your area.
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Table of Contents
Frameless Shower: What to Know About This Popular Shower Type
Frameless showers use glass panels without metal framing. This creates an open, modern look that can make your bathroom feel larger. Many homeowners wonder if the higher cost is worth it. Below, we break down everything you need to know about costs, pros, cons, and installation.
Frameless Showers vs. Showers With Frameless Doors
A true frameless shower enclosure features a glass door plus at least one glass wall.
A shower with a frameless door uses your existing bathroom walls for three sides and adds a glass door as the fourth wall. This setup might include a fixed glass panel, depending on your entry space.
What Are the Parts of Frameless Shower Enclosures?
Frameless showers use heavy-duty tempered glass. Because there is no metal frame for support, the glass panes are thick. Contractors attach the doors using clips and hinges (sealed with silicone at the edges) to hold everything securely in place. Most professionals use safety glass to prevent shattering.
Glass Shower Cost
When budgeting for a frameless shower, you will need to account for a few key elements:
- Glass shower door
- Additional glass panels or walls
- Labor and installation costs
- Demolition costs for replacing an old shower
Frameless shower enclosure cost
Installing a custom frameless shower typically costs more than a framed or semi-frameless option. On average, you can expect to pay $3,985–$10,980 for a full frameless shower replacement, which includes demolition, materials, and labor.
Keep in mind that your final price depends on the shower size, glass thickness, and hardware finishes. You can learn more about standard shower sizes by reading our guide.
Generally, thicker glass is heavier and costs more to install. Larger showers with custom glass doors can exceed $10,000, while smaller setups keep costs on the lower end of that spectrum.
Glass shower enclosures: How installation costs break down
The table below shows a general cost breakdown for frameless shower projects, including total costs, door prices, hardware, and average hourly labor rates.
| Shower upgrade | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Total frameless shower replacement | $3,200-$10,200 |
| Frameless shower door replacement only | $598 |
| Shower hardware and glass door clips | $852 |
| Installation and labor | $176 per hour |
Frameless shower door cost
Replacing just the glass door costs significantly less than a full enclosure. A new frameless shower door averages $1,000–$2,500 installed, depending on size and customizations.
You can learn more about these expenses on our glass shower door replacement page.
Are Frameless Showers Worth the Cost?
Frameless showers give your bathroom a high-end, luxury feel. According to Zillow, a shower renovation can also yield a 70% return on investment when you sell your home.
If you are deciding between frameless and semi-frameless, remember that frameless doors usually cost only a couple hundred dollars more. That small upgrade is often worth the investment. Framed showers remain the most budget-friendly option.
What Else Should I Know About Frameless Glass Showers?
Beyond picking your shower tiles and fixtures, you will need to choose a glass style and door type. Keep these factors in mind.
Will you need a custom glass shower?
Some layouts require custom sizing. If you are expanding your master bathroom shower, you will likely need custom glass doors and walls to fit the new space. Typically, any frameless glass door wider than 60 inches is considered custom and costs more to install.
What kind of glass do you want for your frameless shower?
Clear glass is the most popular choice, but you have other options:
- Frosted glass
- Tinted glass
- Rain glass
- Textured glass
- Thicker 1/2-inch glass
Standard frameless shower glass is 3/8 inch thick. You can upgrade to 1/2-inch glass for maximum structural durability, though it costs about 20% to 30% more.
What type of shower and shower door will you choose?
You can install a frameless double shower in a master bathroom. Just know you will need to decide between one or two glass doors.
Also, frameless shower doors swing in or out; they cannot slide. If you need sliding doors, a semi-frameless shower is a better choice.
Pros and Cons of Frameless Shower Doors
Frameless showers are a popular upgrade, but they come with trade-offs. Here is what to consider before you buy.
Pros
- Clean, sleek appearance: No bulky metal frames makes the bathroom look larger.
- High durability: Thick tempered glass lasts 20–30 years without rusting.
- Easy maintenance: Fewer crevices mean less mold, mildew, and water spotting.
Cons
- Longer installation: Precise leveling and sealing require more labor time.
- Potential for leaks: Worn silicone seals can allow water to escape over time.
- No sliding doors: The lack of a metal track means doors must swing.
Hiring a Shower Remodel Professional
We recommend speaking with a local bathroom remodeling professional to compare costs and options. You can browse our contractor directory to find pros in your area.
Modernize can pair you with up to four local bathroom remodelers. This helps you find a fair price and a contractor you trust.an find the best price for your project as well as find a contractor you genuinely like.
