Semi-Frameless Shower Doors and Enclosures

Semi-Frameless Shower: What to Know

Semi-frameless glass shower enclosures includes metal framing around the top and bottom of the walls and the door, but walls/door itself is made of a thick-paned glass without metal. The result is a clean, open glass shower that makes the shower area look larger and more open. At the same time, the metal framework at the top and bottom helps to prevent water spillage onto your bathroom floors.

If you are looking for a modern, open shower area that features clean lines and clear glass doors, but a completely frameless glass shower is out of your budget, then a semi-frameless shower may be the perfect solution.

What is a Semi-Frameless Shower Door?

Just like with a full enclosure, a semi-frameless shower door will be comprised mainly of glass with a few metal supports. There are several kinds of doors to choose from, but the most popular are hinged/swing doors and sliding doors.

Do I Need an Enclosure or Just a Semi-Frameless Shower Door?

Is your shower a standalone unit? Meaning, will you have at least two semi-frameless walls as well as a door that need to be installed? If so, then you will need a semi-frameless shower enclosure.

However, if your shower is going into an existing niche, then you may only need a semi-frameless shower door. Depending on how wide the space is, you may also need a fixed glass panel (or panels) so that the door swings or slides open in the right spot for you to access without encountering your other bathroom fixtures.

Semi-Frameless Shower Costs

Your project cost will depend on several different factors, but first and foremost on whether or not you need an enclosure or just a door. Let’s take a look at those prices in more detail.

Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosure Price

The average cost to install a semi-frameless shower will be between $2,330 and $8,150 or more. Where you fall on that scale will depend on if you’re replacing a shower (meaning, do you need to demolish an existing one?), the size shower you want, what kind of glass you choose (both thickness and frosted or clear), and labor rates in your area.

Cost of a Semi-Frameless Shower Door

If you are only replacing the door, the cost should fall between $480 and $882 with an average replacement cost of $578. This cost does not include installation, which can run between $542 and $946 dollars depending on the project complexity and shower size. Just like with an entire enclosure, costs can vary depending on the size of the shower, the type of door and glass you choose, and local labor rates.

You can learn more about shower doors specifically by checking out our guide to glass shower door replacements.

Are Semi-Frameless Showers Considered Expensive?

When it comes to budgeting for a shower remodel, semi-frameless showers are considered a mid-ranged option. They are typically more expensive than basic framed shower enclosures, but more affordable than frameless showers. This is partly because they do not require special hinges and hardware to install. 

The size of your shower also plays a big part in the overall cost. You can learn more by reading our guide to standard shower sizes.

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What Types of Doors Can I Choose From?

One big advantage semi-frameless showers have over frameless showers is their versatility. Frameless showers must have a hinged/swing door. However, since a semi-frameless shower has metal supports, it can also have a sliding door. Let’s take a look at both below.

Semi-Frameless Hinged Shower Doors

Also called swinging doors, these are great for a minimalist look or for a shower with a narrower door space. You choose from a door that swings inwards or outwards, but make sure you have space for whichever option you choose.

If you have a wider door area, then be aware you will need fixed glass panels in addition to the hinged door. This can drive the overall cost for the door alone above $1,000.

Semi-Frameless Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding doors are a wonderful choice for showers with wider entry areas, and they tend to be more cost effective than a hinged door combined with fixed glass panels.

Be aware that while sliding doors are extremely easy to operate, it is also easy to get everything from hanging towels to fingers caught in them.

Bottom Line: Pros and Cons of Semi-Frameless Showers

If you’re deciding if this is the right shower type for you, here is a summary of the pros and cons to be aware of.

Next Steps

Now that you know everything about semi-frameless showers, there are a few next steps we recommend.

1. Use our shower cost calculator or bathroom remodel cost calculator to get a better idea of what your own project may cost.
2. Learn more about what a shower remodel entails and explore all the other types of showers available.
3. Browse our contractor directory to see which remodelers are available in your area. We recommend getting three or four quotes to find the best price!

If you’d rather have Modernize do the work for you, we can pair you with contractors local to you so you can skip the research.

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