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How to Budget for a Frameless Glass Shower Door

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How to Budget for a Frameless Glass Shower Door

A frameless glass shower door makes your whole bathroom feel bigger, and winter is the right time to book it.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $66.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

That clunky, mildew-trapping shower curtain or framed door goes away, and suddenly the whole bathroom feels twice as big and lets in all the light. The actual installation only takes a few hours, but you want to schedule it during the winter slow months when contractors are looking for work and more flexible on pricing.

Before you commit to anyone, get at least three quotes from local glass shops. Prices swing wildly for the exact same tempered glass and hardware, and having competing numbers keeps the bids honest.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a hard deadline and not free money, so if you still have a balance left when those 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on what you owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three separate quotes

    Call local glass and mirror shops, not just general contractors, since specialists usually cut out the middleman markup. Compare what thickness of glass they use, usually 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch, and make sure hardware finishes like matte black or brushed nickel are included in the total price.

  2. 02

    Book during winter months

    Reach out to your chosen installer in January or February when home renovation projects slow down. Contractors have more open schedules right now and are much less likely to pad their estimates.

  3. 03

    Set up your payment plan

    If you are spreading out the roughly $1200 cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to clear the balance without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Verify your wall structure

    Frameless glass is heavy and needs solid wood blocking behind the tile to hold the hinges securely. Ask your installer to check the studs before ordering the glass so you do not run into surprise demo costs.

  5. 05

    Inspect the final seal

    Run water against the glass for five minutes before the installer leaves to check for leaks around the sweep and hinges. Caulking needs 24 hours to cure fully before you take your first shower.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How long does custom glass take to arrive?

Custom cut tempered glass usually takes about one to two weeks to fabricate after the installer comes out to take exact measurements. The actual installation appointment only takes two to four hours.

Is 3/8-inch glass thick enough?

Yes, 3/8-inch glass is the industry standard for most residential frameless showers and feels very sturdy. You can upgrade to 1/2-inch for a heavier, more luxury hotel feel, but it costs more and requires heavier duty hinges.

Will a frameless door leak water?

A frameless door is water-resistant, not airtight, because small gaps are left for the hinges and door swing. Clear vinyl seals on the bottom and strike side keep water inside the pan as long as your shower head is not pointed directly at the gap.

Do I need a permit for a shower door?

Most municipalities do not require a permit if you are just replacing an existing door or tub enclosure without moving plumbing. If you are building a brand new shower stall from scratch, check your local building codes first.