Upgrading to a custom shower door can transform your bathroom, adding both style and value. But these bespoke glass panels and frames come at varying price points, influenced by factors like glass type, hardware finish, door style, and labor. Here’s what you need to know to budget effectively.

1. Base Glass Costs

The foundation of any custom door is the glass itself. Typical material options include:

• Clear Tempered Glass: $200–$400 per panel (3⁄8″ or 1⁄2″ thickness)

• Low-Iron (Ultra-Clear) Glass: $300–$500 per panel

• Frosted or Etched Glass: $350–$600 per panel

• Patterned/Textured Glass: $400–$700 per panel

Higher-end options—like switchable “smart” glass or custom color tints—can run over $1,000 a panel. Your final material cost depends on panel size, thickness, and finish.

2. Framing and Hardware

Custom doors come in framed, semi-frameless, and frameless styles. Hardware choices and finishes affect both aesthetics and price:

• Framed Doors (standard aluminum frame): $150–$300

• Semi-Frameless Doors (minimal metal trim): $300–$600

• Frameless Doors (thick glass with no perimeter frame): $500–$1,200

Finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, or matte black typically add $50–$150 per door. Upgraded hinges, handles, and header bars from designer collections may increase hardware costs further.

3. Door Style and Complexity

Your chosen configuration impacts labor and material expenses:

• Single-Panel Swing Door: Easiest to install; $150–$300 labor

• Bi-Fold or Folding Door: Additional hinges and tracks; $250–$400 labor

• Sliding Door System: Top tracks, rollers, and multiple panels; $350–$600 labor

• Curved or Neo-Angle Enclosures: Custom glass cutting and specialized framing; $600–$1,000+ labor

Each added panel, hinge, or track requires extra time and precision, so complexity directly correlates with cost.

4. Labor and Installation

Professional installation rates vary regionally but generally fall within these ranges:

• Basic Installation (single panel, pre-drilled holes): $150–$300

• Standard Installation (two panels or frameless setup): $300–$500

• Complex Installation (neo-angle, sliding systems, in-niche): $500–$1,000+

Labor estimates account for removing old doors, ensuring walls and thresholds are plumb and level, applying waterproof seals, and securing panels precisely. Always confirm that installers are certified for glass work and carry liability insurance.

5. Additional Expenses

• Waterproofing & Caulking: $50–$150 (high-grade silicone sealants)

• Site Preparation: $100–$300 (wall repairs, leveling thresholds)

• Removal & Disposal: $50–$100 if your installer handles tear-out of existing doors

• Structural Modifications: Varies widely (e.g., reframing openings, reinforcing niches)

These extras can add up, so discuss scope and pricing with your contractor upfront.

6. Budgeting Tips

• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three estimates to find the best balance of cost, craftsmanship, and warranty.

• Bundle Projects: If you’re tiling or renovating simultaneously, negotiate a package deal to save on labor.

• Choose Wisely: A mid-range frameless door often provides the best mix of style and value.

• Ask About Warranties: Reputable suppliers of Vasca shower doors often include glass and hardware warranties, adding long-term peace of mind.

Conclusion

Custom shower door installation costs typically range from about $500 for a simple framed panel to more than $3,000 for high-end, multi-panel frameless systems with premium finishes. By understanding how glass type, hardware, door style, labor, and extras affect pricing, you can make informed decisions and secure competitive bids. With proper planning and the right installer, your new shower doors will add beauty, functionality, and value to your bathroom for years to come.