Replacing a rusty or outdated shower door can give your bathroom a refreshing new look, even without doing a whole bathroom remodeling project. Shower doors come in different sizes and various designs, from simple to elaborate, to suit your current home decor style. But once you're ready for a change, how much will it cost you to replace your shower door?
The total cost of replacing a shower door depends on the type of door you choose to install. The national average is about $900-$1,000 for both the door itself and the installation. Here is a breakdown of the costs (materials plus labor) of replacing different kinds of shower doors.
- Framed Door: $600-$2,000
- Semi-Framed: $800-$2,200
- Frameless: $900-$3,500
- Swing Door: $600-$2,000
- Curved Or Custom: $1,000-$3,500
- Shower Screens: $600-$1,000
- Bathtub Sliding Door: $1,000-$2,000
There are many variables that determine your actual costs when you decide to replace your shower door. These include the size and shape of the door, the types of materials you need to use (including the thickness of the glass), and if there are any other complex elements that your installer needs to deal with, such as a cramped workspace or custom designs. Keep reading for more details on what it will cost you to replace different kinds of shower doors.
How Much It Costs To Replace Shower Doors
Framed Shower Door
Framed shower glass doors are among the most affordable types of shower doors available; they have heavy aluminum all around every edge and have a more traditional look. Installing a framed shower door is also easier than other kinds of doors because the frame creates a stable piece of material to mount. Easier installation means lower labor costs.
The door and other materials can cost around $200 for a basic door and up to $1,000 or more for a more elaborate design. Installation adds another $400-$1,000, which brings the total cost of a framed shower door installation to around $600-$2,000.
Semi-Framed Shower Door
Semi-framed shower doors are similar to framed doors, except that they have some exposed glass at the top of the frame. They combine the stability of a frame with the more modern look of a frameless door.
These hybrid doors have become the most common shower door on the market and can run from around $300 for a standard door to $2,000 or more for a custom door. Installation of a semi-framed shower door takes longer than a framed door and can range in cost from $500-$1,000.
Frameless Shower Door
One of the most popular trends in bathroom remodeling projects includes frameless shower doors. The thick tempered glass panels have no aluminum frame around them. They are mounted with specialty hardware strong enough to hold the heavy glass in place.
Frameless shower doors are among the most expensive doors to buy, ranging from $300 on the low end through $3,000 or more for a custom design. Expect to pay more for installation as well, bringing your total cost to around $900-$3,500.
Swing Shower Door
Swing shower doors, also called hinged doors, are attached to the wall or a stationary glass panel with pivoting hinges. These doors open in one direction and are typically used in stand-alone showers.
Lower-end framed swing doors can cost as little as $200, while frameless custom doors can run $1,000 or more. Installation of these doors can range from around $400-$1,000. The total cost of a swing shower door runs from about $600-$2,000.
Curved Or Custom Shower Door
Curved or custom shower doors are among the most expensive to buy and install, but they allow you to bring your personal flair to your bathroom remodel. A basic curved shower door can cost around $300, but you can create a custom door design that runs $2,000 or more to make. These doors usually take special tools to install, and those costs are usually passed on to the customer. Total costs for a custom shower door usually run from $1,000-$3,500.
Shower Screens
A shower screen isn't a door, but it is used to keep water in the shower and off your floors. Shower screens are glass panels permanently mounted to your wall or bathtub. They come in various shapes and sizes; they can be a straight or curved panel, form an L shape, or they can be built with hinges to fold inward or outward.
Bathtub Sliding Door
Bathtub sliding doors, or bypass doors, are a popular choice for parents since they are easy for kids to use. They also save space in the bathroom since there is no need for clearance for a hinged door. You can find both framed and frameless sliding doors, though the frameless doors will cost more to buy and install.
Costs of these kinds of doors can range from around $600-$1,000. Add in the cost of installation and you are looking at $1,000-$2,000 for the total cost.
Why Is Shower Glass So Expensive?
The glass panels used in shower doors are all made of tempered glass. This means if a panel breaks, it will break in large chunks instead of shattering into tiny shards. This important safety feature is one reason why shower glass is so expensive. Frameless shower doors are also made of thicker glass than framed shower doors since they need to be able to hang without the added support of a metal frame, which inevitably adds to the cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Shower Door?
Shower doors can get scratched, become loose on the hinges, or start to leak. These are common repairs that do not necessitate the replacement of the door. The cost to fix these issues can cost as little as $75 for a quick job, all the way up to $600 for more extensive work. The national average for shower door repairs is about $200.
How Long Does A Shower Door Last?
With proper care, shower doors can last 20 to 30 years. Framed shower doors may collect mold, mildew, or mineral deposits, causing it to corrode. Regular cleanings and even powder coating the metal may help extend the life of the door. Frameless shower doors are less likely to have corrosion problems, but they should still be routinely cleaned.
When Should You Replace Shower Doors?
Replacing your shower door will cost more than repairing it, but sometimes you can't avoid it. There are several signs you should look for that indicate your shower doors are beyond a routine repair and should be replaced:
- If your doors don't close all the way, or if they make noise when closing, it's likely your frame has become worn down. The constant pulling and pushing on a door that sticks increases your chances of cracking or breaking the shower door.
- Any visible cracks or chips in your glass are a safety hazard, meaning you should replace your doors.
- Rust or corrosion weakens metal frames and hinges. They are also not a pretty sight to see.
- If you see leaks and puddles on the floor after you've showered, your gaskets and seals have probably become worn out. These leaks can cause serious damage to your floors, making it a smart move to change out your shower doors before that happens.
In Summary
When you need to replace your shower door, you can expect to spend about $900-$1,000 for both materials and installation. The low-end can run about $600, but you can spend $3,000 or more on a custom door. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find many different sizes and designs to suit your style and budget.
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