Homeowners typically pay a wide range to replace a shower door, depending on door type, glass, and installation complexity. The main cost drivers include door material (framed versus frameless), glass thickness, size, and labor time. This guide presents typical cost ranges, a detailed itemized breakdown, regional differences, and practical ways to save.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framed Shower Door (Door + Frame) | $250 | $520 | $900 | Basic framed door kit with hardware |
| Frameless Shower Door (Glass Panel) | $600 | $1,000 | $2,200 | Tempered glass + hardware; no frame |
| Glass Replacement / Panel Add-ons | $120 | $350 | $800 | Replacement glass for existing setup |
| Labor & Installation | $150 | $400 | $900 | Professional install; varies by door type |
| Removal & Disposal | $50 | $150 | $300 | Old door removal and teardown |
| Delivery / Handling | $0 | $75 | $150 | Local delivery charges may apply |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $20 | $200 | Usually not required for residential showers |
Overview Of Costs
Total project costs typically range from a few hundred dollars for a basic framed door to several thousand dollars for premium frameless systems. The installed price depends on glass type, size, and whether any custom fabrication is needed. Per-unit costs reflect the door itself, while per-project totals include installation labor and disposal. Assumptions: standard shower nook, typical 60x76in opening, local labor in a non-urban market.
Cost Breakdown
The itemized view below aggregates common cost buckets to show where money goes in a replacement project. The table mixes total project elements with per-item costs and includes a small estimator aid for labor math.
| Item | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door Assembly (Framed) | $150–$600 | $100–$350 | $0–$50 | $0–$20 | $20–$50 | $0–$60 |
| Glass Panel / Frameless | $350–$1,400 | $120–$450 | $0–$60 | $0–$0 | $0–$40 | $0–$60 |
| Hardware & Accessories | $40–$160 | $50–$120 | $0–$20 | $0–$0 | $0–$20 | $0–$20 |
| Labor & Installation | $0 | $300–$900 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$100 |
| Removal & Disposal | $0 | $50–$150 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$20 |
| Delivery / Handling | $0–$60 | $0–$50 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$40 | $0–$20 |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
What Drives Price
The biggest cost drivers are door type, glass thickness, and installation complexity. Frameless designs cost more than framed systems because of larger glass panels and higher hardware quality. Glass thickness (1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″) directly affects material price and handling requirements. The opening width and height influence fabrication and installation time, with custom sizes often multiplying both materials and labor costs.
Cost Drivers
Beyond door type and glass, several additional factors stert the final price. A wider door opening or unusual angles can require specialized brackets or trim, while high-end hardware adds premium pricing. Regional labor rates and supplier availability also create price variance. For example, in many markets, a standard framed door incurs significantly less labor than a frameless installation that requires precise glass alignment and silicone sealing across a larger surface area.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor costs, material sourcing, and delivery logistics. The table below compares typical installed ranges across three market profiles and notes conditional deltas.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Northeast | $1,100 | $2,000 | $3,000 | Higher labor and freight costs |
| Suburban Midwest | $900 | $1,600 | $2,400 | Balanced market with mid-range pricing |
| Rural South | $800 | $1,300 | $2,000 | Lower material costs, longer travel times possible |
Urban markets tend to price higher than rural areas due to labor demand and delivery logistics.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Installation time is a strong predictor of total cost. A straightforward framed door can take 1–3 hours, while frameless installations with precise glass alignment typically run 2–6 hours, depending on opening width and wall conditions. Typical labor rates range from $40–$95 per hour, with higher-end installers charging more for complex cuts or custom hardware. The total labor cost is a function of hours and the hourly rate, which can be estimated with a simple multiplication: labor_hours × hourly_rate. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Ways To Save
Smart buyers can cut costs without sacrificing function by choosing a standard-size framed door, existing opening alignment, or avoiding unusual glass finishes. Planning ahead for removal and disposal, scheduling during off-peak seasons, and comparing multiple quotes helps keep margins in check. Even small changes in door type, glass thickness, or installer can yield meaningful savings.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden charges can surprise if not anticipated. Some common extras include fast-track delivery, in-home measurements, surface prep repairs, and edge sealing upgrades. Extended warranties or emergency service calls may add price. It is also important to verify whether a permit applies in the local jurisdiction; most residential shower door replacements do not require permits, but certain large or structural modifications might.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Real-world quotes illustrate typical ranges for common configurations.
Basic Scenario
- Spec: Framed door, standard 60×76 opening, basic hinges
- Door price: $250 (framed)
- Labor: 2 hours at $60/hour = $120
- Delivery: $0
- Removal: $60
- Hardware & Misc.: $50
- Total: about $480
Mid-Range Scenario
- Spec: Frameless door, standard opening, tempered 3/8″ glass
- Door price: $1,000
- Hardware: $120
- Labor: 3–4 hours at $75/hour = $225–$300
- Removal: $100
- Delivery: $40
- Permits/Fees: $20
- Total: about $1,470
Premium Scenario
- Spec: Frameless custom door, larger opening, 1/2″ glass and premium hardware
- Door price: $1,400
- Hardware: $300
- Labor: 5–6 hours at $90/hour = $450–$540
- Removal: $120
- Delivery: $60
- Permits/Fees: $80
- Contingency: $150
- Total: about $2,500–$2,650
Assumptions for scenarios: region matches mid-range markets, standard sizes, and typical installer experience. The prices reflect common labor rates and material costs as of the latest market data.