Have a shower door that does not budge at all? Or, is it outdated with a few cracks here and there? If that’s the case, you need to replace your shower door. But installing a shower door involves a significant investment. Understanding the cost involved is essential for effective budgeting.
A shower prevents water from splashing everywhere in the bathroom and adds a sleek aesthetic. The doors come in various materials and styles, including tempered glass, making them safe to use. The materials, their quality, design, and several other factors affect the price. This blog aims to discuss the cost of shower door replacement, providing an approximate estimate to help you plan accordingly.
Reasons to Replace a Shower Door
There are several reasons one might want or intend to replace the shower door. Here are some reasons mentioned -
- Cracked, chipped, or shattered doors that present a significant safety hazard.
- Rust and corroded hardware that affects the look and functionality of the bathroom.
- Old, outdated doors can diminish the spark of your bathroom, making it look unsightly.
- You might want to upgrade your shower doors to a more functional option, such as a sliding or oval door, which is space-saving and easy to use.
- What is the Average Cost of Shower Door Replacement?
On average, the cost to replace and install a shower door is $950. The cost may vary depending on the region you live in, the door size, type, and style, as well as labor and any other material requirements.
Cost by Type of Shower Doors
Before replacing your old shower door, you must understand your options. There are several shower door types available on the market, and the choice of door type influences price.
Framed Doors: The most affordable type, with metal frames that surround the glass. This option is best for a standard tub-and-shower bathroom design but lacks customization. The cost of these doors starts at $200-$300 for simple, ready-to-install designs. If you buy the doors and have them installed later, it might cost you around $500-$700.
Frameless Doors: Frameless shower doors have minimal features, such as minimal metal and hinges, which give the glass a floating effect. This door might cost you anywhere from $700 to $1,000, for materials only. Whereas with installation, the price may range from $1,200 to $1,800. Though this seems high-end and beautiful, the door is fragile.
Sliding Doors: Best for compact shower spaces. They have panels along a track that help operate the door conveniently. The cost of the door without a frame might be between $300 and $500, but with installation, it may range from $800 to $1,200.
Custom Doors: Custom doors can be made to fit any style and size. As these are made upon order, the cost may go up to $1,500 - $4,000, depending on your requirements.
Bifold Doors: Bifold doors consist of double panels on each door, which can be folded when you open them. The cost of the bifold door may range between $850 - $2,000.
Neo-Angle Doors: These doors are mostly found in small bathroom corners, which have a three-angled base, and sit at 45 degrees. These are quite expensive, typically costing around $1,000 - $3,500.
Pivot Doors: Pivot doors consist of a glass panel that is attached to a pivot hinge, which allows the door to operate inward or outward, and also does not require much space. You can expect to spend between $800 - $1,400 for a pivot door. The cost may increase with any additional work.
Cost by Door Size
Shower door size may vary in size. However, most shower door panels are 22-36 inches wide and approximately 72 inches tall. If you have a shower and bathtub combination in your bathroom, you might have to custom-make the door, which may cost even more, depending on the size.
| Shower Door Size | Cost |
| Standard | $600 - $1,000 |
| Oversized | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Double-Sized | $1,250 - $2,300 |
| Custom | $1,300 - $2,550 |
Cost by Materials
If you want to incorporate a fixture of your choice, you can expect to spend somewhere around $80 - $200 for the entire set. You can also buy them separately, if needed. Here’s a list of materials you’d need for the bathroom shower door -
| Materials | Cost |
| Door handle or knob | $15 - $300 (depending on the quality) |
| Door roller and brackets | $5 - $20 (usually, required for sliding and bypass door) |
| Hinges | $80 - $90 (for a pack of hinges) |
| Mounting Clips | $60 - $85 (for a kit) |
| Sealant | $10 - $35 |
| Tracks | $132 - $378 (for a pack of top track, bottom track, side jambs, and rollers) |
| Note | You can also get a pack of plastic tracks under $15. |
What Are the Additional Costs to Consider?
Apart from the basic cost, here are some other costs you need to consider -
- Removal of Old Door: When installing a new door, you have to remove the old one, which can cost you around $50 to $100.
- Custom Features: If you want to install other features, such as towel bars, custom etching, special coatings, etc., all this can increase the cost up to $100 - $300.
- Permit Requirements: You also need a building permit to install a new shower door. Generally, replacing a shower door is considered a minor home improvement that does not require permits. However, it is good to consult the authorities before making any changes to your home.
- Regional Labor Fee: If the living cost of your area is high, chances are that labor charges in your region will be high too. But when hiring a contractor, ensure that you pick a skilled professional. This is because work done by under-skilled laborers may not be good, though they charge less.
- Maintenance and Repairs: A good quality shower door can last up to 5-10 years. But for it to last, you should maintain it properly to prevent scratches. Also, clean them occasionally to prevent mold and mildew growth, and to make sure that water does not accumulate on the glass panel. Use water-resistant thin films. Maintenance and minor repair may cost you a few dollars, but it’ll save you from replacing the door again.
How to Save on Shower Door Replacement?
Replacing a shower door is a significant investment. With proper planning, you can avoid any unnecessary costs while ensuring that you have the best quality materials. Here are some tips on saving some dollars when replacing your shower door -
Compare Quotes From Multiple Suppliers
When purchasing a shower door, consider talking to at least 3-5 suppliers, and then decide on the best quote. However, when comparing, make sure you also consider the quality of the door, as low-quality doors may lead to replacement after 1-2 years.
In addition, you should also get quotes from 3-5 installers. Consider their years of experience, check their online reviews, and ask the neighborhood about their work output. You can also ask for recommendations from a friend.
Off-Season Installations
If you want to install a new shower door, consider doing that during early spring and winter. This is your window to save some money, as after this season, contractors tend to raise their service charges. During Christmas and winter sales, some installation companies also offer 5-10% discounts, mostly to keep the schedule filled.
Conclusion
When narrowing the shower door replacement cost, there are several factors at play. You need to consider the cost of removing old doors, minor repairs during the installation, if needed, in addition to the cost of materials, labor charges, and many more. Make sure you evaluate the cost mindfully and also follow the tips mentioned above to save on replacement.
