When it comes time for a new shower door, many homeowners are faced with the decision of whether to install it themselves or hire a professional. While either route will get the job done, there are some pros and cons to each option that should be considered. In this blog post, we will compare the cost of DIY shower door installation vs. hiring a professional installer. We’ll also discuss some of the factors that should be taken into account when making this decision.
One of the biggest factors at play when it comes to the cost and difficulty of shower door installation is the type of shower door you’re installing. So, let’s begin by recapping the different kinds of shower doors.
Types of Shower Doors
Frameless Shower Doors
These are the most popular type of shower door on the market. They have a clean, modern look and are supported by clips, hinges, and caulk joints. They also require that your shower has a strong sealant in order to prevent water leakage.
Semi-Frameless Shower Doors
These doors are similar to frameless doors but have metal supports around the edges of the glass. This makes them slightly less expensive than frameless doors and also easier to install.
Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding shower doors are a great option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use door that doesn’t take up much space. They can be either frameless or semi-frameless and usually come with a metal track that needs to be installed.
Shower Screens
These are the simplest and most affordable type of shower door. Shower screens are made of a single piece of glass that is held in place by hinges or brackets.
As you can see, there are a few different types of shower doors on the market. The type of door you choose impacts both the cost and difficulty of installation. For our purposes, we will focus on frameless shower doors since they are the most popular option we offer.
The Cost of DIY Frameless Shower Door Installation
Assuming you already have all the necessary tools, a frameless shower door will typically cost between $200 and $500 to install yourself. This includes the cost of the door itself as well as any sealant or silicone that may be required. If you don’t have all the necessary tools, the cost will go up as you’ll need to purchase things like a drill, saw, and level. And keep in mind, that’s just a range for the cost of frameless shower doors. There are also options that can cost a few thousand dollars.
The Cost of Frameless Professional Shower Door Installation
If you’re not comfortable installing a shower door yourself or would just prefer to have someone else do it for you, professional installation will typically cost between $500 and $800. This includes the cost of materials as well as labor. Keep in mind that this price may vary depending on your location and the company you hire. Again, this also depends on the specific door you buy.
So, what’s the verdict? Is it worth it to install your own shower door or should you hire a professional?
How to Choose Between DIY and Professional Shower Door Installation
Deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional for your shower door installation should come down to a few factors.
- The type of shower door you’re installing: If you’re installing a simple shower screen, it’s something you can often handle on your own. However, if you’re going with a frameless glass door, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. With glass being as fragile as it is, it’s something that requires extreme precision and care during installation. Not to mention, if it isn’t properly installed, you risk water leakage, mold growth, and a whole host of other problems.
- Your level of experience: If you’ve never installed a shower door before, it’s probably best to hire someone who has. Shower doors can be tricky to install and even small mistakes can lead to big problems down the road.
- Your budget: Installing a shower door yourself definitely saves you some money up front. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s probably worth it to pay for professional installation.
- Your time: Shower door installation is not a quick or easy process. If you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with the hassle, hiring a professional is probably your best bet.
What’s the Verdict?
At the end of the day, the decision of whether to DIY or hire a professional for your shower door installation comes down to a few factors. The most important thing is to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever decision you make. If you’re not comfortable installing the door yourself, it’s probably better to pay for professional installation.
Shower doors can be tricky and even small mistakes can cause problems down the road (mold growth, leakage, etc). But, if you’re experienced and confident in your abilities and have the time to spare, DIY installation could be a great way to save some money. Whichever route you choose, just make sure you do your research first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve talked more about the costs of shower door installation, let’s move on to some other big questions about installing shower doors we’re often asked.
Can I get custom glass for my shower?
Yes, you can get custom glass for your shower door! This often results in the most beautiful, upscale design you can imagine, meaning it’s worth the additional cost for most homeowners.
What’s the difference between a frameless and framed shower door?
A framed shower door has a metal frame around the glass, while a frameless door does not. Frameless doors are often considered more elegant and are typically more expensive than framed doors.
How long does it take to install a shower door?
It usually takes between one and two hours to install a shower door, but this can vary depending on the type of door you choose and your level of experience.
What tools do I need to install a shower door?
You’ll need basic tools like a drill, saw, level, and screwdriver in order to install a shower door. However, if you’re installing a frameless glass door, you’ll likely need additional tools as a jigsaw and miter saw.
Is it difficult to install a shower door?
Shower doors are not particularly difficult to install, but they can be tricky for beginners. If you’ve never installed one before, it might be best to hire a professional.
Can I install it myself?
Yes, you can install a shower door yourself if you’re confident in your abilities and have the time to spare. Again: just make sure you do your research first!
How much does it cost to hire a professional to install my shower door?
The cost of hiring a professional to install your shower door varies depending on your location and the company you choose. However, most companies charge between $200 and $300 for labor.
Can shower doors be removed?
Shower doors can be removed, but this is usually a job for a professional. Shower doors are typically installed with special hardware that needs to be removed carefully in order to avoid damage to your shower.
Are there any special considerations for installing a shower door in my bathroom?
If you have a small bathroom, you might want to consider a sliding door instead of a swinging door. This helps save space and prevents the door from taking up too much room in your bathroom.
Do you tile before installing a shower door?
This is a common question, but there is no one answer that fits all bathrooms. In some cases, it’s best to tile before installing the shower door. But in other cases, it might be easier to install the shower door first and then tile around it. It really depends on your individual bathroom and what will work best for you.
What type of sealant do I need for my shower door?
Shower doors use a variety of different sealants, so it’s important to consult with your installer or manufacturer to find out which type is right for your specific door. Generally speaking, silicone-based sealants are most commonly used because they’re durable and long-lasting. However, there are also sealants made from latex or urethane that can be used in some cases. Of course, they need to be waterproof!
Do I need to do anything to maintain my shower door?
Shower doors require very little maintenance, but it’s important to keep them clean. You should wipe down the glass regularly with a mild soap and water solution. If you have a frameless glass door, you might also need to polish the metal hardware from time to time to prevent rusting. Additionally, if you have hard water stains on your shower doors, there are special considerations for cleaning them off.
Visit this post next to learn how to remove hard water stains from your glass shower doors.
We’re Here to Help!
DIY installation, as we’ve shown, isn’t a task suited for most beginners. Instead, turn to the professionals at Coastal Closets & Showers for all of your custom shower door needs. We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions about the costs associated with shower door installation.
If you have any more questions or would like help choosing the right shower door for your home, we’re here to help! Contact Coastal Closets & Showers today.
