Thinking about upgrading your shower door? You're probably wondering what it's going to cost. I've been installing shower doors in Portland for over 20 years, and I can tell you the price range is huge — anywhere from $800 to $3,500 depending on what you want. Let me break down the real costs so you know what to expect.
Quick Price Breakdown
Framed Shower Doors ($800-$1,200)
Framed doors have aluminum or metal frames around all the glass edges. They're the most affordable option and they work fine. The frame provides structural support, so the glass can be thinner (usually 1/4 inch).
Pros: Cheapest option, durable, lots of finish options (chrome, brushed nickel, bronze).
Cons: The frame can collect soap scum and mildew. Not as modern-looking as frameless. The metal frame is visible.
We install a lot of these in rental properties and budget bathroom remodels. They do the job and they last 15-20 years if you maintain them.
Semi-Frameless ($1,200-$1,800)
Semi-frameless is a middle ground. The door panel has no frame, but the fixed panels and edges have minimal framing. Uses 3/8 inch glass, which is thicker than framed but not as thick as full frameless.
Pros: Cleaner look than framed, less expensive than frameless, easier to clean than framed.
Cons: Still has some metal framing visible. Not quite as sleek as full frameless.
This is popular with Portland homeowners who want a modern look but don't want to spend $2,500+. It's a good compromise.
Frameless ($1,800-$3,500+)
Frameless shower doors are what you see in high-end homes and hotels. No metal frame around the glass — just thick 3/8" or 1/2" glass with minimal hardware. The glass is held in place by heavy-duty hinges and clips.
Pros: Beautiful, modern, makes your bathroom look bigger, easier to clean (no frame to trap soap scum).
Cons: Expensive, requires precise installation, glass is heavy.
Standard-size frameless doors (60" wide or less) run $1,800-$2,500 installed. Larger or custom configurations can hit $3,000-$3,500. We did a walk-in shower in Lake Oswego last month with floor-to-ceiling glass panels — that was $4,200.
What Affects the Price?
1. Size of Your Shower
Standard tub/shower combo (60" wide): cheapest. Walk-in shower (48" x 36"): mid-range. Large walk-in or custom: most expensive. More glass = higher cost.
2. Glass Thickness
Framed uses 1/4" glass. Semi-frameless uses 3/8". Frameless uses 3/8" or 1/2". Thicker glass costs more but looks better and feels more substantial.
3. Hardware Finish
Chrome is standard. Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black — these cost $50-$150 more. The hardware (hinges, handles, clips) is a bigger part of the cost than you'd think.
4. Glass Options
Clear glass is standard. Frosted, rain glass, or tinted glass adds $100-$300. Low-iron glass (ultra-clear, no green tint) adds $200-$400.
5. Configuration
Single door: cheapest. Door + fixed panel: mid-range. Corner enclosure with two doors: most expensive. The more cuts and hardware, the higher the price.
Installation Time
Most shower door installations take 2-4 hours. Frameless takes longer because the measurements have to be perfect and the glass is heavy. We usually schedule these for mornings so we have plenty of time.
From the day you order to the day we install, it's typically 1-2 weeks. We measure your shower, order the glass and hardware, and then come back to install once everything arrives.
DIY vs Professional Installation
You can buy shower door kits at Home Depot for $300-$800 and install them yourself. I've seen plenty of DIY jobs that turned out fine. I've also seen plenty that leaked, didn't close properly, or had gaps.
The problem with DIY is that showers are rarely perfectly square. Walls are out of plumb, floors aren't level. A professional knows how to adjust for that. We also have the right tools and experience to handle heavy glass safely.
If you're handy and it's a simple framed door, go for it. If you're doing frameless or semi-frameless, hire a pro. The glass alone costs $800-$1,500 — you don't want to crack it during installation.
What I Recommend for Portland Homes
For most Portland homeowners doing a bathroom remodel, I recommend semi-frameless or frameless. The extra $500-$1,000 over framed is worth it for the cleaner look and easier maintenance.
If you're selling your house soon, frameless is a good investment. Buyers notice nice shower doors. It's one of those upgrades that makes your bathroom feel more expensive than it is.
If you're on a tight budget or it's a rental property, framed is fine. Just make sure to clean the frame regularly so it doesn't get gross.
Bottom Line
Shower door installation in Portland costs $800-$3,500 depending on style and size. Framed is cheapest ($800-$1,200), frameless is most expensive ($1,800-$3,500), and semi-frameless is in between ($1,200-$1,800).
Want an exact quote? We offer free in-home estimates. We'll measure your shower, show you samples, and give you a detailed price breakdown.
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