Frameless Shower Glass Enclosure

[alanbn]

I would like to install a frameless glass shower enclosure to go with my new tile job. Problem is, the local glass shop wants $2200--beyond my price range.

I believe I'm capable of self installation with a little inside information.

Any advice on a web site for purchase and/or advice on this would be appreciated.

[Sonnie Layne]

Last one I did, one wall, 5ft tall 6ft long was delivered and installed by glass shop for $650. Don't know what the dif could be. I had no brackets or anything to mess with as I knew beforehand that it was to be, so I simply left a "track" in the tile install to accept the glass. All they needed to do was drop it in, caulk and walk. For $100 I let them do it I believe the glass was right at $525.

[alanbn]

Sonnie,

I did not leave a track. I have 58" horizonatal opening. Can the door be hinged from the stationary panel, or must it be hinged at the wall? What glass thicknesses are available?

These are really basic questions because I don't know much about it at this point. Al

[Sonnie Layne]

Now I understand what the cost dif is. I think. That door is a big part of the cost. I've never done a frameless door assembly. Whether or not you can hinge it off the glass would, I think depend on how much glass you've got in width to work with.

Others will be along with a lot more knowledge than myself. Is this just one wall with a door in it? Not an "L" shaped affair? Glass is available from 3/8" on up, pretty much in 1/16" increments, though you won't be talking anything much bigger than 3/8" I think.

Hang tight, other pro's will be along shortly.

[tjated]

Alanbn, I am looking into doors too and have been quoted around the $2000 range. A consideration is that they won't warranty it unless install by them. Just another idea to ask along with doors -- does anyone know of a company that makes a bifold door for a steam application? Thanks, Timo

[alanbn]

Sonnie,

Thanks. It's just a rectangular opening 58" across. I don't understand why it should cost $2200. Just had another local guy tell me $2600--out of my price range.

Al

[davem]

Check out Wilson Glass. They will hook you up with hardware and order the glass for you to pick up at a local glass shop to save shipping. They have an Excel spreadsheet that can be used to determine the price of your enclosure.

[alanbn]

Thanks for the tip on Wilson Glass. They have a great site. Don't know what their prices are like yet. Al

[davem]

Please let us know if you decide to go with them.

[John Bridge]

Al,

If you go with the frameless, the door will hinge on the wall. It will be too heavy to hinge on the fixed panel. The glass is usually 3/8 in. plate. Heavy stuff.

I think two grand for one fixed panel and one door is a bit high. Around here we get two-sided enclosures with a panel on the front (sidelight) and a door for around two grand. Much more complicated.

[davem]

On the Wilson glass site they show plenty of systems with the door hinged on another piece of glass. They say you gotta have a frame up top to stabilize it, but I think they say some people do it without the frame.

[John Bridge]

Frameless?

[davem]

Yep.

[alanbn]

Dave and All,

Thanks for all your help. I went with Wilson Glass. Just finished the installation and it looks fantastic. Went with 1/2" glass. Drove to Richmond from Columbia, MD in rain and snow to pick up the glass, but it was worth it for the savings. I have a minimal installation: no header, no side brackets, just a u-channel at the bottom of the stationary panel. For the door I used Horizon pivot hinges (chrome). Stationary panel is held in place by groove in ogee tile (and caulk). Used new spray-on product (like RainX) on the glass to prevent soap build-up. Cost for panel an door was about $900. Al

[emptysea]

I am just wondering, is this regular glass or safety glass?