Glass Shower: A Guide to Understanding Costs and Making the Right Choice
This year, we’ve decided: we’re renovating the shower.
And then… two years go by. Still nothing.
Between rising grocery prices, lack of time, contractors’ availability, or even material shortages, the excuses keep piling up. The result: the project remains on hold.
Let’s be honest – this is a reality we see all the time. Clients come in with plans that are 2 or 3 years old. Why? Because a bathroom renovation can seem complex, especially when you only have one bathroom in the house. We put it off, we hesitate… until we’re truly ready.
But when we take action, the impact is real.
The bathroom is one of the best investments you can make in a home. According to RE/MAX, “Renovating the bathroom is one of the best investments you can make before selling a property, with an average return of about 62%. Since buyers pay close attention to it, it can make all the difference.”
In other words, it’s not just an expense—it’s a tangible increase in the value of your property.
At Vitrerie BV, we support hundreds of projects every year. Trends change, styles evolve, but one thing remains constant: custom-made glass showers remain a key element in a successful bathroom renovation.
This article complements our guide to custom glass showers.
Today, we’re taking it a step further by answering the real questions our customers ask us before getting started. The goal is simple: to help you plan your project more effectively and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Let’s get started.
How Much Does a Custom Glass Shower Cost?
The price of a glass shower enclosure depends mainly on three factors: the type of configuration, the materials chosen, and the dimensions. Additionally, the larger the glass surface area, the higher the cost. Here is a comparison table of the factors, options, and prices.
To go into more detail about each item in the table, here’s what you need to know.
Choosing the Glass
The type of glass has a direct impact on the final look of your shower, but also on your budget.
- clear glass: the standard, effective, and affordable option.
- Ultra-clear glass: brighter, with no greenish tint, ideal for a high-end look. Learn more about ultra-clear glass.
- smoked glass, Flutex, or bronze: perfect for adding character and a distinctive touch.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve created a comprehensive glass guide tailored to different types of projects.
Hardware
Hardware affects both style and price.
- Brushed chrome and nickel: more affordable and timeless options.
- Matte black, gold, and champagne: trendier finishes, often associated with high-end projects.
An often-overlooked factor: maintenance
When planning your project, we strongly recommend stain-resistant treatment (DFI).
Applied at the factory and guaranteed for life, it causes water to bead up on the glass and makes weekly cleaning much easier.
To better understand all your options and make an informed decision, check this out.
Which Type of Glass Shower Is Best for My Bathroom?
The choice of a shower depends mainly on the available space… and how you use your bathroom.
If you have limited space, a sliding shower door is often the best option. It allows you to make the most of every inch without the door getting in the way of other elements in the room.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cleaner, more upscale look, a fixed panel is an excellent choice. It visually opens up the space and creates a much more modern look.
Every layout has its advantages. The key is to strike the right balance between style and functionality – a shower that looks good, yes… but above all, one that’s pleasant to use every day.
To see the different options available, visit our glass shower page.
Is a Glass Shower Easy to Maintain?
Good news: yes, a glass shower is generally easy to maintain… as long as you follow the right habits.
In your daily routine, simply avoid abrasive products or those containing ammonia, which can damage the glass. The simplest and most effective solution is often a mixture of water and vinegar (5:1) to restore the glass to its full shine.
Avoid:
- abrasive products
- cleaning products containing ammonia
Recommended solution:
- a mixture of water and vinegar (5:1)
That said, if you really want to keep maintenance to a minimum, there’s one option we recommend for most projects: stain-resistant treatment.
The DFI (Diamond-Fusion International) treatment, applied at the factory and guaranteed for life, causes water to bead up on the glass rather than sticking to it. The result: fewer streaks, less cleaning… and a shower that looks great for much longer.
Advice from Pierre-Hugues
The Importance of Stain-Resistant Treatment
You’ve just installed an ultra-clear glass shower? After 2-3 months, soap scum may appear and dull the transparency.
Our friendly advice: consider using a stain-resistant treatment (e.g., Diamond Fusion). Despite what you may think, glass is porous, and without protection, limescale and soap will leave permanent marks.
With this treatment, you get:
- Fewer deposits
- Easier cleaning
- Longer life
- Glass that retains its shine
What Is the Difference Between a Custom-Made Glass Shower and a Prefabricated One?
You might think they’re similar… but in reality, the difference is significant—both in terms of quality and the final result.
Here are the key points to consider:
The thickness of the glass
A prefabricated shower typically uses 6 to 8 mm glass.
A custom-made shower uses 10 mm structural glass, which is much stronger and more stable.
Canadian standards
The tempered glass used here must comply with strict Canadian safety standards.
A trained eye can also spot the “tempering jump,” a sign of a standard-compliant, high-quality glass.
Custom manufacturing
Each panel is custom-designed for your space. The result: a perfect fit and better long-term waterproofing, especially when installation is done by a professional.
The visual finish
Let’s be honest: the quality just isn’t the same.
A custom-made shower adds a touch of luxury that instantly enhances the bathroom.
Customization
Prefabricated models are limited by their dimensions and configurations.
With customization, everything can be tailored to your space and design, resulting in a one-of-a-kind look (within technical limitations, of course).
In short, a prefabricated shower can do the trick. But if you’re looking for a durable, attractive solution that blends seamlessly into your bathroom, a custom-made shower makes all the difference.
What Types of Glass and Hardware Are Best for a Glass Shower?
Good news: there’s no such thing as a “wrong” choice of glass for a shower. The choice is mainly a matter of aesthetics and depends on the style you want to create in your bathroom.
Clear, ultra-clear, tinted, or textured glass—each offers a different look, but all are well suited for showers. The key is to choose the one that complements your overall design.
When it comes to hardware, quality is what really makes the difference.
Even though there is a wide variety of products on the market, it is essential to ensure that:
- the components are designed for humid environments
- the materials are corrosion-resistant
- the products have been tested and approved in accordance with performance standards.
At Vitrerie BV, we work with leading suppliers in the glass shower industry. This allows us to offer a wide range of styles while ensuring that our products are durable and reliable.
In short: choose the glass for its look… and the hardware for its durability.
Catalog #
87D2S8900
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SSSFDHL8CP
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MT8X8BN
Catalog #
SDK160BN
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SDK140CH
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BM18MBL
Catalog #
SH3SQ180G195
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PPH01MBL
In Closing
It’s easy to see why many bathroom renovation projects get put on hold for months – or even years. It’s an investment, it requires planning, and you want to make the right choices.
But one thing is certain: a custom-made glass shower, well designed and properly installed, completely transforms a bathroom. It combines style, durability, and added value for your home.
With the right information – and the right partners – the project becomes much simpler than you might think.
And above all, it’s worth it.
Ready to Get Started?
At Vitrerie BV, we’re with you every step of the way, offering clear advice, quick quotes, and flawless installation.
Hundreds of customers choose us every year – and our 5-star reviews speak for themselves.
For interior design ideas, check out our article on 2025 trends.
See also our page dedicated to glass showers.
Want more light? Find out why you should choose ultra-clear glass.
And to better understand our expertise, take a look at our article on the trade of expert glaziers.
She chose Vitrerie BV… and loved it.
"Look no further and don't hesitate to do business with VITRERIE BV. They are highly professional and truly committed to providing excellent service and high-quality work.
This morning, they installed custom-made glass shower panels and mirrors for us. Everything went very smoothly, and everything was exactly as we had agreed upon during our discussions regarding the quote.
They provided excellent service, and we are very satisfied and happy to have these new custom-made glass panels and mirrors.
Thank you so much to the whole team!"
About Vitrerie BV
Our vision
We are constantly committed to excellence and our customers’ satisfaction: by always listening to your needs, we build a genuine partnership to offer you fully customized products and services.
Our ambition is to revolutionize the industry and become a leading player in custom glasswork in the Greater Montreal area by offering advice and service even more tailored to your needs.
Transparent Glazing Service
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a designer, or a homeowner, we’ll make your construction or renovation project truly exceptional.
It starts with the very first email or meeting, with clear and prompt quotes provided within 48 hours. Thanks to photos and detailed explanations, you’ll get a clear picture of what your project will look like, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to complete.