Wow this is crazy OP. You just have one sliding glass door yes? not a corner?

I just installed the same 5' door bought from HD twice in my house, first in basement and then in primary. It is excellent quality thick glass and I've been able to keep it spotless.
So dunno what your contractor is talking about.

Recommend!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-Exuma-56-to-60-in-W-x-76-in-H-Frameless-Sliding-Shower-Door-in-Chrome-with-3-8-in-Clear-Glass-SDIS160-PC-R/316552284

Frameless glass showers definitely have a sleek, modern look, but they’re not for everyone. Some people find them harder to keep clean due to water spots, and the open design can feel a bit too exposed. If you're considering one, it's worth weighing both the pros and cons. For those still interested, Frameless Glass Shower Doors from McDowell Glass offer quality options that can be customized to suit your space and comfort preferences.
https://www.mcdowellglass.com/frameless-shower-doors

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are looking to replace a slider door with a custom frameless one. It’s a normal-size shower 5’ across, and when I put in the dimensions to one of the regularly recommended local glass places it is telling me well over $3k for a panel and door with the thinnest glass available that is not treated with anything special. Is that really what they cost or should I be looking elsewhere? Our contractor is very strongly discouraging us from getting a non-custom option from HD or Wayfair due to quality issues.

OP, if your shower is not a corner style where you need two panels of glass, I would just go with this style or similar:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glass-Warehouse-Illume-64-75-in-W-x-78-in-H-Wall-Hinged-Frameless-Shower-Door-in-Brushed-Bronze-with-Clear-Glass-GW-WH-64-5-BB/332187563?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOopfjHopCxV5MC6BSuOOmWvHW_LRGSjU3Hb3wsHKS77KvzlsorlJYuM&gQT=1

We did this in a bathroom remodel about 10 years ago and it still looks great. Contractor also recommended against it and I ignored him. I personally think it's because he had to then install which is a bit of a pain. Custom glass is installed by the company that does custom glass, so no effort. I bet he can't articulate any quality issues that make sense. Thinner glass? (no) What then?

Unless you have a nonstandard space (which I had in a main bath remodel and had to go custom), I used these.

This is the way. We had the same exact experience. Our GC wanted us to pay tons for custom counters and custom shower door and we at least pushed back on the shower door, Glass Warehouse (glasswarehouse.us) through Home Depot was perfect option for ~$500 and the GC’s guys were able to install it perfectly fine despite complaining about having to do it. Glass Warehouse will reach out to double check measurements before shipping.

A frameless glass shower door for a standard 5’ opening can get pricey, but over $3K for a basic setup (no coatings or upgrades) does sound high, even for custom work. While custom installations are typically more expensive due to precise fitting and higher quality hardware, many homeowners report paying between $1,500–$2,500 for similar projects. It might be worth getting quotes from a few more local installers or checking out reputable providers like McDowell Glass, who specialize in bathroom frameless glass shower doors and may offer more competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Your contractor’s caution about mass-produced kits from big box stores is valid they can lack durability or require adjustments but that doesn’t mean custom has to break the bank.
https://www.mcdowellglass.com/frameless-shower-doors

Anonymous wrote:Look at other options, OP. We had a frameless glass shower and it was such a PITA to keep clean. I also felt so exposed it in. Totally a me problem but I haven't put another shower in like it because I hated it so much.

I agree. We put one in at our old house when we retiled the shower, and it was a disaster to keep clean around the bottom.

Anonymous wrote:Based on the photo above, frameless is the only way to go. I haven't seen a framed shower in a recently renovated home in a looooong time.

What's driving the cost outside of the framed/frameless?

We thought about framed because some designers do it (like Heidi Caillier) and I think it can look good, but it was so exhausting trying to work it out with an installer that we just did frameless in the end. I did shop around and found someone good for 1/2 the price of my contractor's sub.

Anonymous wrote:I’m about to embark on a bathroom reno. Do you think a fixed pane of glass for a walk in shower would be a lot less?

Probably would about about 1/2 or 1/3 less because it's less material/hinges/install, but IMO those permanently open walk-ins are not great - they don't keep steam in so it can feel pretty cold.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at other options, OP. We had a frameless glass shower and it was such a PITA to keep clean. I also felt so exposed it in. Totally a me problem but I haven't put another shower in like it because I hated it so much.

Same. Shudder every time I run into them when staying at a hotel or someone's home. Option for privacy in shower seems like common sense.

Privacy from what? Close the door.

It's insane how much body shame Americans have.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at other options, OP. We had a frameless glass shower and it was such a PITA to keep clean. I also felt so exposed it in. Totally a me problem but I haven't put another shower in like it because I hated it so much.

Same. Shudder every time I run into them when staying at a hotel or someone's home. Option for privacy in shower seems like common sense.

Huh? Mine steams up in like 30 seconds. Also, who is walking in your bathroom while you're showering!? Maybe try locking the door while you shower.

Try not getting custom. We made sure we used normal dimensions and got a regular sized one. We really do love it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at other options, OP. We had a frameless glass shower and it was such a PITA to keep clean. I also felt so exposed it in. Totally a me problem but I haven't put another shower in like it because I hated it so much.

Same. Shudder every time I run into them when staying at a hotel or someone's home. Option for privacy in shower seems like common sense.

Bathrooms don't have walls?

Anonymous wrote:Look at other options, OP. We had a frameless glass shower and it was such a PITA to keep clean. I also felt so exposed it in. Totally a me problem but I haven't put another shower in like it because I hated it so much.

Same. Shudder every time I run into them when staying at a hotel or someone's home. Option for privacy in shower seems like common sense.

Anonymous wrote:We are looking to replace a slider door with a custom frameless one. It’s a normal-size shower 5’ across, and when I put in the dimensions to one of the regularly recommended local glass places it is telling me well over $3k for a panel and door with the thinnest glass available that is not treated with anything special. Is that really what they cost or should I be looking elsewhere? Our contractor is very strongly discouraging us from getting a non-custom option from HD or Wayfair due to quality issues.

OP, if your shower is not a corner style where you need two panels of glass, I would just go with this style or similar:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glass-Warehouse-Illume-64-75-in-W-x-78-in-H-Wall-Hinged-Frameless-Shower-Door-in-Brushed-Bronze-with-Clear-Glass-GW-WH-64-5-BB/332187563?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOopfjHopCxV5MC6BSuOOmWvHW_LRGSjU3Hb3wsHKS77KvzlsorlJYuM&gQT=1

We did this in a bathroom remodel about 10 years ago and it still looks great. Contractor also recommended against it and I ignored him. I personally think it's because he had to then install which is a bit of a pain. Custom glass is installed by the company that does custom glass, so no effort. I bet he can't articulate any quality issues that make sense. Thinner glass? (no) What then?

Unless you have a nonstandard space (which I had in a main bath remodel and had to go custom), I used these.

Based on the photo above, frameless is the only way to go. I haven't seen a framed shower in a recently renovated home in a looooong time.

What's driving the cost outside of the framed/frameless?

Anonymous wrote:Might seem idiotic, but can someone explain what the difference between frame and frameless (understood one has a frame) is, perhaps with photos? What does a frameless shower door catch to?

You can search for installation details, but this should give you an idea visually: