How much does a glass wall cost?
How much does a glass wall cost?
$30 – $140 glass wall cost per square foot
$1,500 – $14,000 average total cost (50 – 100 SF glass wall)
Average cost of glass walls
Glass walls cost $30 to $140 per square foot with installation or $1,500 to $14,000 total on average. Window walls cost $90 to $150 per square foot and are exterior, load bearing walls. The price of moving, folding, or sliding walls is typically higher than curtain or partition walls.
| Glass wall type | Average cost per square foot installed | Average total cost (50 – 100 SF wall) |
|---|---|---|
| Folding glass wall | $90 – $150 | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Sliding glass wall | $110 – $180 | $5,500 – $18,000 |
| Window wall | $90 – $150 | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Curtain wall | $25 – $80 | $1,300 – $8,000 |
| Glass partition wall | $30 – $90 | $1,500 – $9,000 |
| Glass block wall | $25 – $50 | $1,300 – $5,000 |
Glass window walls are structural and load bearing, but all other glass walls are non-load bearing. Partition walls and glass block walls are functional and decorative.
Window wall cost
A window wall costs $90 to $150 per square foot or $4,500 to $15,000 total installed. Floor-to-ceiling window walls are load bearing glass walls that can either be framed or frameless. Most window walls are custom-built and can be made with hurricane-rated impact glass.
Curtain wall cost
Glass curtain walls cost $25 to $80 per square foot or $1,300 to $8,000 total with installation. These walls are also floor-to-ceiling but are not load bearing. Curtain walls cost less than window walls because they are more likely to have prefabricated options.
Glass office partition wall cost
A glass partition wall costs $30 to $90 per square foot or $1,500 to $9,000 total installed. These glass walls are commonly used to separate working spaces in an office and vary in size and height. Mirrored or frosted glass costs more but provides more privacy.
Other types of partition walls cost $3 to $18 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Partition walls can be as simple as a portable fabric screen or as complex as a custom brick accent wall.
Glass block wall cost
A glass block wall costs $1,300 to $1,500 with installation, depending on the size, style, and whether it's custom or prefabricated. Glass block walls are commonly used in basements and bathrooms.
Interior vs. exterior glass wall price
Exterior window walls cost more than other glass walls because they are load bearing and often made with higher-quality materials. Building codes regulate the thickness and strength of structural glass to make sure it is durable enough.
A glass garage door costs $3,000 to $8,400 for a 1-car garage or $5,200 to $11,800 for a 2-car garage. Frosted, laminated, and insulated glass doors cost more than standard tempered glass.
Moving glass wall system cost
A moving glass wall system costs $90 to $180 per square foot or $700 to $2,000 per linear foot installed, depending on the type. Moving glass walls are typically used on exterior walls facing a patio but can also be installed on the interior of a home.
| Wall system type | Installed cost per square foot | Average installed cost (50 – 100 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding glass wall | $110 – $180 | $5,500 – $18,000 |
| Folding glass wall | $90 – $150 | $4,500 – $15,000 |
Sliding glass wall cost
A sliding glass wall costs $110 to $180 per square foot or $900 to $2,000 per linear foot with installation. Sliding glass walls are essentially upscale, oversized sliding doors. A standard sliding glass door costs $700 to $2,400 total with installation.
Folding glass wall cost
A folding glass wall costs $90 to $150 per square foot installed or $700 to $1,700 per linear foot. Folding glass walls have multiple panels with hinges that compress like an accordion when closed. They usually have wood or metal frames.
If you need privacy but don't want to pay extra for frosted or laminated glass, consider using vinyl film, which is DIY-friendly and comes in a variety of sizes and styles.
Glass wall installation cost factors
Glass wall installation costs vary depending on the material quality, size of the wall, and number of panels.
| Factor | Average cost per SF |
|---|---|
| Materials | $20 – $100 |
| Labor | $10 – $40 |
| Total installed cost | $30 – $140 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Material – Some glass wall installers add an aluminum, wood, or vinyl frame for a fee.
Finishing options – Special coatings, textures, finishes, and glass types cost extra. Low emissivity (Low-E) coatings reduce UV and infrared light, which can lower energy costs.
Tinting – Glass or window tinting costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed or about $500 to $1,200 total on average.
Weather stripping – Weather stripping costs $1 to $5 per linear foot with installation or $130 to $470 with installation for a whole house.
Soundproofing – Window soundproofing costs $450 to $1,500 to replace the glass in an existing window frame or $550 to $2,000 for a new soundproof window and frame.
Window cleaning – Professional window cleaning costs $10 to $15 per window or $150 to $370 for a whole house.
Window treatments – Blinds cost $30 to $200 per window on average with installation, depending on the size and type.
Labor cost to install a glass wall
The labor cost to install a glass wall is $40 to $140 per hour or $10 to $40 per square foot. Labor costs may vary depending on:
Installer rates – General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience level and specialty.
Complexity – Custom jobs, curved glass, and difficult site conditions drive up labor costs.
Repairs – Damage to the surrounding wall or trim may cost extra to repair. Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
New opening vs. existing – The following fees may apply if there is an existing wall where you want a glass wall:
Removal – Demolition costs $4 to $10 per square foot, or $500 to $2,000 for a non-load bearing wall.
Structural support – Framing a wall costs $11 to $25 per linear foot for wood and $17 to $32 per linear foot for metal framing.
Glass types and thicknesses
Glass walls are usually 3/8" to 3/4" thick. Thicker glass is especially important when the wall is load bearing. Tempered glass is standard for glass walls, though hurricane-proof impact glass is recommended for window walls.
Alternatively, you may also opt to install smart glass, a type of glass that changes from clear to frosted on demand. Smart glass costs $70 to $150 per square foot installed and is a complete panel installed like traditional glass.
Cost of glass wall vs. drywall vs. other types
Glass walls cost significantly more than most other wall types. A wall made of wood studs and drywall is typically the cheapest.
| Material type | Material cost per square foot | Installed cost per square foot | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick wall cost | $2 – $6 | $8 – $18 | Attractive and soundproof |
| Studs & plaster cost | $2 – $9 | $4 – $14 | Fire-resistant and durable |
| Studs & drywall cost | $2 – $3 | $3 – $7 | Fire-resistant but not very durable |
| Shiplap cost | $2 – $7 | $3 – $11 | Drywall is recommended underneath |
| Glass wall | $20 – $100 | $30 – $140 | Attractive and modern |
Glass wall FAQs
How thick is a glass wall?
Glass walls are usually 3/8" to 3/4" thick for exterior or load bearing walls. Some glass panes are 1" thick, but they are not as common.
What glass types are safe for glass walls?
Tempered and laminated glass are the safest options for glass walls because they can withstand more heat and impact than standard glass. Exterior window walls should use glass rated for storms or hurricanes, especially in southeastern states.
How long does it take to install a glass wall?
Installing a glass wall takes 1 to 5 days, depending on the type and size. Small walls and prefabricated kits take less time to install than large, custom jobs.
Getting estimates from glass wall installers
When choosing a glass company or wall builder near you, consider the following steps:
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company.
Get 3+ estimates for similar walls to compare.
Check reviews from previous jobs on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty.
Follow a payment plan, only making the final payment when the job is done.
Questions to ask
When hiring a glass wall installer, ask these questions:
How long have you been installing glass walls?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Is the glass I need in stock? If not, how long will it take for it to be delivered?
What kind of glass do you recommend for this project?
Will you be subcontracting any of the work?
How do you handle any damage that happens on the job?
Does your estimate include delivery and cleanup?
How long will the project take?
What does your warranty cover?