How Much Does a Glass Fence Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $7,000 - $30,000
Installing a glass fence costs $12,000 on average, but ranges between $7,000 and $30,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Installing a glass fence costs about $12,000 depending on the fence size and the type of glass you choose. Labor is also a significant cost factor when you install a glass fence at your home. Glass fencing ranges from $70 to $225 per linear foot or between $7,000 and $30,000 on average. However, smaller glass fences are a more affordable option, while larger—and more elaborate—glass fences can cost much more.
- Average
- $12,000
- Low end
- $4,000
- high end
- $75,000
Glass Fence Cost Factors
The size of your fence, the glass material you choose, and your fence's design impact its price the most. However, local labor rates, permits, and land prep will also play a role.
Types
There are a few types of glass fence designs to consider, but the less frame around the glass, the more modern—and expensive—the fencing will be.
There is one type of glass fence in its own category due to safety regulations—pool fencing. Glass pool fencing must be at least 10 millimeters (or 1 centimeter) thick to prevent it from shattering from day-to-day activity. However, powerful events like rockfall, earthquakes, and hitting it hard with an object like a hammer can still break it. Glass pool fencing must also be a minimum of 4.5 feet tall, which will impact your price.
| Type of Glass Fences | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Frameless | $110–$220 |
| Semi-frameless | $90–$180 |
| Framed | $70–$140 |
| Post and rail | $90–$170 |
| Pool fence | $90–$190 |
Size
The size of your fence greatly influences the final cost—more so than labor rates or fence design. Glass is expensive, and you may find suppliers are less willing to offer bulk discounts than they might if the fence was wood, metal, or another type of fence.
| Size (Linear Feet) | Framed Cost | Frameless Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $3,500–$7,000 | $5,500–$11,000 |
| 100 | $7,000–$14,000 | $11,000–$22,000 |
| 125 | $8,700–$17,400 | $13,700–$27,400 |
| 175 | $12,300–$24,600 | $19,300–$38,600 |
| 225 | $15,700–$31,400 | $24,700–$49,400 |
Many people looking to build a glass fence need one around their pool. Property developers involved in real estate transactions will commonly install fencing around pools as it makes the property more attractive for those with families or pets.
Standard in-ground pool sizes range from 10 feet by 20 feet to 20 feet by 40 feet. Expect to pay on the higher end of the table above to surround your pool with glass fencing. Pools with unique dimensions will cost more, too.
Materials
The type of glass material used for fencing is the same type used on car windshields, shower and oven doors, and aquariums. It’s called tempered glass and it’s designed to be extra strong. But when it does break, it forms larger pieces than standard glass, which shatters into tiny, more dangerous shards.
Pool fences need to be made of Grade A safety glass, which is a type of tempered glass that's certified after going through rigorous testing.
While not as common, laminated glass can be used for fencing. However, it isn't as strong as tempered glass. Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of acetate between two or more layers of glass and sealing it under pressure. This unique manufacturing process produces glass that doesn't shatter but breaks into large pieces.
Labor
Hiring a local fence company is your best option when installing a glass fence because the pieces of glass are extremely heavy and difficult to install. While fence contractor rates for this type of project range between $50 and $120 an hour, you're paying for the knowledge of a proper installation that's both structurally sound and safe.
Prep
It’s standard preparation for fence installers to come to your property and give an accurate quote. This cost will be baked into your project price. However, some prep work could be more complicated, and therefore cost more. These measures include:
Site assessment
Ground leveling
Clearing any debris or obstacles
Checking the soil with a soil composition test
Planning any gate placement and pulling required permits
Permits
Like many home construction projects, building a glass fence requires a building permit. Pool fencing will be more expensive and involved, but expect to pay between $80 and $900 for a permit for any type of glass fencing. Building without a permit carries heavy fines and you don't want to risk the city forcing you to demolish your project. Obtaining permits is essential and an excellent reason to hire a fencing pro who can handle it for you.
Ongoing Expenses
Once you pay for the initial installation of your glass fence, you'll need to plan for some ongoing expenses like maintenance and repairs.
Maintenance
Glass fences are a unique type of fence because they need to be maintained regularly, almost on a weekly basis. Your environment plays a large part in this as rainy, dusty, and windy areas will require you to clean and inspect your fence more than you’d need in a calmer sunny place, like Palm Springs. Frameless and semi-frameless glass fences also need to be checked at least every three months to ensure the glass is held tightly in the clamps.
Repairs
Repairing a glass fence can be easier than other types of fences because of the individual panels. Each one can be replaced fairly simply if they are a uniform size. But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s not pricey. Replacing a glass panel will cost a few hundred dollars. You most likely don't need a permit for a glass fence repair unless it's a significant portion of the fence—enough to be considered a replacement.
DIY Glass Fence Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
While there are many excellent DIY projects, this isn't one of them. The potential to incorrectly install or injure yourself is high. Even if you are able to install a glass fence yourself, you have to make sure it adheres to local building codes. Insurance may not cover the fence if a professional does not install it.
Also, glass comes with a warranty. In the fine print, you may find that a DIY installation voids the warranty. Since a glass fence can cost more than a new car, it’s worth paying the premium for a fencing pro.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing a Glass Fence
The best way to reduce your glass fence installation cost is to choose a framed or semi-framed fence instead of a frameless one. Thinner glass will also result in some savings, but isn’t a secure option. Some other ways to reduce costs are:
Shop local to save on transportation costs.
Get multiple quotes from fencing contractors.
Negotiate bulk discounts.
Reduce your fence’s height.
Choose simple designs.
Use standard-size panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glass fences are extremely strong. You can drop 10mm thick tempered glass on concrete and it wouldn't break. Considering that certain types of glass are bulletproof, glass has the capacity to be exceptionally durable and resistant to breaking. Certain types of glass, like laminated glass, are designed to not shatter at all, but rather break into giant pieces.
The thickness of a glass fence varies widely based on its application and whether or not there are any safety requirements, but most fences are between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters thick. 12-millimeter-thick glass is extremely strong and overkill in most cases, which is why you typically only see it around pools and in skyscrapers.
The four main types of glass are heat-strengthened glass, which is what's commonly used for pool fencing, coated glass, laminated glass, and annealed glass. Annealed glass undergoes a slow cooling process that makes it less prone to breaking from temperature changes, but doesn't increase its strength. Coated glass is designed to reduce glare, enhance UV protection, and improve insulation, and is not used for glass fencing.
Other than the cost, glass fences require regular upkeep and are more prone to damage than other fencing materials like wood or steel. Glass collects scratches over time and requires professional installation. Glass fences, in certain cases due to their transparency, can be dangerous. For this reason, it isn’t advised to have glass fencing around young children or certain pets.