Glass walls cost an average of $5,000 to install, but these prices can range from $1,300 to $18,000. Don’t consider DIYing this job—you'll absolutely need a pro.
When you’re looking to transform your home and are tired of placing decor on the walls to get the job done, you might turn to the actual walls themselves. If you’re ready to give it a sleek, high-end look with glass walls and want an estimate of how much this project will cost, we got you! On average, installing glass walls will cost you $5,000; find out what role each factor plays in the final cost here.
| Glass Wall Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Glass curtain wall | $200–$600 |
| Window wall | $700–$1,600 |
| Sliding glass wall | $80–$400 |
| Folding glass wall | $800–$1,200 |
| Glass partition | $180–$540 |
| Glass block wall | $45–$210 |
| Exterior glass wall | $120–$480 |
There’s no one-size-fits-all for glass walls. In fact, there are many different types of glass walls you can install, each with its own cost.
Installing a glass curtain wall will cost you $200 to $600 per linear foot. While these walls aren’t load-bearing, they’re typically part of a wall system and have a lightweight metal frame, like aluminum. This means that they require careful installation with their adjacent structural components.
It’s important to mention that since these walls aren’t load-bearing, they can’t replace a load-bearing wall. So, you’ll need to talk with your contractor before installation to see where you can install these glass walls in your home.
Window walls are custom-made and can come in framed or frameless versions. Installing window walls cost $700 to $1,600 per linear foot.
A sliding glass wall, also considered a sliding glass or patio door depending on the application, consists of two panels, one stationary and the other moving. It’s made with impact-resistant glass, which allows it to offer more energy-saving insulation while remaining a durable wall. On average, a sliding glass wall costs $80 to $400 per linear foot.
Folding glass walls consist of multiple panels and are connected by hinges. This design resembles an accordion and folds open or close along a track, allowing you to have an open view. Installing a folding glass wall costs $800 to $1,200 per linear foot, though the final range depends on how many panels you want and glass type and finish.
A glass room wall partition is relatively straightforward. It splits up each room with glass. Most homeowners pay around $180 to $540 per linear foot for glass partition walls.
Popular for use in residential and commercial windows, glass blocks are individual elements that, when secured together with mortar or silicon, create a single immobile glass unit. Because of the many and various types and styles of glass blocks available, plus the ability to arrange them as you wish, a glass block wall can feature bold or subtle aesthetics for use indoors or out. The average cost per linear foot for a glass block wall is between $45 and $210.
Exterior glass walls are load-bearing and adhere to building codes to ensure safety. The cost to install this type of glass wall is $120 to $480 per linear foot.
The cost of labor is also a factor in your project budget. A licensed and insured professional glass installation contractor or glass block installer near you will charge $35 to $150 per hour for this project. Narrowing down which end of that range you fall into is based on your geographical location. Besides location, the labor fees associated with this task depend on the size of your project, where you want them installed, and the type of glass wall you're installing.
If your glass wall project requires a building permit, you may need the services of a structural engineer to obtain permission for the project. You’ll need to budget $3,000 on average to hire a structural engineer near you. Depending on your project’s size, you can pay around $500 for an inspection.
The cost to install glass windows will differ based on where you live. Let’s look at average ranges of what you can expect per linear foot for this project in areas near you:
| Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $830–$1,100 |
| Miami | $660–$890 |
| Chicago | $870–$1,200 |
| Augusta, ME | $740–$1,000 |
| Saint Paul, MN | $870–$1,200 |
| Philadelphia | $880–$1,200 |
| Austin, TX | $700–$940 |
| Salt Lake City | $700–$950 |
You can add various features to your glass wall installation to alter its appearance and improve its performance to meet your needs.
Several coatings and finishes are available to enhance the appearance and privacy functionality of your glass wall. Frosted, reflective, satin, and tinted are all types of finishes you can apply. The coatings necessary to achieve the various finishes range from factory manufacturing techniques, acid etching or sandblasting for a frosted appearance, or using various window films applied to clear glass. Expect to spend an additional $16 to $160 per linear foot to add one of these coatings or finishes to your glass wall installation.
Glass tinting provides privacy and protection from the sun's UV rays. Two types of glass tinting are available, including adding window tinting films or using factory-tinted glass, which incorporates pigments into the glass during manufacturing. Window-tinting films are best for use after the installation of the glass wall is complete.
Factory window tinting costs depend on the type and style of your glass wall but will add between $20 and $160 per linear foot to the cost of your project. Adding window tinting films after installation costs between $16 and $112 per linear foot, installed.
Depending on the glass wall type and where you want to install it, you might need a permit to complete the project. If you’re removing brick or drywall and installing a glass wall, you’ll need permits. You can expect to pay $150 to $2,000 for building permits.
Unless you’re highly skilled and certified (as in this is your line of work) to embark on this project yourself, we recommend you leave this to the pros. A glass wall provides structural support to your home, so you can't afford to make a tiny mistake. We understand the appeal of DIYing a project with a hefty price tag, but letting a pro do this for you is safer. Plus, it can cost you more in the long run if it’s not installed correctly, and your warranty probably doesn’t cover installations that weren’t conducted by a professional.
So, trust us on this one—save yourself time, headache, and money and hire a professional glass contractor near you.
While installing a glass wall represents a significant investment in your home, there are several ways to manage costs to reduce the total price of the project.
Consider installing a lower-cost glass wall option, such as a sliding glass wall, to achieve results similar to what you could get from putting in a more costly folding glass wall.
Choose lower-cost frame materials, such as vinyl or fiberglass, instead of more costly metal options for your glass wall partitions.
Consider reducing the size of the glass area of your wall by lowering the height of the glass.
Use a combination of framed walls and glass to reduce the amount of glass needed for the project. For instance, build a short, framed knee wall with a ceiling-height glass wall on top of it.
Instead of relying on factory-applied finishes, opt to use window film coatings after installation to achieve the look and performance you desire.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Their thickness depends on application, but most glass walls are typically 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch thick. Although it’s not as common, single panes of glass can also be 1 inch thick.
Glass walls are more expensive overall than their brick or drywall counterparts. However, if you need walls for a building with more than two or three stories, glass walls are the more budget-friendly option.
The best (and safest) glass for glass walls is tempered and laminated glass. These types of glasses work well for walls because they are durable against impact and heat.
