A shower enclosure is a long term decision. The glass is custom cut to your opening and the hardware is drilled into place, so there’s very little that can be changed once it’s installed. Yet most shopping guides focus on product features rather than the details that affect how you’ll feel about your shower years later.
This guide walks through the decisions in the order you’ll make them: enclosure style, configuration, glass, hardware, coatings, cost, process, and warranty. It finishes with common mistakes homeowners make and a checklist for comparing quotes that may look similar but aren’t.
Everything in this guide is based on our experience measuring, fabricating, and installing shower enclosures throughout Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, not simply what’s listed in a catalog.
Frameless means thick tempered glass, hinges and clamps, and no metal around the perimeter. Semi-frameless frames part of the enclosure, usually the fixed panel, and leaves the door swinging free.
Frameless looks cleanest, cleans easiest, and puts your tile on display instead of hiding it behind metal. It's also the least forgiving. There's no frame to absorb an opening that isn't square, so everything depends on the measurement. Custom frameless enclosures in Myrtle Beach typically run $2,500 to $8,000+ installed. Semi-frameless typically runs $1,500 to $6,000+.
When replacing an enclosure without redoing the tile, existing holes should be considered when choosing the new design.
Semi-frameless is generally the best option for covering existing holes, although the frame can only do so much if the original holes were not drilled plumb.
Frameless stationary panels can also cover existing holes when installed plumb. However, holes cannot be concealed where an operating door, swinging or sliding, will be installed.
The configuration we install most often is a door with a fixed inline panel: one swinging door and one stationary panel beside it, both sized specifically to fit the opening. A barn-door slider is another great option. The door operates along a track, eliminating the need for clearance required by a swinging door.
Corner enclosures wrap two walls. Neo-angles cut across the corner at an angle. Pivot doors turn on an offset axis and swing both directions. A splash panel is one fixed piece guarding a single wet zone, with no door and no operating hardware at all.
Two limits worth knowing before you fall for a layout. We don't do curved or radius glass, because we have no supplier we'd stand behind for it. And we won't install a steam enclosure unless the ceiling is tiled. Steam has to run up to a sealed surface, and drywall isn't one.
Most frameless enclosures are built using 3/8 inch tempered glass. That's the residential standard, and it's the right spec for the large majority of bathrooms on the Grand Strand.
Half-inch is an engineering answer, not a luxury tier. We move up to it when stability calls for it, most often when a door has to hinge off a glass panel instead of a wall. Some customers prefer ½ inch glass for its heavier, more substantial feel, and we’re happy to accommodate that preference. The added weight also requires hardware rated to support ½ inch glass, so the hinges and other hardware may increase the overall cost.
Clear glass has a natural green tint due to the iron content, and the tint is more prevalent the thicker the glass gets. In most applications nobody notices. Against marble, pale stone, or a white/lighter tile, the green tint is more noticeable.
Low-iron glass takes that cast out, so the material behind the glass looks the way you picked it. Worth the upgrade when the surround is the point of the room. Easy to skip on a small clear panel.
Patterned glass, such as frosted/satin or rain glass, is a great option when you want added privacy while still allowing natural light to come through. One thing to keep in mind with frosted/satin glass is that it has a textured surface on one side, which can make it a little more difficult to keep clean than standard clear glass.
We do not offer custom etching, sandblasting, or decorative work, so any decorative glass design should be planned around the patterns we have available.
CRL is our residential vendor for hinges, clamps, and channel. On shower jobs it's usually Cologne or Vienna hinges, which are the same hinge in rounded and square profiles, plus Crescent or Serenity sliders for barn door configurations.
Matte black is currently the most popular finish among Grand Strand homeowners, followed by brushed nickel. We don’t stock hardware, each piece is ordered specifically for your project, allowing us to offer the full range of finishes. Less common finishes may require additional lead time, so it’s best to choose your finish early.
Glass may feel perfectly smooth, but its surface has microscopic imperfections where minerals and soap residue can build up over time. A protective coating creates a smoother, more resistant surface, helping deposits stay on top of the glass so they are easier to clean.
In coastal or humid environments, this can be especially beneficial because moisture tends to remain on the glass longer. Over time, mineral deposits can become more difficult to remove and may eventually cause permanent etching. A coating can help protect the glass and make ongoing maintenance easier.
We offer EnduroShield and ShowerGuard as glass protection options. The important thing to know is that the coating must be applied before installation and cannot be added afterward. If you’re considering it, it’s best to make that decision during the quoting and ordering process.
Every enclosure is quoted individually because each project is custom-built to fit your specific opening. Published price ranges give you a general idea of where different enclosure styles typically fall.
Four factors have the biggest impact on where a project falls within these price ranges. Size and complexity come first, followed by patterned glass, the low-iron glass upgrade, and brass or gold finishes.
Larger or more complex enclosures require additional glass, hardware, fabrication, and installation time. Patterned glass, low-iron glass, and specialty brass or gold finishes are also upgrades that can increase the overall cost.
50% deposit releases the order, 50% comes due on installation day. Demo and haul-away of the old enclosure is available as an add-on if you'd rather not deal with it or hand it to a contractor.
Text or email us photos and rough measurements and we'll build you a preliminary quote off that. Most glass companies won't. It's the fastest way to learn whether your project and your budget live in the same neighborhood. Intricate showers and multi-shower projects skip the photo estimate, because those need eyes in the room.
For a single shower the visit runs under an hour, depending on configuration. Your tile needs to be 100% complete before we measure. We measure the finished surfaces where the glass will be installed, so walls must be complete and ready for final measurements. Paint and plumbing can be completed anytime, but preferably before installation.
Within 24 hours of that visit you get final pricing plus a rendering of the enclosure, so you can see the configuration before anything is ordered.
Budget 3 to 5 weeks from deposit to installation day. Specialty finishes land at the long end of that window. Again: hardware is ordered per job.
Two technicians, every install. A typical enclosure takes 2 to 5 hours depending on configuration. A bigger or more complicated layout can eat the whole day. Clear the bathroom of anything in the way before the crew arrives.
We show you how everything operates and leave you with care instructions. Then wait 72 hours before you use the shower. The outside of the silicone skins over in about 24 hours, but we run silicone underneath the glass too, and the full depth needs the longer window.
We cover installation workmanship for one year from the install date. Residential shower hardware carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty from date of sale.
Start a claim by phone, email, or the website form, and we review it during business hours.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting too long to involve the glass company. Rather than waiting until the tile is finished, it’s best to have us involved while the contractor is still framing. At that stage, we can help confirm that the opening is being built properly and will accommodate the enclosure you want, rather than having to work around decisions that have already been set in finished tile.
The most common regret we hear is passing on the glass coating. Since the coating must be applied before installation, it cannot be added to glass after the enclosure is installed. Another common upgrade between quoting and installation is increasing the glass height. Taller glass can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the shower.
Every one of those is a five-minute fix on a drawing and a demolition job in finished tile.
Finally, it’s important to know when frameless glass is not the right application. Frameless 3/8-inch glass cannot be installed directly onto a fiberglass shower insert. In that situation, the better approach is to choose an enclosure designed for the existing shower system rather than trying to force a frameless configuration where it isn’t appropriate.
Two quotes on the same shower can differ by thousands and both be honest, because they're rarely describing the same enclosure. Make them comparable. Confirm each quote spells out these items:
Then, look at the company you’re hiring. Make sure they are licensed and insured, and consider whether they’ll still be there to answer the phone if a warranty question comes up a few years down the road.
Experience and industry knowledge matter, too. Our general manager helped write the National Glass Association’s shower door installation guide, giving us a strong understanding of the standards and best practices that go into a proper installation. It’s one more thing to consider when deciding who you want quoting and installing your project.
Simple maintenance steps to keep in mind:
Clean both the glass and hardware with mild dish soap and water using a non-scratch sponge.
Squeegee the glass after each use to help prevent mineral buildup.
Check and tighten the hinges about one week after installation, then again roughly two weeks later to allow the gaskets to reach full compression.
Be careful with cleaning products. Avoid shower or tile cleaners, abrasive powders, and vinegar, as they can damage hardware finishes and seals. Stick with mild dish soap and water for the hardware.
Semi-frameless doors offer a similar appearance to a fully framed enclosure, but the door itself does not have framing around its edges. The stationary portions of the enclosure are framed, while the door swings free without a frame. When the door is closed, a semi-frameless enclosure can look very similar to a fully framed shower.
Frameless enclosures use thicker 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass with hinges and clamps instead of perimeter framing. This creates a cleaner, more open look that puts more emphasis on the tile and overall design of the shower. Because of the heavier glass and specialized hardware, frameless typically costs more than framed or semi-frameless options.
Neither option is necessarily better, it depends on the application and the customer’s preference. 3/8 inch glass is the residential standard and is used for the vast majority of the frameless enclosures we build.
1/2 inch glass may be recommended when additional stability is needed, such as when a door is hinged directly off a glass panel, or when a customer prefers the heavier, more substantial feel of thicker glass. It also requires hardware specifically rated to support the additional weight.
Custom frameless enclosures typically run $2,500 to $8,000+ installed, semi-frameless $1,500 to $6,000+, and steam enclosures $4,500 to $10,000+. Pattern glass, the low-iron upgrade, gold and brass finishes, size, and configuration complexity drive the spread. Every project gets quoted individually after an on-site measurement.
Budget 3 to 5 weeks from deposit to installation day, with specialty hardware finishes at the long end because hardware is ordered per job. The site measurement happens before that window opens and takes under an hour. The install itself runs 2 to 5 hours with two technicians.
In most Grand Strand bathrooms, yes. Coatings seal the microscopically porous glass surface so minerals and soap wipe off instead of bonding, which matters in a humid coastal climate. The decision has a deadline: coatings go on before installation and can't be added to glass that's already installed.
Contact your glass company while your contractor is still framing, not after the tile has been installed. This is the stage when the opening can still be built correctly for the glass, including the proper curb angle and the surfaces the enclosure will need to seal against.
Waiting until the tile is finished is one of the most common and costly sequencing mistakes we see. Getting the glass company involved early can help prevent installation issues and avoid having to make changes to finished tile.
Installation workmanship is covered for one year. Residential shower hardware carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty from date of sale. Not covered: hard-water buildup and etching, damage from improper cleaners, storm or impact damage, modifications by others, and issues originating in the surrounding structure.
Mild dish soap and water with a non-scratch sponge, on both glass and hardware, then a squeegee pass after every use. Avoid anything labeled for showers or tile, abrasive powders, and vinegar, since those attack hardware finishes and seals. Tighten gaskets a week after install and again about two weeks later.
Every enclosure we build is measured on site, fabricated to the exact dimensions of your opening, and installed by our own two person crew. For a preliminary quote, you can send us photos and approximate measurements. Once the tile is complete, we can schedule an on-site measure, followed by final pricing and a rendering within 24 hours.
I need to replaced a broken seal window pane. It was very easy to schedule the measurement and installation thru Loren. Trevor and Kevin did a fantastic job with the measurement and installation.
Trevor and Kevin did a great job installing the glass in our window.. they cleaned the glass and swept the floor and clean everything up and left it just like they found it .. they are both very friendly and professional glass installers .. I highly recommend them and if we have another window go bad we absolutely will use them again ..
Your technician Trevor was wonderful! It was a very tough job but he removed the old glass, inserted the new and cleaned everything up. He is a tremendous asset to your company!
Trevor & Kevin were very professional & did a great job installing our shower door. Very personable & explained everything that was done. We would recommend this company 100%.
Trevor and Kevin took heat care of us. They came to my gym to replace a broken mirror. Everyone was friendly and professional all the way through the process. Mirror looks great and they cleaned up after themselves. Definitely recommend!!! Patrick Flynn - Owner Anytime Fitness Forestbrook
We chose American Glass & Glazing after speaking with Loren and she answered questions about their products and services. We were ready to replace the standard builders grade shower frame door that came with our home to something more elevated and easier to clean. From start to finish through on-site measurement, Loren and then the installers Trevor and Steven were very friendly and helpful. Work was done quickly - in only about two week turn around from start to installation. We would highly recommend American Glass & Glazing if you’re in the market for a shower upgrade or other glass project! I’ve added a before and after photo of the shower door. The frameless glass with black hardware really is a fabulous sleek look!
Trevor, Kevin and Lauren were all awesome. Professional and great craftsmanship. They installed a large mirror at my gym and did an amazing job! Definitely recommend. Patrick Flynn - Anytime Fitness Forestbrook
Trevor and Chip are seasoned professionals! They were timely, kind, and very knowledgeable. Our shower glass is absolutely perfect. We couldn't have asked for anything better. We know exactly who to call for all of our glass needs moving forward. Thank you for ending our renovation journey on a high note.
Trevor and Kevin did an incredible job, very friendly and efficient and the glass install on my shower looks sooooo good. Would definitely use them again!
This company and its employees are very helpful. The installers were excellent very courteous efficient and professional. I recommend this company for your glass needs. Would use them again.
We love our shower door. We received excellent customer service from start to finish. We highly recommend them.
Great company and genuine people who are a pleasure to work with . We had an issue with leveling our store front door . I called Loren , she scheduled promptly. Trevor and his team came in , the next day , they went above and beyond in removing the front door and making sure the base is at a level then re-installed the door.
Best company!! The install guys to the office, a great experience!!!
The only company to go to for your glass needs! They just replaced our “builders grade” shower door with a semi-frameless door. They did a beautiful job! Highly recommended!
This company is the only glass company in the area that returned my call. They are fast, friendly and affordable. Loren and Trevor were both very knowledgeable and professional. They clean up before they leave as well. Highly recommend American Glass & Glazing for your glass repair or replacement needs!!
This company is amazing! I was so fortunate to have them replace the glass on a broken window rather than replace it!! Everyone is very courteous and their workmanship is exceptional. These folks really take pride in what they do. Thank you again!
I needed a small piece of glass, and was very pleased to have it done right there and then. Clean store, friendly service. Definitely will go there for all my glass needs.
American Glass & Glazing are the Best!!! From the start with Loren, she was fantastic answering all my questions and scheduling. Everything went perfectly with Trever and the install of a new tempered glass section on my oceanfront condo, window... fantastic! He also followed up and called me about checked about other patio doors on operation I asked for from Loren. This is what I want in a Window Contractor. Call them
Trevor and his assistants were on time, very courteous, and efficient in fixing our windows. They were truly a pleasure to deal with. My husband and I would highly recommend to others.
Super fast and friendly. Did a excellent job on our back doors glass replacement.
Very nice people and easy to work with! Measuring and installation went smoothly and they were very thorough with clean up. 5 stars for communication as well, this is hard to find!
Bifold shower door was installed with close attention to all details, no matter how small. They measured and remeasured to ensure that it was installed correctly and without flaws. Crew was highly professional, personable, and presented themselves that was a credit to their company. I highly recommend American Glass & Glazing for shower door update and install.
From start to finish our experience was perfect. The tech, Trevor, was tidy, polite, meticulous with his work. We had a couple of non-square pieces that needed precise patterns and he got them traced out exact. I'd highly recommend this company. Prior to calling we were stood up by one, then another came out and said they'd get us an estimate but never did. I was exasperated! Needless to say I was concerned but 3rd time was a charm.
Great job!!! Trevor and Justin were so friendly, courteous and professional. Installation was done in a timely fashion. This is a great company, from speaking with Loren who was very helpful all the way through to the installation. Love my shower door.!!!
Excellent Service! From scheduling to installation it was a great experience. Installers Trevor and Kevin were very professional, on time and Excellent work! We highly recommend this company!
The experiencing was amazing , they were quick and fairly priced. Was very pleased!
The entire process was easy from start to finish. The installer was courteous and quick to resolve issues with first install. Customer service department was polite and quick to respond as well.
Trevor and Kevin came to replace a bad glass panel, and did a great job replacing the glass. Thanks guys! On time, knew their job and cleaned up! Professional!
I had a window that needed to be replaced in a condo. American glass came out and measured, ordered, and replaced. I wasn’t able to be at the property when they did the work, but they kept me advised of their progress and made this project very easy.
Prompt and friendly small business. They were quick to come out and make a template for a custom glass top we will use to protect a coffee bar. Very happy with results, communication, and keeping appointments! Set it perfectly and cleaned spotlessly!
Trevor is very knowledgeable and does amazing work. I highly recommend American Glass & Glazing to everyone.
Looking for glass replacement for broken window seal. I wasn’t up for replacing the entire window and called for pricing and info. American Glass & Glazing responded promptly. I appreciate that they sent the same technicians to quote the job and perform the installation. They were on time, kind and courteous. I appreciate craftsmen working on my home having patience and not being in a giant rush to do a job. That is what I got with this company. I’ve decided to add another window for glass replacement that appears to be on its way out. I highly recommend calling American Glass & Glazing for your broken window seals if you have cloudy glass. I wasn’t up for trying to figure out who the window manufacturer is then pay shipping, removing interior shutters and having it installed myself then re-installing shutters & caulk which is how window warranty works. No thanks! If you’re considering a solution for your windows with broken seals, give them a call.
This company and their employees I had interaction with, were the best. Lauren, Trever and Keven were very professional, very respectful and just a true blessing to work with!! I thank each of them for making this an easy transaction. They were there when they said they would be! Everything was on time! I was never waiting to see when they would show up. They give you an hour window and they were there inside that window! Always with a call they were on their way! I love their communication with the customer!! ♥️
Staff was very easy to work with and are very respectful. The install took most of the day but was worth it! Love the new shower doors!’
Loren was responsive and easy to work with. Our delivery team, Trevor and Kevin, were awesome — professional, prompt, and super accommodating. Give these guys a raise! I’d definitely use American Glass again.
Just received delivery of our glass top for dining room table and could not be happier. What a pleasure working with Lauren and Trevor. From placing the order to delivery, true professionals. Would highly recommend.
Trevor and Kevin did a great job installing our new balancer, locks, and window glass. Very professional, punctual, and kind. We didn’t know the balancer was broke and Trevor told us about it which we appreciated. They ordered the part and installed it along with the other items. Thank you Trevor and Kevin. We would highly recommend this company and will use them again if needed.
Trevor from American glass did a great job replacing a difficult window with mutins that needed to line up exactly. Highly recommend.
Can’t say enough good things about this company! They are so friendly and do an amazing job! They came in under everyone else on price and had it installed in 2 weeks where everyone else was 3-4 weeks out. I will be referring them to everyone I know who needs glass installed. Thank you!!!
A professional, courteous and pleasant experience from start to finish. Loren in the office was thorough and communicative. We had a very clear idea of what to expect the day of measurement, the lead time to manufacture, and what the day of install would be like. Trevor and Kevin arrived, on time, and performed a seamless install, left our home in better condition than they found it, and did it with a smile. After our experience today, our family won’t consider using any company other than American Glass & Glazing, and neither should yours!
Excellent experience from my call to completion of the job. I needed to replace a damaged panel on my sliding glass door. The technicians were on time, did a great installation, and cleaned up when done. Would highly recommend.
Excellent. New glass made a huge difference. Trevor and Kevin were great - worked around drywall installers on site. Installed quickly and completely cleaned up.
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