By Abdullah Ghabayen, Glass and Shower Doors | 25 years of glass fabrication and installation across Chicago and the western suburbs | Published September 22, 2026

Quick Answer

A custom shower door is measured in your bathroom and made to fit your exact opening, not pulled off a shelf in a standard size. In Chicago, that matters more than most places, because so many homes have walls that have settled, tile laid over old tile, or condo rules that affect how glass gets in the building. Custom shower doors from Glass and Shower Doors start at $999 with installation included. Most projects take about 2 to 4 weeks from measurement to install day, and the install itself usually takes a few hours.

Every shower opening in Chicago is a little different. A 1920s bungalow in Portage Park, a greystone two-flat in Logan Square, a high-rise condo in the South Loop, and a newer home in Orland Park all need glass that fits the space as it really is.

That is what a custom shower door does. This guide explains how custom doors work, which style fits your home, what they cost, how long they take, and what Chicago homeowners should know before they buy.

Ready to talk about your bathroom now? See our custom shower doors in Chicago service page or call (708) 808-7775.

What Makes a Shower Door “Custom”?

A custom shower door is built for one opening only: yours.

Here is what that means in practice:

1. We measure on-site. We check the width and height at several points, not just one.
2. We map the real conditions. We note where walls lean, where the curb slopes, and where tile sits.
3. We cut the glass to your template. Every cut, notch, and hinge hole is made first.
4. Then the glass is tempered. Tempering makes the glass strong and safe. It also means the glass can never be cut or drilled again.
5. We install it. The same team that measured your opening sets the glass.

Because tempered glass cannot be trimmed on site, the measurement decides everything. A panel that comes back a quarter inch off cannot be fixed. It has to be remade. That is why measuring is the most important step in any custom job.

Custom vs Stock Shower Doors

A stock door can work in a perfectly square opening. Most real bathrooms are not perfectly square, especially in older Chicago homes.

Why Chicago Homes Need Custom Glass

Chicago has some of the most varied housing in the country. Each type brings its own challenges for shower glass.

Bungalows

Chicago’s classic brick bungalows often have small bathrooms, tub alcoves, and years of remodels. Many have had new tile laid over old tile, which shrinks the opening and changes its shape. A stock door rarely fits. A custom sliding door or a semi-frameless door is often the best match for a bungalow tub.

Two-flats and greystones

These buildings have settled over the decades. Walls are often out of plumb, and floors may slope. Some still have plaster and lath walls, which need careful anchoring for heavy glass. Semi-frameless doors are often a smart choice here, because the partial framing handles uneven walls better than full frameless.

Vintage courtyard buildings and older condos

Older condo buildings share the same settling issues as two-flats, plus building rules. Many buildings require notice before work begins and limit work to set hours.

High-rise condos

Newer high-rise bathrooms are usually square and plumb, which makes them great for frameless glass. The challenge is getting the glass into the building. Before any work, many buildings require:

• A freight elevator reservation
• A certificate of insurance from the installer
• Work only during approved hours
• Glass panels that fit through the elevator and hallways

We plan panel sizes around your building’s access, not just your bathroom.

Newer homes and suburbs

Newer construction in the suburbs usually has straighter walls and larger bathrooms. These homes are a great fit for frameless enclosures, walk-in showers with fixed panels, and steam showers.

Custom Shower Door Styles

Frameless shower doors

Thick 3/8 or 1/2 inch tempered glass with minimal hardware and no metal frame. The cleanest look and the easiest to clean. Best for renovated bathrooms with solid, straight walls.
Learn about frameless shower doors

Semi-frameless shower doors

Slim framing around the fixed panels or edges, with a mostly frameless door. A clean look with more room for error on uneven walls. Often the best choice for older Chicago homes.
Learn about semi-frameless shower doors

Sliding shower doors

Panels that glide on a track, so no swing space is needed. Ideal for tub alcoves and tight bathrooms where a hinged door would hit the toilet or vanity.
Learn about sliding shower doors

Fixed panels and walk-in showers

One or more fixed glass panels with an open entry. Popular for walk-in and curbless showers. Read Shower Door vs Open Walk-In Shower: Pros and Cons before you decide.

Neo-angle, steam, and non-standard openings

Corner showers, steam enclosures with transom panels, sloped attic ceilings, and odd-shaped openings that no stock door will fit. These are where custom glass is not just better. It is the only option.

Not sure which style fits? Read our full Frameless vs Framed Shower Doors comparison or the Types of Shower Doors guide.

Style comparison at a glance

Glass Options for Custom Shower Doors

Glass thickness

Thickness is a structural choice, not just a style choice.

• 1/4 inch: Common for semi-frameless and sliding doors
• 3/8 inch: The standard for most frameless doors
• 1/2 inch: For large fixed panels and luxury builds. Very solid, and heavier.

We choose thickness at the measurement based on your panel sizes.

Glass clarity and texture

• Clear glass: The most popular choice. Has a slight green tint on the edges.
• Low-iron (ultra-clear) glass: Removes most of the green tint. Makes white tile and marble look true to color.
• Frosted glass: Full privacy while still letting light through.
• Patterned or rain glass: Adds privacy and texture.

Protective coatings

A coating applied during fabrication helps water bead off and makes hard water spots easier to clean. With Chicago-area water, many homeowners find it worth adding. It does not replace a squeegee, and it is not permanent, but it helps.

Hardware and Finishes

Hinges, handles, clamps, and headers come in several finishes:

• Polished chrome
• Brushed nickel
• Matte black
• Polished or satin brass
• Oil-rubbed bronze

Match your hardware to your faucet, showerhead, and cabinet pulls for a finished look. Handle style matters too. Pulls, knobs, and towel bar handles all work differently in daily use. See our Shower Door Hardware and Finish Guide.

How Much Do Custom Shower Doors Cost in Chicago?

Custom shower doors from Glass and Shower Doors start at $999, with installation included in the quoted price.

What changes the price:

1. Style. Frameless costs the most. Sliding and semi-frameless cost less.
2. Size of the opening. Larger openings need more glass and sometimes extra support.
3. Number of panels. A single door costs less than a door plus fixed panels.
4. Glass thickness and type. Thicker glass and low-iron glass cost more.
5. Hardware finish. Premium finishes like matte black and brass can add cost.
6. Out-of-square openings. Fitting glass to uneven walls takes more work.
7. Add-ons. Protective coatings, frosted glass, and transom panels add cost.
8. Removal of your old door. We quote removal and disposal up front.

General ranges:

Neo-angle, steam, and complex openings are priced after measurement. Every quote is a firm written price before work begins, with no surprise charges on the invoice.

For a full breakdown, see How Much Do Custom Shower Doors Cost in Chicago?

How Long Does It Take?

Spring and early summer are the busiest remodeling months, which can mean longer lead times. Fall and winter often move faster.

See our full Shower Door Installation Timeline.

Our Custom Shower Door Process

1. Request a free estimate.
Call (708) 808-7775 or request a quote online.

2. On-site measurement.
We come to your home, measure the opening at several points, check whether the walls run true, and ask how you use the bathroom. We talk through style, glass, and hardware with you.

3. Written quote.
You get a firm price with installation and removal included.

4. Custom fabrication.
Your glass is cut, notched, edge-finished, and tempered to your exact measurements.

5. Installation.
We protect your floor and vanity, remove your old enclosure, anchor the hardware into studs or blocking, set and level the glass, and seal it.

6. Final walkthrough.
We walk the finished shower with you and explain care and cure time before we leave.

Remodeling? Plan Your Glass Early

If you are in the middle of a bathroom remodel, a little planning saves time and money.

At the framing stage:
Talk to your glass company early. Heavy frameless panels need solid blocking behind the wall. Adding it now is cheap. Adding it after tile means opening finished walls.

Before tile:
Plan your showerhead and handheld location. Where water sprays affects where the door should go.

After tile and grout are done:
This is when we measure. The finished tile surface sets the real opening size. Measuring before tile leads to glass that does not fit.

Our rule: Talk to us early. Measure late.

We do glass only, so your contractor handles demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, and tile. We coordinate directly with your remodeler on timing.

Safety and Code

All glass in a shower must be safety glass, and in practice that means tempered glass. When tempered glass breaks, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. Every custom door we make uses tempered glass.

Hinged shower doors should also swing out of the shower, so you can get in quickly in an emergency.

Learn more: Is Tempered Glass Required by Code for Shower Doors?

Planning for the long term? See Accessible Shower Glass Options for Aging in Place in Chicago.

Caring for Your Custom Shower Door in Chicago

Chicago-area water is hard. Mineral spots form quickly on glass. These habits keep your door looking new:

• Squeegee after every shower. This one step does more than any cleaner.
• Use a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Skip scouring pads, which leave scratches that hold minerals.
• Keep the bottom sweep and seals in good shape. Replace them when they wear out.
• Check hinges once a year. A small adjustment keeps the door closing right.
• Ventilate the bathroom. Run the fan during and after showers.

Having trouble with water on the floor? Read Shower Door Leaking? Causes, Fixes, and How to Stop It. For broken glass, worn rollers, or loose hinges, see our shower door repair services.

Want to know how long your door will last? See How Long Do Glass Shower Doors Last?

How to Choose a Custom Shower Door Company in Chicago

Ask these questions before you hire anyone:

1. Do you measure, fabricate, and install with your own team? Handoffs between companies cause mistakes.
2. Is installation included in the price? Get it in writing.
3. Is removal of my old door included?
4. Will you check my walls for blocking and plumb before quoting?
5. Do you handle condo building requirements like insurance certificates and elevator bookings?
6. What glass thickness do you recommend, and why?
7. What happens if the glass does not fit?
8. Can I see photos of your recent work and read reviews?

A good company answers all of these clearly and puts the price in writing before any glass is ordered.

Areas We Serve

We install custom shower doors across Chicago neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs, including:

• Beverly
• Oak Lawn
• Burbank
• Crestwood
• Orland Park
• Tinley Park
• Palos Heights
• Palos Park
• Homer Glen
• Mokena
• Frankfort
• Naperville
• Bolingbrook
• Hinsdale
• Oak Brook

See the full list of service areas.

More Than Shower Doors

We also make and install:

• Custom bathroom mirrors
• Glass walls and panels
• Sliding glass doors
• Commercial storefront glass

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do custom shower doors cost in Chicago?

Custom shower doors from Glass and Shower Doors start at $999 with installation included. Standard frameless doors often run about $900 to $1,200, and large walk-in or multi-panel enclosures can run $1,200 to $2,000 or more. The final price depends on size, style, glass, and hardware.

How long does it take to get a custom shower door?

Most projects take about 2 to 4 weeks from the on-site measurement to install day. Most of that time is fabrication. The installation itself usually takes 2 to 5 hours for a standard enclosure.

Is installation included in the price?

Yes. Our quoted price includes installation. Removal and disposal of your old door are quoted up front so nothing is added later.

Can you install a custom shower door in an older Chicago home with uneven walls?

Yes. We measure where the walls run out of plumb and make the glass to match. In older bungalows, two-flats, and greystones, we often recommend semi-frameless doors, since the partial framing handles uneven walls better.

Do you install shower doors in Chicago high-rise condos?

Yes. We plan panel sizes around your building’s elevator and hallways and can work with your building’s rules, such as insurance certificates, elevator reservations, and approved work hours.

When should I schedule the measurement during a remodel?

After your tile and grout are finished. But talk to us early, at the framing stage, so solid blocking can go in behind the wall for heavy frameless glass.

What is the best shower door style for a small Chicago bathroom?

If a hinged door would hit your toilet or vanity, a sliding door is usually best. If there is room for the door to swing, frameless glass makes a small bathroom feel larger because there are no metal frames breaking up the space.

Do custom shower doors leak?

Not when they are planned and installed correctly. Seals, a bottom sweep, door placement, and a floor that slopes to the drain all keep water inside. Leaks are usually caused by poor layout or a worn sweep, which is an easy fix.

Get Your Free Estimate

Every custom shower door starts with a free on-site measurement. We look at your opening, check your walls, talk through your options, and give you a firm written price with installation included.

Call or text: (708) 808-7775
Showroom: 4711 W 135th St, Crestwood, IL 60418
Email: amg@amgproline.com

Request your free estimate or learn more about our custom shower door installation in Chicago.