What you're choosing between
Frameless glass is thick (3/8" to 1/2") tempered glass held by minimal clips and hinges — no metal frame around the edges. Framed glass uses thinner glass set in an aluminum frame. Semi-frameless splits the difference: framed on some edges, clean on others.
Frameless: the premium look
Why people love it: It's the high-end look — clean, open, modern. Makes any bathroom feel bigger because there's almost no visual barrier. Shows off your tile work instead of hiding it behind metal.
Cost: Published guides put frameless glass enclosures at roughly $1,500–$4,000+ installed in Florida, depending on size and configuration. Custom angles and notched panels cost more.
The trade-offs: Heavier — needs solid backing in the walls for hinges. Small gaps at the edges are normal (it's not watertight like a framed unit). Costs roughly double framed glass.
Florida hard water note: Frameless shows water spots more because there's more uninterrupted glass. A quality glass protective coating (we apply one standard) makes a huge difference — water sheets off instead of spotting. Squeegee after showers and it stays clear.
Framed: the practical workhorse
Why people choose it: Costs roughly half of frameless ($700–$1,500 typical). The frame adds rigidity, so thinner (lighter, cheaper) glass works fine. Better water containment — the frame channels drips back into the shower.
The trade-offs: The aluminum frame collects soap scum and mineral deposits in its tracks — the #1 cleaning complaint. Looks more dated, especially in chrome. The frame visually chops up the space.
Semi-frameless: the middle ground
Framed on the fixed panels, frameless on the door. You get most of the clean look where it counts (the door you see and touch daily) at a meaningful discount vs. full frameless. This is an underrated option that more customers should consider.
Our honest take
Go frameless if: the bathroom is a showpiece (primary bath, guest bath people see), you've invested in beautiful tile you want visible, or the open modern look is the whole point of the remodel.
Go framed or semi-frameless if: budget matters more than the last 10% of aesthetics, or this is a kids' bathroom / rental where durability-per-dollar wins.
Either way: get the protective glass coating. In Florida's hard water, it's the difference between glass that stays clear and glass that's permanently spotted within two years. We include it on every glass install we do.
Questions about your specific layout? Call (407) 434-9297.