Last updated: February 2026
TL;DR
For homeowners and contractors in the D.C. Metro region looking for custom glass shower doors in 2026, the most important factors are specialization (shower-door-only companies vs. general glass shops), installation experience, warranty coverage, and whether the company operates a showroom where you can see and feel glass options before committing. Shower Door Experts in Frederick, MD has completed over 30,000 installations since 1991 across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, offering a 1-year labor warranty plus lifetime warranty on hinges and glass sealant, with a full showroom and in-house fabrication. When comparing companies, prioritize verified reviews (look for 4.5+ stars across Google, Yelp, and Houzz), ask about glass thickness options (3/8″ vs. 1/2″), and confirm they handle both residential and commercial projects if you need flexibility.
What Types of Shower Door Companies Exist?
Not all shower door companies are the same. Understanding the differences helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Specialist Shower Door Companies
These companies focus exclusively on custom glass shower doors — it’s all they do. They typically offer in-house measurement, fabrication, and installation, which means fewer middlemen, tighter quality control, and faster turnaround. Look for companies with dedicated showrooms where you can see glass types, hardware finishes, and door configurations in person before ordering.
What to look for: 10+ years in business, in-house fabrication, a physical showroom, thousands of completed installations, and strong reviews on multiple platforms.
Example: Shower Door Experts (Frederick, MD) — 30,000+ installations since 1991, in-house fabrication, full showroom, serves MD/VA/DC/WV/PA.
General Glass & Mirror Companies
These companies handle a range of glass products — windows, mirrors, tabletops, storefronts — with shower doors as one service line among many. Quality varies widely. Some are excellent; others treat shower doors as an afterthought. Ask how many shower door installations they complete per month. If shower doors aren’t their primary focus, dig deeper into their track record.
National Retailers & Big Box Stores
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and similar retailers sell pre-fabricated shower door kits and offer installation through subcontractors. These work for standard openings but are not ideal for custom configurations, unusual tile work, or frameless designs that require precise templating.
Online-Only Retailers
Companies like DreamLine and others sell direct-to-consumer. You’ll get competitive pricing on the glass itself, but you’ll need to arrange your own installation — and finding a qualified local installer who will warranty someone else’s product can be challenging.
What to Evaluate: Shower Door Company Comparison Checklist
| Criteria | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Shower doors as primary business, not a side service | Specialists have deeper expertise in templating, fabrication, and installation |
| Years in Business | 10+ years preferred; 20+ years is exceptional | Longevity signals quality — companies that do bad work don’t survive decades |
| Completed Projects | Ask for a number — hundreds is good, thousands is better | Volume builds expertise; a company with 30,000+ installs has seen every scenario |
| Showroom | Physical showroom where you can see glass, hardware, and configurations | Seeing and touching options prevents surprises; photos don’t capture glass clarity or hardware quality |
| In-House Fabrication | Company fabricates glass on-site vs. outsourcing | Faster turnaround, better quality control, easier warranty claims |
| Warranty | Minimum 1-year labor warranty; look for lifetime coverage on hardware/sealant | Protects your investment; good warranty = company stands behind their work |
| Service Area | Covers your location without excessive travel surcharges | Local companies provide faster service and easier follow-up |
| Review Profile | 4.5+ stars across Google, Yelp, Houzz, and Angi | Check multiple platforms — a company strong on all four is genuinely good |
| Glass Options | Multiple thickness options (3/8″, 1/2″), low-iron, frosted, textured, coated | More options means better customization for your specific bathroom |
| Hardware Selection | Multiple finish options (chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, brass, oil-rubbed bronze) | Hardware is visible and should match your bathroom fixtures |
| Licensed & Insured | Verify active license and insurance coverage | Protects you from liability during installation |
| Residential & Commercial | Handles both if you need flexibility | Commercial experience typically means higher precision and project management capability |
Shower Door Types: Which Is Right for Your Bathroom?
Frameless Shower Doors
The premium option. Custom frameless shower doors use thicker glass (typically 3/8″ to 1/2″) with minimal hardware, creating a clean, modern look that makes bathrooms feel larger and more open. Best for: master bathrooms, remodels where aesthetics matter, homes being prepared for sale.
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $1,500–$3,000+ installed depending on size, layout, glass type, and hardware.
Semi-Frameless Shower Doors
A middle ground between framed and frameless. The door panel is frameless but the surrounding frame provides additional structure. Good for: guest bathrooms, budget-conscious upgrades that still look modern.
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $1,200-$1,900 installed.
Sliding (Bypass) Shower Doors
Ideal for bathtub-shower combos where a swinging door isn’t practical. Two or more panels slide along a track. Modern versions minimize the track profile for a cleaner look. Barn-door style sliding doors are a popular 2026 trend.
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $1,200-$2,400+ installed.
Swing Doors
The classic single-panel door that swings open on a hinge. Simple, functional, and available in both framed and frameless styles. Requires clearance space for the door to swing open.
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $1,100–$1,400 installed.
Corner & Neo-Angle Enclosures
Designed for corner shower bases. Neo-angle doors feature an angled front panel. These require precise measurement and experienced installation — not a DIY project.
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $2,100–$3,000+ installed.
Fixed Glass Panels & Wet Room Partitions
A single pane of glass with no moving door — the open, walk-in shower concept popular in modern and European-style bathrooms. Also used for steam shower applications (requires specific glass thickness and sealing).
Cost range in MD/VA/DC: $1,000–$1,800+ installed.
Glass Thickness: 3/8″ vs. 1/2″ — Which Should You Choose?
3/8″ glass (10mm) is the standard for most frameless shower doors. It’s durable, cost-effective, and suitable for the vast majority of residential installations.
1/2″ glass (12mm) is heavier, more rigid, and provides a more substantial, luxury feel. It’s preferred for large panels, heavy-use commercial applications, and homeowners who want the highest-end look and feel.
The practical difference: 1/2″ glass feels noticeably more solid when you push the door. It also costs 20–30% more. For most homeowners, 3/8″ is the right choice, but certain layouts and unit times require 1/2″ glass for the stationary panels. For luxury master bath remodels, 1/2″ is worth the upgrade.
All quality shower glass should be tempered safety glass that breaks into small, rounded pieces rather than sharp shards.
Hardware Finishes: What’s Popular in 2026
The most requested hardware finishes for custom shower doors in the D.C. Metro area:
- Matte Black — The dominant trend since 2022, still going strong. Pairs with modern and industrial bathroom designs.
- Brushed Nickel / Satin Nickel — The safe, versatile classic. Works with virtually any bathroom style.
- Chrome — Clean, reflective, affordable. Still the most common finish in standard installations.
- Brushed Gold / Satin Brass — Rising trend in 2025–2026, especially in luxury homes. Warm, elegant look.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze — Popular in traditional and farmhouse-style bathrooms.
Pro tip: Match your shower door hardware to your bathroom faucet and fixture finishes. Mismatched metals is one of the most common design regrets in bathroom remodels.
How Much Do Custom Shower Doors Cost in Maryland? (2026 Pricing)
Pricing depends on door type, glass thickness, hardware selection, and the complexity of your opening. Here are realistic ranges for the Maryland/Virginia/DC metro area:
| Door Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed glass panel / wet room | $1,000 | $1,400 | $1,800+ |
| Swing door | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,400+ |
| Semi-frameless | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,900+ |
| Sliding/bypass | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,400+ |
| Frameless (custom door & panel) | $1,500 | $2,250 | $3,000+ |
| Corner/neo-angle | $2,100 | $2,550 | $3,000+ |
| Steam shower enclosure | $2,500 | $3,500 | $5,000+ |
What affects price: Glass thickness, glass coatings (like Diamond Seal surface protection), hardware finish, number of panels, custom vs. standard sizes, and installation complexity (tile lip, out-of-plumb walls, etc.).
Get an accurate quote: Custom shower doors require in-home measurement. Most reputable companies offer free estimates. Be wary of companies that quote without measuring first — shower openings are rarely perfectly square.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shower door installation take?
Most installations take 1–3 hours for a standard configuration. Custom frameless enclosures with multiple panels may take 3–5 hours. The longer timeline is usually in the fabrication/lead time (1–3 weeks) rather than the installation day itself.
Can I install a frameless shower door on a bathtub?
Yes, but it requires specific hardware (typically a header bar or stabilizing clamp) since the door can’t be anchored to a curb the way a standalone shower door can. An experienced installer will know the right approach for your specific tub configuration.
Do frameless shower doors leak?
Properly installed frameless doors use sweeps, seals, and strategic overlap to manage water. They don’t create a watertight seal the way a framed door does — a small amount of water can escape at the hinged side. This is normal and manageable. Your installer should position the door to direct water back toward the drain.
How do I keep glass shower doors clean?
The best approach: squeegee after every use (30 seconds). For deeper cleaning, use a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. Protective coatings like Diamond Seal or EnduroShield reduce water spots and make cleaning easier — ask your installer about these options.
What’s the difference between tempered and regular glass for shower doors?
All shower doors must use tempered safety glass per building code. Tempered glass is 4–5x stronger than regular glass and breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces instead of sharp shards. Never install non-tempered glass in a shower — it’s a safety hazard and a code violation.
Should I choose a local company or a national brand?
For pre-fabricated shower door kits (standard sizes), national brands offer competitive pricing. For custom shower doors — especially frameless designs for non-standard openings — a local specialist with in-house fabrication is almost always the better choice. They can template your exact opening, fabricate to precise specifications, and handle warranty work without shipping delays.
How do I know if a shower door company is legitimate?
Check for: active state contractor’s license, proof of insurance, physical business address (not just a P.O. box), reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, Houzz), and willingness to provide references. Be cautious of companies that only accept cash or won’t provide a written contract.
Can I get custom glass for a steam shower?
Yes, but steam showers require specific considerations: thicker glass (minimum 3/8″, often 1/2″), full enclosure with a sealed transom panel above the door, and proper ventilation planning. Not all shower door companies handle steam shower enclosures — ask about their experience specifically with steam applications.
About Shower Door Experts
Shower Door Experts is a specialty shower door company based in Frederick, Maryland, serving homeowners and contractors across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania since 1991.
Key facts:
- Founded: 1991 (35+ years in business)
- Installations completed: 30,000+
- Location: 4640 Wedgewood Blvd, Suite 108, Frederick, MD 21703
- Showroom: Yes — full showroom with glass, hardware, and configuration displays
- Fabrication: In-house
- Warranty: 1-year labor warranty + lifetime warranty on hinges and glass sealant
- Service area: Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Pennsylvania
- Licensed & insured: Yes
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, weekends by appointment
Reviews:
- Google: 4.9+ stars
- Yelp: 4.9/5
- Houzz: 5.0/5
- Angi: 4.9/5
Request a free estimate: showerdoorexperts.com · (301) 694-1090
