Aluminium, Glass & Shower Screen Guide
A Singapore homeowner's guide to shower screens, tempered glass and aluminium: real price ranges, glass types, frame options and what affects cost.
A shower screen in Singapore typically costs somewhere between 400 and 1,500 dollars installed, depending on glass thickness, frame type and the size of the opening. A simple fixed panel sits at the lower end, while a frameless swing door or a custom L-shaped enclosure sits at the higher end. Most homes use 8mm or 10mm tempered glass, and the final price also depends on the wall condition and whether any old screen has to be removed first.
Beyond shower screens, aluminium and glass work covers a wide range of jobs in a Singapore home: sliding doors, window grilles, kitchen partitions, service yard doors and balcony enclosures. This guide explains the common glass types, frame styles, real price ranges and the practical things that trip homeowners up, so you can plan the work and ask contractors the right questions.
How much does a shower screen cost in Singapore?
Prices vary by type and size, but the ranges below reflect what many homeowners pay for supply and installation. Treat them as a guide, not a fixed quote, because the wall type, glass thickness and hardware finish all move the number.
For an accurate figure, most contractors will need to site-measure first, since a few centimetres of tiling variation can change the glass cut and the bracket layout.
- Fixed glass panel (single pane, no door): roughly 400 to 700 dollars
- Semi-frameless swing or hinged door: roughly 600 to 1,000 dollars
- Frameless swing door with fixed panel: roughly 900 to 1,500 dollars
- Sliding or bypass screen for a bathtub: roughly 700 to 1,300 dollars
- Custom L-shaped or walk-in enclosure: 1,200 dollars and up
What glass is used for shower screens?
Shower screens in Singapore use tempered (toughened) safety glass, not ordinary glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated so it is far stronger, and if it does break it shatters into small blunt granules rather than sharp shards. The most common thicknesses are 8mm and 10mm; thicker glass feels more solid and is usually chosen for frameless designs.
You will also see choices in glass finish and coating. Clear glass is the default, low-iron (extra-clear) glass removes the slight green tint for a cleaner look, and frosted or fluted glass adds privacy. Many suppliers offer an easy-clean nano coating that helps water bead off and reduces limescale build-up, which matters given Singapore's mineral-rich tap water.
- 8mm tempered: standard, good value, works with framed and semi-frameless designs
- 10mm tempered: stiffer and more premium, preferred for frameless doors
- Low-iron glass: clearer, less green tint, costs a little more
- Frosted or fluted: privacy without blocking light
- Nano easy-clean coating: less water spotting, easier maintenance
Framed, semi-frameless or frameless?
The frame style is the biggest driver of both looks and price. Framed screens use aluminium around the full perimeter, which hides the glass edges and keeps costs down, but the tracks can trap grime. Frameless screens use minimal hardware and thick glass held by small brackets, giving a clean open look at a higher price. Semi-frameless sits in between, with a slim frame on some edges only.
For small HDB bathrooms, a fixed frameless panel over a shower area is popular because it keeps the space feeling open and is easy to squeegee. For a family bathroom that needs a full enclosure, a semi-frameless option often gives the best balance of durability and cost.
What about aluminium windows, doors and grilles?
Aluminium is the workhorse material for Singapore homes because it resists rust in our humid climate and needs little upkeep. Common jobs include sliding windows and doors, casement windows, service yard doors, kitchen glass partitions and invisible or grille-style window guards for safety. Powder-coated aluminium comes in colours like white, black, dark grey and wood-grain finishes.
If you live in an HDB flat or a condo, check the rules before changing external windows or grilles. HDB requires the use of BCA-approved window contractors for the replacement of window casements, and condos usually need management approval to keep the facade uniform. Internal glass partitions and shower screens are generally simpler, but strata and HDB guidelines still apply to anything that affects the building exterior.
What affects the final price?
Two shower screens of the same size can be quoted very differently, and it usually comes down to a handful of factors. Knowing them helps you compare quotes fairly instead of just picking the cheapest number.
Ask each contractor to itemise the glass thickness, hardware brand and whether removal, disposal and sealing are included, so you are comparing like with like.
- Glass thickness and type (10mm and low-iron cost more than 8mm clear)
- Frame style (frameless is dearest, framed is cheapest)
- Size and shape (custom L-shapes and tall panels use more glass)
- Hardware finish (matte black and brushed hardware cost more than chrome)
- Wall condition (uneven tiles or hollow walls may need extra anchoring)
- Removal and disposal of an existing screen
- Coatings like nano easy-clean
Getting the work done right
Aluminium and glass work looks simple but a bad install shows quickly: doors that drift, gaps that leak water onto the floor, or brackets that pull loose from hollow walls. A proper installer will site-measure, template the opening, use the right anchors for your wall type and seal the joints with quality silicone so the shower stays watertight.
If you want a clean quote and a tidy install, our aluminium, glass and metal service covers shower screens, tempered glass panels, sliding doors and window works, and can advise on the right glass thickness and frame style for your bathroom or flat. Getting the measurement and waterproofing right the first time saves you from callbacks and water damage later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install a shower screen? After the site measurement, the glass is fabricated and cut to size, which usually takes around one to two weeks. The actual installation on site is quick, often just a few hours for a standard screen.
Is tempered glass safe if it breaks? Yes. Tempered glass is a safety glass that shatters into small blunt granules rather than long sharp shards, which greatly reduces injury risk. Very rarely it can break spontaneously, so buy from a reputable supplier and consider glass with a safety film if you are concerned.
How do I keep the glass clear of water marks? Squeegee the glass after each shower and wipe down the frame. A nano easy-clean coating helps a lot, and an occasional wipe with a mild limescale remover deals with Singapore's mineral deposits.
Can I install a frameless screen in a small HDB bathroom? Yes, and a fixed frameless panel is often the best choice for small bathrooms because it keeps the room feeling open and has no bulky tracks to clean. A site measurement confirms the wall can take the bracket anchors.