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MoreTypical cost range: $200 – $650 per linear foot
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See full bioWindow walls can serve many purposes in a home, such as exterior walls, room dividers, or folding or sliding doors. They can act as a deck or patio entrance or the focal point of a bedroom or living room. However, installing a glass wall is a substantial renovation project, particularly if the wall is load-bearing. This project costs an average of $200–$650 per linear foot of glass, but the glass wall’s elegant, high-end look creates an aesthetic that few other design choices can match. Our guide outlines the average cost of a window wall installation and offers project savings tips.
*Article cost data courtesy of HomeAdvisor and Angi.
Where your window wall project falls within the $200–$650 per linear foot price range depends on the following factors.
Some glass panel configurations cost more than others.
Treated or multipaned glass costs more than standard single-pane glass.
This is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, so you’ll pay for professional window installation.
Depending on the project specifics and where you live, you may need a permit to meet local building codes.
Your home’s wall system is a vital part of its structure. You may need to hire an expert to ensure your new window wall can bear the weight it needs to.
Because of the materials and careful engineering required, window walls cost substantially more than regular framing and drywall. You’ll have several options based on where you want to place the wall and whether you want to open it.
The simplest and least expensive type of glass wall acts as an interior partition, which means it typically doesn’t need to support any weight other than its own. Partition panels may be framed or frameless, but they usually cost about $11 per square foot. The glass may be clear, leaving the room visually open, or it may be frosted for privacy.
Most residential glass walls are exterior load-bearing walls. They sit within the slab foundation and help support the ceiling or upper-floor weight. Because they’re structurally important, the glass panels’ thickness and stability are regulated by building codes and are more expensive than interior partition panels. This glass can cost anywhere from $15–$60 per square foot.
A glass curtain wall also sits on a building’s exterior, but it’s not a load-bearing wall. Instead, the glass walls sit outside the building’s slabs and are supported by a metal frame. Glass curtains are typically found on tall commercial buildings that have entirely transparent or mirrored exteriors, but they can also be installed in residential homes. They usually cost between $25 and $75 per square foot and require a structural engineer to ensure the building’s weight is properly redistributed. Because of this, glass curtain walls are rarely installed as retrofits and are instead mostly used in new construction.
Often used as patio doors, sliding glass walls usually open onto a home’s porch, patio, deck, or backyard. They’re like sliding glass doors, but they take up an entire wall. Replacing an existing wall with sliding glass requires careful construction to distribute support around the door’s frame. These walls should be made of impact-resistant glass since they must withstand being opened and closed along a track. Sliding glass walls usually cost between $1,070 and $2,900.
A folding wall is another, more complex, type of moving glass wall. As the name suggests, the wall is composed of floor-to-ceiling hinged window panels that fold up accordion-style along a track. The entire wall can then be opened instead of just a door or a single panel. These installations may also offer a standard swinging glass door for easy entry and exit without having to fold everything up. Because of their size and complexity, folding glass walls tend to come with the highest installation costs, often between $800 and $1,200 per linear foot.
Here’s a direct cost comparison of these wall types.
Wall TypeCost RangeGlass partition
$11 per sq. ft.
Exterior glass wall
$15–$60 per sq. ft.
Glass curtain wall
$25–$75 per sq. ft.
Folding glass wall
$800–$1,200 per ln. ft.
Sliding glass wall
$1,070–$2,900
Just like glass windows, glass walls come in a variety of types with different functions and aesthetics. Here are the most common types of glass.
Windows or walls with a single sheet of glass are the least expensive, but they’re also not very secure or energy-efficient. Thus, most window walls are at least made out of tempered or laminated glass.
Usually consisting of two or more panes with resin in between, laminated glass is stronger than standard glass. Even if the glass breaks, it will mostly remain adhered to the resin instead of shattering into pieces. This makes it more secure against break-ins.
This type of glass is heat-treated, so it breaks into small, round pebbles instead of dangerous shards. Laminated glass panes are often tempered for maximum safety.
The cost of double-pane windows is often worth it for improved energy efficiency. The space between the panes is filled with insulating gas, reducing the amount of heat transfer.
Glass can be frosted or patterned to help obscure visibility without totally blocking natural light.
Triple-pane windows cost substantially more than double-pane, but adding a third pane makes glass even more energy-efficient.
Window glass can be treated with metallic oxide to block infrared and UV rays without reducing much visible light, increasing energy efficiency.
The following are standard-size window replacement prices. Glass wall panels are typically larger and cost more.
Glass TypeCostSingle-pane glass
$100–$350
Laminated glass
$125–$2,750
Tempered glass
$150–$3,000
Double-pane glass
$280–$1,500
Frosted glass
$300–$700
Triple-pane glass
$300–$2,700
Low-e glass
$350–$2,680
Window walls should be installed by experienced window contractors or glaziers. In addition to materials, you’ll pay between $35 and $150 per hour in labor. Specific installation costs will depend on your project’s complexity and size, the contractor’s experience level, and your geographic location. Professional glazing will cost more in more expensive areas of the country, such as New York or California.
Installing a glass partition may not require a permit. However, building an exterior glass wall is considered a major structural change to a load-bearing wall and will require a building permit. Depending on your location and the project’s scope, permits may cost as little as $150 or as much as $2,000. A local window installer or glazier will be able to pull the correct permits for you and answer any questions you may have about building codes or additional costs.
Likewise, a project this large often requires a structural engineer’s services to ensure your home’s continued stability. This may take place in the planning stages, or you may require an inspection after the work is complete. An inspection will cost around $500, but you may need to budget up to $3,000 for additional engineering services.
Window Replacement
Window replacement typically costs $300–$2,000 per window, depending on the window type.
GET QUOTEWindow Repair
Window repair typically costs $177–$623, but it can vary based on the type of repair.
GET QUOTEWindow Cleaning Cost
Window cleaning typically costs $80–$430 for an entire home.
GET QUOTEInstalling a window wall is not a DIY home improvement project. Here’s why.
As we’ve explained, your home’s exterior walls provide integral structural support. Compromising them with even a small mistake could be disastrous. Hiring a professional for this project protects your home investment. Even installing non-load-bearing glass walls requires expertise and precision. Professionals can also help you acquire the necessary permits and the best materials for the job. Many of these materials from the best window manufacturers also come with warranties that may be voided if they’re not installed by a licensed contractor.
Even though you’ll need to hire a professional, you can still save on the project’s total cost with the following tips.
Use the thinnest glass recommended by your contractor.
Balance up-front material costs with long-term energy savings. Choosing an energy-efficient window will cost more now, but you’ll save on utility bills for years to come.
Many window contractors are busiest during spring and summer and can charge more for labor during these times. Consider having your window wall installed during the off-season.
Get quotes from at least three local glaziers or window contractors.
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When you’re getting quotes from contractors, gather the following information to ensure you’re hiring the best window replacement company.
Only a few states, such as Florida and Connecticut, require glaziers to have a specific trade license. If you’re in one of these states, ensure the glazier’s license is current.
Window installers don’t require a specific license, but anyone who does work on your home should be bonded and insured and have a state-issued contractor’s license.
Check the company’s Better Business Bureau page, which will have rating and accreditation info. You can also read customer reviews and complaints.
Ask for references, and check other customer review sites such as Trustpilot.
Ask for an itemized estimate to see exactly where your money’s going.
Ask about project timeframes, workmanship warranties, and preparation or clean-up tasks.
Installing floor-to-ceiling windows in your living space is a substantial financial investment, but it allows you to take full advantage of your home’s natural light and the surrounding view. This is unquestionably a job for professionals, so look at top-rated window installation companies in your area as you begin to plan the project. We recommend comparing multiple quotes and asking lots of specific questions before embarking on this remodeling job.
The exact cost of a window wall depends on the wall and glass type. In general, expect to pay $200–$650 per linear foot for a wall of windows.
A true window wall is built between the floor slabs of a multistoried building; thus, it bears the upper floors’ load. Alternatively, curtain walls are built outside the slab edge and don’t support the building’s weight.
Glass walls should be built out of tempered, laminated glass for safety purposes. This glass is harder to shatter, but if it does break it won’t create dangerous shards. Double-pane and low-e glass are also good options to improve the wall’s energy efficiency.
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Written by
Jennifer Carlson
June 26, 2023
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Glass walls cost $30 to $140 per square foot with installation or $1,500 to $14,000 total on average. Window walls cost $90 to $150 per square foot and are exterior, load bearing walls. The price of moving, folding, or sliding walls is typically higher than curtain or partition walls.
Average cost of a 50-100 SF glass wall with installation - ChartAverage glass wall cost Glass wall type Average cost per square foot installed Average total cost (50 – 100 SF wall) Folding glass wall $90 – $150 $4,500 – $15,000 Sliding glass wall $110 – $180 $5,500 – $18,000 Window wall $90 – $150 $4,500 – $15,000 Curtain wall $25 – $80 $1,300 – $8,000 Glass partition wall $30 – $90 $1,500 – $9,000 Glass block wall $25 – $50 $1,300 – $5,000Glass window walls are structural and load bearing, but all other glass walls are non-load bearing. Partition walls and glass block walls are functional and decorative.
A window wall costs $90 to $150 per square foot or $4,500 to $15,000 total installed. Floor-to-ceiling window walls are load bearing glass walls that can either be framed or frameless. Most window walls are custom-built and can be made with hurricane-rated impact glass.
Glass curtain walls cost $25 to $80 per square foot or $1,300 to $8,000 total with installation. These walls are also floor-to-ceiling but are not load bearing. Curtain walls cost less than window walls because they are more likely to have prefabricated options.
A glass partition wall costs $30 to $90 per square foot or $1,500 to $9,000 total installed. These glass walls are commonly used to separate working spaces in an office and vary in size and height. Mirrored or frosted glass costs more but provides more privacy.
Other types of partition walls cost $3 to $18 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Partition walls can be as simple as a portable fabric screen or as complex as a custom brick accent wall.
A glass partition wall surrounding a conference room in an office.A glass block wall costs $1,300 to $1,500 with installation, depending on the size, style, and whether it's custom or prefabricated. Glass block walls are commonly used in basements and bathrooms.
A home with a glass block wall separating the living room and hallway.Exterior window walls cost more than other glass walls because they are load bearing and often made with higher-quality materials. Building codes regulate the thickness and strength of structural glass to make sure it is durable enough.
A glass garage door costs $3,000 to $8,400 for a 1-car garage or $5,200 to $11,800 for a 2-car garage. Frosted, laminated, and insulated glass doors cost more than standard tempered glass.
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A moving glass wall system costs $90 to $180 per square foot or $700 to $2,000 per linear foot installed, depending on the type. Moving glass walls are typically used on exterior walls facing a patio but can also be installed on the interior of a home.
Moving glass wall cost Wall system type Installed cost per square foot Average installed cost (50 – 100 SF) Sliding glass wall $110 – $180 $5,500 – $18,000 Folding glass wall $90 – $150 $4,500 – $15,000A sliding glass wall costs $110 to $180 per square foot or $900 to $2,000 per linear foot with installation. Sliding glass walls are essentially upscale, oversized sliding doors. A standard sliding glass door costs $700 to $2,400 total with installation.
A bedroom with modern sliding glass doors.A folding glass wall costs $90 to $150 per square foot installed or $700 to $1,700 per linear foot. Folding glass walls have multiple panels with hinges that compress like an accordion when closed. They usually have wood or metal frames.
If you need privacy but don't want to pay extra for frosted or laminated glass, consider using vinyl film, which is DIY-friendly and comes in a variety of sizes and styles.
Glass wall installation costs vary depending on the material quality, size of the wall, and number of panels.
Glass wall cost factors Factor Average cost per SF Materials $20 – $100 Labor $10 – $40 Total installed cost $30 – $140The following factors affect the installation cost:
Material – Some glass wall installers add an aluminum, wood, or vinyl frame for a fee.
Finishing options – Special coatings, textures, finishes, and glass types cost extra. Low emissivity (Low-E) coatings reduce UV and infrared light, which can lower energy costs.
Tinting – Glass or window tinting costs $5 to $8 per square foot installed or $300 to $700 total on average.
Weather stripping – Weather stripping costs $1 to $5 per linear foot with installation or $130 to $470 with installation for a whole house.
Soundproofing – Window soundproofing costs $450 to $1,500 to replace the glass in an existing window frame or $550 to $2,000 for a new soundproof window and frame.
Window cleaning – Professional window cleaning costs $10 to $15 per window or $150 to $370 for a whole house.
Window treatments – Blinds cost $30 to $200 per window on average with installation, depending on the size and type.
The labor cost to install a glass wall is $40 to $140 per hour or $10 to $40 per square foot. Labor costs may vary depending on:
Installer rates – General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience level and specialty.
Complexity – Custom jobs, curved glass, and difficult site conditions drive up labor costs.
Repairs – Damage to the surrounding wall or trim may cost extra to repair. Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
New opening vs. existing – The following fees may apply if there is an existing wall where you want a glass wall:
Removal – Demolition costs $4 to $10 per square foot, or $500 to $2,000 for a non-load bearing wall.
Structural support – Framing a wall costs $11 to $25 per linear foot for wood and $17 to $32 per linear foot for metal framing.
Glass walls are usually 3/8" to 3/4" thick. Thicker glass is especially important when the wall is load bearing. Tempered glass is standard for glass walls, though hurricane-proof impact glass is recommended for window walls.
Glass walls cost significantly more than most other wall types. A wall made of wood studs and drywall is typically the cheapest.
Get free estimates from glass companies near you.
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Wall cost by material Material type Material cost per square foot Installed cost per square foot Details Brick wall cost $2 – $6 $8 – $18 Attractive and soundproof Studs & plaster cost $2 – $9 $4 – $14 Fire-resistant and durable Studs & drywall cost $2 – $3 $3 – $7 Fire-resistant but not very durable Shiplap cost $2 – $7 $3 – $11 Drywall is recommended underneath Glass wall $20 – $100 $30 – $140 Attractive and modernGlass walls are usually 3/8" to 3/4" thick for exterior or load bearing walls. Some glass panes are 1" thick, but they are not as common.
Tempered and laminated glass are the safest options for glass walls because they can withstand more heat and impact than standard glass. Exterior window walls should use glass rated for storms or hurricanes, especially in southeastern states.
Installing a glass wall takes 1 to 5 days, depending on the type and size. Small walls and prefabricated kits take less time to install than large, custom jobs.
When choosing a glass company or wall builder near you, consider the following steps:
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company.
Get 3+ estimates for similar walls to compare.
Check reviews from previous jobs on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty.
Follow a payment plan, only making the final payment when the job is done.
When hiring a glass wall installer, ask these questions:
How long have you been installing glass walls?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Is the glass I need in stock? If not, how long will it take for it to be delivered?
What kind of glass do you recommend for this project?
Will you be subcontracting any of the work?
How do you handle any damage that happens on the job?
Does your estimate include delivery and cleanup?
How long will the project take?
What does your warranty cover?
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