Window 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.

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What Major Factors Affect Window Wall Cost?

Where your window wall project falls within the $200–$650 per linear foot price range depends on the following factors.

• Window wall type: Some glass panel configurations cost more than others.
• Glass type: Treated or multipaned glass costs more than standard single-pane glass.
• Labor: This is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, so you’ll pay for professional window installation.
• Permits: Depending on the project specifics and where you live, you may need a permit to meet local building codes.
• Structural engineer: 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.

Window Wall Type

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.

Glass Partition or Divider

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.

Exterior Glass Wall

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.

Glass Curtain Wall

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.

Sliding Glass Wall

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.

Folding Glass Wall

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. 

Cost by Wall Type

Here’s a direct cost comparison of these wall types.

Glass Type

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.

Single-pane 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.

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.

Tempered glass

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.

Double-pane glass

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.

Frosted glass

Glass can be frosted or patterned to help obscure visibility without totally blocking natural light.

Triple-pane glass

Triple-pane windows cost substantially more than double-pane, but adding a third pane makes glass even more energy-efficient.

Low-emissivity (low-e) glass

Window glass can be treated with metallic oxide to block infrared and UV rays without reducing much visible light, increasing energy efficiency.

Cost by Glass Type

The following are standard-size window replacement prices. Glass wall panels are typically larger and cost more.

Labor

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.

Permits

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.

Structural Engineer

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.

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Can I Install a Window Wall Myself?

Installing a window wall is not a DIY home improvement project. Here’s why.

Professional Window Wall Installation

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.

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How To Save on Window Wall Installation

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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How To Hire a Professional Window Installer?

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.

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Is a Window Wall Worth It?

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.

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FAQ About Window Walls

How expensive is a wall of windows?

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.

What is the difference between a window wall and a curtain wall?

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.

What is the best glass for glass walls?

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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