COST GUIDES
Glass block wall cost: 2026 UK prices
Updated 06/26

Glass block walls do a great job of creating partitions within the home without blocking the light – and at a fraction of the price of structural glass walls.
But how much does a glass block wall cost? We’ll break it down for you here.
Fast Facts
Glass blocks cost on average £37 per block
Labour costs tend to be around £35 per hour
Pre-fabricated panels are faster to fit and often cheaper to install
But individual blocks laid in mortar give the most flexibility in design
How much does a glass block wall cost?
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass block installation | Per hour | £25 | £45 | £35 |
| Glass block cost | Per block | £7 | £67 | £37 |
| Glass block shower wall | Materials and labour | £1,000 | £2,200 | £1,600 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
To supply and install a glass block partition wall that’s around 10 blocks high and 10 blocks wide, you could pay anywhere between £700 and £1,800.
Wondering why prices differ so much for a glass block wall? Costs can vary depending on the type of glass bricks you choose, such as noise filtering blocks or blocks with enhanced thermal efficiency.
Read on to learn more about the difference in prices. But first, what's the average glass block wall cost?
Average glass block wall price
To find the average glass block wall price, you’ll need to factor in both materials and labour. Let's break it down:
Glass blocks cost anywhere from £7 to £67 per block
For labour, you can expect to pay between £25 and £45 per hour
After a glass block wall estimate based on your exact measurements? Try our free interactive cost calculator below.
Glass block wall cost calculator
Job Estimate Calculator

Or for an exact quote, download our free mobile app below to connect with glass block wall installers we've checked and reviewed.

Glass block shower wall cost
Glass brick walls work well in shower areas as they’re waterproof, noise-resistant and easy to clean. But how much does a glass brick shower wall cost?:
The typical cost for a glass block shower that’s made from individual glass blocks and built in a curve is between £1,000 and £2,200
It’s likely to take around one to two days to install
Ideally, your glass block shower wall should extend to the ceiling so water can’t escape and be at least 80 inches high.
Glass block window cost
Installing a small glass block window could cost as little as between £300 and £400 (supply & install).
Glass block windows are popular in bathrooms, basements and side-return extensions where privacy matters more than ventilation. They:
Let light through without a clear line of sight
Requires no frame or sill
Are very low maintenance
That said, the obvious downside to window blocks is that they can't be opened.
It's important to know that glass brick windows aren't suitable when building regulations require a means of escape or ventilation opening. If in doubt, always check with your tradesperson or local authorities before building work begins.

What affects the cost of a glass block wall?
The total glass brick wall cost depends on a number of factors. Here are some of the main ones:
Size: The bigger the glass block wall, the more expensive it will be
Type: Glass block walls can be purchased as individual blocks or as a pre-fabricated wall. Individual blocks laid in mortar give the most flexibility, but pre-fabricated panels are faster to fit and often cheaper to install
Assembly type: If you’re installing individual blocks, you’ll have to choose how to hold the blocks together. Mortar is the cheapest, followed by silicone, and vinyl spacers are the priciest
Material: Clear glass is the cheapest option, but you could splash out on coloured glass or (most expensive) acrylic
Style: Similarly, you could opt for effects such as frosted, wavy or diamond-patterned glass. These will cost more than clear glass
Supplier: Suppliers range in price a lot depending on their speciality. Some offer noise filtering blocks or blocks with enhanced thermal efficiency
Wondering how glass block wall costs compare to other options? Check out our structural glass wall and partition wall cost guides.
Other glass block wall costs to watch out for
Reinforcement bars and spacers: Sometimes steel rods and spacers are needed for structural glass block walls, which will be an add-on cost
Location: If you're based in London or the South East, labour costs may be higher due to demand
VAT: Always check whether VAT is included in the price you're given
Removal of existing structures: Taking out an old window, wall section, or damaged glass blocks may be an additional cost

How long does it take to install a glass block wall?
How long it takes to install a glass block wall all depends on whether you're hiring a professional or taking on the project yourself.
Hire a glass block wall installer, and you can expect the following timescales:
A glass block partition wall (around 10×10 blocks) typically takes one to two days
A smaller glass block window can be done in one to two hours
Curved or large-scale installations take longer
Contact a local tradesperson, and they'll give you a firmer timeline when they quote.
Find a glass block wall installer near you

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
What's included in a glass block wall quote?
Hire a reputable installer, and your quote will most likely include:
Supply and installation of the glass bricks, building materials (mortar or silicone), & spacers (if needed)
Any prep work (such as removing existing wall covering or window)
Waste removal
Don't forget to factor in the cost of 'making good' afterwards. Painting or plastering surrounding walls is often priced separately.
Glass block wall cost checklist

Can I build a glass block wall myself?
Glass block walls can be a DIY project if you're confident with basic bricklaying and have a small, straightforward job in mind.
Glass block wall kits (blocks + spacers + silicone) are available at most UK DIY stores for a typical bathroom window or small partition.
That said, many homeowners think it's worth hiring an experienced tradesperson if you're planning to take on anything that's:
Needs additional structural support (such as beams or framing to carry the overhead load)
Larger than a few square metres
Involves shower enclosures where the waterproof seal matters (mistakes with mortar or silicone in a wet area can be expensive to fix)
Unsure if your glass brick wall is load-bearing? If in doubt, always check with a structural engineer first. Applying structural weight to glass blocks is dangerous.
Find experienced glass block wall installers near you
Rather leave it to the professionals for a quality and durable finish? Request a quote, download our Checkatrade app, or search your postcode.
Search for glass block wall installers near you
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
All Emergency Services Limited
10.00
(1 review)Services & skills
GlassGlass BalustradesMirrorsGlass SplashbacksLeadworkAA Windows & Doors, Installs & Repairs
9.98
(127 reviews)Services & skills
GlassGlazierGlass Shower ScreensLeadworkGlass RestorationET Glazing
9.92
(47 reviews)Services & skills
GlassGlazierGlass Shower ScreensMirrorsGlass BalustradesAlltype Glazing Limited
9.89
(108 reviews)Services & skills
GlassGlass BalustradesGlass PolishingGlass RestorationGlass Shower ScreensGEO GLAZE LTD
9.81
(153 reviews)Services & skills
GlassGlass BalustradesGlazierGlass SplashbacksGlass Shower ScreensSam's Glass & Glazing Ltd
9.73
(291 reviews)Services & skills
GlassGlazierLeadworkGlass PolishingGlass Restoration
Why use Checkatrade?
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million verified reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

Planning wider home improvements? At Checkatrade, we’ve got you covered — from building regulations guides to loft renovation ideas, plastering costs and structural work basics. Explore our home improvement hub to help plan your project with confidence.
Glass block wall cost FAQs
Are glass blocks good for showers?
Yes, glass blocks are a great option for shower. They're waterproof, easy to clean, and naturally light-diffusing, making them a practical and stylish choice for shower enclosures. They're more robust than shower screens and don't require a track or frame.
How much does a glass block wall cost?
A glass block partition wall (10×10 blocks) typically costs between £700 and £1,800 all in. A smaller glass block window job runs between £300 and £400 (supply & fit). A glass block shower wall costs between £1,000 and £2,200 (supply & fit) depending on size and block style.
Are glass brick walls expensive?
Compared to a standard stud partition, glass block walls cost more upfront. This is mainly because the blocks themselves are pricier than plasterboard. But they're durable, low-maintenance, and add light to a space in a way a solid wall can't.
What are the disadvantages of a glass block wall?
Glass block walls are heavier than stud partitions (important for floor loading), can't be opened for ventilation, and are harder to modify once built. They also offer limited thermal insulation unless you choose specialist thermally enhanced blocks.
Why aren't glass blocks used anymore?
Glass blocks were less fashionable through the 2000s and 2010s, but are now popular again in bathrooms, side-return extensions and kitchen-diners as a way to add privacy and diffuse light.
Are glass block showers out of style?
After dipping in popularity, glass block shower walls have come back as a contemporary design choice, particularly in minimalist and industrial-style bathrooms. The key is choosing a clean, modern block pattern (wave or frosted) rather than the heavily patterned styles from the 1990s.

See the tradespeople we've checked for your job



