COST GUIDES

Glass block wall cost: 2026 UK prices

Updated 06/26

Glass block wall cost guide

Blog>Cost Guides>Glass block wall cost: 2026 UK prices

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.

The easier way to book quality trades
Verified estimator
Download app

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?

ItemUnitCost - lowCost - highAverage cost
Glass block installationPer hour£25£45£35
Glass block costPer block£7£67£37
Glass block shower wallMaterials 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

Job Estimate Calculator
Step 0/3

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

Checkatrade Mobile App Banner
Glass brick shower unit

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

Top Tip

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.

Top Tip

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.

Glass block wall in bathroom

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

Top Tip

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

Glass block wall in living room resized

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

Checkatrade tick

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

Top Tip

Don't forget to factor in the cost of 'making good' afterwards. Painting or plastering surrounding walls is often priced separately.

Checkatrade

Glass block wall cost checklist

Block glass division wall

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.

Top Tip

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)

Top Tip

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

  • Services & skills
    Glass
    Glass Balustrades
    Mirrors
    Glass Splashbacks
    Leadwork
    Call
  • Services & skills
    Glass
    Glazier
    Glass Shower Screens
    Leadwork
    Glass Restoration
    Call
  • ET Glazing Logo

    ET Glazing

    9.92

    (47 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Glass
    Glazier
    Glass Shower Screens
    Mirrors
    Glass Balustrades
    Call
  • Alltype Glazing Limited Logo

    Alltype Glazing Limited

    9.89

    (108 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Glass
    Glass Balustrades
    Glass Polishing
    Glass Restoration
    Glass Shower Screens
    Call
  • GEO GLAZE LTD Logo

    GEO GLAZE LTD

    9.81

    (153 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Glass
    Glass Balustrades
    Glazier
    Glass Splashbacks
    Glass Shower Screens
    Call
  • Sam's Glass & Glazing Ltd Logo

    Sam's Glass & Glazing Ltd

    9.73

    (291 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Glass
    Glazier
    Leadwork
    Glass Polishing
    Glass Restoration
    Call

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.

Checkatrade

Follow us
Checkatrade launches exclusive offer to tackle tool theft

Share this article:

See the tradespeople we've checked for your job