Frameless, semi-frameless, or spigot-mounted?
Three real glass fence styles, three different price points, three different looks. Here's how to choose the one that actually fits your house — and why we steer most Arizona homeowners to spigot-mounted, not the most expensive option.
Spigot-mounted (the Arizona default)
- Two small base spigots per panel, drilled into concrete or pavers
- Minimal visible hardware — panels read as floating
- Easiest to service: pop a single panel without disturbing the rest
- Most common code-compliant install across the Valley
- Typical cost: $225–$245 per square foot installed
Frameless (the upgrade)
- Slim base channel or standoff hardware — almost no visible metal
- Usually thicker glass (5/8" or 3/4") for rigidity over longer spans
- Cleanest possible look — pure glass, hardware disappears
- More precise install tolerance; layout has to be perfect
- Typical cost: $250–$280+ per square foot installed
Semi-frameless (the value path)
- Vertical aluminum or stainless posts between panels
- Less expensive — fewer custom panels, more standard sizing
- Most rigid option against lateral force (kids leaning, dogs jumping)
- Visible posts interrupt the view more than spigot or frameless
- Typical cost: $185–$220 per square foot installed
How to pick
If the view across the fence is the entire point — mountain, golf, city lights, designed landscape — go frameless on that run and spigot on the rest. If you want one clean style around the whole pool at a reasonable cost, spigot-mounted is almost always the answer. If you're budget-constrained but want glass instead of iron, semi-frameless gets you most of the way there for less.
Hardware finishes available
- Matte black (most popular Arizona finish)
- Brushed nickel / satin chrome
- Oil-rubbed bronze (Tuscan, Mediterranean)
- Polished stainless / mirror
- Color-matched to existing exterior hardware on request
Gate options across all three styles
- Self-closing, self-latching hinges (code requirement)
- Magnetic latch — most common, easy for adults, hard for toddlers
- Soft-close hydraulic hinges (premium feel, longer life)
- Keyed lock or smart-lock integration on request
Common questions.
Want help choosing?
Send a photo of your pool area and tell us your budget range. We'll recommend the style that fits — and won't push you up the price ladder for no reason.
Get a Style RecommendationWhy this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."