In today’s construction industry, curtain walls are no longer exclusive to luxury skyscrapers. From commercial office buildings and shopping malls to hospitals and schools, more developers and contractors worldwide are embracing curtain wall systems for their modern appearance, energy efficiency, and speed of installation.
But when planning a curtain wall project, one of the first and most frequently asked questions is:
“How much does a curtain wall cost per square meter?”
The short answer? It depends — on the system type, materials used, project size, and country of destination.
As a professional curtain wall manufacturer based in China, we’ve helped clients in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America source and import glass curtain wall systems with factory-direct pricing.
This article will give you a clear, honest breakdown of the real price per m² and the key factors that affect total cost, including material, design, manufacturing, shipping, and installation.
1. Glass Curtain Wall Types and Typical Price Range (Ex-Factory)
Different curtain wall types come with different structures, materials, and prices. Here’s an overview based on typical Chinese factory production:
| Curtain Wall Type | Description | Price (EXW) per m² (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed Frame System | Aluminum mullions visible on exterior | $75 – $95 |
| Semi-Hidden Frame | Horizontal or vertical frame hidden | $80 – $105 |
| Unitized System | Fully prefabricated panels, fast installation | $140 – $180 |
| Shopfront Glazing | Storefront glass panels for retail façade | $90 – $120 |
| Spider Glass System | Frameless with stainless steel point fixings | $160 – $230 |
Note: Prices above are for standard configurations using aluminum frame + 6+12A+6mm double-glazing, without surface treatment or accessories.
2. What Affects the Price per m²?
When purchasing from China and importing overseas, the “curtain wall price per m²” is influenced by the following key factors:
A. Glass Specification
- Tempered Glass or Laminated Glass?
- Single or Double Glazed?
- Low-E Coating for Energy Efficiency?
- Double-glazed Low-E glass may increase cost by $15–$25/m².
B. Aluminum Frame Type & Surface
- Frame thickness (1.4mm / 1.6mm / 2.0mm+)
- Surface treatment (Anodized / Powder coating / PVDF)
Premium powder coating or fluorocarbon surface adds $6–$9/m².
C. Project Size
- Larger quantity = lower unit price.
- Small projects under 300m² may have 10–15% higher unit costs due to processing loss and fixed overhead.
D. Structural Load & Wind Resistance
- High-rise buildings or coastal regions may require thicker glass, reinforced mullions, and stronger fixings, increasing cost.
E. Accessories & Hardware
- Hidden vents, swing doors, louvers, glass fins — all increase complexity and price.
3. Freight Costs: How Much to Ship Curtain Wall by Sea?
Shipping curtain walls from China to countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, UAE, or Chile is done via containerized sea freight.
Standard container usage:
- A 20ft container loads approx. 400–500 m² of glass curtain wall system (with accessories).
- A 40ft container can carry up to 800–1000 m² depending on system.
4. What’s Included in the Price?
When you get a curtain wall quotation from our factory, here’s what you receive:
✅ Aluminum frame system (cut to size, pre-machined if needed)
✅ Glass panels (processed and labeled)
✅ Fixing brackets, pressure plates, gaskets, EPDM rubbers
✅ Screws, bolts, and silicone sealants (optional)
✅ Shop drawings & installation instructions
🚫 Not included (unless required): on-site installation labor, scaffolding, crane rental, import duty/VAT.
5. Sample Cost Calculation: 1000 m² Project
Let’s assume you want to build a 5-story commercial building with 1000m² of glass curtain wall in Ghana.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-hidden frame system (EXW) | $88,000 ($88/m²) |
| Packing & Inland Trucking (China) | $2,900 |
| Sea Freight to Tema Port | $5,400 |
| Import duty & VAT (Ghana, est. 20%) | $25,000 |
| Total landed cost (CIF + tax) | ~$140,000 |
| Average price per m² (landed) | ~$120/m² |
6. Who Can Install the Curtain Wall?
You have two options:
A. Use a local contractor:
- Many builders in Africa/Middle East/Asia are experienced with aluminum/glass systems.
- We provide full installation drawings + video instructions.
B. Hire our team (for large projects):
- For projects >3000m², we can send technical supervisors or installers to guide or assist on site.
7. Why Source Curtain Wall from China?
Choosing a reliable curtain wall supplier is key to controlling cost and ensuring project success. China offers:
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Factory-Direct Prices | Save 30–50% vs local suppliers |
| 🚢 Export-Ready Packaging | Suitable for long-distance sea freight |
| 🧠 Engineering Support | Free design consultation, CAD shop drawings |
| 📦 Flexible Customization | Accept small MOQ, modular panel systems |
| ✅ Fast Production | 35–45 days lead time on most projects |
We’ve supplied projects in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Mauritius, and beyond.
8. FAQs about Curtain Wall Price and Importing
Q1: What is the minimum order quantity?
👉 Usually 200–300 m², depending on system type.
Q2: Can I mix glass sizes/types in one order?
👉 Yes. We cut all panels to size based on your elevation drawings.
Q3: How do I get a quote?
👉 Send us your building drawings (PDF or AutoCAD), we’ll give a full BOQ and price.
Q4: What are your payment terms?
👉 50% deposit, 50% before shipment (T/T), L/C negotiable for large orders.
Q5: Do I need a container just for glass curtain wall?
👉 Not necessarily. We can combine with other materials like aluminum windows, doors, etc.
✅ Final Thoughts: Know Your Price Before You Build
The price per m² of curtain wall is not a mystery — it’s a combination of smart design, efficient manufacturing, and cost-effective shipping. When you plan ahead and work with a reliable Chinese supplier, even medium-size buildings (like schools, offices, shops) can enjoy the look and performance of modern curtain wall systems — at a manageable budget.
📩 Need an exact quote?
Send us your building drawing or area size. We’ll give you a transparent BOQ, full cost breakdown, and shipping plan — all within 48 hours.
🛠️ We manufacture it. We ship it. You install it.
