Remodelling a bathroom is an exciting, albeit daunting, journey at times; anyone who has Googled the question ‘how much does it cost to install a shower screen’ would know this firsthand. As difficult as it may seem to land on an answer, we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to budget before getting started.
This remains true if you’re doing a full remodel – or simply – replacing a shower screen. To budget effectively one must understand that a shower screen installation cost will never be a one-size fits all number. Many factors will influence your quotes, from your screen type, size, materials, the installer itself – and the space (your bathroom) – installers are working with.
In this blog post, we will explain why and how these factors can drive a cost up, what the average shower screen installation in Australia should cost, common FAQs – and whether it’s better to do it yourself or go professional.
Factors That Affect Shower Screen Installation Costs
As touched on above, numerous factors influence the final price of a shower screen installation. The main variables to be aware of are;
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Type of Shower Screen
When shopping around you will come across four main types of shower screens: framed, semi-frameless, frameless and walk-in showers.
Frameless shower screen installation cost is typically higher when compared to framed screens. Now this may seem counterintuitive because they look simple, but this due to the fact they have minimal hardware, which requires precise measurement and sealing.
Understanding the difference between frameless and semi-frameless screens can help you decide which option suits your budget. To learn more, read our article “Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless Shower Screens”.
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Material and glass thickness
The materials and glass in your chosen product will also be a cost driver, so pay particular attention to the glass type and thickness you’re purchasing.
By law, Australia requires that shower screens be made out of Grade A safety glass in line with AS/NZS 2208-1996.
The most common safety glass option in screens is tempered – or toughened – glass. This is usually the cheapest glass to install, but there are other popular options such as low-iron glass – characterised by its high clarity – you may consider.
The Australian Building Code dictates that the minimum glass thickness for completely framed and partly framed screens must be 5 and 6mm respectively, and 10mm for a frameless screen.
The thicker the glass, the heavier gauge the hardware needs to be and the higher the cost. This is why frameless screens are typically more expensive to install.
A simple guide we live by; if a material, or product, is more expensive it will typically cost more to install.
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Labor and Location
Where you live will also determine how much you pay. Installers in bigger cities can generally charge more as there is more competition for services. On the flip side, companies in rural areas will be more flexible on pricing as demand for their services will fluctuate.
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Customisation and additional features
Similar to how materials impact cost, tailored additions such as custom-sized screens, handles and finishes will also cause prices to jump.
But that is not necessarily a bad thing! A bespoke feel adds a touch of luxury and sometimes can’t be avoided if your space has angles to accommodate. Curated interiors will ultimately increase your home value.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower Screen in Australia?
To give you a top-level understanding on how much you should aim to pay, we’ve summarised the average installation cost of each type of shower screen.
| Shower screen type | Price Range (AUD) |
| Framed Shower Screens | $250–$500 |
| Semi-Frameless Shower Screens | $300–$750 |
| Frameless Shower Screens | $360–$850 (plus $300–$500 for installation) |
| Walk-In Shower Screens | $300–$800+ |
Please note this table should serve only as a guide, as labor costs per hour can vary depending on contractors and their location.
This will normally range from $45–$85 per hour, with the lower end of that spectrum typical for regional areas as opposed to capital cities.
When approaching a company, always ask what their labor cost is per hour up front – and try to gather a minimum of three quotes.
Shower Screen Installation Costs by Type
Another factor that will determine how much you pay is how much bathroom work you are looking to get done; whether you’re simply replacing a shower screen or looking for a full shower replacement.
Option 1: Standard installation
If you are just replacing a shower screen the cost here will be largely driven by the type of screen you’re installing, whether you’re going for custom installations and labor cost.
Option 2: Full shower renovation
A full shower installation will be more expensive than replacing an old screen, because of the extent of demolition and construction involved.
Firstly the old shower screen will need to be removed, alongside tiles, waterproofing will need to be examined and tiling replaced.
The cost to replace an entire shower can range from as little as $1,500 to $12,000 or higher. This is dependent on the shower type, size, materials chosen, and how much much prep work is needed. To compare, simply replacing a shower screen should range from $200 – $850, depending on the same variables and labor cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Walk-In Shower?
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest for renovation inspiration chances are you’ve stumbled across photos of a walk-in shower.
This luxurious shower type allows you to simply walk straight into a recess without having to step over a high-threshold or step.
These are one of the most expensive shower types to install due to the fact it will involve the replacement of most of an existing shower. The recess must be carefully measured and considered, drainage requirements assessed to prevent damp and leaks – and in some cases – custom glass paneling may even be required.
To answer the question “how much does a walk-in shower cost”, the estimated range is around $500–$1,500+ for a simple, smaller design. Installation costs must be considered on top of that.
And if you’re looking to round out the design with tapware. Consider reading our article “How to Choose the Perfect Shower Head” to get some more shower-based inspiration.
DIY vs. Professional Shower Screen Installation
There is always one question when it comes to a renovation or makeover; can I DIY it and save the budget?
With some things DIY is perfectly acceptable, but in our opinion when it’s anything bathroom related you’re better paying the professionals for peace of mind. Incorrect waterproofing, faulty plumbing, inaccurate measurements leading to poor fits, improperly secured glass; any of these can go wrong in a flash and increase the likelihood of leaks, water damage, and just pose a safety hazard.
The risk of a DIY installation gone wrong could cost you more than the initial labor costs in the long run. A licensed professional ensures your build will comply with safety standards – and let’s be honest – it will mean the job is done quicker as well.
To choose the right installer we have created a checklist of sorts;
- 1. Check licenses and insurance coverage
- 2. Read their online reviews
- 3. Ask for their hourly labor cost
- 4. Ensure quotes are broken down by cost
- 5. Assess their history and prior experience
- 6. Get multiple quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
Once again, we have hit you with a lot of information.
For your convenience we thought it would be useful to provide some frequently asked questions – and their answers – in case you need a recap.
How much does it cost to fit a shower screen?
Shower screen installation costs typically range between $200 and $600, depending on the type and complexity of the installation.
Is it cheaper to install a framed or frameless shower screen?
Framed shower screens are generally more affordable, starting from $250, while frameless options begin at around $360 but can go higher due to thicker glass requirements.
How long does it take to install a shower screen?
A professional installer can fit a standard shower screen in a few hours, but custom installations may take longer.
Do I need a professional to install a shower screen?
While DIY installation is possible, hiring a professional ensures proper sealing, compliance with Australian standards, and a longer-lasting result.
What additional costs should I consider for shower screen installation?
Additional costs may include old screen removal, tile repairs, waterproofing, and premium glass options.
If you’re keen to start browsing please explore Bella Vista’s shower screen range. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals if you have any further questions around pricing.
If this article has inspired you, learn how to pick the right shower screen size for your home.
