Ranging from $200 to $1,000 and beyond, there is a shower screen for every budget. The price can depend on many factors, plus there might be additional costs worth considering – like installation or additional labour which could also vary by area.
How much do shower screens cost?
In Australia, shower screen cost starts at around $200 and can be as expensive as $1,000 or higher. The shower screen price depends on a variety of factors, such as type of shower screen, size and the materials it is made of. Other costs that have to be considered include shower screen installation cost and even a potential removal cost if the new shower screen is replacing an existing one.
First things first: what is a shower screen?
A shower screen is a glass panel – or a combination of panels – that encloses the shower area, ensuring that the rest of the bathroom space remains dry. Depending on the type of screen and both size and layout of the bathroom, the shower can be fully or partially enclosed.
What materials are shower screens made of?
The selection of materials used in the manufacturing process will affect the shower screen price. High-quality and locally sourced materials might come at a higher cost, however the resulting shower screens are durable and long-lasting, making the money spent go a long way.
Glass
When it comes to paneling, shower screens in Australia are made out of Grade A safety glass in line with AS/NZS 2208-1996, outlining requirements for the safety of glazing materials in buildings and AS 1288:1994 outlining the requirements for the selection and installation of glass in buildings.
Tempered – or toughened – glass is the most popular safety glass for shower screens. This particular type of glass is achieved by rapid application of heat and cold temperature. The process not only strengthens the glass, but also enables tempered glass to break in a much safer way – if a tempered glass panel breaks, it disintegrates into small chunks that aren’t as sharp and dangerous as shards of ordinary glass which makes it the best choice for high-use areas like the bathroom. Laminated glass is another popular shower screen material. Made up of two sheets of glass, laminated glass is designed to work best in a fully-framed shower screen set-up.
Shower screen cost will depend on the type and design of the glass. While the standard clear glass is the least costly option, low-iron glass which lacks the green tint of the standard glass will be more of a step-up. Similarly, frosted shower screens – or textured and sandblasted glass – can increase both cost and additional privacy value.
Another consideration when it comes to screen cost is the thickness of the glass panel. While in Australia the minimum thickness of glass will be 5 and 6mm for fully framed and partly framed shower screens respectively, and 10mm for a frameless screen, the choice is on safety profile and preference – and will affect the ultimate cost of the product.
Other materials
While the screen panels tend to be manufactured with safety glass, there are other materials used in the manufacturing of the shower screen elements such as frames, pivots, hinges, brackets and pins. Here, the quality of the materials matters just as much because high-quality materials can dramatically minimise a need for – often costly and time consuming – repairs or replacements for years to come.
Some of the highest-quality materials include high quality aluminium for elements like hinges, high quality forged brass – rather than cheaper alternatives like plastic or honeycomb brass – for the clamp system or stainless steel. Similarly, while zinc might be an acceptable choice for tapware, it can’t take the same pressure as brass and might erode if not treated properly. Because of that, high-quality shower screens will feature brass brackets with stainless fixings as they’re stronger and more durable – a very important consideration for an environment that’s wet and humid for most of the time.
Is it worth hiring a professional to install the shower?
While some shower screen installation jobs may seem straight-forward and easy to complete, in a majority of cases, it’s best to hire a professional – even if it increases the overall shower screen cost. Some of the main reasons for hiring a professional are safety, durability and the overall design:
- The handling of glass paneling can be a dangerous task and it’s best left to those who are familiar with the way glass behaves, and with how to handle it safely.
- As the bathroom is a notoriously wet environment, the quality of finish, sealing, waterproofing and the right choice of materials are key to ensuring the longevity of the installed product.
- The ability to install the shower screen in an aesthetically pleasing way that aligns with the original design is yet another reason to leave this particular job to the professionals.
It’s important to ensure the person you’re hiring is indeed qualified and experienced, and will deliver the desired outcome. Before hiring a builder or a glazier, it’s good practice to:
- Check their qualifications and applicable licenses
- Check their previous work
- Check if they have appropriate insurance
- Request a written quote with information of how long the job will take
It’s also best if you can check reviews, watch testimonials or follow-up with their references to get first-hand confirmation they’re the right person for the job.
What is the shower screen installation cost?
Shower screen installation cost is dependent on whether a new shower screen is being installed, the type of shower screen in question – and its size. While installation costs don’t vary too dramatically across Australia, they will differ based on location and might range from from $45 to $65 per hour. Depending on the task at hand, shower screen installation cost – excluding the cost of the product itself – are likely to range between $200 and $600.
Are there any other costs to consider?
There are some other costs that might be associated with shower screen installation that are worth considering.
Sometimes, in order to install or replace a new shower, an old one has to be removed. Oftentimes, any removal costs will be calculated separately so it’s important to discuss them prior the work commencing.
In terms of labour, usually a builder or a glass specialist would install the shower screen, however if installing a shower cubicle is required, a plumber will have to be involved in the process and labour costs will have to be calculated accordingly.
And remember to be careful with your screen once you have it – shower glass replacement costs can be significant.
Current shower screen trends
With shower spaces increasingly growing in popularity, there are a lot of different products to choose from for the shower enclosure. Here are some of the shower trends that will help paint a picture of what’s in – and what’s out – when it comes to an on-trend shower space.
Trend 1: Shower curtains are out, shower screens are in
Quickly becoming a distant memory from the bathrooms of yestayer, shower curtains aren’t as good as containing the water within the shower area; they’re more difficult to clean – and they require a lot of consideration when it comes to making them work within the wider design of the space. Much better at keeping the bathroom dry and much more appealing from a visual point of view, shower screens are not going anywhere.
Trend 2: Fully frameless shower screen
The simple, minimalistic, almost invisible appearance helps create a good flow in the bathroom. Frameless shower screens are also easier to clean – and easier to install as a glass panel can be cut to size, removing any issues potentially posed by installing more complicated fixtures, for example framed doors.
Trend 3: Curved shower screen
Often incorporated to soften harsh lines of the bathroom space, introducing a curvy element can also help create a more cohesive – or interesting – look if the curvature of the shower screen matches other arches in the space.
Trend 4: Metallic hardware
Very much in vogue at the moment, incorporating bronze, gunmetal and copper hardware – especially if it matches the tapware or other metal elements around the bathroom or even wider space – is a popular trend to create a cohesive look and introduce more character in the bathroom space.
Trend 5: Black outlines
If your shower is going to have a frame, why not make it pop? A popular choice with semi-framed and semi-frameless, coloured definition across the edge of the glass panel can give the bathroom space more character and highlight its geometry. While black is the most popular colour, a similar effect can be achieved with other, bolder colours.
Common types of shower screens
With a choice of shower screens for every budget – and for any need, style or bathroom design, anyone can find a screen for their space. Below is a list with information about some of the most common shower screen types. So if you’re asking yourself, ‘how much do shower screens cost?’, read on! Luckily in Australia, cost information doesn’t vary too much from state to state, so shower screens Melbourne prices will generally be similar to those in Sydney or Perth. One thing that can vary is shower screen installation costs, which are not taken into account in the below pricing. However, with the installation coat at a rough cost of $50 per hour, you can expect shower screen installation costs to sit somewhere between $200 and $600 based on the size, whether another shower screen has to be removed, and other project-specific variables.
Semi frameless
As the name would suggest, a semi-frameless shower screen has glass panels which are only framed on certain sides – which sides depends, based on the model and desired look. They can be great options in smaller bathrooms as the reduced framing creates a greater sense of space. Semi frameless shower door cost sits around $300 for a 740mm wide single-panel option, all the way up to the $900 mark for a larger, two panel corner model.
Fully framed
When you think of a traditional shower screen, it’s likely that you’re thinking of a fully framed shower screen. The doors and edge panels – if there are any – are fully encased in framing. The framing is generally of a chrome-plated or anodised metal such as a 6463 alloy. A fully framed shower screen cost can vary, with low cost eBay options available from as little as $220. However, to ensure that what you’re buying is a quality product, you’re looking at pricing around the $500 mark for a 900mm x 900mm unit.
Half height
Half height shower screens are ideal for creating accessible shower spaces for people with limited mobility. They provide an excellent water barrier while also allowing carers to provide assistance from outside the shower if required. As a general rule, half height shower screens are fully framed as this makes them more sturdy and easy to operate. Half height shower screens prices vary significantly to accommodate different disabilities, but a screen between 1500-2000mm wide costs around the mark of $800.
Frosted
Frosted shower screens can be found in fully-framed, semi-frameless and fully frameless designs. The difference with these is that the glass within the screen is opaque. There are a number of creative opportunities with frosted shower screens – different opacities, patterns or designs can be applied to create a desired look that’s in keeping with the overall design. While it’s difficult to put an exact price tag on a frosted screen (they can be 50-70% more expensive than non-frosted), they are definitely more expensive than clear glass options.
Frameless
Frameless showers are common in modern bathrooms, and are prized for their sleek, barely-there look. The removal of framing lines visually opens up any bathroom design, while still maintaining full water stoppage and separation from the wet and dry areas of the bathroom. Frameless shower screen price depends on the models, sizes and glass types used in the screen, but there are some general guidelines to follow. You can expect to pay $500-$600 for an 800mm x 600mm rectangular frameless shower screen, and up to $800 for a 1000mm x 1000mm model.
Walk in
Walk in shower screens are very common in modern bathrooms; the open, sleek, minimalist aesthetic they provide is highly sought after in contemporary designs. A walk in shower can have no screen at all, with the wet area either graded towards a wall, or with a threshold drain running along the edge of the shower to prevent water runoff into the rest of the bathroom. Alternatively it may be bordered by a freestanding shower screen which retail around the $200-$300 mark.
Sliding
Sliding shower screens can be framed, semi-framed or frameless, and they are great options in bathrooms where space is at a premium. By removing the need for a swing door, sliding shower screens provide great accessibility, visual appeal, and efficient use of existing floorspace. Sliding shower screens are generally a little more expensive than many of the choices above; this is because the tracks and sliders for the door are slightly more complex to create than a hinged door. A standard 1200mm wide sliding shower screen is likely to set you back between $800-$1,000.
Free standing shower screens are increasing in popularity as the ultimate in unobtrusive shower screen designs for modern bathrooms. A free standing shower screen is essentially a single pane of glass, attached to the wall and floor on two sides. It can be framed or frameless, and allows walk-in entry to the shower area. Because of their simple construction, free standing shower screens are comparatively cheap, with a standard 800mm wide screen costing between $200 and $300. If you’re a bargain hunter – when it comes to shower screens cheapest price, this is the one for you!
3 panel
A 3 panel shower screen is another of the more traditional screen types and have decreased in popularity in recent years, though they are highly functional as screens. A 3 panel is most common as a sliding screen type, though there are foldable / pivot variations available as well. An 800mm wide three panel screen costs around $400, and prices can go up to the $550 mark for a wider 1000mm-1200mm screen.
Custom
Custom shower screens can be a great way to create a screen that fits the design and overall look of your bathroom perfectly. In addition to choosing the design of the screen, you can customise widths, heights, materials, colours and glass types. Because of the number of variables, it’s very difficult to provide an indicative cost estimate for custom shower screens – pricing can range from $500 all the way up to a couple of thousand.