Shower screen installation cost: Compare styles, sizes & price factors

Tired of that shower curtain sticking to your legs every morning? It’s no wonder more homeowners are ditching the fabric for sleek glass screens that actually stay put. Beyond just looking fantastic, these screens are ticking all the boxes for current bathroom design trends with their clean lines and open feel. They’re also incredibly practical since there’s no more scrubbing mould out of fabric creases or dealing with that weird plasticky smell. 

When it comes to shower screen installation, you’ll typically pay £70 to £150 for labour across the UK. That’s just the starting point though. Your final quote can swing quite a bit depending on whether you’re after a simple fixed panel or something with all the bells and whistles. The real cost drivers are often the things you don’t think about upfront, like awkward bathroom angles, wall prep work, or premium hardware finishes. 

Want to avoid any nasty surprises when the quotes start rolling in? This guide covers all the factors that'll impact your final price.

How much does shower screen installation cost?

When budgeting for shower screen installation, it helps to separate the labour cost from the screen itself. On average, you’ll pay £70 to £150 for labour in the UK, depending on your location, the installer’s experience, and the job’s complexity. A standard install usually takes 2–3 hours, but trickier layouts, tiled recesses, or removal of an old screen can push that higher.

Once labour’s locked in, the next cost factor is the shower screen itself. Prices vary depending on the type (framed, semi-frameless, frameless), glass thickness, door style, and whether you’re choosing off-the-shelf or custom-made. This is where your overall spend can shift from budget-friendly to high-end.

You might score a deal by bundling the screen installation with other bathroom-related projects, such as wall painting, retiling, or even bathroom cabinet making. It’s a smart way to maximise value while your Tasker is already on-site.

Close-up of gloved hands installing shower screen handles with a screwdriver (Source: iStock) 

Factors that affect the cost of shower screen installation 

The price of installing a shower screen isn’t one-size-fits-all. A few key factors can nudge your cost up or down, especially when it comes to size, layout, and finish. Let's get to know all the details worth taking into account.

Size and bathroom design

The size of your shower screen and the space it’s going into may impact the final bill. Standard screens are more affordable, but a custom design may be required if your bathroom has an unusual layout, tight corners, or uneven walls. Tailor-fitting a screen to match your layout will increase the price, especially if installers need to trim tiles or add extra support.

Screen type

The overall cost of installing a shower screen depends on its type. It can be framed, frameless, or semi-frameless, among other types. Frameless doors may be more expensive to install than the other two because they require more precision. The number of panels on your shower screen will also affect the price. 

Glass thickness and finish

Thicker or specially finished glass will cost more to supply and install. Most screens are made from toughened safety glass, typically 6mm to 10mm thick. Thicker panels offer a premium look but are heavier and need stronger hardware. Add-ons like frosted, tinted, or patterned glass also come at a higher price than plain clear glass.

Additional materials and fittings

Every shower screen installation includes various components beyond the glass itself. These include brackets, channels, hinges, handles, and seals, ensuring the screen is secure, functional, and waterproof. The complexity of the installation also grows with extra features. Screens with sliding or pivot doors, towel rails, or anti-splash seals need additional hardware and take more time to install. 

More importantly, finish and style also affect the final quote. For instance, modern matte black, brushed gold, and other premium finishes tend to cost more than standard chrome. Basically, the more features and customisation you include, the higher the labour and parts costs are likely to be.

What should I take note of in getting a contractor?

 Two installers positioning a glass shower screen in a tiled bathroom (Source: iStock)      

Now that you have all the basics of shower cost installation, it’s best to be prepared on things to look out for when hiring a Tasker to do it for you:

Licences

While planning permissions are generally planning permissions aren’t required in the UK in bathroom renovation (except for plumbing), it is still best to check if your contractor has the applicable licences for home renovation. This will serve as a safeguard to their experience. 

Experience and reviews

It’s best to check for reviews from their previous works. This due diligence will serve you well when hiring a contractor. Testimonials guarantee the overall experience of working with the contractor.

Questions

Always ask questions. Doing so will make an impression on the contractor that you’ve done your research and are not easily fooled. You can ask questions on the different factors that affect cost. 

Quotes

It’s always good to make a habit of asking for quotes and an estimate of how long the work will take first before locking in one contractor. Surveying the market will help you make an informed decision on whether it is worth it to hire.

It’s a good note to make sure that the quotes are in writing and that you have a copy of it so you can go back to it later on. Make sure that the estimates specify the exact line items included.

Additional things to consider

It’s good to consider additional and probably unforeseen costs that may be added to the quote. Knowing what might cost you more in shower screen installation will save you the shock when getting the bill:

• Labour costs and the number of people working on it
• Time frame and how long it will take
• Removal and replacement of shower screen
• Material (glass) thickness
• Inclusions like handle and towel bars
• Warranty of the service in case something goes wrong

Get your shower screen installed right

Sure, YouTube makes shower screen installation look like a weekend breeze, but reality often has other plans. Between measuring twice, drilling into tiles without cracking them, and getting that waterproof seal just right, there’s plenty of room for costly mistakes. 

Skip the DIY stress and let someone who installs screens every day handle the tricky stuff. Post a task on Airtasker and you’ll find experienced shower screen installers in your area who know exactly how to tackle your specific setup. They’ll bring the right tools, get it sorted quickly, and you can focus on enjoying your new shower instead of googling “how to fix a leaking screen” at midnight.