Shower Screen Cost Guide: Framed vs Frameless

Making the right choice of shower screen is one decision you have to make when renovating your bathroom. Shower screens, available in framed and frameless, help prevent water splashes from escaping from the bathroom while giving the space an aesthetically pleasing design.
However, as a homeowner planning to equip your bathroom with a shower screen, you are concerned about how much a frame or frameless shower screen costs in Australia. With the potential costs of a shower screen, you can plan your budget.
This article takes a look at how much shower screens cost and factors that influence the overall costs.
Frameless or Framed: Understanding Shower Screen Types
Before we start analysing the costs of shower screens, it is important to understand that shower screens are categorised into framed and frameless screens. What differentiates these two categories is the edges of their panels.
While framed shower screens have aluminium frames around their glass panels, frameless shower screens purely feature glass panels with nothing holding the edges.
The better option for you depends on what you want in your bathroom.
If you cherish a clean design, the frameless option might appeal to your interest. Frameless shower screens get their sturdiness from the use of thick tempered glass of about 10mm thickness, held together by discreet clips or brackets.
On the other hand, framed shower screens provide sturdy support with aluminium frames, and the coated aluminium frames can blend with other hardware and items in the space.
Ultimately, framed shower screens are commonly found in traditional bathrooms, while the frameless options have the hearts of modern homeowners.

Factors Influencing Shower Screen Costs

Several factors go into determining the final costs of a shower screen in Australia. Here are the leading determinants of shower screen costs:

Size

The number one variable you have to consider when estimating the price of your shower screen is the screen size. A large shower screen will undoubtedly cost more than a smaller screen.
This also goes with the configuration. If you eye a multi-panel or corner-enclosure screen, expect to spend more than your neighbour who installed a single-panel screen.

Material

The material with which your sun screen is built also has a say in how much you pay for your shower screen, and this is about material quality. While all screens feature quality safety glass, the level of quality and thickness differ.
For example, frameless screens are always thicker than framed screens, which partially explains why frameless screens are pricier than their framed counterparts.

Semi-frameless glass shower screen in grey tiled modern bathroom

Add-ons

Add-ons on your screen increase the cost by a margin. Do you plan to tint the glass, frost the glass, or add easy-clean coatings to your shower screen? Plan for an additional 10-20% of the base price.

Hardware

Shower screens are not only made of glass panels. They also feature other materials in the form of hardware and fittings. The quality of hardware, such as the handles and hinges, you choose for your shower screen mounts the price.
Hardware costs are higher in frameless screens since the hardware used must be of high quality and invisible.

Location

You might want to overlook the impact of your location when budgeting for your shower screen, but it is a crucial factor to consider. For example, your location determines the shipping cost and labour rates.
You also want to factor in your location in the installation fees. If you reside in the city centre, like Queensland or South Australia, expect to spend more on installation costs than someone in an urban area, while you may benefit from lower shipping costs.

Prefabricated or Bespoke

When picking your shower screen, you can choose between prefabricated or bespoke options. A prefabricated shower screen means the screen has been designed in the manufacturer's workshop and only needs to be shipped to your home and installed in a few hours.
On the other hand, a bespoke screen requires the supplier to design it from scratch when you contact and discuss your needs with them, which takes more time to complete and deliver. However, taking the bespoke route lets you have a shower screen fully designed to your taste and specifications.

Installing shower screen glass panel during bathroom renovation

Costs of Framed Shower Screens

If you are on a low budget, framed shower screens will make a better buy for you. While they are reliably durable, they offer lower price points than their counterparts.
For a single-panel shower screen, expect to spend from $250, while a full-closure screen costs between $300 and $800, depending on your choice of size and finish.

Compact alcove screen (800mm-1000mm wide): $100-$400. The screens feature simple designs with sliding or pivot doors
Medium-size two-panel: $400-$600. Best for standard showers with offerings including coated frames
Large corner enclosures: $600-$800. These screens are complex than others and require more materials, hence their higher price range.

Regardless, you also want to factor in the installation costs, which can take as low as $200 and up to $400. Keep in mind that framed shower screens are easier to fit.

Overall, you will spend from $500 to $1200 to equip your bathroom with a framed shower screen.

Cost of Frameless Shower Screens

Frameless shower screens offer a spa-like experience, which justifies their higher prices. Depending on your design, expect to spend between $350 and $850 for a small to medium frameless shower screen. However, you will need to raise your budget if you aim for a custom, large enclosure shower screen, with prices potentially hitting $2500.

Fixed single-panel screen (1200mm x 2000mm): $130-$550. Ideal for open-plan bathrooms
Two-panel screen: $600-$1,200. Best for alcoves, with price greatly depending on glass thickness
Full corner or three-panel: $1,200-$2,500. The high price is linked to the heavy-duty glass used

For installation, budget between $100 and $500 since it requires more expertise than installing framed screens.
Overall, peg your budget between $300 and $3000 for a frameless screen, depending on factors highlighted above.

Frameless corner shower screen with glass enclosure in modern interior

FAQs

How much does a frameless shower screen cost in Australia?

While costs depend on what you want, prepare for anything between $800 and $3000. While small models cost less, larger options with special add-ons boost costs.

How much does a framed shower screen cost in Australia?

Depending on your shower screen size, glass thickness, and add-ons, budget from $500 to $1200 for your framed shower screen.

What glass thickness should I choose?

If you are going for a frameless shower screen, aimed at 10mm, while framed screens do well in the 6-8mm thickness range.

How long does installation take?

Installing your framed or frameless shower screen only takes a few hours. However, you want to allow the silicone to cure for at least 24 hours before using your bathroom.