Shower Screen Sizes: Dimensions, Heights and Selection Guide

Standard Shower Screen Sizes in Australia: The Numbers You Need

The typical shower recess in an Australian home measures 900mm x 900mm, but many new homes are starting to use 1000mm x 1000mm and rectangular 1200mm x 900mm recesses. This means that most single-panel screens have widths of between 800mm and 1200mm.
A lot of screens have the standard shower screen height of 2000mm. However, if your home has higher ceilings then there are also screens available at 2100mm heights such as from Covey. Not all shower screens go all the way to the ceiling. Many of the screen models use a support bar at the top of the screen that attaches to walls, so you actually end up with a small gap between your shower screen and the ceiling to ensure airflow through your shower.
Also here is a handy tip: make sure to measure your shower recess at both the top and bottom of the wall since many Australian homes do not have perfectly square walls. The 900mm space you see at the bottom of the recess may have shrunk to 895mm near the top and that is going to matter when your screen is made from hard glass.

Shower Screen Types: Frameless, Semi-Frameless and Framed Options

Now that you have got your measurements we can talk about what style you like and your shower screen ideas for the space. Frameless shower screens with walk-in panels are your fancy option, which essentially means one 10mm sheet of tempered glass kept in place by minimal fixtures and fittings. These are the best frameless shower screen sizes from Covey that are simple, elegant and can easily be reversible. Screen prices typically range between $800 to $2,550, and this price varies with size and style.
Semi-frameless panels are a very popular option for value and quality. These are screens made from an 8mm panel, which uses a smaller frame profile that helps to keep costs down but still looks great. These semi-frameless shower screens are between $500 and $1,200.
Framed shower screens can be purchased for $130 which makes them the most budget-friendly shower screen choice. The structural loads are provided by the aluminium frame that means you can get away with a thinner glass of 6mm. Fienza and Aquaperla are reliable options here. If you have got a tight budget or doing a quick rental makeover, this is certainly a good option for you.

How to Choose the Right Glass Thickness and Finish

When choosing your glass thickness it is not only about the finish, it is about safety and strength. As per Australian Standard AS/NZS 2208, shower screens are mandatory to use toughened safety glass. The framed screen glass is acceptable at 6mm, and semi-frameless is typically 8mm, while 10mm glass is what you must use for frameless panels as there is no frame to hold it in.
Clear glass is the default, but do not ignore frosted or tinted glass if your ensuite has a window facing the garden. I also strongly recommend nano coating. It helps repel water and will make cleaning much easier and I cannot imagine many people will need to explain that.

Measuring for a Shower Screen: Getting It Right the First Time

Measure three times; at the bottom, the middle and the top. Take the smallest measurement and you can open up the frame if you need to by using the spacers that come with them, however you cannot reduce the size.
Check the walls are vertical (plumb). A spirit level will do for this. If it is a pivot screen ensure that you have a 600mm swing space minimum for the pivot as the shower screen will collide with the vanity or toilet otherwise. If the shower screen is not a standard shower size Australia homes typically use, look at getting an adjustable screen. They have a built-in expansion profile built into them (usually 20-30mm).
Check the strength of your walls to see if they will support the weight. A 10mm panel will be heavy, and you may need to support the plasterboard at the fixing points. Also check for the placement of the screen if you need to move any commode parts due to access.

Installation Considerations and Budget Planning

If you are not sure about this section then get a professional to install them here. It is a requirement of the National Construction Code that shower walls are waterproofed to a height of at least 1800 mm above the floor substrate (NCC 2022, ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 10.2), and any drilling into this waterproofing membrane has to be sealed properly.
As a guide, a framed shower screen will cost around $130 plus installation, which is between $200 to $400. Semi-frameless screens run $500 to $1,200 for the screen, with similar installation costs. Frameless screens range from $800 to $2,550 with $300 to $600 installation for the heavier glass.
Remember the shower screen does not include the base or the floor waste which is a separate item.
If you are doing other things in the bathroom at the same time, such as changing toilet pieces or the bathroom sinks and vanities, it pays to organise these tasks as part of the overall job. You will save on installation labour costs and ensure that any necessary re-sealing and plumbing in the right order will occur.

References

National Construction Code 2022, ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 10.2 Wet Areas