Walk-in Shower Installation Cost UK 2025 Average Price Guide

Understanding the Average Cost of a Walk-in Shower in 2025

The total cost to install a new walk-in shower usually includes:

• The shower unit itself (£150 to over £1,000 depending on type and brand)
• Shower tray (£250–£450 on average)
• Enclosure or glass screen (£350–£600 for quality panels)
• Waterproofing and tiling materials and labour
• Labour costs for plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and installation
• Removal and disposal of old bathroom fixtures if needed (£150–£400)

Walk-in showers are a popular bathroom upgrade that combine accessibility and style with modern design, and they may add appeal to your home.

Factors Influencing Walk-in Shower Installation Costs

Type of Shower Unit

The choice of shower unit affects the initial cost:

• Electric Showers: £150–£300 for the unit plus £200–£300 installation. Suitable for homes with limited hot water.
• Mixer Showers: £150–£300 unit plus similar installation costs. Requires hot and cold water supplies.
• Power Showers: £200–£500 unit, with £250–£400 installation. Designed for low water pressure systems.
• Digital Showers: £250–£1,000+ unit, installation £300–£500. Include smart controls and require professional installation.

Costs vary based on product type and installation complexity.

Materials and Fixtures

Material choices influence expenses for trays, enclosures, and tiles:

• Shower trays: Starting at around £250 for stone resin trays, which are durable and stylish; acrylic trays may be less expensive but considered a more basic option.
• Enclosures/screens: 6–8mm thick glass panels usually cost between £350–£600 for a quality installation.
• Tiles: Materials generally range from £15–£30 per square metre, with labour approximately £200 per day. Higher-end options like natural stone can increase costs.

Prefabricated acrylic or fibreglass units often offer a more budget-friendly choice, while custom stone resin trays and premium glass provide greater durability and aesthetic appeal.

Labour and Professional Installation

Professional installation is important to comply with UK building regulations and to ensure quality waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical work. Labour can represent approximately 40–60% of total costs.

Typical labour costs in 2025 are:

• Plumber: £40–£80 per hour or £150–£300 per day
• Electrician: £50–£100 per hour or £200–£400 per day
• Tiler: £25–£40 per square metre or £150–£250 per day
• Bathroom fitter/general tradesperson: £150–£250 per day

Engaging a general contractor or a tradesperson qualified in multiple areas may help reduce total labour time and coordination efforts.

Additional Costs to Consider

Additional expenses may include:

• Removal and disposal of old fixtures (£150–£400)
• Plumbing or electrical upgrades, such as installing dedicated cables for certain shower types
• Waterproofing measures not included in initial estimates
• Potential layout changes requiring repositioning of plumbing or walls
• Building permits or approvals, which may apply depending on the scope of work
• Optional premium fittings, thermostatic valves, grab rails, or smart features that add to overall cost

Comparing Walk-in Showers and Wet Rooms

Walk-in showers usually cost between £1,500 and £3,000 for installation, offering an accessible modern showering area with contained water flow.

In contrast, wet rooms—which involve fully waterproofed, open-plan shower spaces with floor drainage—tend to be more expensive, generally ranging from £6,000 up to £15,000+, due to more extensive waterproofing and floor adaptations.

Typical Timeframe for Installation

• A straightforward walk-in shower installation generally takes 1–3 days.
• More comprehensive shower room renovations involving tiling and plumbing can take 5–14 days, depending on complexity and materials chosen.

Ways to Manage Costs While Maintaining Quality

• Retain existing plumbing and layout to avoid pipe relocation costs
• Select mid-range tiles and fittings that balance price and style
• Consider prefabricated units as a cost-effective alternative to fully custom designs
• Perform removal and disposal of old bath or shower yourself if possible to reduce labour costs
• Obtain and compare multiple quotes from verified professionals
• Hire tradespeople qualified in multiple disciplines where feasible to reduce labour expenses

When planning a walk-in shower installation in the UK in 2025, budgeting between £1,500 and £3,000 for a standard unit with professional installation is a reasonable expectation. For premium or custom designs, costs can exceed £7,000 to £10,000 depending on complexity and materials.

Working with qualified professionals helps ensure compliance with building regulations and a durable, waterproof installation. Getting multiple quotes and careful planning can assist in securing value for your bathroom upgrade.

Sources

• MyBuilder: Walk-in Shower Installation Cost
• Homebuilding: Walk-in Shower Costs
• SteamShowerParts: New Shower Room Cost UK 2025 Pricing Guide

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