How Much Does a Walk-in Shower Installation Really Cost in the UK for 2025?

Did you know installing a walk-in shower typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000, with many different factors influencing the final price? Learn how to budget smartly and make choices that maximize value, quality, and comfort for your bathroom upgrade project today.

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

The complete cost to install a new walk-in shower usually encompasses:

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

Walk-in showers are a popular bathroom upgrade offering accessibility and style combined with modern design, potentially increasing your home’s appeal.

Factors Affecting Walk-in Shower Installation Costs

Type of Shower Unit

The choice of shower unit impacts the upfront cost:

Electric Showers: £150–£300 for the unit plus £200–£300 installation. Ideal for homes with limited hot water supply.
Mixer Showers: £150–£300 unit plus similar installation fees. Requires both hot and cold water connections.
Power Showers: £200–£500 unit, with £250–£400 installation. Suitable for low water pressure systems.
Digital Showers: £250–£1,000+ unit, installation £300–£500. Feature smart controls and need professional fitting.

Prices vary depending on product type and installation complexity.

Materials and Fixtures

Material selection influences costs for trays, enclosures, and tiles:

Shower trays: Starting around £250 for stone resin trays, which are durable and visually appealing; acrylic trays tend to be less costly but regarded as a simpler option.
Enclosures/screens: 6–8mm thick glass panels typically cost between £350–£600 for quality installation.
Tiles: Materials typically cost £15–£30 per square metre, with labour roughly £200 per day. Premium options like natural stone increase expenses.

Prefabricated acrylic or fibreglass units often provide a more affordable option, while custom stone resin trays and premium glass offer enhanced durability and aesthetic qualities.

Labour and Professional Installation

Professional installation is crucial to meet UK building regulations and guarantee proper waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical work. Labour often accounts for roughly 40–60% of overall expenses.

Typical labour rates in 2025 include:

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

Hiring a general contractor or a tradesperson skilled in multiple disciplines can reduce total labour time and coordination issues.

Additional Costs to Consider

Other costs may involve:

Removal and disposal of old fixtures (£150–£400)
Plumbing or electrical upgrades, such as installing dedicated wiring for some shower types
Waterproofing steps not included in initial quotes
Possible layout alterations requiring plumbing or wall repositioning
Building permits or approvals, if necessary depending on project scope
Optional premium fittings, thermostatic valves, grab rails, or smart features adding to cost

Comparing Walk-in Showers and Wet Rooms

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

By comparison, wet rooms—which involve fully waterproofed, open-plan shower spaces with floor drainage—tend to be pricier, often costing from £6,000 up to £15,000+, due to more extensive waterproofing and floor adaptations.

Typical Timeframe for Installation

A simple walk-in shower installation usually takes 1–3 days.
More elaborate shower room refurbishments involving tiling and plumbing may require 5–14 days, depending on materials and complexity.

Methods to Manage Costs Without Losing Quality

Keep existing plumbing and layout to avoid pipe relocation expenses
Choose mid-range tiles and fittings balancing cost and appearance
Consider prefabricated units as a budget-friendly alternative to fully bespoke designs
Remove and dispose of old bath or shower yourself if possible to cut labour fees
Gather and compare multiple quotes from trusted professionals
Employ tradespeople qualified in several areas where possible to reduce labour costs

Summary

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

Working with qualified professionals ensures compliance with building regulations and a long-lasting, waterproof finish. Obtaining several quotes and careful planning help you achieve good value for your bathroom upgrade.

Sources

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