Planning a bathroom refresh or full renovation and want the real cost to install a new shower? Here’s a practical, WA-focused guide from the team at Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s specialists in custom cabinetry, bathroom renovations, laundry renovation and kitchen renovations Perth. We cover shower installation prices, timelines, materials, and compliant installation—so you get a beautiful, watertight result that suits your home and budget.
Cost to install a new shower – quick answers
In WA, the average cost to install a new shower (labour and materials) typically falls into these bands:
- Retrofit screen + new acrylic/base: $1,200–$3,000
- Replace shower cubicle (base, semi-frameless screen, minor tile patch): $2,500–$5,500
- Build a new tiled shower (waterproofing, screed, tiling, mixer, rail): $4,000–$9,500
- Premium, frameless + feature tiles: $8,000–$15,000+
WA labour ranges (typical): licensed plumber $100–$160/hr; waterproofing $45–$80/m²; tiling labour $60–$110/m² (tiles extra); electrician $95–$150/hr; demolition/rubbish $300–$900+. Your final shower installation cost depends on layout, tile choice, screen type, plumbing complexity and waterproofing scope.
In Australia, domestic wet areas must be waterproofed to AS 3740. This includes membranes to walls/floors and set-downs or hobs as required to contain water. Always obtain a compliance certificate from your licensed applicator.
The shower renovation process
- Measure & design – Confirm shower size (common: 900×900mm or 1200×900mm), drainage, fall, screen style, and tile layout. Coordinate with custom cabinetry WA for a matching vanity.
- Demolition – Remove existing screen/base/tiles. Protect adjacent areas, especially if it’s an occupied home.
- Plumbing rough-in – Adjust waste location, add in-wall mixer or rail. Ensure AS/NZS 3500 compliance.
- Substrate & screed – Prepare floors/walls; set falls to floor waste or linear drain.
- Waterproofing – Prime and apply membranes to AS 3740 (with set-downs/hobs where needed). Issue certificate.
- Tiling – Lay tiles with correct slope, grout, and seal where appropriate.
- Fixtures – Fit shower head/rail, mixer, niche trim, grab rails if specified (good for future-proofing).
- Shower screen – Install framed, semi-frameless or frameless glass. Silicone, cure and final clean.
- Handover – Waterproofing certificate, product warranties and care instructions.
A shower with the floor set down so there’s no raised hob. It’s accessible and sleek, but may require additional carpentry and screed work to achieve compliant falls.
Materials and finishes that affect price
Shower screen types
- Framed – Most economical, easy to maintain, many finishes.
- Semi‑frameless – Popular balance of price and minimal look; suits most renovations.
- Frameless – Premium 10mm toughened glass, sleek; requires precision and costs more.
Tile selection
- Porcelain – Dense, low porosity; great for WA’s warm climate and wet areas.
- Ceramic – Cost-effective on walls; confirm slip ratings for floors.
- Large format – Fewer grout lines, premium feel; higher handling/cutting cost.
- Feature mosaics – Eye-catching; more labour to set perfectly.
Tapware and fittings
- WELS rating – Choose 3–4 star for water efficiency without losing comfort.
- In‑wall mixer – Clean look; extra plumbing/cutting adds to cost.
- Accessories – Recessed niche, matte black tapware, grab rails, heated towel rails.
A sand–cement layer that creates the correct fall to the waste before waterproofing and tiling. Critical for a durable, puddle‑free shower.
Layouts and styles
Your shower should harmonise with your home’s style and adjacent spaces like the kitchen, laundry or walk‑in robe. We regularly design:
- Hamptons/coastal – Subway tiles, shaker kitchen cabinetry carry-through, brushed nickel fittings.
- Scandi/minimal – Light timber-look vanity, frameless glass, pale porcelain.
- Urban/industrial – Concrete-look tiles, matte black tapware, linear drains.
- Family-friendly – Semi-frameless screens, anti-slip floors, generous storage.
Tip: Align bathroom vanity finishes with your engineered stone benchtop alternatives in the kitchen, or opt for matching laminates across kitchen, bathroom and laundry for a cohesive whole‑home scheme.
Detailed costs and price breakdown in WA
Common line items (indicative, incl. GST)
- Demolition & disposal: $300–$900+
- Plumbing (rough‑in & fit‑off): $600–$2,200+
- Electrical (lights/heat/fan/earth): $250–$1,200+
- Waterproofing (membrane): $300–$900+ depending on area
- Screed & set‑down/hob: $400–$1,200+
- Tiling labour: $60–$110/m²; tiles: $25–$120+/m²
- Shower screen: framed $450–$950; semi-frameless $800–$1,600; frameless $1,400–$3,000+
- Shower base: acrylic/stone comp. $400–$1,200; tiled base variable
- Tapware & accessories: $250–$1,500+ (brand dependent)
These ranges reflect typical Perth projects and may vary by access, storey, and product selection. For complex re‑plumbing, multi‑jet systems, or heritage homes, allow contingency (10–15%).
Ways to save (without false economy)
- Keep plumbing in the same wall; relocate only if layout gains are significant.
- Choose quality mid‑range porcelain tiles; splurge on a feature wall instead of all surfaces.
- Semi‑frameless screens deliver a premium look at a lower cost than frameless.
- Bundle works with your kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovation to share trades and reduce call‑outs.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme. Higher stars = better water efficiency. Look for 3–4 star showers for comfort and savings.
Two quick WA case examples
Case 1: Nedlands bathroom refresh
Goal: Replace tired shower cubicle and match a Hamptons kitchen across the home. Works: semi‑frameless screen, tiled base, subway tiles, niche, brushed nickel tapware. Shower replacement cost: $6,200. Result: Bright, classic bath to suit their shaker kitchen and coastal palette.
Case 2: Fremantle apartment
Goal: Compact ensuite with an open feel. Works: hobless shower, frameless glass, large‑format porcelain, linear drain, matte black tapware. Cost of putting in a shower: $9,800 including screed set‑down and premium glass. Result: Minimal maintenance, bigger feel in a small footprint.
Pre‑installation checklist
- Decide on framed, semi‑frameless or frameless screen.
- Confirm drain type and location (centre, corner or linear).
- Select tiles and grout colours; verify slip rating for floors.
- Choose WELS‑rated tapware and hand‑held/rail vs rain shower.
- Plan storage: recessed niche or shelf; towel/robe hooks.
- Confirm hob vs hobless and door swing/clearances.
- Ask for waterproofing to AS 3740 with a written certificate.
- Check ventilation (fan/heater/light) and RCDs with your sparkie.
- Schedule: cure times for screed/membrane, glass lead time (often 7–10 business days).
- Request a fixed‑scope quote and warranties in writing.
Surface comparison for vanities (and matching kitchens)
Coordinating vanity and kitchen benchtops creates a seamless look. Here’s a concise comparison to help you choose:
| Surface | Typical Installed Price (WA) | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Sintered stone | $900–$1,800+ per linear metre | Heat, stain and UV resistant; thin modern profiles; great for vanities and kitchens | Requires experienced fabricators; edge options vary | Premium bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, cohesive whole‑home schemes |
| Laminate | $250–$500 per linear metre | Budget‑friendly; huge decor range; easy to maintain | Not heat‑proof; visible joins; avoid standing water at edges | Investment properties, rentals, secondary bathrooms |
| Engineered stone (regulated) | $700–$1,400+ per linear metre | Durable, consistent patterns; previously a staple for engineered stone benchtop looks | Subject to current Australian silica regulations—check WA rules and approved alternatives | Consider porcelain/sintered or solid surface as compliant alternatives |
Note: Regulations around engineered stone have changed nationally; review current guidance and approved products before specifying.
Local compliance and guidance
For peace of mind, ensure your bathroom meets Australian standards and WA requirements. Useful references:
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Master Builders WA
- WA Building and Energy (licensing and consumer info)
Why choose Joyce Kitchens
Since 1990, Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA. We design, manufacture and install—coordinating licensed trades to AS/NZS standards—so your new shower integrates perfectly with your home’s cabinetry, tiling and fixtures.
Ready to plan your shower or a full bathroom renovation? Book a design consultation and we’ll provide a clear scope, timeline and fixed proposal.
FAQ
What is the average cost to install a new shower in WA?
Most homeowners spend $4,000–$9,500 for a fully tiled new shower including waterproofing, screed, tiling, mixer/rail and a semi‑frameless screen. A basic retrofit (new base and framed screen) can be $1,200–$3,000. Premium frameless glass and feature tiles can take the cost to install a new shower to $8,000–$15,000+.
How much does it cost to replace a shower cubicle vs build a tiled shower?
The cost of replacing a shower cubicle (new base and screen, minor tile patching) is typically $2,500–$5,500. Building a tiled shower with waterproofing and screed usually starts around $4,000 and averages $5,500–$9,500 in WA. That’s the practical difference in shower replacement cost versus the cost of putting in a shower from scratch.
What factors impact shower installation prices in Australia?
Key drivers include plumbing changes (in‑wall mixer or relocations), waterproofing area, tile size/format, screen type (framed to frameless), access and demolition. Labour rates in WA and product selections (tapware, niche, drains) also affect shower installation prices.
How long does a shower replacement take?
Allow 5–10 working days depending on demolition, drying/curing, tiling and custom glass lead times. You usually can’t use the shower until silicone and membranes have fully cured; plan alternatives during the works.
Do I need licensed trades and waterproofing certificates in WA?
Yes. Plumbing must comply with AS/NZS 3500 and waterproofing with AS 3740. Always use licensed trades and request compliance certificates and warranties upon completion to protect your warranty and insurance.
Planning a bathroom and kitchen upgrade together? Our custom kitchens perth team coordinates multi‑room projects.
Keep timelines and trades running smoothly—review our kitchen renovation tips alongside your bathroom plan.
