In Melbourne, a framed shower screen costs about $350 to $800 installed, a semi-frameless screen $600 to $1,400, and a frameless screen $900 to $2,500 or more. Custom walk-in designs can pass $3,500. The final price depends on glass thickness, screen size, hardware finish and how complex the installation is.
Key takeaways
- Budget pick: framed screens start at about $350 installed for a standard 900mm alcove.
- Most popular: semi-frameless screens sit between $600 and $1,400 and balance price with style.
- Premium look: frameless screens run $900 to $2,500 or more, with walk-in designs up to $3,500.
- Labour: professional installation adds $150 to $350 and takes two to four hours for a standard job.
- Safety first: every screen must use Grade A toughened glass that meets AS/NZS 2208 and is installed to AS 1288.
How we priced this guide: the ranges come from published 2026 Melbourne cost guides and industry averages, checked in July 2026. They are a guide only. Your exact quote depends on your bathroom, glass choice and hardware, which is why Design Inferno measures on site before giving a fixed price.
How much do shower screens cost at a glance?
Every bathroom is different, but Melbourne prices fall into clear bands. The table below shows what most homeowners pay in 2026, supplied and installed.
| Screen type | Typical installed price | Glass used | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed | $350 to $800 | 5mm to 6mm toughened | Budget renovations and rentals |
| Semi frameless | $600 to $1,400 | 6mm to 8mm toughened | Balance of price and style |
| Frameless | $900 to $2,500 or more | 10mm to 12mm toughened | Modern, high-end bathrooms |
| Custom or walk-in | $1,200 to $3,500 or more | 10mm to 12mm toughened | Odd layouts and open designs |
Base prices include standard toughened glass and polished chrome hardware. Custom glass, premium finishes and tricky installs push the numbers up.
What decides the price of a shower screen?
Shower screen cost depends on screen type and glass thickness. Four things drive almost every quote in Melbourne.
Glass type and thickness
Framed screens use 5mm to 6mm glass because the aluminium frame carries the load. Semi-frameless screens step up to 6mm to 8mm. Frameless screens rely on the glass itself, so they need 10mm to 12mm panels. Thicker glass increases the price, and it is the main reason frameless costs more.
Every screen must use Grade A toughened safety glass that complies with AS/NZS 2208, installed to AS 1288. Never accept glass without the compliance stamp.
Size and layout
A standard 900mm alcove screen is the cheapest to make and fit. Corner setups, angled walls, over bath panels and full walk-in designs all need more glass and more labour. Custom sizing raises the total cost, though it is often the only way to get a perfect fit in older Melbourne homes.
Hardware and finishes
Polished chrome is the standard finish and usually included in base prices. Matte black hardware adds $80 to $200. Brushed nickel and brushed gold sit in a similar range. Frosted or tinted glass adds 10 to 20 per cent to the glass cost, and an easy clean coating adds $100 to $300.
Installation and site conditions
Installation labour costs $150 to $350 for a straightforward job. Out-of-plumb walls, removing an old screen and repairs to tiles all add time. A professional measure ensures an accurate quote, so book the measure before you lock in a budget.
How much does each type of shower screen cost?
Framed shower screens: $350 to $800
Framed screens are the budget workhorse. Framed shower screens cost $350 to $800 installed for a standard alcove. The full aluminium frame supports lighter glass, which keeps the price down. Framed screens suit rentals and budget renovations, and they still deliver years of reliable service.
Semi frameless shower screens: $600 to $1,400
Semi frameless screens keep a slim outer frame but lose the bulky bars across the glass. Semi frameless shower screens cost $600 to $1,400 installed. They are the most popular choice in Melbourne because they look close to frameless at a friendlier price. Our frameless vs semi frameless comparison covers the differences in detail.
Frameless shower screens: $900 to $2,500 or more
Frameless screens use thick panels held by discreet clamps and channels. Frameless shower screens cost $900 to $2,500 or more, and custom walk-in designs can reach $3,500. Frameless screens increase bathroom appeal and value, which is why they dominate high-end renovations. Browse our custom shower screens to compare styles and finishes.
How much does shower screen installation cost in Melbourne?
Answer: labour usually runs $150 to $350 on top of the screen itself, and many Melbourne quotes bundle it in. A standard install takes two to four hours.
Custom-made screens are measured after tiling, then manufactured to the millimetre, so allow one to two weeks from measure to fitting. Ask whether your quote covers removal of the old screen, silicone and all hardware.
A cheap screen with a rushed install leaks. A well-fitted screen protects your walls and floors for years, so treat quality installation as part of the price, not an extra.
What extras add to the cost?
Keep these common additions in mind when you compare quotes.
- Matte black or brushed hardware: add $80 to $200 over chrome.
- Frosted or tinted glass: add 10 to 20 per cent to the glass cost.
- Easy-clean glass coating: add $100 to $300, and it cuts scrubbing time for years.
- Old screen removal and disposal: sometimes $50 to $150 if not included in the quote.
- Tile or wall repairs: quoted after inspection if the old screen hid damage.
Is a frameless shower screen worth the extra money?
Often, yes. A frameless screen makes a small bathroom feel bigger because nothing breaks the sightline. It has fewer frame edges to trap mould, so cleaning is easier. It also lifts resale appeal, which matters in Melbourne’s renovation-driven market.
If the budget will not stretch, semi-frameless gives you most of the look for hundreds less. Think about how long you will stay in the home. For a forever bathroom, frameless is usually worth it. For a rental or a quick flip, framed or semi-frameless makes more sense.
How can you save on a shower screen without cutting corners?
Tip: the safest savings come from design choices, not from cheaper glass or unqualified installers.
- Stick to standard sizes: a 900mm or 1000mm alcove screen costs far less than a custom shape.
- Keep chrome hardware: it is the included finish and still looks sharp.
- Get itemised quotes: compare two or three quotes that separate glass, hardware and labour.
- Combine jobs: ordering a screen and a mirror together can save on delivery and installation.
- Never trade away compliance: Grade A toughened glass and proper installation are non-negotiable.
How do you get an accurate shower screen quote?
Follow these five steps and the quotes you receive will be easy to compare and hard to inflate.
1. Measure your space roughly. Note the opening width, height and whether it is an alcove, corner or open layout.
2. Choose your screen type and finish. Decide between framed, semi-frameless and frameless, and pick a hardware colour.
3. Book a professional on-site measure. Walls are rarely square, so a site measure is the only way to price the job properly.
4. Compare itemised quotes. Ask each supplier to separate glass, hardware, labour and old screen removal.
5. Confirm compliance and warranty. Check the glass is Grade A toughened to AS/NZS 2208 and ask what the warranty covers.
Design Inferno offers a free measure and quote across Melbourne, so you can lock in an exact price before you commit.
Quick verdict: which shower screen should you choose?
Our verdict: pick framed if budget rules, semi-frameless for the best balance of price and style, and frameless if you want a premium open look that lifts the whole bathroom. Whatever you choose, insist on Grade A toughened glass and a professional measure. Design Inferno custom-makes shower screens in Melbourne, and you can see finished bathrooms in our gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Most frameless shower screens in Melbourne cost $900 to $2,500 supplied and installed. Large walk-in or corner designs with custom glass can reach $3,500 or more.
A framed shower screen is the cheapest option, starting at about $350 installed for a standard 900mm alcove. The full aluminium frame supports lighter glass, which keeps the price down.
A standard installation takes about two to four hours. Custom-made screens are measured after tiling and then manufactured, so allow one to two weeks from measure to fitting.
Yes. Glass thickness is the biggest price driver after screen type. Framed screens use 5mm to 6mm glass, while frameless screens need 10mm to 12mm panels, which cost far more to make and handle.
Usually, yes. Matte black hardware and frames typically add $80 to $200 over standard polished chrome. Brushed nickel and brushed gold finishes sit in a similar range.
Often, yes. If the frame is sound, new glass can be cut and toughened to size for framed and semi-frameless screens. If the frame is corroded or the screen leaks, a full replacement is usually better value.
