If you’re fed up with looking at your old, wonky, water-stained shower screen, the simple solution is to replace it with a neat new contemporary screen. It will add a touch of elegance to your bathroom and prevent water from leaking onto the floor.
Match it to your latest bathroom design ideas to ensure you get a shower screen that is the perfect fit for your latest bathroom makeover. Here you’ll find practical tips on removing your old screen, installing a new one, what to expect to pay, and the tools you’ll need to achieve a professional-looking finish.
Thomas has worked in the engineering and construction industry for over a decade. He has spent the past four years using his expertise to develop the UK Construction Blog - a leading online platform dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the construction industry for over 14 years.
Replacing a shower screen: What types are there?
Shower screens come in a range of styles as Thomas Oldham, co-founder of UK Construction Blog reveals, “Shower screens come in three main styles: framed, semi-frameless, and frameless.”
Each style has its appeal as Oldham continues, “Framed screens, made from aluminium, are a budget-friendly choice with a classic look. Semi-frameless designs, with minimal framing, provide a more modern feel and are ideal for mid-range budgets. Frameless screens, although more expensive, offer a sleek and luxurious finish.”
If you have a large space that needs a shower screen, Oldham suggests a few options: “For larger spaces, sliding doors are a practical way to save room, while fixed panels create a minimalist look in walk-in showers. Pivot doors work well in standard layouts, and bi-fold screens are a smart choice for making the most of compact spaces.”
What to consider before replacing a shower screen
Before you invest in a replacement shower screen there are a few points you need to consider, some more obvious than others as Colm Lalor, commercial director at nuie points out, “Ensure the size is correct, a good way to check would be to measure the old screen if it was a perfect fit, also remember to measure the space that the replacement screen will be used in.”
In addition to size, you need to consider the glass. Lalor says, “We have a variety of glass thicknesses to choose from, and all screens use toughened safety glass.” This is a key consideration to ensure your safety.
Note that thicker glass is typically more durable but heavier, so it is not always the best option for over-the-bath showers. Also, a simpler flat glass screen is easier to clean.
Finally, you can’t forget style, Lalor says, “Style is down to personal taste as long as it fits and is compatible with the shower area, make sure it fits the bath or shower tray etc.”
He adds, “Frames come in many different finishes, again down to personal preference, with brushed brass screens being very popular as this finish is very on trend.”
Colm Lalor has been a Commercial Director at Roxor Group for almost 40 years. He is an expert in the field of bathroom renovations with a wealth of knowledge about best practices and pitfalls to avoid.
Try these shower screens to replace your old one
A bath screen that is suitable for any type of straight edge bath. The design is reversible which can be fitted to either the left or right hand side.
This is a sleek and functional square bath screen with a brushed pewter finish. Made from 6mm toughened safety glass for durability and safety.
This 1400mm hinged L-shaped bath screen offers clean, simple lines and allows you to open away from the bath for easy access. Features toughened safety glass and is fully reversible.
How to replace a shower screen
Before you start, gather up the tools you’ll need. Make sure you have a utility knife, spirit level, a drill (like this DEWALT XR 18V Brushless Combi Drill Driver from Amazon), screwdriver, pipe and wire detector (like this Stud Finder Wall Scanner from Amazon), and a hacksaw (or multi-tool).
1. Remove the old shower screen
Shower screens are installed slightly differently, so the first step is to read the manufacturer's installation instructions. Next, remove the old screen.
If you have an over-the-bath screen, remove the glass panel. This is typically secured with screws or clips. Once removed, you will have access to the screws that are holding the wall bracket/panel in place. Unscrew and put to one side.
If any silicone sealant remains on the wall/bath, use a sharp utility knife (like this Shark-Tuff Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife from Amazon) to remove it.
2. Measure, drill and fit
With the old screen removed and the area cleaned, you need to decide where the new one will go. The first step is mark where the new bracket is going to go. Use a spirit level to ensure the bracket is level and straight, then mark the screw holes with a pencil or a felt-tip.
Before drilling any new holes, it's worth checking the area with a pipe/wire detector. Now get a drill with the appropriate bit type (often masonry) and size, and drill the necessary holes. You may need Rawl plugs to fix the wall bracket. Check our How to get Rawl plugs out of wall guide if your old ones are still in the wall.
Now, align the bracket with the drill holes and secure it to the wall. Ensure that it is secure before fitting the glass screen. Now fit the glass and fix it into place with the supplied screws or clips.
3. Seal the shower screen
If your shower screen doesn’t come with a sealing strip, you may need to seal with a caulking gun (like this SolidWork Professional Drip-Free Caulk Gun from Amazon) and suitable sealant. Check our guide to siliconing a shower for more instructions.
FAQs
Can you just replace the glass in a shower screen?
If the glass in your shower screen is cracked, scratched, or simply not to your taste, but the frame is still perfectly functional, you can consider replacing it.
There is the option to buy glass cut to size, but as you might expect, it may not be cost-effective. It may be cheaper to replace the whole screen, so shop around and see what you can get within your budget.
How much do shower screens cost?
Shower screen costs can vary greatly depending on size and quality. Budget shower screens can start at £50, such as this AQUALUX 3 White Framed Bath Screen from B&Q. These are basic, typically over-the-bath screens.
Mid-range shower screens cost around £100-£200, while high-end shower screens cost £200+. More expensive shower screens are typically floor-to-ceiling and suitable for wet rooms or similar spaces.
How much for a pro to replace a shower screen?
Simpler shower screens, such as hinged bath screens, can be fitted by a DIYer, but you'll need the right tools and a second person to help hold the screen. Larger shower screens are more challenging to install.
If you’re unsure about installing a shower screen, you can call in a professional. Plumbers charge around £60 an hour (depending on location). Basic, smaller screens can be fitted within an hour, costing approximately £50-£80 for installation.
Larger and heavier shower screens take more time to install and usually cost twice as much. Prices will increase if the shower screen is more complex to fit or if removing the old screen is difficult. Get quotes from two or three local tradespeople to get a better idea of the cost.
When replacing a shower screen, it is a good time to consider fitting a new shower. This is typically a toss-up between an electric shower and a mixer shower. If you have a bath, check out our shower over bath ideas for inspiration.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
