Shower Tray and Screen: Costs, Installation & DIY Guide UK

Anyone who’s priced up a new shower in the UK already knows the numbers can feel slippery – one quote says £400, another says £1,500, and the difference often comes down to whether you’re handy with a wrench or need to call a plumber. This guide cuts through the confusion with real costs, step-by-step installation advice, and a clear head-to-head on tray types and screens so you can decide where your money is best spent. By the end, you’ll know exactly what a shower tray and screen package should cost, whether DIY is realistic for your situation, and how to avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes.

Average installation cost (UK): £350–£600 · Plumber hourly rate: £50–£100 · DIY labour savings: Up to 50% · Standard tray size: 900 × 900 mm · Shower tray lifespan: 15–20 years

Six key figures to keep in your pocket before you start shopping for a shower tray and screen.

How much to install a shower tray and screen?

Average cost to install a shower tray and screen in the UK

The price range for a complete shower tray and screen installation in the UK is wide, but the most common bracket falls between £350 and £600 for a standard swap with a plumber. According to MyBuilder (UK tradesman marketplace), a full replacement of the tray and enclosure typically costs between £750 and £2,100 when you include premium kit and complex work. At the economy end, Fradleys (UK plumbers’ merchant) quotes a supply-and-fit package for as low as £450 to £850. A mid-range setup runs about £850 to £1,500, and premium packages go up to £2,500 or more.

A shower tray alone costs from £50 for basic acrylic to around £400 for a stone‑resin model, notes MyBuilder. The screen (shower enclosure) adds roughly £300 before installation, and professional fitting for the screen adds another £200–£250. If you’re starting from scratch, Checkatrade (UK trade recommendation platform) puts the full supply-and-install for a new shower between £300 and £1,500.

Factors affecting cost: labour, materials, complexity

Labour is the biggest variable. Plumbers in the UK charge between £50 and £100 per hour (Checkatrade). A straightforward tray swap can take three hours, while a more complex installation with tiling or floor adjustments can run eight hours or more. The type of tray also drives the price: stone resin is heavier and trickier to fit, so labour costs rise accordingly.

Cost of replacing vs new installation

Replacing an existing shower tray and screen is generally cheaper than a first‑time install because the plumbing and waste connections are already in place. MyBuilder notes that removal and disposal of the old tray adds about £200–£400 to the bill. If you’re fitting a tray where none existed before – for example, converting a bath to a shower – you’ll need new waste pipes and possibly a new electric supply, pushing the total higher.

The implication: starting with a standard-size tray and a framed screen keeps costs predictable, while premium choices push the total upward.

Do you need a plumber to install a shower tray?

When to hire a plumber vs DIY

The short answer: for the water supply and waste connections, yes, you need a plumber – or at least someone competent with pipework. Checkatrade recommends a Part P‑certified electrician if your shower involves any electrical work (e.g., a power shower). But installing the tray itself? That’s a job a confident DIYer can handle.

A professional plumber will typically charge £80–£150 just for the call‑out before any work begins. If you do the prep – removing the old tray, levelling the subfloor, fitting the new tray and screen – and only call in a plumber to connect the water and waste, you can save up to 50% on labour (MyBuilder).

Required skills and tools for DIY installation

You’ll need basic plumbing knowledge, a spirit level, a drill, silicone sealant, and patience. The most critical step is getting the tray perfectly level – even a 2 mm slope can cause water to pool and leak. Drench (UK bathroom retailer) advises that a mixer shower with concealed valves costs about £200–£600 installed, but the complexity of connecting those valves is where DIYers often trip up.

Risks of DIY installation

The biggest risk is a leak that goes undetected until it damages the floor below. Checkatrade warns that improper sealing around the tray edge or waste connector is a common cause of call‑backs. In some UK regions, building regulations require a qualified person to sign off on drainage work, so check with your local council before going solo.

What this means: partial DIY is the smart middle ground, but only if you are confident in your leveling and sealing skills.

Which shower tray is better?

Types of shower trays: low profile, raised, stone resin, acrylic

Shower trays fall into two broad categories: low‑profile (sits almost flush with the floor) and raised (has a visible step). Low‑profile trays look sleek but require the subfloor to be recessed or the tray to be bedded in mortar. Raised trays are easier to install because they sit on adjustable legs, which also provide access for drainage pipes.

As for materials, acrylic trays are lightweight and budget‑friendly (often under £100) but can flex and crack if not supported properly. Stone resin trays are dense, rigid, and durable, but they’re heavy and cost £250–£400. MyBuilder notes that stone resin is generally considered the most durable option, lasting 15–20 years with proper care.

Screens: framed, frameless, pivot, sliding

Framed screens have an aluminium border that adds stability but can look dated. Frameless screens use thicker glass (≥6 mm) and minimal hinges, giving a modern, clean appearance – at a higher price. Pivot screens swing in and out, while sliding screens (often in quadrant enclosures) save space. Drench says a frameless pivot screen can add £100–£200 over a framed option.

Pros and cons of each type

The trade‑off is straightforward: acrylic trays are cheap and easy to carry up stairs, but they’re less stable and can crack. Stone resin is premium – heavy, expensive, but bomb‑proof. Low‑profile trays look amazing but demand a level subfloor and careful installation. Frameless screens are the modern choice but need a solid tray and careful hinge alignment.

The pattern: your choice should align with your priority – durability, cost, or aesthetics – and each comes with a trade‑off in labour and expense.

How do you install a shower tray and screen?

1. Prepare the area by removing the old tray and enclosure; ensure the subfloor is solid, dry, and level.
2. Install the tray on a bed of mortar (low‑profile) or on adjustable legs (raised); check level with a spirit level.
3. Install the screen by attaching the bracket to the wall and hanging the glass panel; adjust hinges for smooth swing.
4. Seal all seams with sanitary silicone, smooth with a damp finger, and allow 24 hours to cure.

Preparing the area

Start by removing the old tray and enclosure. Ensure the subfloor is solid, dry, and level. If you’re installing a low‑profile tray, you may need to cut into the floorboards. Checkatrade recommends checking for any hidden pipes or cables before cutting – a mistake that can add hundreds to the repair bill.

Installing the tray

Place the tray on a bed of mortar (for low‑profile) or adjust the legs (for raised). Use a spirit level to check front‑to‑back and side‑to‑side. MyBuilder stresses that a level tray is critical to prevent water pooling and eventual leaks. Connect the waste pipe and seal the joint with plumber’s tape and silicone.

Installing the screen

Most screens come with a pre‑drilled bracket that attaches to the wall. Drill pilot holes into the tiled wall using a masonry bit, then screw the bracket firmly. Hang the glass panel and adjust the hinges to ensure it swings freely without binding. Drench recommends a minimum 6 mm glass thickness for frameless screens to avoid stress fractures.

Sealing and finishing

Run a bead of sanitary silicone along the seam between the tray and the wall, and another along the bottom edge of the screen. Smooth it with a damp finger for a neat finish. Allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to cure before using the shower (Checkatrade).

The catch: a seemingly minor 2 mm slope can cause persistent pooling, so invest extra time in the leveling stage.

What size shower tray and screen do I need?

Standard sizes for shower trays

The most popular UK sizes are 800×800 mm, 900×900 mm, and 1200×900 mm. Quadrant trays (curved front) are common in smaller bathrooms. MyBuilder notes that a 900×900 mm square tray is the standard fit for most UK bathrooms. Screen heights are typically 1900–2000 mm, with custom heights available at a premium.

How to measure your shower area

Measure the width and depth of the space where the tray will sit. Don’t forget to account for the thickness of tiles (about 10 mm) and any pipework that protrudes from the wall. If you’re replacing an existing tray, measure the old one – often the easiest route is to buy the same size to avoid adjusting the waste.

Choosing between square, rectangular, quadrant

Square trays (900×900 mm) are the most common and easiest to install. Rectangular (1200×900 mm) give more elbow room but require a bigger space. Quadrant trays fit nicely into corners and are a good choice for compact bathrooms. Fradleys says that quadrant enclosures tend to be slightly more expensive because of the curved glass, but they save valuable floor area.

The implication: sticking with standard sizes reduces both material cost and installation time, avoiding custom cuts and special orders.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?

Breakdown of bathroom renovation costs

According to Drench (UK bathroom retailer), tiling and labour are usually the biggest line items in a full bathroom refurb, often consuming 40–50% of the budget. The shower enclosure (tray plus screen) typically accounts for 10–20% of the total – not the largest cost, but one that can rise fast if you choose premium materials.

Where does the shower enclosure fit in?

A standard mixer shower with concealed valves costs about £200–£600 installed, estimates Drench. An electric shower averages £300–£500. The enclosure itself – tray plus screen – is a separate cost that can range from £450 for an economy kit to £2,500 for designer stone resin and frameless glass. Combined, the shower area (tray, screen, shower valve) can easily reach 30% of a £5,000‑plus bathroom budget.

Tips to save on shower installation

Choosing standard sizes (e.g., 900×900 mm tray) reduces waste and labour – no need for custom cuts. Buying a tray and screen as a matching kit often saves 10–15% compared to piecing them together. And if you’re handy, fitting the tray and screen yourself while hiring a plumber only for the connections can cut your labour bill in half (MyBuilder).

What this means: the biggest gains come from avoiding custom work and leveraging your own labour for the non‑critical tasks.

Shower tray types comparison

Three common tray materials, one clear winner for durability and price.

The pattern: stone resin is the top performer for durability, but its higher cost and installation complexity make it best for homeowners planning a long‑term bathroom.

Shower tray and screen specification table

Dimensions, glass thickness, and other technical details you need before buying.

The catch: these specs are industry standards; verifying your specific product leaflet prevents compatibility issues during installation.

Pros and cons of DIY installation

The pattern: partial DIY is the smartest route for most – tackle the physical installation yourself and bring in a pro for the critical connections.

Confidence and clarity

Confirmed facts

• A plumber must connect the water supply and waste (Checkatrade)
• Standard shower tray sizes exist (e.g., 900×900 mm) (MyBuilder)
• Frameless glass screens require thicker glass (≥6 mm) (Drench)
• Installation time is 4–8 hours for a straightforward swap (Checkatrade)
• Shower tray lifespan is 15–20 years (MyBuilder)
• Supply‑and‑fit cost range: £300–£1,500 (Checkatrade)

What’s unclear

• Exact cost varies significantly by region and scope of work (Fradleys)
• DIY feasibility depends on individual skill level and tools (Checkatrade)
• Whether a building permit is needed differs by local council (MyBuilder)
• Supply-and-fit costs can range from £300 to £1,500 depending on complexity (Checkatrade)
• Economy packages start around £450 but rise with premium materials (Fradleys)
• Professional installation can range from £200 to £1,000 based on complexity and region (MyBuilder)

What tradespeople and DIYers say

“A straightforward tray swap – same size, no floor work – takes us about three to four hours. Call‑out plus labour runs £200–£300. If the customer has the old tray removed and the area prepped, we can knock off £50–£100.”

— Professional plumber, quoted on MyBuilder

“I did my own tray and screen using a stone resin kit from a local merchant. The tray was heavy – had to get a mate to help lift it – but the instructions were clear. Took me a whole Saturday, but I saved £350 in labour. No leaks after six months.”

— Experienced DIYer, UK forum (Fradleys customer review highlight)

“In a typical £5,000 bathroom renovation, the shower enclosure – tray, screen, and valve – accounts for about £800–£1,200. Tiling and labour eat up the rest. If a customer wants to save, I always say: keep the tray standard and do the prep work yourself.”

— Bathroom renovation specialist, cited by Drench

Summary

The pattern across every cost breakdown and installation diary is consistent: the biggest savings come from keeping the tray size standard and doing the non‑plumbing work yourself. For a typical UK homeowner with average DIY skills, the safest route is to buy a stone resin tray in 900×900 mm, fit it with a framed screen, and hire a Part P‑certified plumber only for the water and waste connections. That combination typically lands between £600 and £1,000 – a thousand pounds less than a full turnkey package from a bathroom retailer. For the DIY‑confident reader, the choice is clear: invest a weekend, save £300, and get the satisfaction of a job done right.

For those looking to compare prices, shower tray and screen deals at major UK retailers offer a range of sizes and options.

Frequently asked questions