Replacing a shower in Australia typically costs A$900–A$3,500 for a like-for-like swap, and A$4,000–A$12,000 when the job includes new waterproofing, tiling and a different shower type. The difference is whether the shower is a product replacement or a wet-area rebuild.
Cost by scope
| Scope | Typical cost (AUD) | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Replace shower head and mixer only | $250 – $800 | Parts and plumber attendance |
| Replace shower screen | $600 – $2,000 | Semi-frameless or frameless, installed |
| Replace shower tray/base | $900 – $2,500 | Tray, waste, sealing, minor tiling |
| Full shower rebuild, same footprint | $4,000 – $8,000 | Demolition, waterproofing, tiling, new fixtures |
| Walk-in shower conversion | $6,000 – $12,000 | Layout change, linear drain, tiling, screen |
What drives the price
Waterproofing. Any rebuild that disturbs the tile bed requires a new membrane and certificate. This is the line item that separates a cheap shower refresh from a compliant rebuild.
Drain type. A standard centre waste is inexpensive. A linear drain requires screeding to a fall in one direction and costs A$600–$1,500 more including the channel and labour.
Screen specification. Frameless 10 mm glass costs roughly double a semi-frameless 6 mm screen of the same size.
Tile removal. Removing existing tiles without damaging the substrate takes time. If the substrate is compromised, cement sheeting replacement adds A$500–$1,500.
Shower types compared
| Type | Installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove shower with base | $900 – $2,500 | Fast replacement, small bathrooms |
| Tiled shower, centre waste | $4,000 – $7,000 | Standard renovation |
| Walk-in, linear drain | $6,000 – $12,000 | Accessibility, modern look |
| Shower over bath | $1,500 – $4,000 | Space-constrained rooms |
Signs you need a rebuild, not a replacement
- Water staining on the ceiling below the bathroom
- Loose or drummy tiles around the waste
- Mould returning within weeks of cleaning
- Water pooling instead of draining
- Silicone lines that fail repeatedly
Any of these indicate the waterproofing has already failed. Replacing the screen or tray on top of a failed membrane simply hides the problem for a season.
Timeline
A screen or head replacement is a single visit. A tray replacement is one to two days including sealing and curing. A full rebuild takes seven to twelve working days: demolition, waterproofing and curing, screeding, tiling, grouting, screen templating and installation.
Compliance notes
Waterproofing in wet areas must meet the relevant Australian standard, and the work should be certified. Shower screens in new work generally require safety glass. If the shower is part of an accessible bathroom, additional requirements apply to falls, clearances and support.
Screens, fixtures and the small decisions that add up
A frameless 10 mm screen on quality hinges costs A$1,200–$2,000 installed; a semi-frameless 6 mm screen for the same opening is A$600–$1,100. Mixers range from A$150 for a basic chrome model to A$700+ for a thermostatic unit. A rain head adds A$200–$600 once the arm and additional plumbing are counted. None of these are wrong choices — but each one moves the total, and together they can add A$2,000 to a shower that looked affordable on paper.
Drainage, falls and why they cost money
Water must fall to the waste at a consistent gradient, which means the screed under the tiles is shaped, not flat. A centre waste needs falls in four directions; a linear drain needs a single plane. Both take time, and both require the waterproofing to follow the same shape. When a quote is unusually cheap for a tiled shower, the saving is often in the screed and fall — the part you cannot see until water pools at the edge of the room.
Maintenance that protects the investment
Reseal silicone lines annually, keep the exhaust fan running for ten minutes after a shower, and fix a dripping mixer promptly. Most shower failures in Australian homes are not manufacturing faults; they are water sitting where it should not for longer than the seal can tolerate.
Choosing a shower for resale
If the renovation is intended to support a sale within five years, neutral large-format tiles, a frameless or semi-frameless screen and a quality mixer return more than a statement design. Buyers notice water damage and poor drainage far more than they notice premium fittings.
Shower replacement or full renovation?
If the shower is the only failing element and the rest of the bathroom is sound, a targeted rebuild is the better spend. If tiles elsewhere are drummy, the vanity is swollen, or the floor wastes are corroded, doing the shower alone means demolishing the room twice within a few years. A practical test is to have a tiler tap-test the surrounding floor: hollow sounds indicate the waterproofing is already compromised beyond the shower.
What to keep after the job
Keep the waterproofing certificate, the plumber’s compliance certificate, spare tiles and the screen manufacturer’s care instructions. The certificates matter at resale and if an insurance claim is ever needed; the spare tiles matter because a single cracked tile in a discontinued range can cost more to match than the original box. Photograph the open wall before tiling — it documents where the studs and pipes run, which saves time on any future repair.
Choosing a screen without overpaying
Screen price is driven by glass thickness, hinge quality and custom sizing. A standard-size semi-frameless screen in 6 mm glass costs A$600–$1,100 installed; moving to 10 mm frameless roughly doubles it. Custom angles and curved returns add fabrication time. If the opening is standard, an off-the-shelf screen is the best value; if it is not, expect to pay for templating regardless of the brand.
Ask about the coating: an easy-clean coating adds A$100–$250 and reduces long-term maintenance, which matters more in hard-water areas.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a shower in Australia?
A straight product replacement runs A$900–$2,500. A rebuild with new waterproofing and tiling costs A$4,000–$8,000, and a walk-in conversion A$6,000–$12,000.
Can I replace just the shower base?
Yes, if the waterproofing beneath is intact and the waste position matches. If the base has been leaking, the membrane is already compromised.
How long before I can use the shower?
Screen and head replacements are immediate. After tiling and silicone, allow 24–48 hours. After waterproofing, curing time depends on the product, typically 24 hours before screeding.
Is a walk-in shower worth the extra cost?
It is worth it for accessibility, for ageing in place, and where the room layout benefits from the open floor. If none of those apply, a tiled shower with a centre waste delivers most of the look for less.
How these figures were compiled
Ranges are 2026 planning estimates from published Australian renovation guides, supplier pricing and typical trade rates. They exclude GST where quoted separately and exclude structural work. They are not quotes.
Last updated: November 2026.