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Updated September 2026 with current UK prices.
A walk-in shower costs around £2,000 to install in 2026, and most jobs fall between £1,000 and £6,000. A simple enclosure on a low tray is at the bottom of that range; a level-access floor with frameless glass costs more; a full wet room is £8,500–£15,000+. The main factors are the tray or floor, the glass, the plumbing changes and how much tiling is needed.
2026 walk-in shower installation prices at a glance
| What you're paying for | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Average walk-in shower, supplied and fitted | around £2,000 |
| Walk-in enclosure on a low tray | £1,000–£2,000 |
| Level-access floor former, frameless glass | £2,000–£3,500 |
| Most jobs overall | £1,000–£6,000 |
| Full wet room | £8,500–£15,000+ |
Typical UK prices including VAT, based on published UK trade price guides and checked in September 2026. London and the South East usually run 20–30% higher. Guide prices, not quotes. Get free quotes from local bathroom fitters.
What's included in walk-in shower installation?
A typical installation involves:
- Removing the old bath or shower and making good the floor and walls.
- Plumbing: moving the waste and supply pipes, and fitting the valve and shower head.
- Tray or floor former: a low-profile tray, or a level-access former set into the floor.
- Waterproofing: tanking the walls and floor in the wet area.
- Tiling or wall panels.
- Glass screen: fixed panel(s), usually 8–10mm toughened glass.
Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower is a common job and often the best value, because the plumbing is already in roughly the right place.
Walk-in shower vs wet room
| Walk-in shower | Wet room | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £1,000–£6,000 | £8,500–£15,000+ |
| Floor | Low tray or level former in the shower area | Whole floor sloped and waterproofed |
| Waterproofing | Shower area | Entire room |
| Best for | Most bathrooms, including small ones | Accessibility, larger rooms, a seamless look |
A walk-in shower gives most of the look for much less. A wet room makes most sense for step-free access or when the whole room is being redone.
How long does it take to fit a walk-in shower?
Usually 2–4 days for a bath-to-shower swap: one day to strip out and do the plumbing, a day for the tray and waterproofing, and one or two days for tiling and the screen. Level-access floors and wet rooms take longer because the floor needs building up or recessing and the tanking must cure.
Can you fit a walk-in shower yourself?
Experienced DIYers can fit a tray and screen, but the difficult parts are getting the waste to fall correctly and waterproofing properly. Leaks under a shower often go unnoticed until they damage the ceiling below. Any new electrical circuit (for example for an electric shower or underfloor heating) should be done by a registered electrician.
What affects the price?
- Tray vs level access: level-access formers need more floor work.
- Glass: frameless and custom-sized screens cost more than standard panels.
- Shower type: mixer valves, digital showers and electric showers vary widely in price.
- Moving the waste: relocating the drain is one of the biggest cost drivers.
- Finish: large-format tiles and full-height tiling take longer than wall panels.
How to check a bathroom fitter
Bathroom work is usually done by plumbing and heating firms or specialist fitters. From our research on Companies House data:
- There are about 42,000 plumbing and heating companies in the UK (September 2026).
- 53% of plumbing and heating companies set up in 2019–2020 were still trading five years later (Trade Survival Index).
Before you book:
- Check the company's age and status on HouseJester or Companies House.
- Ask how the shower area will be waterproofed and what guarantee covers leaks.
- Get a written quote listing the tray, screen, valve, tiling and making good.
- Stage payments to the work rather than paying most up front.
Walk-in shower FAQs
How much does it cost to install a walk-in shower? Around £2,000 on average in 2026, with most jobs between £1,000 and £6,000.
How much does it cost to replace a bath with a walk-in shower? Most bath-to-shower swaps fall within the £1,000–£6,000 range, around £2,000 on average, including removal, plumbing, tray, screen and tiling. Moving the waste or choosing a level-access floor pushes the price up.
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a wet room? Yes, usually by several thousand pounds, because only the shower area needs a tray and waterproofing.
Do I need building regulations approval for a walk-in shower? Not usually for replacing a bath with a shower. Any new electrical circuit or changes to drainage should meet Building Regulations; a registered electrician can certify electrical work.
What plumbers earn: plumber salary in the UK.
Browse bathroom companies on HouseJester to find fitters near you.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the HouseJester editorial team for accuracy and relevance.
Written by
Emma Richardson
Kitchen & Bathroom Specialist
Emma has reviewed hundreds of kitchen and bathroom installations across the UK. She combines product knowledge with real-world testing to help homeowners choose the right fitters and materials for their projects.
- Fitted Kitchens
- Bathrooms
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- Heating & Plumbing