For between £500 and £1,500, you can refresh your bathroom, fix leakage issues, and increase your home’s value. While high-end designs can push the cost up to £2,500 or more, most UK homeowners can achieve a clean, modern, and functional shower space within a reasonable budget.
In regards to bathroom modernisation or repair, the change of shower tray and enclosure may sound like one of the least expensive upgrades but it can be a life-altering change. Be it water leaks, cracks, mould or just to uplift a dilapidated bathroom, such a type of renovation can make your bathroom look and feel a whole lot better.
But what would you pay on average in the UK to replace such a thing? The brief reply: it all depends. The lengthy response is the variety of factors which includes the material of the tray to the complexity of plumbing. We will take you through all the details in this exhaustive guide and enable UK homeowners to know what to expect, what options they have and where to spend their money wisely.
When To Change Your Shower Tray and Enclosure
- Leaking continuously and making a big water puddle.
- Visible cracks, warping of the tray etc.
- Mould development in places that cannot be easily accessed.
- A style which is out of date and out of place in a contemporary bathroom
The early replacement prevents costly rebuilding during structural damages.
Environmental and Sustainability Aspect
- Recyclable: Select the type of trays such as steel enamel or stone resin and the trays are recyclable.
- Eco-Flow Showers: Think of water saving showers.
- Waste Disposal: It is a good question to ask your installer whether he or she recycles the old tray and enclosure.
- Sustainable Brands: Eco friendly shower systems built using low impact materials are becoming available to purchase in some of the factories in the UK.
Warranty and Guarantees
Shower Trays: Average 5-10 years depending upon brand
Enclosures: 5 years to lifetime (high end brands)
Installment Guarantee: Typically is between 1–2 Years
Keep the receipts or any warranty records as a guideline to be used one day.
The Average Cost of Replacing a UK shower tray
When you decide to change your bathroom by substituting some of its old components with a new form or a damaged one; the prices average in the UK range between PS5,000 to PS12,000 with an extremely great range varying on the size, material and quality of the components, as well as the relative complexities of the setup.
On average, homeowners typically spend between £500 and £1,500 for a standard replacement job. However, more luxurious or custom installations can push the cost up to £2,500 or more, especially when opting for bespoke fittings or premium materials.
You can get a more vivid picture of what to expect in terms of costs here:
- Shower Tray: £80 to £350
- Shower Enclosure: £150 to £700
- Labour (Installation and Removal): £250 to £600
- Additional Materials (sealants, fixings, pipework, etc.): £50 to £150
These amounts are estimates of the ballpark and can differ depending on the labour cost in your area, the state of your current plumbing and the configuration of your bathroom. So let us take a further examination of what goes into making each one of these components and we will begin with a shower tray.
Prices of Shower Tray Depending on Material and size
The shower tray is not just a foundation, it also creates a foundation to your enclosure in functional and visual appearance. It costs on the basis of two factors, one is material and the second factor is size/shape.
1. Materials of Shower Tray and their Prices
Each material has its own advantages such as durability, ease of cleaning, overall weight and attractive appearance. So here it is in a breakdown:
Acrylic Trays
Cost: £80–£150
Advantages: Light in weight, cheap and installation is easy.
Cons: Not as durable as time goes, and scratching the surface or bending surface once place is not cushioned well.
Stone Resin trays
Cost: £120–£300
Pros: Durable, good-looking and offered in different textures.
Cons: Heavier than acrylic, and can need additional labour or reinforcement of the floor.
Ceramic Trays
Cost: £150–£350
Pros: very strong and do not stain. An ageless option to any classic or fancy washrooms.
Cons: The materials are heavier and more brittle, and can easily chip it during the installation.
Steel Enamel tray
Cost: £200–£400
Advantages: They have a smooth contemporary look and extremely long lasting life.
Disadvantages: One of the most expensive types, and they are heavier posing a more complicated installation.
2. Shower Tray Price Based on Size and Shape
The shape and size of trays are not all equal and in a case that may directly affect the product and installation cost. This is what you could anticipate paying according to general set-up:
- Square (700mm x 700mm) – Starting from £80
Suitable to small bathrooms or en-suites. Very cost-effective.
- Rectangular (900mm x 1200mm) – Starting from £130
The most frequent among the people that want more space in the shower.
- Quadrant (900mm x 900mm) – Starting from £100
Ideal when sinking in the corner and taking advantage of the space in small bathrooms.
- Offset Quadrant (1000mm x 800mm) – Starting from £120
Provides better inner space than a standard quadrant retains curved corner geometry.
The bigger the tray, the more will it cost not only the tray itself, but the labour, since heavier trays need to be carried by two people or even the floor may have to be strengthened. Additional cost can be added in the form of custom-made or low-profile trays that are created with an eye on accessibility.
Prices of Showers Enclosures
There are large numbers of designs used in the shower enclosures and they have different prices.
1. Enclosure types
Framed Enclosures
Cost: £150–£300
Low priced and gives clear frame structure.
Semi-Frameless Enclosures
Cost: £250–£500
More classy look, a bit more expensive.
No Frame Glass Enclosures
Cost: £400–£700+
High end-quality design, normally used in upmarket bathrooms.
Sliding Enclosures Door
Cost: £180–£450
Ideal to use in small spaces.
Pivot/Hinged door enclosures
Cost: £200–£500
Takes more space and has a good feel.
Bi-Fold Doors
Cost: £150–£400
Superb small bathrooms.
Shower Panels with Walk in Shower
Cost: £250–£700+
Indulgent, sparse and currently the trend of new bathrooms. A shower door replacement can transform the space.
Larger glass (6-10mm), anti-limescale coating finishing will add more to price yet provide longer lasting service and is easily cleaned.
The Cost Of Labour Of Replacing Shower Tray and Enclosure
The cost in labour forms a huge proportion of the total cost. Bathroom fitters and plumbers in the UK normally offer their services at fees of:
£150–£300/day
Installation time: 1-2 days on average
Total Labour Cost: £250–£600
In case some plumbing changes are required or it is necessary to rework the tiles, the expenses can grow rapidly.
Cost: DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY Installation
Material-Only Cost: £250–£1,000
You save on labour but should be sure of plumbing and sealing jobs. Leak and long lasting damage may occur due to errors.
Professional Installation
All-In Cost: £500–£1,500+
Guarantees of peace of mind, workmanship and quicker installation.
It is usually advisable to get a professional especially when you are not knowledgeable about bathroom installations.
Upgrading the Shower Area: Additional Charges
Battery operated Digital or Thermostatic Shower Mixer
Cost: £100–£400
Enhances your bathroom and up-to-date use.
Cost: £100–£300
Does not need connection to the boiler system and can be used in secondary bathrooms.
Tiling or Wall cladding
Tiles: £20–£60/m² + installation by tilers
Wall panels: £80–£150/panel
Newer walls might be needed in the form of wall upgrades where the available walls are damaged or inappropriate.
Shower Niche or ledge
Cost: £50–£150
Increases functionality and looks.
Other Costs To Be Considered
Plumbing Adjustments
Cost: £50–£200
Necessary where the position of the drainage or the pipes requires repositioning. A licensed plumber is recommended for this work.
Wall and Floor repairs
Cost: £100–£400
Before installing the new tray or enclosure, water damage, tiles that are cracked or leaks that can not be found could need fixing.
Tanking and waterproofing
Cost: £50–£150
Essential in forestalling subsequent water leakages.
Silicone Sealing
Cost: £20–£50
Sealing is done properly making the enclosure watertight.
Waste and Garbage
Cost: £30–£100
Quotes may not include old units disposal and recycling of wastes.
How To Control The Cost?
- Compare Quotes: It is wise to always ask for itemised quotes: what has to be done; labour, waste disposal, sealant etc.
- Bundle Renovation Tasks: Replacing several parts (tray, enclosure, panel on the wall) simultaneously can become less expensive over all.
- Purchase Off-Season: Later autumn and the beginning of spring may include low rates of contractors.
- Shop Around to Your Materials: Retailers usually have seasonal and clearance sales.
- Think about Mid-Range Choices: Keep away from bare-bones trays/enclosures; they last much less lengthy and finish up costing extra finally.
Common Errors to Be Prevented During Installing
- Selecting an incorrect tray size. When there are only 10mm of difference, leaks or bad door fitting may be produced.
- Failure to pay attention to the conditions of the subfloor would cause the tray to shift or face cracks at a later stage.
- Forgetting to waterproof. On floors above the ground floor you must place waterproof membranes beneath tiles or boards.
- Applying low-grade sealant. Sealants made of low grade stop prematurely leading to leakages and mould.
- Wrong direction of the doors. Certain enclosures are in one direction only. Make sure you like the door swing according to your bathroom design.
Conclusion
In order to achieve optimum results, ensure that there is comparison of a number of quotes, selection of good quality materials and installation by experienced installers. A quality shower area is not only a temporary comfort but a long-term guarantee of comfort and your own property.
Cost of Replacing Just the Shower Tray and Enclosure
When your existing shower tray is broken, or your shower enclosure is not as modern as it was when installed, the specific replacement can be a single solution. Replacing just the shower tray and enclosure typically costs between £500 and £1,500, depending on the materials and size.
Such an upgrade is most suitable in case your other bathroom components such as tiles, the floor, the basin, and the toilet are not worn out. It is a comparatively fast project, and normally consumes the time of 1 to 2 days.
Remodeling the Whole Bathroom: The Full Package
A full-scale bathroom remodel is even a more massive project with the most impactful outcome offered. It generally involves de-tanking the whole suite such as the shower, bath, toilet, basin, tiling and flooring, plus lighting and even plumbing reconfiguration where possible.
Expect to pay anywhere between £4,500 and £7,000+ for a full renovation. It was and remains a more expensive and a time-consuming process (consuming 1 to 2 weeks) but considerably enhances functionality and value of the property. It is a good choice when your bathroom is either old or worn down in many places.
