The Ultimate Shower Screen Buying Guide

shower screens perth

Choosing a new or replacement shower screen is an integral part of any bathroom design. Not only does it have to fix the space you must work with, but it has to be functional and complement the overall bathroom design. Finding one shower screen that does all three things is key to having a great shower space and a well-designed bathroom.

Shower screens come in many shapes and forms, and knowing how to select a shower screen will make a significant difference to the outcome of your bathroom. Given that bathrooms are renovated perhaps once or twice in the lifetime of a home, this is something you don’t want to get wrong. Doing so will either cost you a lot of money to correct or leave you with a shower (and even a bathroom) that you don’t like.

Today, we look at choosing the perfect shower screen for your bathroom with this comprehensive shower screen buying guide.

Bathroom Size

Presuming you’re doing a full bathroom renovation or building a new home, you first need to know what you’re working with before you can even begin to look at shower screens. What size room do you have?

Start by taking measurements of the entire bathroom, from wall to wall, to draw out a floor plan. Place all other items on the floor plan to see how much space you have left over for your shower. Include necessary products such as a toilet and vanity, and if you have space, a bath. Doing this will also help you determine where to position the shower—and, more importantly, what size shower you can have. At the very least, you will need a 900mm x 900mm space allowance. The more space you have to work with, the better, more luxurious shower space you can create.

Look at the space and determine the most practical location for the shower. Consider how the shower door will operate. i.e., will it hit anything if it opens outwards? Will you need a sliding shower screen door, or can you get away with having no door (a walk-in shower using a shower panel rather than a shower screen)?

If you have a small bathroom, now’s the time to weigh the pros and cons of a combined shower/bath to see if a bath is a preferable option. Today, contemporary glass bath screens, such as the range we offer here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, make bath screens a popular and attractive choice. It’s not like yesteryear when you only had daggy shower curtains as an option.

If you’re not moving any plumbing, then you will already know where the shower is positioned, and you will probably have to work with the same space. However, it may now be worthwhile looking to see if you can better utilise the space, i.e. by having a smaller vanity to maximise shower space. If you can get 900mm x 1200mm, it will be well worth it.

Types of Shower Screens

There are many types of shower screens to choose from, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one to fit your allocated shower space or bathroom design. Common types of shower screens include fully framed shower screens, frameless shower screens, and semi-frameless shower screens, each with various styles and configuration options such as corner entry showers, quadrant entry, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and pivot doors, which I will touch on later in this article.

You also have shower panels and bath screens, again, with various styles and configuration options.

Fully-Framed Shower Screens

Fully-Framed Shower Screens

As the name suggests, fully-framed shower screens are fully framed, usually with a robust aluminium frame. The frame is used to protect the glass and aid installation. They are available in a range of configurations and door options and are suitable for bathrooms of all sizes.

Fully-framed shower screens are generally considered an old-fashioned choice of shower screen, primarily because they were the original option before frameless and semi-frameless showers were developed. However, there is nothing wrong with choosing a fully-framed shower. In fact, fully framed shower screens offer significant benefits; the frame that surrounds the glass provides sturdiness and the highest level of robustness of all showers. The downside is that they will inhibit your bathroom design and won’t blend as seamlessly as other types of showers.

The Brighton Shower is an excellent example of a fully framed shower screen. It starts at $545.00 for a 900mm x 900mm enclosure.

Frameless Shower Screens

Frameless Shower Screens

If fully framed shower screens are the old-fashioned shower screen choice, then frameless shower screens are the modern option. With no frame at all, frameless shower screens are an excellent choice for those looking for a minimalistic solution. Their sleek design allows them to blend seamlessly into a bathroom’s design, allowing it to shine without unnecessary distractions.

Like fully framed shower screens, frameless shower screens are available in various configurations and door options. There is no frame support, so they rely on brackets and/or channels to fix the glass into position. They are durable and made with thickened glass; however, they are susceptible to chipping without the frame’s support.

The Frameless Shower Set is an excellent example of a frameless shower screen. At just $795.00 for a 900mm x 900mm enclosure, it offers stylistic elegance at an affordable price.

Semi-Frameless Shower Screens

semi-farmless shower

Semi-frameless shower screens sit between fully framed shower screens and frameless shower screens. They feature minimal frames to aid installation and stability without being as noticeable as their fully framed counterparts. Rather than being entirely framed, only the outer edges are framed. This helps to create a more sleek design, which will enhance light and maximise space.

Due to the many benefits of semi-frameless shower screens, they are the most common in production. They are available in just about any size and configuration to suit all needs. They combine superior durability with modern designs.

The Slider Door shower set is a prime example of a semi-frameless shower screen. It presents excellent value for money at just $875.00 for a 1000mm x 700mm enclosure.

Shower Panels

Curve Glass Shower Panels
Curve Glass Shower Panels

Growing in popularity over the past 5-10 years are shower panels, the modern shower screen alternative. Contemporary bathrooms all forego traditional shower screens, albeit frameless or semi-frameless, for an even more minimalistic option presented by shower panels.

Commonly only featuring a single panel, shower panels are the best option for those seeking minimalistic design. They rely on brackets and/or channels to fix the glass into position and may come with return panel and bracing arm options.

They are ideal for creating wet rooms and walk-in enclosures and can propel any bathroom into a luxurious retreat.

Our Curve Glass Shower Panel is an excellent example. Available in 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm widths, they range in price from $440.00 – $480.00, making them an affordable shower screen solution. If you’re leaning towards a walk-in shower for your bathroom, check out our best shower panels for a little inspiration.

Bath Screens

bath screen in modern bathroom
Alpine Pivot Square Bath Screen

If you have limited space in your bathroom, you may consider opting for a bath screen rather than a shower screen. Bath screens provide the convenience of having a combined bath and shower and offer a modern alternative to yesteryear’s daggy bath curtains.

Bath shower screens come in a range of styles and designs, which are modern and minimalistic. They are easy to install and ideal for families. They come in a range of configurations, including additional fixed panels and swing panels, making them all the more functional.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a large range of bath panels starting at just $100. Read our dedicated article on the types of shower screens for a more in-depth look at the different options available.

Shower Screen Designs

As mentioned earlier, shower screens are available in various styles and configurations to provide improved functionality and aesthetics. Common types of shower screen doors include corner entry, quadrant entry, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and pivot doors.

  • Corner entry: Corner entry showers feature two doors that slide open from the shower’s central point. This type of door is ideal for small bathrooms that don’t have the space required for a traditional shower door to open outward.
  • Quadrant entry: Quadrant entry showers are similar to corner entry showers—they open from the centre, and the doors slide behind the shower panels. However, unlike corner entry showers, they are curved. They present an elegant design and are great space savers. .
  • Sliding doors: Sliding door showers are another option for those who do not want a traditional shower door that swings outward. Instead, the door slides back over the accompanying panel to gain access. As such, sliding door showers need to be longer than standard showers, taking up more space.
  • Bi-fold doors: Bi-fold door showers are yet another space-saving option that don’t open outward. The bi-fold door folds inward to maximise bathroom space. This is a popular option for small bathrooms as they offer small enclosure sizes (700mm x 900mm).
  • Pivot doors: Pivot door showers are more traditional, opening outward. They offer easy access and come in a range of sizes, from small to large, but may not be best suited to small bathrooms where space is limited.

Not sure which type of door to have on your shower? Check out our articles where we compare Pivot Door vs Normal Hinge and Sliding vs Hinged vs Pivot Shower Screens.

Shower Screen Budget

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) recently published its 2022/23 kitchens and bathroom renovation report, revealing that the average cost of bathroom renovations in Australia stood at $26,747, while bathrooms in new home builds averaged $22,019. In contrast, a survey conducted by Houzz in their 2022/23 Overview of Home Renovation reported significantly lower figures, with the median bathroom renovation cost landing at $19,000. Despite these variances, it’s clear that bathroom renovations can be a substantial investment, particularly for those seeking a luxurious finish.

Your choice of shower screen will play a role in the design and overall look of your bathroom, but your budget may narrow down the selection.

How much does a shower screen cost?

Traditional shower screens like this Brighton shower screen are a budget option for those looking for a cost-effective shower solution, starting at around $550.00. Another budget option is a shower panel, which requires no side panel or door. Shower panels are among the cheapest options, starting at just $345.00. But the cheapest option isn’t a shower screen or shower panel, but rather a bath screen. Combining the shower and bath to function either as a bath or shower is both space-saving and cost-effective.

For something mid-range, consider better quality standard showers, such as those in our Lakes Bathrooms range, which create AllClear coating and a lifetime warranty. There are various models to consider to suit all bathroom designs, including showers with corner entry, quadrant entry, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and pivot doors. Prices for such shower screens range from $750 to $1000, depending on size. You should also consider Lakes Bathrooms’ shower panels for a high-quality mid-range shower solution. With panels starting at a low $540.00, you’ll be able to get the luxury look without splurging.

If your goal is to create a luxury bathroom and budget is less of an issue, turn your attention directly to the shower panels, such as the contemporary options in the Lakes Bathrooms, of which there are many. As mentioned above, Lakes Bathroom’s shower panels start at a low $540.00 and range above $1300.00, depending on the design and size.

Check out our article, How Much Does a Shower Screen Cost?, for a detailed breakdown of prices and everything you need to know.

Shower Screen Maintenance

One of the most difficult areas of a home to keep clean is the shower screen. Water, soap scum, and limestone will inevitably build up over the course of standard use, causing the glass to become cloudy and stained. Removing once and for good once the glass is affected is impossible.

So, what are the options?

After each use, you can either squeegee down the glass to remove liquids or opt for a shower that utilises cutting-edge self-cleaning technology. The shower screens, shower panels, and bath screens in the Lakes Bathrooms and Alpine ranges each feature a nano coating that repels water, soap scum, and limestone, which means you never have to worry about cleaning your shower glass again!

Read our guide on How to Maintain Your Shower Screen and our Shower Screen Maintenance Guide to keep your bathroom looking its best!

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the ideal shower screen for your bathroom renovation in Perth, there are numerous factors to consider. First and foremost, take precise measurements of the available space to understand your layout. Determining your floor plan is crucial, as it will guide your choice between options like a fully frameless, semi-frameless, or framed shower screen—or even alternative choices like a shower panel or bath screen.

Once you have your layout in mind, consider the functionality and style that best suit your needs. A frameless shower screen offers a sleek, modern look, while a semi-frameless option balances style with structure. If you’re working with a tighter space, the door type—such as sliding, pivot, or hinged—will play a big role in maintaining both accessibility and flow in your bathroom. For those looking for low-maintenance options, think about materials and finishes that resist water spots and soap scum, especially if you’re aiming for a screen that will look pristine with minimal upkeep.

And, of course, don’t forget to set a budget that includes both the cost of the screen and potential installation fees. For expert guidance and a wide selection of high-quality shower screens, shower panels, and bath screens at unbeatable prices, visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Our range makes it easy to follow these tips to choose the perfect shower screen and find a stylish, functional solution that aligns with your budget and bathroom needs.

View Shower Screens View Bath Screens

Shower Screen FAQs

To choose a shower screen, assess your bathroom’s layout, size, and style preferences. For compact spaces, sliding or bi-fold doors are ideal, while larger bathrooms can accommodate pivot or hinged doors. Consider your desired level of privacy, ease of cleaning, and material durability. Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers options like frameless, semi-frameless, and framed screens, all designed to meet Australian standards and suit various bathroom aesthetics.

To know what size shower screen to buy, measure the shower area accurately. Determine the height and width of the space and account for obstructions like fixtures or windows. Choose a screen that fits the available area while allowing proper water containment. For advice, Ross’s team can help you select a size that matches your layout and ensures a seamless fit.

The Australian standards for shower screens are specified in AS/NZS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208. These require the use of Grade A safety glass, either toughened or laminated, with a minimum thickness of 4mm for framed screens and 6mm for semi-frameless or frameless screens. All Ross’s shower screens comply with these regulations, ensuring safety and durability.

The best thickness for shower glass depends on the type of screen. Framed screens typically use 6mm glass, while frameless designs require 8mm to 10mm for added strength and safety. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, all our screens are crafted from toughened safety glass to meet Australian standards.

Fixed and hinged shower screens each have their advantages. Fixed screens offer a minimalist look and are ideal for walk-in showers, while hinged screens provide the convenience of a door that opens outward or inward. The choice depends on your bathroom layout and accessibility needs. Ross’s selection includes both options, designed for different preferences.

A shower screen should last between 10 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning and timely repairs of hardware can extend its lifespan. All shower screens at Ross’s are built with durable materials to ensure longevity.

The easiest shower screen to clean is a frameless shower screen. With no frames to trap dirt or grime, it offers a sleek and simple surface. Many screens, like those at Ross’s, come with protective coatings that repel water and prevent residue buildup, further reducing cleaning effort.

A frameless shower is worth it for its sleek, modern appearance and ability to make a bathroom feel more spacious. Although frameless screens may have a higher upfront cost, their durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal often justify the investment. Ross’s frameless options combine style and practicality, offering excellent value for money.