How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?

Walk-in showers offer homeowners both functionality and style, transforming bathrooms with a modern, open design. Installation costs can vary widely, influenced by factors like the shower type, size, and choice of materials. 

Below, we guide homeowners through what to expect for each aspect of the installation, helping them plan confidently for their ideal shower. For those interested in tub-to-shower conversion ideas, explore these designs for inspiration on how to transition from a bathtub.

Installation Costs by Shower Type

Choosing between a prefab and a custom walk-in shower can significantly impact costs, with each option offering unique benefits in style and flexibility.

Prefab Walk-In Showers

• Average Cost Range: $600 to $2,500 for materials, with walk-in shower installation costs typically ranging from an additional $600 to $2,500.
• Additional Features: Basic showerheads cost around $50, while more advanced, multi-feature options can reach up to $900.

Prefab walk-in showers provide an economical and convenient choice, with styles and finishes designed to fit various bathroom aesthetics. These showers are typically manufactured as single units or in several easy-to-assemble pieces, making them an ideal option for homeowners on a budget. Prefab units, available in durable materials like acrylic or fiberglass, can be installed quickly, which helps reduce labor costs.

Ideal for: Homeowners seeking a budget-friendly solution with efficient installation times.

Custom Walk-In Showers

• Base Price: Custom showers often start at a higher price point, generally exceeding prefab options due to the flexibility in design and choice of materials.
• Labor Costs: Tile installation and custom work typically range from $3,000 to $5,200, especially in high-cost areas like NYC.

Custom walk-in showers offer homeowners the ultimate flexibility in design, allowing them to make the most of unique spaces, like corners or sloped ceilings. They’re a top choice for those wanting to add built-in features such as benches, zero-threshold entries, or premium tile finishes. 

Custom showers come with a higher walk-in shower remodel cost, but they provide a high-end look that maximizes space and functionality. If you’re considering a high-end design, these modern shower design ideas might spark some inspiration for your space.

Ideal for: Homeowners who value a personalized, luxurious bathroom experience.

Installation Costs by Shower Size

Shower size impacts the materials, labor, and any necessary plumbing work. From standard showers to accessible designs, each size offers homeowners unique options to consider for functionality and cost.

Standard Size Shower

• Material Options: Available in both prefab and custom designs, with average walk-in shower costs starting around $600 for prefabs and reaching up to $12,000 for fully customized showers, especially with high-end materials.
• Labor and Material Costs: Prefabs are generally less costly, while custom tiling and additional plumbing can increase expenses.

A standard-sized walk-in shower offers a practical, cost-effective solution for homeowners. Prefab units simplify installation, helping to reduce labor costs, while custom designs allow homeowners to personalize their shower space with features that reflect their unique style.

Ideal for: Perfect for homeowners looking for a classic shower design that offers simplicity without the need for extensive customization.

Accessible Shower

• Additional Modifications: Accessible showers may include features like zero-threshold entries, grab bars, and built-in benches to accommodate different mobility needs.
• Cost Considerations: These modifications can add anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the material and complexity of the design.

Accessible walk-in showers offer a safe and inclusive option for homeowners with mobility needs, making bathroom spaces easier to navigate for everyone. While these showers may have a higher initial cost due to added safety features, they provide peace of mind and convenience, helping homeowners feel confident in their choice for an accessible and future-ready bathroom.

Ideal for: Homeowners prioritizing accessibility, safety, or planning for long-term comfort in their bathroom design.

Installation Costs by Walk-In Shower Material

The choice of materials affects both the aesthetics and the total cost. Here’s a breakdown of common material types, each offering a unique look and price range.

Acrylic Insert

Acrylic inserts are a budget-friendly choice, offering homeowners a durable, low-maintenance surface that’s easy to keep clean. Often found in prefab shower options, material costs typically range between $800 and $2,500, with installation costs depending on the insert’s size and shape.

Ideal for: Homeowners looking for an affordable, durable option with minimal upkeep.

Fiberglass Insert

Fiberglass is a budget-friendly choice for homeowners, offering durability and easy maintenance similar to acrylic. It’s commonly used in prefab showers, with material costs typically between $2,000 and $5,000. Custom shapes or sizes may increase the price slightly but provide a tailored fit for unique spaces.

Ideal for: Homeowners focused on budget-friendly solutions can benefit from a reliable, durable material that’s easy to install and built to last.

Tile

Tile is one of the most customizable materials for walk-in showers, with choices ranging from budget-friendly ceramic to high-end designer tiles.

• Ceramic Tile: $1.25 to $100 per square foot
• Glass Tile: $20 to $50 per square foot
• Porcelain Tile: $3 to $30 per square foot

Pros: Tile offers homeowners a range of customization options in colors, sizes, and textures to create a unique, personalized look. Durable and water-resistant, porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices, while glass tile brings a sleek, contemporary style to any bathroom.

Ideal for: Homeowners looking for a stylish, customizable look that complements their bathroom’s design.

Marble

Marble provides a timeless, elegant finish that many homeowners find appealing. While it’s a premium option, requiring specialized installation, it’s ideal for those wanting to elevate their bathroom’s aesthetic with a natural, luxurious touch that adds long-term value.

Ideal for: Homeowners seeking an elegant, high-end finish that adds value to their home.

Granite

Granite is a durable and beautiful choice, priced similarly to marble. The stone’s strength and natural patterning make it a unique addition to any walk-in shower, though it does come with a higher material and installation cost than tile or inserts.

Ideal for: Homeowners interested in a natural stone look with greater durability.

Other Stones

Natural stones such as travertine, slate, and limestone provide distinct textures and colors that can enhance a shower’s visual appeal. These materials generally fall within the higher end of the cost spectrum and may require specialized installation to maintain their appearance and durability over time.

• Stone Slab: $40 to $400 per square foot
• Stone Tile: $5 to $100 per square foot
• Pros: Stones like travertine, slate, and limestone provide earthy tones and textures, adding natural beauty to a bathroom. Stone slabs offer a seamless, luxurious look, though they require sealing to protect against moisture.

Ideal for: Those who prefer a natural, earthy look and are willing to invest in maintenance.

Other Costs to Consider

Beyond the main costs for materials and installation, homeowners should consider additional expenses that may affect the final price of a walk-in shower particularly when converting from an existing bathtub. Each of these elements, from demolition to plumbing adjustments, can play a role in creating a functional and tailored shower space.

Conversion from Bathtub to Shower

• Average Cost Range: $1,200 to $3,600, depending on the scope of the conversion.
• Factors: Converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower involves removing the tub, rerouting plumbing, and possibly resizing the space to fit the new shower dimensions.

Converting a bathtub into a shower is a popular choice among homeowners looking for a more accessible and updated bathroom. This type of project involves skilled labor to handle demolition, adjust plumbing, and prepare the area for a new shower, which can contribute to overall renovation costs.For more inspiration, explore these tub-to-shower conversion ideas here.

Ideal for: Homeowners looking to modernize their space or improve accessibility.

Demolition Costs

• Average Cost Range: $300 to $1,000, depending on the complexity and size of the project.
• Scope of Work: Includes removing old fixtures, tiles, and possibly addressing mold or other issues that may arise once demolition begins.

Demolition is a critical step in any remodel that helps homeowners prepare their space for a fresh start. While it can uncover hidden issues like water damage or old plumbing, professional demolition ensures the area is safely and thoroughly cleared, setting up homeowners for a smooth, hassle-free installation.

Ideal for: Homeowners replacing outdated showers or converting from a bathtub.

Plumbing

• Average Cost Range: $600 to $1,500, depending on any necessary adjustments or additions to the current plumbing system.
• Scope of Work: Rerouting water lines, installing new drains, and ensuring adequate water pressure, particularly in custom or multi-head shower setups.

Plumbing adjustments may increase your budget, particularly for custom showers or setups with multiple showerheads. A knowledgeable contractor ensures proper water flow and drainage, making it essential for homeowners to have a functional, long-lasting shower.

Ideal for: Custom or luxury showers that need enhanced plumbing or special configurations.

Waterproofing

• Average Cost Range: $500 to $1,000, depending on the size of the shower and the materials used.
• Importance: Waterproofing is critical in shower installations, as it prevents mold and mildew buildup by sealing surfaces against water seepage.

Waterproofing materials like membranes and sealants help protect your shower from water damage, ensuring a lasting and durable structure. By properly waterproofing, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Ideal for: All shower installations, especially custom designs with extensive tile work.

Accessibility Features

• Average Cost Range: $200 to $2,000, depending on features added (e.g., grab bars, built-in benches, low-threshold entry).
• Common Features: Accessibility upgrades may include grab bars, zero-threshold entries, built-in seating, and anti-slip flooring, enhancing safety and ease of use.

Accessibility features improve the safety and convenience of walk-in showers, catering to homeowners with mobility concerns or those planning for future needs. These additions are worth considering to create a more user-friendly and inclusive bathroom space. Planning a small bathroom layout? These tips can help you create a comfortable, functional shower space even in a compact area.

Ideal for: Homeowners looking for safer and more accessible bathroom solutions.

Shower Installation Labor Costs

The labor costs for installing a walk-in shower can vary widely depending on the region, the complexity of the project, and the professionals hired. Here’s an overview:

• Average Cost Range: $400 to $2,000
• Factors Affecting Costs:
   
  • Complexity of the installation
  • Customization, such as tiling or multi-showerhead setups
  • Regional pricing variations, with higher costs in metropolitan areas

Labor can be one of the biggest investments in a bathroom remodel, especially for complex walk-in shower installations. Homeowners choosing custom tiling, plumbing adjustments, or accessibility features may encounter higher labor costs. 

Skilled contractors, however, provide peace of mind by ensuring a quality finish that prevents costly issues in the future. Interested in tiling details? Learn more about the average cost to tile a bathroom here.

Ideal for: Homeowners who prioritize professional craftsmanship and reliable results.

Shower Installation Additional Costs

In addition to primary installation costs, there are extra expenses that homeowners might encounter during a walk-in shower remodel:

1. Ventilation: Proper ventilation (often through an exhaust fan) is essential to prevent moisture buildup.
   • Cost Range: $200 to $500
2. Electrical Work: If adding features like lighting or exhaust fans, electrical work may be necessary.
   • Cost Range: $100 to $400
3. Shower Doors: Upgraded door options such as frameless or custom-sized doors.
   • Cost Range: $700 to $1,500
4. Finishing Touches: Includes caulking, sealants, and any final adjustments to complete the project.
   • Cost Range: $100 to $300

These additional costs allow homeowners to customize their shower’s functionality and appearance, providing the finishing details that enhance both aesthetics and usability.

Ideal for: Those looking to personalize their shower with lighting, high-quality doors, and reliable ventilation.

Should I DIY or Hire a Professional?

When planning a walk-in shower installation, homeowners often decide between handling the project as a DIY or hiring a professional. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each:

DIY Approach

• Potential Savings: DIY can reduce labor costs, especially if the project is straightforward and doesn’t require complex plumbing or electrical work.
• Challenges: Walk-in shower installations need precision in waterproofing, tiling, and plumbing, as mistakes here can lead to costly repairs.
• Ideal for: Homeowners with renovation experience handling simpler projects that don’t require structural changes or extensive plumbing work.

Hiring a Professional

• Advantages: Contractors bring expertise, efficiency, and reliability to each project stage, ensuring high-quality standards are met.
• Added Benefits: Many offer warranties on their work, giving homeowners confidence that any issues will be resolved.

Hiring a professional is particularly beneficial for custom showers, high-end materials, or accessibility features. Contractors handle the technical details, such as waterproofing and rerouting plumbing lines, so you can feel secure that your investment is protected.