Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Shower installation cost
New shower installation costs$2,000 to $9,000, depending on the size, type, and materials. Shower replacement costs$1,000 to $8,000for a prefab shower stall. Walk-in shower installation costs$3,500 to $15,000. The average cost to install shower plumbing is$850 to $1,200.
| Shower type | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower | $3,500 – $15,000 |
| Prefab shower stall | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Tub-shower combo | $1,400 – $4,000 |
| Add shower to a half-bath | $1,100 – $11,500 |
| Tub to shower conversion | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Shower liner | $1,000 – $2,600 |
Average new shower cost
The following table shows the average cost to install a shower.
| National average cost | $5,400 |
| Minimum cost | $450 |
| Maximum cost | $20,000 |
| Average range | $2,000 to $9,000 |
* Cost data is based on 319 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Get free estimates for your shower installation.
Search
Walk-in shower cost
A walk-in shower costs$1,000 to $8,000installed for a prefab stall or$3,500 to $15,000for a custom tile shower. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs$2,000 to $12,000. Walk-in shower prices depend on the shower size, material, and plumbing work required.
| Parts / service | Cost of labor and materials |
|---|---|
| Shower stall | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Custom shower | $3,500 – $15,000 |
| Shower door | $400 – $1,900 |
| New faucet | $250 – $800 |
| Plumbing | $850 – $1,200 |
Cost to install tile stand-up shower
The cost to retile a showeris $7 to $25 per square footor$800 to $3,000on average. Costs depend on the shower size, tile type, and tile layout or design. Ceramic tile is the most budget-friendly and costs$1 to $8 per square footfor materials alone.
Stone or concrete walk-in shower cost
A cultured marble or stone walk-in shower costs$2,000 to $7,500installed. Cultured marble shower panels feature crushed stone particles blended in resin to replicate the look of marble slabs.
Retiling a shower with marble or natural stone tile costs$11 to $54 per square foottotal.
A concrete shower costs$1,200 to $2,400for a 3' x 3' stall. However, concrete is slippery, porous, and prone to staining. Corian or solid surface panels are a better option for showers and come in concrete look-alike styles.
Shower replacement cost
Shower replacement costs$2,000 to $9,000, depending on the shower size, materials, and plumbing work required. Replacing a shower insert costs$1,000 to $8,000, including labor and materials. Removing an old shower costs$70 to $800, depending on if it's tile or a prefab stall.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove old shower unit | $70 – $800 |
| Prepare surface | $200 – $900 |
| Shower pan / tray | $900 – $2,300 |
| Shower door | $400 – $1,900 |
| Installation labor | $350 – $1,000 |
| Prefab shower stall | $400 – $4,100 |
| Tile materials | $250 – $1,100 |
Compare local shower replacement costs.
Search
Cost to replace prefab shower insert
The average cost to replace a prefab shower insert is $1,000 to $8,000with installation. A prefab shower kit alone costs$400 to $4,100, depending on the material.
Fiberglass shower stalls are the least expensive but the least durable.
Acrylic is economical, more durable, and scratch-resistant.
Composite and solid surface shower stalls are the most durable but more expensive.
| Prefab stall material or type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $400 – $2,000 |
| Acrylic | $550 – $2,000 |
| Composite / solid surface | $700 – $2,400 |
| Cultured marble | $1,900 – $3,700 |
| Barrier-free / curbless | $2,000 – $4,100 |
*Without installation
Cost to replace tub-shower combo
Installing a tub-shower combo costs$1,400 to $4,000, depending on if it's a prefab tub-shower stall or a separate tub and shower surround.
Bathtub replacement costs $600 to $2,500 on average for a basic alcove tub.
The cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $3,500.
A walk-in tub costs $2,500 to $10,000 with a shower combo.
Having at least one bathtub in the home increases resale value.
Installing a bathtub liner costs$1,700 to $2,500to cover an old or damaged tub and shower surround with an acrylic liner instead of replacing it.
Cost to add shower to a half-bath
Adding a shower to a half-bath costs$1,100 to $11,500, depending on if the bathroom has enough space or if the walls need moving. The minimum bathroom size to accommodate three fixtures is5' x 7'.
The shower must be at least 30" x 30" to meet minimum code requirements.
(Video) Tile Shower CostConfirm the subfloor can support a shower. Additional reinforcement may be required.
Wall framing costs $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot to build new walls for a shower in a half-bath.
The cost to remove a wall is $500 to $2,000 for non-load-bearing.
Bathtub to shower stall conversion cost
Atub to shower conversion costs$1,000 to $15,000, depending on the shower size, type, material, and plumbing work.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower stall costs$1,000 to $8,000for the kit and installation.
Converting a tub to a tiled walk-in shower costs$3,500 to $15,000.
Cost to replace shower head and faucet
The average cost to replace a shower head and faucet is$250 to $800, depending on the style, features, and finish.
Standard shower heads cost$15 to $80for the fixture alone.
Rainfall and waterfall shower heads cost$20 to $400for basic models and up to$2,000for high-end models.
| Shower head type | Average cost (basic) | Average cost (high-end) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Speakman shower head | $15 – $80 | $100 – $220 |
| Handheld shower head | $15 – $160 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Rainfall /waterfall shower head | $20 – $400 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Dual shower head | $25 – $275 | $475 – $1,500 |
| Tile shower head | $60 – $200 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Full body shower system | $130 – $450 | $1,700 – $2,000 |
Full body shower system cost
A full body shower system costs$130 to $2,000, depending on the style and features. Full body shower systems are also called shower panels or shower towers and feature a waterfall showerhead plus 2 to 8 adjustable body spray jets.
Most shower panels feature adjustable water spray patterns. Some models also include a handheld shower head.
Cost to install shower plumbing
Installing shower plumbing costs$850 to $1,200to rough-in the shower drain and pipes for a first-time installation.Plumbers charge$45 to $150 per hourto connect the drain and install new fixtures when replacing an old shower with a new one.
Some shower installations require upgrading the water heater.New water heater installation costs$800 to $3,500.
Shower valve replacement
Shower valve replacement costs$225 to $575, depending on the type. Shower valves control the water pressure and temperature and come in three types. Shower valve repair or replacement may also require tile or drywall repair, depending on the accessibility.
Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole.
Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot.
Additional costs to install a new shower
Additionalshower remodeling costs,such as a new glass shower door and bench, can also be included in your bathroom remodel.
| Feature | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Shower door | $400 – $1,900 |
| Shower pan cost | $900 – $2,300 |
| Hot mop shower pan | $225 – $500 |
| Bath exhaust fan cost | $250 – $950 |
| Shower valve | $225 – $575 |
| Shower bench | $300 – $800 |
| Grab bars | $50 – $300 |
| LED lighting | $125 – $300 |
| Steam shower cost | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Handicap / senior accessibility | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Plumbing | $850 – $1,200 |
Hire a shower installer in your area.
Search
Labor cost to install a shower
The labor cost to install a shower is$350 to $1,000, not including the materials. Installing a new shower may also require hiring aplumberandelectrician near youto ensure the work is up to code.
Labor to install a shower stall includes:
Framing and setting backing board at existing plumbing rough-ins.
Securing the mortar and routing the plumbing connections.
Sealing the wall panels.
(Video) How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom
Installing a shower pan
Shower pan replacement costs$900 to $2,300, depending on if it's a premade shower tray or custom stone or tile pan. A shower pan is a solid, waterproof floor sloped to guide water to the shower drain.
Hot mop shower pan
A hot mop shower pan costs$225 to $500installed. Hot mopping uses asphalt and layers of felt to create a waterproof pan that is less puncture-prone than a vinyl membrane.
Shower door installation
Shower door installation costs$400 to $1,100for a framed door or$600 to $1,900for a frameless glass shower door.
Shower doors come in hinged, sliding, and bi-fold opening styles.
Stationary glass panels, also called shower screens, cost$300 to $1,000installed.
Handicap showers designed for seniors
Installing a handicap shower costs$3,000 to $6,000to meet ADA requirements. Handicap walk-in showers feature a zero-threshold curbless entry with a shower floor level with the bathroom floor. Barrier-free showers also provide wheelchair accessibility.
Other options to improve accessibility:
Installing a grab-bar costs $50 to $300 per bar, including labor.
Wall-mounted fold-down shower benches cost $100 to $500.
Converting a tub to a shower costs $2,000 to $12,000, depending on if it's a prefab stall or a tiled walk-in shower.
Cost to install a shower bench
Installing a custom, built-in shower bench costs$300 to $800, depending on the size and material. Wall-mounted fold-down shower benches cost$100 to $500on average. A shower bench improves accessibility for people with mobility issues and provides a footrest for leg-shaving.
Adding or replacing a bath fan
Thecost to install a new bathroom fanis$250 to $950and requires venting, ductwork, and electrical wiring. Replacing a bath fan costs$150 to $550. A bathroom exhaust fan vents moisture outdoors to reduce humidity, remove odors, and prevent mold and mildew.
Shower installation FAQs
What is the cheapest way to install a shower?
The cheapest way to install a shower is to use a fiberglass prefab shower stall with a built-in shower pan. Budget-friendly fiberglass shower stall kits cost$400 to $700. Using a shower curtain instead of a glass shower door also reduces costs.
What are standard walk-in shower sizes?
Standard walk-in shower sizes are:
34" x 34" or 36" x 36" for small showers
48" x 36" or 48" x 48" for mid-sized showers
60" x 36" or more for large showers
60" x 30" or 60" x 32" when replacing a standard alcove tub with a shower
A walk-in shower must be at least30" x 30"to meet minimum code requirements.
The ADA and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommend a minimum of36" x 36"for improved accessibility and comfort.
What is a walk-in shower?
A walk-in shower is a standalone shower without a tub. Some walk-in showers are enclosed by a partial wall or a fixed glass shower screen and don't require a door or curtain. Walk-in showers can be built in any shape and typically have a low threshold or curbless entry.
Is it more expensive to install a shower or bathtub?
Installing a tub is cheaper than installing a shower. Bathtub installation costs$800 to $4,600, whereas shower installation costs$2,000 to $9,000.
How much does it cost to install a shower liner?
Installing a shower liner costs$1,000 to $2,600for a basic acrylic liner or$4,000 to $7,000for a custom liner with built-in soap dishes, shampoo shelves, and grab bars. A shower liner is a solid vacuum-formed piece designed to precisely mold to the contours of the existing shower.
Will Medicare help pay for a walk-in shower?
Medicarewill notpay for a walk-in shower. Medicare doesn't cover walk-in showers because they are not considered "durable medical equipment" since anyone in the home can use them. Medicare Advantage plans may reimburse part of the cost when prescribed by a doctor, but coverage varies.
Other financial assistance options for seniors:
Many states have programs to help senior citizens pay for home modifications.
The USDA provides grants to elderly residents in low-income rural areas for home modifications to improve safety.
Non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together offer grants to seniors and people with disabilities to pay for home modifications.
Can I install a shower myself?
Installing a new shower is a complex project that requires plumbing experience and specialized tools. Replacing an existing shower with a prefab stall may be manageable as a DIY project, but a new shower installation needs a professional.
Incorrect shower installation may result in water leaks and damage.
Still have questions? Ask a shower installer.
Search
Hiring a shower installer
Before hiring ashower installer near you, remember to:
Get 3 to 5 estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing showers.
Request references and ask to see a portfolio of their previous work.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
For tile showers, look for licensed CTEF Certified Tile Installers (CTI) who are members of the National Tile Contractors Association.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
What kind of shower do you recommend for my bathroom and why?
How long have you been in business?
How many showers have you installed?
Can you provide references and a portfolio showing your work?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What steps will you take to waterproof the shower?
Does the estimate include the shower pan, fixtures, doors, and all other required materials?
Does the estimate include demo, removing the old tub or shower, and hauling away the debris?
What additional costs should I expect?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
How long will the installation take?
How many people will be working on the project?
How soon will I be able to use the shower after the installation?
Is a warranty included, and if so, what does it cover?
FAQs
2023 Shower Installation Cost | Walk-In Shower Replacement Cost? ›
The average cost to install a walk-in shower is between $1,000 and $12,000, with a national average cost of $7,500. A basic pre-fabricated unit can cost as little as $1,000, while a custom unit can cost as much as $6,500 to $12,000.
How much should a walk-in shower cost in 2023? ›Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower spans from $1,000–$15,000, with an average cost of $6,700. * We'll go over the cost factors in more detail below.
What is the average cost to replace a shower? ›| Shower Type | Cost1 |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated shower | $200 - $8,000 |
| Walk-in shower | $400-$8,500 |
| Tub-shower combo | $3,000 |
| Bathtub-to-shower conversion | $1,200 - $3,600 |
The good news is the project timeline for a complete shower replacement is generally short—anywhere from two to five days.
Are walk in showers a good investment? ›Walk-In showers are a good investment in a house. They are trending among house buyers, and they expand access to users of any type of mobility.
Are walk in showers worth it? ›Benefit: Easy Cleaning
That's part of the beauty of a walk-in shower: there are fewer nooks and crannies to scrub than with a traditional shower enclosure. Its surfaces are smooth and nonporous, so a simple wipe down and they're good as new. Also, you can say goodbye to dingy, mold-attracting shower doors and curtains!
If you're looking for a custom shower, with an expensive door, faucet, and need to add plumbing, your simple shower can dramatically raise the price. There's also the cost of labor, which can run $400-$1,000* depending on who you hire. Professional shower installers usually use their own materials.
What is the most affordable way to replace a shower? ›If you're on a slim budget, then having an acrylic or fiberglass shower wall panel is most affordable than installing new tiles. Shower wall tiles are much expensive for both material and labor. It also takes longer hours for the personnel to finish tiling your entire shower wall and floor.
What is the most cost effective way to replace a shower? ›The most cost-effective way to remodel a walk-in shower is to opt for a prefabricated stall made of acrylic or cultured marble. These stalls come in premade units that are far quicker and easier to install than something like tile.
How much does it cost to remove a tub and replace a walk-in shower? ›The Average Cost of Converting a Tub Into a Walk-In Shower
The installation and costs of converting a tub into a walk-in shower range between $5,997 and $11,950, with average coming in at $7,997. Although it may seem like a wide range for a simple project, many other factors contribute to the total cost.
Does a walk-in shower decrease home value? ›
Bathroom Updates for Resale Value
In general, removing a tub and installing a well-appointed walk-in shower also increases the value of a home. That being said, if you have to choose between a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and most of us do, it's important to consider if you have another tub.
The International Residential Code deems 30” by 30” as the smallest permissible footprint for a walk-in shower. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a larger size; 36” by 36”, to be exact. The most common rectangular walk-in shower sizing is 36” by 48”.
What are the disadvantages of walk in showers? ›Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Taking hot showers in walk-in showers raises your bathroom's humidity and moisture levels, which leads to eventual mold growth. Homeowners should also note that water can splash on their bathroom's other parts as the walk-in shower is used, leading to a messy or slippery bathroom.
For durable, water-resistant, safe (not scratchy or slippery), and easy-to-maintain flooring, ceramic and porcelain tiles are both excellent choices for walk-in showers.
What is best for walk in shower walls? ›Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.
How do I keep water in my doorless shower? ›Splash guards are small, triangular-shaped rubber fins that are placed along the corners where the shower wall meets the floor. They're typically glued in place or attached with self-adhesive strips and can stop water from leaking out the corners of the shower.
What is the difference between a walk in shower and a step in shower? ›Easy to clean: These showers are easier to clean than standard step-in showers. Walk-in showers typically contain tile, which doesn't lock in dirt as easily, plus they completely eliminate the risk of moldy shower curtains. Versatile: You can install a walk-in shower in any bathroom, regardless of size.
Does a plumber or electrician install a shower? ›We will always recommend that a professional plumber replace and install all showers in your home. You should only fit an electric shower yourself if you are competent and confident with DIY, as the shower will need to be connected to your mains electricity as well as your water supply.
Would a plumber install a shower? ›Instead of taking on the task yourself and risking injury, you should enlist the services of a qualified plumber for the safe replacement or re-installation of an electric shower.
How much does it cost to take out a tub and install a shower? ›Wet-area renovations like a tub to shower conversions cost about $6,000 to $10,000, including materials and labor. Your project may cost more or less, but this average figure is a good one to keep in mind.
Which type of shower is cheapest to run? ›
Are electric showers expensive to run? Following our calculations based on a 10-minute shower, you can expect to spend 73p per electric shower and 40p per gas shower. Overall, it's cheaper to run a gas shower.
How do I replace my old shower with a new one? ›- Step 1: Disconnect the power supply. Electricity and water don't mix. ...
- Step 2: Remove the shower unit. ...
- Step 3: Check the shower connection points. ...
- Step 4: Installing your new shower unit. ...
- Step 5: Check your installation. ...
- Step 6: Test your new electric shower.
Because they are less laborious to install, surrounds are often less expensive than tile. Some high-end materials, however, such as granite, may be more expensive than tiling with some grades of tile.
What is the cheapest way to waterproof a shower? ›Bathroom waterproofing with liquid membranes is perhaps the easiest and cheapest modern method of waterproofing, which can be applied to any surfaces that come into contact with water or moisture.
Is a walk in shower cheaper than a tub and shower? ›Standard bathtubs and shower stalls are at the low end, while whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers are pricier. You can have a whirlpool tub installed for an average of $4,500, less than three-fourths of what you'd pay for a walk-in shower, priced at $6,000 on average.
How long does it take to replace a bathtub with a walk in shower? ›Replacing a tub with a shower is a complex task that can take from two days to a full week to complete, but it is a project that often pays itself off after the dust has settled.
How hard is it to replace a tub with a walk in shower? ›Swapping your old bath out for a brand new shower enclosure is actually a pretty straightforward task, rather than a large renovation. In fact, you can probably manage to complete this change over a couple of days. Perhaps you're just tired of the way that your bathroom looks and feel as though it's time for a refresh.
Why are walk-in showers so expensive? ›Once you've decided on a shower over a bathtub, the price of a walk-in shower has such a huge range because of the various forms they can take. You can go for a fully-customized shower made from luxe, high-end tiles with frameless glass doors or choose a semi-prefabricated option that won't break the bank.
What makes a home lose value? ›Changes in the real estate market can lower the value of your home. Natural disasters and climate change can lower your property value because the property is a greater risk to purchase. Foreclosures in your neighborhood can also drive down property value.
What is the best size shower? ›As for size, your shower should be at least three feet square and have a wide entry, so there's ample room to get in and move around. Designer Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD and a universal design specialist in Brookfield, Conn., says 42 by 60 inches is even better, particularly for showers that have no door or curtain.
Does water splash out of a walk in shower? ›
Doorless walk in showers have a greater propensity for water to splash out of as opposed to walk in shower enclosures that feature shower doors. However, any sort of walk in shower space should be designed to incorporate adequate room to contain the splashback and water flow.
Can you have a 1200 walk in shower? ›The Playtime 1200 walk-in shower enclosure can be installed on a shower tray, or a tiled wetroom floor for the true walk-in feel. On a shower tray it can be sealed to the tray, or stand on small metal blocks to allow water to run underneath it.
Which is more expensive walk in tub or walk in shower? ›Both walk-in tubs and walk-in showers should be installed by a professional, and this may not be included in the purchase price. Installing a walk-in bathtub costs an average of $1,500 or less. With a prefab walk-in shower kit, installation can range from $750 to $2,500.
Is a walk in shower more expensive than tub? ›Standard bathtubs and shower stalls are at the low end, while whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers are pricier. You can have a whirlpool tub installed for an average of $4,500, less than three-fourths of what you'd pay for a walk-in shower, priced at $6,000 on average.
How much is the average American shower? ›Did you know the average shower in America is 8 minutes long? The EPA estimates that the standard shower heads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute. That's 20 gallons of water for the average shower!
What is the difference between a walk in shower and a stand up shower? ›Walk-in showers are essentially shower rooms without the shower screen or the shower tree. Unlike traditional shower enclosures, they don't have any doors or large glass panels. Rather, the entire shower area is open and fully tiled.
How much space do you need to walk into a walk in shower? ›The International Residential Code deems 30” by 30” as the smallest permissible footprint for a walk-in shower. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a larger size; 36” by 36”, to be exact. The most common rectangular walk-in shower sizing is 36” by 48”.
What is the average cost to convert a tub to a walk in shower? ›The cost to convert a tub into a walk-in shower ranges from $800 to $15,000 and depends on several factors, including shower size, material, style, whether you're installing doors, and any plumbing work. If you're replacing a tub with a prefabricated walk-in shower stall kit, you'll pay $1,000 to $8,000.
Does a walk in shower count as a full bath? ›The short and simple answer to whether a walk-in shower is considered a full bath is “no”. It is not. As mentioned previously, a bathroom is considered a full bath only when it has all the 4 components of a sink, toilet, shower and bathtub. If it doesn't include all 4 features, then it doesn't count.
Is a walk in shower cheaper than a wet room? ›When assessing the cost of a wet room vs walk in shower, we find that wet rooms are the more expensive choice. Typically, you'll be paying around 20% to 30% more over a standard bathroom fitment.
Which is better a walk-in tub or walk-in shower? ›
It all depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you have a small bathroom, a shower might be the best option. If you want a luxurious bathing experience, a walk-in tub might be the way to go. And if you're concerned about safety, a walk-in tub can give you peace of mind.
Does a separate shower add value? ›Whilst replacing your bath with a shower might not decrease the valuation of your property; it may result in it taking longer to sell, which could mean that you will receive a lower offer.
Why put a bathtub in the shower? ›Another benefit of putting a tub in the shower, pending the layout and design, is the creation of a curbless shower. If there is ever a time when you need to rely on a walker or wheelchair, the shower remains accessible. If need be, just add in some grab bars for convenience and stability.
How often should a woman take a bath? ›Don't take a bath every day: Daily baths can dry out your skin by ridding your body of its natural oils. Try for baths no more than twice a week. Shower between bath days. Use warm (not hot) water: Some people may experience dizziness or weakness when the temperature is too hot.
How often should a 66 year old woman shower? ›Bathing once or twice a week is acceptable for older adults, as the purpose is to prevent the skin from breaking down and lower the risk of skin infections. Seniors also tend to be less active than younger adults, so they can get away with fewer baths. However, you don't want your loved one to develop body odor.
How often should a woman shower? ›While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.