How Much Does A Walk-In Shower Cost? (2024)

Size

The International Residential Code (IRC) sets a minimum of 30 by 30 inches for a shower. The standard sizes for walk-in showers are 32 by 32 inches. However, it needs to be at least 36 inches square to meet the accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you plan to purchase a larger shower kit or have one custom-made by a bathroom contractor, you’ll pay more both for product and installation costs. However, regardless of the size, if you purchase a walk-in shower that can easily fit into your pre-existing space, you’ll be able to save money because there will be less work to do in order to prepare and finish the space. If you have to redo or reconfigure your area to fit a new shower, it will cost more in labor and materials.

Type or Style

Although we referenced square showers above, you can get just about any shape or size of walk-in shower, including ones that fit right in the corner of a bathroom. Keep in mind that the more you customize, the more it will cost—though this is the same sentiment for just about every home improvement project.

Materials and Bathroom Hardware

The most common materials used in walk-in showers are tile, marble, fiberglass or acrylic. If you choose tile, expect to pay to between $2 and $17 per square foot. Marble shoots up to $40 to $65 per square foot for the materials themselves; you can expect to pay an additional $700 to $2,450 for labor. A fiberglass insert can cost between $400 to $2,000 and acrylic insert costs about the same between $500 and $2,000

Just as it does when choosing any other finishes for your house, the type of materials for your walk-in shower will dictate your budget. For example, a 32 x 32 stall manufactured in acrylic might run you $750 to $3,000. But if you wanted a high-end custom tile shower, the bill will run up to between $4,200 to $8,500 for the same shower size. Some more inexpensive prefabricated models are made from plastic, a much lighter material that will run you between $300 and $500.

The bathroom hardware, specifically the showerhead and faucet, can also be more or less expensive depending on the style and material they are constructed from. In general, a brand-new showerhead and faucet can be anywhere between $50 to $1,000 (including installation) to give you an idea of the wide range of low-end and high-end options.

Labor

You can expect to pay an additional $400 to $1,000 for a walk-in shower installation; note that this is on top of the cost of materials.

However, the true labor cost for your new walk-in shower depends on how much work needs to be done to prep the space, including demolition and removal of the old shower or tub. Shower removal can cost between $50 and $100 and upwards of $250 if you need to hire a professional to take it to be discarded.

If you need to add any new plumbing or relocate any pipes, this will also cost more, as it will for adding new plumbing for a shower, toilet, sink or anything else in your house that relies on running water.

Permits

Depending on which state you live in, you may be required to get a builder’s permit for a new shower. This is easier to do if you already have an existing bathroom, but it still might cost you up to $250 in order to get approval for the work. Permits are not to be overlooked; you can receive a hefty fine, sometimes per day, if you attempt to do work without one for your bathroom.

Typically anything bigger will cost more, and that is likely the case for your new walk-in shower. However, it depends on the materials used and whether the kit is prefabricated or custom-made.

Although the standard walk-in shower typically costs between$1,000 to $3,000, you have additional options. For instance, if you have an older home with smaller bathrooms, it may cost less to buy a small prefab walk-in shower for around $400 to $700. If you have newer construction with larger bathrooms and more space, it may be more cost-effective to install a larger walk-in shower that costs between$4000 to $7000.

For example, if you are doing a custom tile walk-in shower, it will likely cost more because you have to purchase more tiles, which will require more work to install. But even if you purchase a more economical walk-in shower kit, you’ll still have to pay if the shower is smaller or bigger than what you currently have.

The cost of a walk-in shower varies depending on factors such as the shower type, materials used, installation requirements and location. However, as a starting point, you should first decipher whether a prefab or a custom walk-in shower is best for your home.

Prefab

If you want to update your bathroom on a budget, you may consider a prefabricated walk-in shower. These showers come pre-made and are easy to install, making them a quick and convenient option for those with limited time or construction experience.

A prefabricated walk-in shower typically costs$3,000 to $9,000, depending on the materials’ quality and any extra features, such as built-in seating or shelving. While they may not be as unique as luxury walk-in showers, prefab showers can still provide a functional and stylish solution for any bathroom renovation project.

Custom Walk-In

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind shower that will make your bathroom feel like a relaxing retreat, then a custom walk-in shower is the way to go. These showers are designed to fit any size or shape of the bathroom, and they can be customized with a range of materials, finishes and features.

Custom walk-in showers are typically more expensive than prefabricated options, but they offer a higher level of customization and can add significant value to a home. Additionally, installation of these showers usually requires professional help due to their complexity, which will add to the overall cost. At the low end, a custom shower might cost anywhere from$3,500 to $5,000. At the high end, a more elaborate custom shower could cost as much as$11,000.

In addition to the cost of the shower itself, there are several extra expenses that homeowners should consider when planning their bathroom renovation project, such as:

Conversion Costs

Suppose you’re converting an existing bathtub or shower into a walk-in shower. In that case, you may need to pay for additional demolition and construction work to create the necessary space for the new shower, specifically because walk-in showers require significantly more space than traditional ones. This transformation can be especially difficult to accomplish if your current bathroom is already cramped.

Plumbing

You may need to modify the plumbing system when installing a new walk-in shower. This change could involve adding new pipes and fixtures to accommodate the new shower or relocating existing plumbing to make room for the new installation. Depending on how much work is involved in your particular situation, this cost can vary significantly.

Waterproofing

If you’re planning on installing a walk-in shower in your home, you’ll need to ensure that you have adequate waterproofing materials before beginning work. This waterproofing is especially necessary for installing tile on your walls or floors. If there isn’t enough waterproofing material, any water leaking out of the shower could cause extensive damage to your walls and floors.

Glass Shower Door

Glass shower doors are an ideal way to add a sleek, finished look to your walk-in shower, but they come with an additional cost. Depending on the size and type of glass door you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred of dollars to thousands. You’ll also want to factor in the installation cost and any additional hardware, such as handles or hinges.

You’ll save money on labor costs when you handle a walk-in shower installation on your own instead of hiring a professional. If you’re willing to do the work, the money you save on labor costs could instead allow you to upgrade finishes, features and hardware for a more luxurious bathroom design.

However, when it comes to anything regarding DIY plumbing, even experienced DIYers will want to tread carefully. Any issues that stem from plumbing gone wrong in one bathroom could affect other rooms in the house, particularly if that bathroom happens to be on the upper level of your home. Like with most home improvement projects, hiring an experienced professional should guarantee you the results you want the first time.

Installing a walk-in shower can be a great option to give your bathroom an upgraded look, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are various ways to save money on your new shower installation, such as:

Do Your Research

Before embarking on a walk-in shower project, be sure to research different companies and compare quotes to find the best deals on materials and labor. Planning ahead will also help you avoid costly mistakes.

Do It Yourself

If you’ve got some DIY skills, consider installing the shower yourself. This can help save you money on labor costs, and it’s a great way to take ownership of your new home.

Select a Pre-Fab Shower

If you’re looking to add a new shower to your home, consider pre-fabricated shower systems. Choose from a variety of designs and customize your pre-fab shower to fit your specific needs. Pre-fab shower systems are also easier to install than traditional custom showers, saving you labor costs on installation.

Get Multiple Quotes

When you’re looking for a walk-in shower installer, it’s important to get multiple bids from contractors you trust. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal for your budget and that the work will be done in a timely fashion.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.