How much does a walk-in shower cost?
How much does a walk-in shower cost?
$1,000 – $8,000 Average cost installed (prefab walk-in shower)
$3,500 – $15,000 Cost for a custom tiled walk-in shower
Average walk-in shower cost
A walk-in shower costs $1,000 to $8,000 for an easily installed prefab shower stall kit or $3,500 to $15,000 for a more complex custom-tiled shower installation. Walk-in shower prices are $500 to $6,000 for materials alone. The cost of a walk-in shower depends on the size and the materials and features you select.
| Shower type | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Prefab shower insert | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower | $3,500 – $15,000 |
Walk-in shower cost by type
A walk-in shower costs $1,000 to $15,000 installed for a standalone shower without a tub. A walk-in shower is usually enclosed by a partial wall or fixed glass shower screen, eliminating the need for a door or curtain.
The cost to install a walk-in shower depends mostly on whether you install a prefabricated shower stall kit or choose a more complex custom-tiled shower.
Prefabricated shower cost
A prefabricated walk-in shower installation costs $1,000 to $8,000 for labor and materials, depending on the type of shower stall insert used. The most common prefab showers are made from fiberglass, acrylic, or a composite material called cultured marble.
| Shower material | Average material cost | Average labor cost | Average total installed cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $500 – $2,000 | $500 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Acrylic | $550 – $2,000 | $600 – $1,800 | $1,150 – $3,800 |
| Cultured marble | $2,000 – $3,700 | $2,000 –$4,300 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Fiberglass – Fiberglass inserts are the most affordable but least durable. The insert is made of a resin and fiberglass mesh that is molded into shape.
Acrylic – Acrylic is more durable and easier to clean. The insert is made of a polymer resin that is molded into shape. Acrylic is available in a variety of colors and finishes.
Cultured marble – Cultured marble is the most costly and durable option. The insert is made of composite material that is made to look like marble.
Custom shower cost
A custom tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000, depending on the tile used. Higher-end materials increase the cost of the job. Popular materials for showers include ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass.
| Shower material | Average cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Ceramic tile cost | $12 – $40 |
| Porcelain tile | $15 – $50 |
| Stone tile | $10 – $50 |
| Glass tile | $20 – $100 |
| Porcelain slab | $50 – $120 |
| Stone slab | $50 – $150 |
| Solid surface slab | $10 – $80 |
Tile and solid surface slabs are a popular shower option since the slabs eliminate grout lines and provide better mold, mildew, and microbe resistance.
Walk-in shower cost factors
The cost to install a walk-in shower depends on on the type, size, bathroom age, and features added:
Shower type – Prefabricated shower inserts are easier and cheaper to install, while custom walk-in shower installations are more costly due to the extra labor required.
Shower size –The larger the shower space, the more materials and labor are needed.
Bathroom age – Older bathrooms with outdated plumbing must be brought up to code. Other problems common in older bathrooms include water damage and mold which must be taken care of before the installation can begin.
Features – Special features that make the shower handicap accessible and comfort features that make the shower more luxurious add to the total project costs.
Accessibility features
Features that make a shower handicap accessible include a low threshold or curbless entry where the shower floor is level with the bathroom floor for easy wheelchair access. The shower entry is at least 36 inches wide to allow a wheelchair to turn around.
The following table details other options to improve accessibility.
| Accessibility features | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Grab bars or handrails | $50 – $300 per bar |
| Handheld shower head | $15 – $60 (basic unit) |
| Built-in shelf / recessed niche | $200 – $500 |
| Custom shower bench | $300 – $800 |
| Shower screen | $300 – $1,000 |
| Slip-resistant floors | $2 – $20 per square foot (unglazed ceramic tile) |
Comfort features
Many families choose to include features that make the shower more comfortable. Installing basic features in a standard finish is more budget-friendly. Adding high-end features and custom finishes is far more expensive but can give the bathroom a luxurious, spa-like feel.
| Shower features | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Rainfall showerhead | $20 – $400 (basic) $400 – $2,000 (high-end) |
| Dual showerhead | $25 – $275 (basic) $475 – $1,500 (high-end) |
| Frameless shower door cost | $600 – $1,900 |
| Steam shower conversion cost | $2,300 – $11,700 |
| Full body shower system | $130 – $450 (basic) $1,700 – $2,000 (high-end) |
Walk-in shower installation costs
A shower installation involves costs for numerous contractors, including a demo crew, tile installers, electricians, and plumbers. Your final labor costs will depend on the scope of the project and whether repairs are needed before the shower is installed.
Labor costs
Installation labor for a prefab shower kit costs $500 to $4,300, while labor for a custom tile shower costs $1,400 to $9,000 for the more complex installation. Labor costs make up as much as 40% to 60% of a shower installation project due to the number of professional contractors needed.
| Professional labor | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Tile installer cost | $30 – $100 |
| Bathroom remodeling contractor cost | $40 – $100 |
| General contractor cost | $50 – $150 |
| Electrician cost | $50 – $130 |
| Plumber cost | $40 – $150 |
| Demo crew | $40 – $80+ |
Demolition costs
Bathroom demolition costs $400 to $2,000, depending on the size and number of existing features removed.
Common demo costs include:
Removing the old shower unit costs $70 to $800, on average.
Bathtub removal costs $150 to $750, with heavy cast iron tubs costing $1,000 or more to remove.
Sink removal costs $30 to $150 to remove an existing bath sink.
Faucet removal costs $30 to $100 to remove the old faucet.
Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot.
Plumbing and waterproofing costs
Plumbing and waterproofing a walk-in shower costs as little as $600 or as much as $6,500, depending on the plumbing modifications needed.
Project costs may include:
Replacing old plumbing costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
Shower valve replacement costs $225 to $575.
Lining the shower with a waterproof membrane costs $300 to $1,350 for an average 150-square-foot shower.
Installing a new shower pan costs $900 to $2,300 on average, depending on whether you install a premade or custom pan.
Building permits cost $200 to $500 for plumbing, electric, and structural changes.
Electrical costs
Some shower installations require electrical work costing $300 to $800, depending on the scale of the project. Common electrical tasks include:
Electrical rewiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
Installing a new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350.
Replacing a light switch costs $50 to $250.
Installing a light fixture costs $100 to $300 for a pendant fixture or $130 to $300 for a recessed light.
Walk-in shower FAQs
What is a walk-in shower?
A walk-in shower is a standalone shower without a tub. The shower will often have a level floor and a partial wall or fixed glass shower screen instead of a door, making it easy to enter and exit. Walk-in showers offer more space for people with mobility issues.
What is the cheapest way to install a walk-in shower?
The cheapest way to install a walk-in shower is to choose a prefabricated shower kit. These kits come in standard sizes with limited finishes. The installation is relatively easy, making them a more cost-effective option than a custom-built walk-in shower.
How big is a walk-in shower?
A standard walk-in shower measures 60" x 30", which is large enough for most people to comfortably shower and maneuver around. In smaller bathrooms, a walk-in shower can be as small as 36" x 36" and in larger bathrooms, a dual shower can exceed 60" x 72".
Will Medicare help pay for a walk-in shower?
No, Medicare does not cover the cost of a walk-in shower since the shower is not considered medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans that may help cover the cost of a walk-in shower when prescribed by a doctor, but the coverage varies.
Some other financial assistance programs are available, including state-run programs to help senior citizens pay for home modifications, grants for elderly residents in low-income rural areas, and non-profits for seniors or people with disabilities to pay for home modifications.
Getting estimates from walk-in shower installers
When hiring a shower installer near you, consider these recommendations:
Get several estimates with similar materials to compare.
Stick with licensed contractors experienced in shower installation.
Ask for references from past clients and try to visit a job in progress.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get everything in writing including the estimate, contract, and warranty.
Arrange a payment plan with the final payment due only upon completion.
Questions to ask a bathroom contractor
Be sure to ask bathroom remodel contractors these important questions:
How long have you been installing showers?
Do you have references or a portfolio showing your work?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured for the work?
Does your estimate include demolition and disposal costs?
What steps do you take to waterproof the shower?
Is new plumbing required?
Do you manage all of the contractors including the plumber and electrician?
What surprise costs could I encounter?
How long will the shower installation take?
How big is the crew that will be working on-site?
Do you take care of the permitting process?
Is the shower wide enough for a wheelchair?
What other accessibility options are available for the shower?
How soon can I use the shower after it's installed?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.