How much does it cost to install or replace a shower pan?
How much does it cost to install or replace a shower pan?
Shower pan installation costs $900 to $2,300 on average. A pre-made shower pan replacement costs $500 to $1,550. The cost to install a tile shower pan is $900 to $3,500. A custom stone shower pan costs $1,200 to $1,800. A hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500. Poured mud shower pans cost $350 to $650.
$500 – $1,550 install premade shower pan cost
$900 – $3,500 build custom tile shower pan cost
Shower pan installation costs $900 to $2,300 on average. A pre-made shower pan replacement costs $500 to $1,550. The cost to install a tile shower pan is $900 to $3,500. A custom stone shower pan costs $1,200 to $1,800. A hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500. Poured mud shower pans cost $350 to $650.
Cost to install a shower pan
The average cost to install or replace a shower pan is $900 to $2,300. Shower pan prices depend on the size, type, material, features, labor, and base type (tile-ready pan or poured mud). Labor costs to install a mud shower pan are $45 to $150 per hour.
| National average cost | $1,600 |
| Minimum cost | $300 |
| Maximum cost | $4,600 |
| Average range | $900 to $2,300 |
* Cost data is based on 177 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Shower pan replacement cost
Shower pan replacement costs $500 to $3,500 for the pan and installation, depending if it's pre-made, tile, or custom stone.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-made shower pan | $500 – $1,550 |
| Custom stone shower pan | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Tile shower pan | $900 – $3,500 |
Pre-made shower tray cost
Pre-made shower trays cost $500 to $1,550 with installation or $150 to $950 for the pan alone, depending on the size and material.
Fiberglass shower pans are inexpensive but the least durable.
Acrylic is budget-friendly and typically lasts longer.
Metal and stone pans cost the most but have the longest lifespan.
| Pan type | Price range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $150 – $450 |
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| Acrylic | $200 – $620 |
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| Solid surface, cultured marble, natural stone | $200 – $950 |
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| Cast iron | $700 – $1,200 |
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*Not including installation.
Cost to install tile shower pan
The average cost to install a tile shower pan is $900 to $3,500. The cost to replace a shower pan with tile depends on the pan size, tile material, and installation of a tile-ready pan or a poured mud bed.
Tile-ready shower pans cost $500 to $800 for the pan alone and save installation time.
Retiling a shower costs $800 to $3,000, not including shower pan replacement.
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot for a shower.
Custom shower pan cost
A custom tile shower pan costs $900 to $3,500 installed. The cost to build a custom stone shower pan is $1,200 to $2,000 or more. Prices depend on the pan size, type, and material.
| Material | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| Tile | $900 – $3,500 |
| Stone | $1,200 – $2,000 |
*Including installation and materials.
Custom shower base replacement cost
A custom shower base replacement costs $225 to $650, depending if it's a hot mop shower pan or poured mud.
A hot mop base provides a waterproof layer and requires either a pre-made pan or tiled mortar bed to complete the shower pan.
A poured mud pan base lays the foundation for tile shower pan installation.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hot mop shower pan base | $225 – $500 |
| Poured mud shower pan base | $350 – $650 |
Hot mop shower pan cost
A hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500 installed on average. Hot mop shower pans last 15 years or more. Hot mopping a shower pan creates a watertight membrane with layers of hot tar and felt.
Hot mopping only provides the shower pan’s underlying waterproof layer. Additional work is required to create a complete shower base.
PVC shower pan liners last longer than hot mopping, but are more puncture prone.
Poured mud shower pan cost
A poured mud shower pan costs $350 to $650 installed, depending on pan size and labor rates. Tilers and plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour for labor to install a mud shower pan. The installation process takes several days to cure the base and top layers.
Poured shower pans are the traditional method of installing a tile shower floor and involves waterproofing and sloping to the drain. Hire a professional to ensure a long-lasting, problem-free shower pan.
Shower and bathroom pan prices
Shower pan prices are $150 to $950 on average without installation, depending on the pan size and material. Extra features like benches, trench drains, and curb variations increase costs by $100 to $600.
Shower pan cost by size
| Size (inches) | Average price range |
|---|---|
| 32 x 32 | $150 – $250 |
| 34 x 34 | $150 – $200 |
| 36 x 36 | $100 – $600 |
| 38 x 38 | $200 – $500 |
| 40 x 40 | $300 – $600 |
| 42 x 34 | $250 – $500 |
| 42 x 42 | $250 – $600 |
| 42 x 60 | $550 – $800 |
| 48 x 32 | $200 – $700 |
| 48 x 34 | $200 – $700 |
| 48 x 36 | $250 – $900 |
| 48 x 48 | $200 – $700 |
| 54 x 36 | $300 – $350 |
| 60 x 30 | $200 – $900 |
| 60 x 32 | $200 – $800 |
| 60 x 34 | $200 – $800 |
| 60 x 36 | $300 – $950 |
| 72 x 36 | $600 – $850 |
| 72 x 48 | $750 – $850 |
*Not including installation.
Shower pan prices by material
Fiberglass, plastic, and acrylic pans are budget-friendly but lack longevity.
Composite pans are a mid-range choice providing a more solid look and feel without a high price tag
Stone and cast iron pans are high-end and last the longest.
Custom tile shower bases are the most expensive due to tile and labor costs.
| Pan material | Average price range |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $200 – $620 |
| Cast iron | $700 – $1,200 |
| Composite | $150 – $650 |
| Cultured marble and molded stone | $500 – $950 |
| Fiberglass | $150 – $450 |
| Gel | $275 – $600 |
| Plastic | $180 – $230 |
| Polystyrene | $115 – $165 |
| Polyurethane | $600 – $850 |
| Porcelain-coated steel | $225 – $275 |
| Solid surface | $200 – $800 |
| PVC (pan liner only) | $30 – $70 |
| Vinyl (pan liner only) | $35 – $50 |
*Not including installation.
Cost factors to build a shower pan & base
The following factors affect shower pan costs:
Drain location – Center drains are standard. Linear and square drains increase the cost.
Material – High-end materials drive up the cost but are typically more durable.
Finish – Matte finish cultured stone typically costs more than glossy finish.
Size and shape – Custom sizing and curved custom bases cost more than standard size and shape.
Solid color vs. pattern – Solid color cultured granite costs 10% to 20% more due to the manufacturing process to get a consistent color.
Weight – Heavy materials may require subfloor reinforcement and multiple professionals to complete the installation.
Ramps and curb-less entries require more installation time.
Shower pan features
Additional features available for shower pans include:
Barrier-free entry for handicap accessibility
Slip-resistant floor
Built-in shower seat
Linear drain – Allows for larger floor tiles to create slope.
Square drain
Low-profile curb
Removable curb
Steps to build a shower pan and base
Replacing a shower pan involves several steps to ensure proper drainage and waterproofing. Read all manufacturer instructions before installing the new pan.
Remove the existing pan.
Remove overlapping walls and caulking.
Remove nails or brackets holding pan to the studs.
Drill or pry out the drain gasket to disconnect the drain.
Clean the area.
Confirm the subfloor is up to code and can support the weight of the new shower pan.
For pans requiring thin-set or glue, tack down a tar paper layer to prevent mortar from seeping through floorboards.
Dry fit the new pan and install shims to level as needed.
With the pan in place, mark the drain hole center if it does not line up or is being relocated.
Remove the pan and adjust the plumbing to relocate the drain if needed.
Relocating the drain typically requires cutting or moving the piping and attaching a new P-trap. Some situations involve removing the concrete floor to get to the drainpipe.
Attach the drain fitting to the pan with plumber’s putty.
Install the new pan per the manufacturer's instructions.
Shower pans typically need to be screwed or clamped to the wall studs.
Some pans require a layer of thin-set mortar or glue.
Confirm every perimeter side is level.
Attach the drain gasket.
Check for leaks.
Re-install shower walls and caulking.
Remove the existing pan in one piece to reduce airborne fiberglass particles and debris.
What is a shower pan?
A shower pan is a solid, waterproof floor of the shower sloped to guide water to the drain. All showers require a pan. Some pans are built to lay beneath a tiled shower floor, while others are made of acrylic, fiberglass, or composite material installed over the base.
A shower base is a substructure beneath the shower pan. Shower bases are typically built from mortar and slightly sloped to allow water to flow to the drain. Some pre-made pans do not need a mortar base.
What mortar to use for a shower pan?
The best shower pan mortar is a sand and cement mixture that creates a water-resistant foundation to withstand the shower weight. Pre-blended mixes are available at local hardware stores. For DIY mortar, use five parts fine sand, one part Portland cement, and enough water for wet snow consistency.
Can you paint a shower pan?
Most shower pans can be painted with epoxy paint made for showers and tubs. Refinishing kits come in acrylic or gelcoat and use roller brushes or spray cans. A final non-slip coating can be applied.
What is the best material for a shower pan?
The best material for a shower pan depends on budget and preferences:
Acrylic and fiberglass are budget-friendly but not the most durable.
Cultured stone and cast-iron cost more but provide longevity and an upscale look.
Tile pans are the most customizable but require more maintenance due to the grout.
Do I need a permit to install a shower pan?
Plumbing permits cost $30 to $500, depending on the total project cost. Many cities require a permit to install or replace a shower pan. Check local requirements to ensure compliance.
Hiring a shower pan replacement contractor
Before hiring a shower repair company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing shower pans.
Request references and ask to see a portfolio of their previous work.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
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 contractors
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have installing shower pans?
What type of shower pan do you recommend and why?
Is the cost of the pan included in your quote?
What is and is not included in the installation fee?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long does the installation take?
How soon can I use the shower after the pan is installed?
How long will the shower pan last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?