Cost Range for Walk-In Showers
Homeowners pay between $2,450 and $16,500 for a new walk-in shower. The key factor is the type of walk in shower installed. A prefab shower enclosure is more affordable while a custom-framed and tiled shower costs 2-4 times as much. Whether an old shower is removed or the bathroom is new construction is a significant cost factor too.
Average Installed Cost by Type
The average installed cost of a new walk-in shower is $7,300 for the removal of an old shower enclosure, plumbing changes and updates, and the installation of a high-quality prefab shower or a basic custom shower with tile walls. Full details and sample projects for both prefab showers and custom showers are included below. You’ll be able to pinpoint accurately what your cost for a new walk-in shower will be based on the type you choose and its amenities and features.
| Walk-in Shower Type | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Barrier-free Shower | $3,500 – $9,000 |
| Corner Walk-in Shower | $1,200 – $5,600 |
| Curbed Walk-in Shower | $1,800 – $7,400 |
| Frameless Glass Walk-in Shower | $1,800 – $8,900 |
| Open Walk-in Shower | $1,800 – $6,200 |
| Outdoor Walk-in Shower | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Pre-fabricated Walk-in Shower | $1,800 – $7,500 |
| Roll-in Shower | $3,500 – $11,500 |
| Tiled Walk-in Shower | $2,500 – $9,500 |
Walk-in Shower Overview
A walk-in shower is a stand-alone shower stall, not a walk-in tub/shower combination. The most affordable option is to select a prefabricated shower enclosure complete with a floor, walls and a door. To get ideas on the type or style you want, you should check this pin board of walk-in shower pictures or go to the ideas page at better homes and gardens. They both have the type of inspiration you need before deciding.
If you’re designing a custom bathroom, then a custom walk-in shower can be framed to any size you wish, tiled in your choice of materials, and outfitted with accessories from a single basic showerhead to dual multifunction showerheads or a rain showerhead, a bench or other upgrade. When custom designs are elaborate, the total job cost of an installed walk in shower can exceed $20K.
This page of Costimates, or cost estimates, explores your options, costs, cost factors and related projects that are often a part of a bathroom remodel.
Walk In Shower Cost Factors
The national average cost of installing a walk in shower in your bathroom is $7,300. These factors will help you determine what features fit your budget and where the money goes.
These factors are listed to reflect the chronological order through the planning, construction and project completion.
DIY vs Pro
Very few homeowners tackle this job, but savings can amount to 50% or depending on the scope of the work and the materials used. It’s most common to hire a plumber, tile company or a remodeling contractor to do this job due to the extent of the work.
Designer or Architect Fees
Many homeowners contract a designer to assist in planning a high-end bathroom remodel or use in-house design services offered by the contractor. In rare cases when weight-bearing structural changes are made, an architect is involved in the process.
Permits Needed
Separate permits must be pulled for changes made to plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems.
Removing an Existing Shower
In a remodel, the old walk in shower is removed. Any rotted subfloor, which is common, must be replaced. Taking out a prefab enclosure is easier and costs less than removing tile. Disposal fees may apply.
Making Plumbing Changes
This is the time to replace aged pipes, move or add plumbing for the showerhead or handles or to add a spigot, or make changes to the drain. Costs range from minimal to quite expensive when a complete replacement of the plumbing is necessary.
Prefabricated vs Custom Shower
Cost is much more easily controlled when a prefab enclosure is installed. For a custom walk-in shower, the cost is nearly unlimited based on size, materials and features.
Prefab Material
If you choose to install a prefabricated shower, your price options from most affordable to costly are fiberglass, acrylic, polycarbonate, composite, stone and curb-free/barrier-free.
Size of Shower
The cost per square foot of a custom shower ranges from $145 to $270 per square foot based on plumbing changes, materials and features.
Shower Walls
Custom showers are typically tiled. Your options are affordable ceramic tile, midgrade porcelain tile and costly stone tile or slabs including slate and marble. Glass panels can also be used to surround the shower.
Shower Features
Costs vary based on your choices of door or no door, door type, shower head(s), spa jets, built-in shelving or covers or a bench or benches. Features like a steam generator and function, overhead electric light or skylight, or exhaust fan are options beyond the scope of this walk-in shower estimate.
Scope of Project
You’ll get better value for the work when you bundle bathroom projects like adding a bathroom heater, heated towel bar, or replace a toilet. Many home and property owners also replace flooring in the bathroom when replacing a shower.
Where you Live
Labor costs have risen across the US in the last five years. However, costs remain highest in metro areas of the NE, and NW US. Costs are lower in rural areas of the Midwest and South, and about average in most other regions.
Cost of Trade Services for Walk-in Shower Installation
When you remodel a bathroom to install a walk-in shower or any other part of a complete bathroom remodel, several home service contractors play essential roles in ensuring the project’s success. Here’s a quick breakdown of the trades who are usually used in the remodeling process.
| Service Trade | Cost Range Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Designer | $50 – $200 |
| Bathroom Remodeling Contractor | $50 – $150 |
| Carpenter | $40 – $85 |
| Electrician | $60 – $120 |
| General Contractor | $50 – $160 |
| Handyman Service | $35 – $60 |
| Plumber | $50 – $125 |
| Tile Installer | $35 – $100 |
Shower Types or Styles
Barrier-free Shower
Barrier-free showers have a gentle slope towards the drain but lack curbs, making them handicap-accessible for people with limited mobility. Costing between $3,500 and $9,000 or more, these showers seamlessly blend accessibility and aesthetics into your bathroom. They offer a smooth transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area, ensuring a safe and comfortable bathing experience for everyone in your home with special needs.
Corner Walk-in Shower
Corner walk-in showers are space-efficient solutions, fitting snugly into your bathroom corners when space is limited. With a common cost ranging from $1,200 to $5,600, they often feature glass enclosures or curtains and are ideal for smaller bathrooms. Corner walk-in showers optimize your bathroom layout, providing functionality without compromising style.
Curbed Walk-in Shower
Curbed walk-in showers have a low curb or lip to contain water within your shower area and are encased in full glass or a shower curtain. This common design balances accessibility and water containment, and are commonly installed between $1,800 and $7,400, depending on the type of base pan and walls. If you want the walk-in experience while ensuring water stays within defined boundaries, a curbed walk-in shower is a practical and cost-effective choice in your bathroom.
Frameless Glass Walk-in Shower
Frameless glass walk-in showers offer a modern, luxurious look to your bathroom and are one of the most commonly installed types in modern homes. Typically installed at a cost range between $1,800 and $8,900, they are enclosed by thick glass panels with minimal hardware and create a sleek aesthetic and provide a spacious and open ambiance to your bathroom. Frameless glass showers enhance natural light, making your bathroom feel larger while adding a touch of sophistication to your space.
Open Walk-in Shower
An open walk-in shower offers a spacious, airy feel to your bathroom, since it lacks doors and allows for easy entry and exit. Typically, they have a slight slope toward the drain, ensuring efficient water drainage. The cost of installing an open walk-in shower ranges from $1,800 – $6,200, and they make an excellent choice if you prefer a minimalist, contemporary design and don’t want the confines of a traditional shower enclosure.
Outdoor Walk-in Shower
Outdoor walk-in showers offer a refreshing bathing experience amidst nature. These showers, typically priced between $1,000 and $4,000+, are perfect for poolside areas or gardens. Constructed with weather-resistant materials, they withstand outdoor elements. Outdoor showers provide a unique and invigorating way to enjoy nature while enhancing your outdoor living space.
Pre-fabricated Walk-in Shower
Pre-fabricated walk-in showers are ready-made units that are easier to install in your existing bathroom than a tile shower. They come in various styles and materials, making them a convenient choice in many sizes. With the installed cost range of $1,800 to $7,500, these showers provide affordability without compromising on quality. Pre-fabricated showers are an efficient solution for you, when looking for budget-friendly and straightforward installation option.
Roll-in Shower
Similar to barrier- free showers, roll-in showers are fully accessible with no curb, allowing you very easy wheelchair entry. They cater specifically to individuals with mobility challenges and require specialized installations. Priced from $3,500 to $11,500+, roll-in showers prioritize universal accessibility while ensuring everyone in your home can enjoy a comfortable and independent shower experience.
Tiled Walk-in Shower
Ceramic tiled walk-in showers feature tiled walls and floors, allowing for versatile designs and patterns in your bathroom. The cost ranges from $2,500 to $9,500 and up, with the final cost varying, based on the intricacy, type, size and extent of the tilework. Tiled showers offer endless possibilities for personalization, making them an ideal choice if you seek both style and functionality when remodeling your bathroom.
Cost of Walk-In Shower Materials and Supplies
The price lists below are retail costs for the most popular materials and amenities used in walk-in shower installation.
Prefab Walk-in Shower Stall Cost
| Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Acrylic Stall | $595 – $1,850 |
| Composite Stall | $750 – $2,150 |
| Curbless ADA Stall | $2,150 – $4,400 |
| Faux / Cultured Stone | $1,750 – $3,500 |
| Fiberglass Stall | $435 – $1,750 |
| Prefab Pan Only | $100 – $650 |
| Wooden Outdoor Stall | $200 – $500 |
Shower Doors and Glass Panels Cost
| Door Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Glass Panels/Screens | $635 – $2,000 |
| Hinged Acrylic Door (Double) | $215 – $975 |
| Hinged Acrylic Door (Single) | $135 – $650 |
| Hinged Glass Door (Single) | $435 – $1,800 |
| Hinged Glass Shower Doors (Double) | $615 – $2,675 |
| Outside Fiberglass Door | $75 – $185 |
| Outside Wooden Door | $50 – $150 |
| Sliding Acrylic Door | $220 – $855 |
| Sliding Glass Door | $695 – $2,435 |
Walk-in Shower Tile and Slab Cost
Size and shape of the tile are cost factors for all tile. For stone, type and rarity are cost factors.
| Tile Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | $2 – $15 / Sqft |
| Natural Stone Slab | $22 – $75 / Sqft |
| Natural Stone Tile | $5 – $30 / Sqft |
| Porcelain Tile | $6 – $17 / Sqft |
Showerhead and Handle Cost
| Showerhead Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Showerhead | $30 – $180 |
| Dual Showerheads | $450 – $1,500 |
| Full Body Sprayers | $160 – $2,150 |
| Handheld Showerhead | $35 – $125 |
| High-End Showerhead | $75 – $275 |
| Rainfall Showerhead | $40 – $1,850 |
Shower feature and Amenities Cost
| Feature | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Built-in Benches | $185 – $650 / ea |
| Grab Bars (ADA Compliant) | $25 – $135 / ea |
| Shelves or Nooks | $215 – $800 / ea |
Walk In Shower Cost Samples
Here are project costs for prefab walk-in showers and custom walk-in showers plus cost by shower size. If you plan to DIY, use the Materials Cost column for your estimate. If you are hiring a contractor for the work, use the Installed Cost estimates.
Prefab Walk-in Shower Cost
| Quality | Materials | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $725 – $2,250 | $2,450 – $4,400 |
| Midgrade/Average | $1,150 – $2,800 | $3,100 – $5,900 |
| Upscale/Premium | $1,600 – $4,000 | $4,600 – $7,400 |
Custom Walk-in Shower Cost
| Quality | Materials | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3,100 – $6,200 | $6,600 – $9,500 |
| Midgrade/Average | $5,400 – $8,100 | $7,900 – $13,000 |
| Upscale/Premium | $7,000 – $10,600 | $9,300 – $16,500 |
Prefab Walk-in Shower Cost by Size
| Size | Materials | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $725 – $2,300 | $2,450 – $5,300 |
| Double | $1,850 – $3,100 | $4,200 – $6,000 |
| Extra Large | $2,700 – $4,000 | $5,350 – $7,400 |
Custom Walk-in Shower Cost by Size
| Size | Materials | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $3,100 – $5,450 | $6,600 – $10,200 |
| Double | $5,000 – $8,400 | $8,700 – $14,200 |
| Extra Large | $6,700 – $10,600 | $10,500 – $16,500 |
Permits, Inspection, Installation Labor Costs and Time
- $0 – $500| You will need plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits if any of those systems are changed during this indoor home improvement project.
Walk-in Shower Labor Cost and Time
- $1,600 – $7,000| Average Total Labor Cost for the installation of a walk-in stall shower.
Completed Time
Expect various contractors, subcontractors and crews to be in and out of your house from 4 days to more than 3 weeks. There could be gaps in the schedule if there are delays in materials arriving or in waiting for a contractor to be available.
Here’s how a typical schedule works:
- 1-2 Days| Remove an Old Shower Stall (if needed).
- 2-8 Days | Make Changes to Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical (if needed).
- 3-14 Days | Install the New Walk-in Shower and Amenities
Related Projects
Are You a Bathroom Remodeling Pro?
If so, head over to our Costimates Pro’s page, and help us make this page better and more accurate for both our visitors and your future customers.
DIY or Hire a Pro
Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a general contractor depends on the scope of the project and your skills, of course.
Handy homeowners often install or replace their own prefab walk-in shower stall. Some even frame a shower, install the shower pan and backer board, tile their own shower and install fixtures.
However, the majority of homeowners hire a contractor with expertise in bathroom remodeling. This is especially true for challenging work such as moving or adding plumbing or running electrical wire, installing a GFCI outlet or adding a circuit breaker and making mechanical changes to accommodate the new shower stall.
Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates
Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.
"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."