Types of Showers:
How to Choose One
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Best Types of Showers
Most new showers cost about $4,400 to $12,400 installed, and the type you pick shapes where you land in that range. A prefab walk-in kit can cost as little as $1,150 installed. A custom tiled walk-in or a luxury double shower can reach $10,000 or more. Use our shower remodel cost calculator to estimate your own project.
Shower types fall into two groups. Layout types (walk-in, corner, double, steam, and tub-shower combo) set the shape and size of the shower. Enclosure styles (frameless, semi-frameless, and framed) describe the glass and hardware, and many pair with several layouts. As you read about each, consider your bathroom’s size, your own style, and what future buyers may want if you plan to sell in the next few years.
Angi lists these installed costs by layout. Prices run lower for prefab kits and higher for custom tile work.
| Shower Layout | Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower | $1,150–$8,000 |
| Tub-shower combo | $1,500–$8,500 |
| Steam shower | $2,800–$7,100 |
| Accessibility shower | $1,750–$8,600 |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $1,200–$8,000 |
The glass door is a separate line item. These installed prices come from HomeGuide. Angi puts a typical glass shower door at $550 to $1,400, and framed doors cost the least while frameless doors cost the most.
| Door Style | Installed Cost (Door Only) |
|---|---|
| Framed | $400–$1,100 |
| Semi-frameless | $500–$1,550 |
| Frameless | $600–$1,900 |
| Custom frameless | $1,400–$3,300 |
| Curved or neo-angle | $900–$2,000 |
The next table compares seven types side by side. Its cost ranges are broad national figures that reach higher than the guides above, because custom materials and premium features push costs up. Your quote depends on size, plumbing changes, and finishes.
| Shower Type | Typical Installed Cost | Best For | Avoid If / Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frameless Showers | $600 to $1,900 (door only); custom doors $1,400 to $3,300 | Primary bathrooms, modern or luxury homes, showcasing tile and fixtures | Tight budgets, very small bathrooms, areas prone to water escaping |
| Semi-Frameless Showers | $500 to $1,550 (door only) | Most bathroom sizes, homeowners wanting a sleek look without full frameless cost | Those needing the lowest-cost option or maximum water containment |
| Framed Shower Enclosures | $400 to $1,100 (door only) | Budget-friendly remodels, guest bathrooms, family homes | Homeowners prioritizing modern design or low maintenance |
| Double Showers | $3,000 to $8,000 | Large primary bathrooms, couples, accessibility needs | Small bathrooms, limited plumbing capacity, lower budgets |
| Walk-In Showers | $6,000 to $12,000 for a full install; prefab kits cost less | Accessibility, aging in place, modern bathroom upgrades | Very small bathrooms, cold climates, tight budgets |
| Corner Showers | $2,000 to $4,000 | Small bathrooms, space-saving layouts, half-bath conversions | Homeowners wanting a larger or more open shower |
| Steam Showers | $2,800 to $7,100; custom builds cost more | Spa-like upgrades, luxury homes, resale-focused remodels | Homeowners wanting minimal maintenance or lower upfront costs |
| Tub-Shower Combos | $1,500 to $8,500 | Small to mid-size bathrooms, family homes, resale in family neighborhoods | Anyone who needs step-free access or wants a roomier shower |
Here’s a closer look at each type.
1. Frameless showers
Average cost: $3,900 to $11,000
Door cost, installed: $600 to $1,900
Frameless shower enclosures use thick, strong glass held by hinges and clips, with no metal frame around the edges.
Pros
- Open design: Clean glass lines suit modern bathrooms.
- Airy feel: Uninterrupted glass can make a bathroom feel larger.
- Shows off tile: Nothing blocks the tile and fixtures inside.
Cons
- High cost: Frameless is the priciest of the three door styles.
- Leak risk: Gaps around the glass can let water escape.
What Else to Know
Frameless showers tend to work best in large primary bathrooms. But they can fit in mid-size or small bathrooms if space allows. Custom frameless doors cost more, at $1,400 to $3,300 installed. Our frameless shower buying guide can tell you everything else you need to know.
2. Semi-frameless showers
Average cost: $2,300 to $8,200
Door cost, installed: $500 to $1,550
Semi-frameless showers keep a metal frame on parts of the enclosure, such as where the glass meets the wall or tub, but leave the door panel itself frame-free.
Pros
- Fits most bathrooms: Works in small, mid-size, and large spaces.
- Sleek for less: Looks similar to frameless at a lower door price.
- Door choices: Both swinging and sliding doors are available.
Cons
- Costs more than framed: Door prices run above fully framed doors.
- Leak risk: Poorly sealed doors can let water out.
What Else to Know
We think this is the best middle ground between frameless and framed enclosures. It costs less to install than a frameless shower, and you can choose a sliding or swinging glass door. Read our semi-frameless shower buying guide for more information.
3. Framed shower enclosures
Average cost: $2,800 to $7,200
Door cost, installed: $400 to $1,100
This shower type has framing that outlines the whole enclosure, including the doorway.
Pros
- Lower cost: Framed doors are the least expensive door style.
- Fits any size: Works well in bathrooms of all sizes.
- Door options: You can choose from several door types.
Cons
- Dated look: Metal frames can look older than glass-only styles.
- More cleaning: Seals and tracks need regular cleaning to prevent mildew.
- Wear over time: The frame and seals can degrade.
What Else to Know
Both sliding and swinging glass doors are available with a framed enclosure. You can learn more by reading our framed shower buying guide.
4. Double showers
Average cost: $3,000 to $12,000
Double showers have two showerheads with separate controls, often on opposite walls, so two people can shower at the same time.
Pros
- Separate controls: Each person sets their own temperature and spray.
- Extra room: The larger footprint helps people with mobility needs.
- Great for couples: Partners can get ready at the same time.
Cons
- Higher cost: One of the pricier types to install.
- Space needs: A common starting size is 60 by 36 inches.
- Best in large bathrooms: Small bathrooms rarely have the room.
What Else to Know
A double shower is a layout you can combine with other types on this list. For example, you might want a frameless double shower or one without a door. Check out our double shower buying guide for the cost by build level and everything else you need to know.
5. Walk-in showers
Average cost: $2,500 to $15,000
Walk-in showers are just what they sound like: a shower with no step into it and no door.
Pros
- Modern look: Sleek, open design suits updated bathrooms.
- Accessibility: Step-free entry helps with safety and mobility.
- Open feel: Can make your bathroom feel larger.
Cons
- Higher cost: One of the pricier types to build.
- Heat loss: With no door, heat escapes faster.
- Water control: Open designs can let water spray outside.
What Else to Know
These showers are especially popular in primary bathrooms and larger bathrooms, but there are lots of walk-in shower ideas for small bathrooms, too. Angi and This Old House both put full walk-in installs at $6,000 to $12,000. Read our full guide to walk-in showers to learn more or visit our walk-in shower cost guide to get specific pricing information.
6. Corner showers
Average cost: $2,900 to $8,000
Corner showers are designed to save space while still giving you a full shower in a small bathroom.
Pros
- Small footprint: Fits in compact bathrooms.
- Lower cost: Often costs less than larger shower types.
- Flexible finishes: You can choose from many door and tile options.
Cons
- Tight space: A smaller shower may not suit every homeowner.
- Harder to clean: Angled corners can be tricky to scrub.
What Else to Know
These showers are usually 42 inches by 42 inches or smaller and fit against two of your bathroom walls. Building codes set a minimum of 30 by 30 inches. Many corner showers use a neo-angle door, which cuts across the corner with three glass panels. If you have a small bathroom or want to transform a half bath into a full bathroom to boost your home’s resale value, a corner shower is a strong fit. Check out our guide to corner showers for more information.
7. Steam showers
Average cost: $3,000 to $14,500
A steam shower can be a stand-alone steam stall or a steam feature added to your existing shower.
Pros
- Spa feel: Adds a relaxing, spa-style experience at home.
- Flexible setup: Install a stand-alone unit or add steam to a shower.
Cons
- High cost: Costs more to install and run than a standard shower.
- Upkeep: Needs regular cleaning to prevent mildew growth.
What Else to Know
Angi lists steam showers at $2,800 to $7,100, and prices climb with custom builds, jets, or a sauna combination. A steam shower needs a tightly sealed enclosure, so an open walk-in design is not a good match. Learn all you need to know by reading our guide to steam showers, and explore our list of the best steam shower brands of 2026.
8. Tub-shower combos
Average cost: $1,500 to $8,500
A tub-shower combo puts a bathtub and a shower in one alcove. A standard opening is 30 by 60 inches, and a basic combo of that size costs around $3,000 installed.
Pros
- Two uses: Gives you a tub and a shower in one space.
- Space-saving: Common in small bathrooms and family homes.
- Resale appeal: Some buyers want at least one bathtub in the home.
Cons
- Step-over entry: Climbing over the tub edge is harder for some people.
- Less roomy: Can feel cramped compared with a stand-alone shower.
What Else to Know
If you want to swap a tub for a shower, a tub-to-shower conversion costs $1,200 to $8,000. Weigh your options in our bathtub vs. shower comparison.
What Affects Shower Costs?
Angi puts labor at 40% to 60% of a shower project. These factors move the total the most:
- Prefab or custom: A prefab model saves $1,500 to $5,000 if your opening is a standard size.
- Materials: Prefab kits cost $250 to $2,900 before installation, and custom materials vary widely.
- Layout changes: Keeping the shower where it is can save $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
- Door choice: A curtain and rod instead of a glass door can save $600 to $1,300.
Which Type of Shower Is Best for My Bathroom?
The right choice for your own bathroom will depend on your bathroom’s size and who will primarily be using and maintaining the shower.
For instance, a small bathroom for guests may be well-suited to a simple, framed shower. A medium-size bathroom may work better with a shower-tub combo, which is popular in kid-friendly neighborhoods for its resale value and versatility. This quick guide matches our quiz results above:
- Small bathrooms: corner, framed, or semi-frameless showers
- Mid-size bathrooms: semi-frameless or frameless showers, or a tub-shower combo
- Large bathrooms: frameless, walk-in, or double showers
Not sure what fits? Check the standard shower sizes against your space, then use the questions below to decide.
Shower Type FAQs
The Bottom Line on Shower Types
The right shower for you will ultimately depend on your bathroom’s size, your local real estate market (if you plan to sell in the next few years), and who will be using the shower most often. If you don’t yet know how to proceed, check out our full shower remodeling guide to learn more about this project.
Once you choose a type of shower, the customization options are nearly endless. From door styles (like frosted or unfrosted glass and designs) to built-in benches to matching hardware and varieties of stone and tile work, the cosmetic choices alone can overhaul a bathroom’s look and feel. But your choice of shower type will dictate the bathroom’s overall functionality.
Modernize can match you with trusted bathroom remodelers in your area so you can easily get quotes for a new shower.
Sources
- Angi, shower installation cost by type, prefab vs. custom, and resale (2026 range; type table from the 2025 edition)
- Angi, walk-in shower cost and glass door installation
- This Old House, walk-in shower cost guide
- HomeGuide, glass shower door cost by style
- This Old House, choosing shower types
- Block Renovation, minimum shower dimensions
- House Digest, double showers and space requirements (2024)
- Fixr, steam shower installation cost
