How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?
The national average cost to install a walk-in shower is about $9,500. Most homeowners pay between $4,500 and $15,000, depending on the shower size, materials, glass enclosure, and labor involved. Because walk-in showers can range from simple acrylic kits to fully custom tile builds, costs vary widely.
Walk-In Shower Cost at a Glance
- Average Cost: $9,500
- Typical Range: $4,500 to $15,000
- Low-End: $2,000 to $5,000 for a basic prefab shower
- High-End: $10,000 to $15,000 or more for a custom tile shower with premium glass and fixtures
Walk-in showers can range from budget-friendly prefab kits to fully custom tile builds — making them one of the most flexible bathroom upgrades in terms of cost.
How Do Walk-In Shower Costs Break Down?
Walk-in shower costs are driven primarily by materials and labor, with glass enclosures and tile work making up the largest share of the budget. Below is a realistic example of how costs might appear on a contractor invoice for a mid-range walk-in shower installation.
Example Walk-In Shower Installation Invoice
- Shower Base (Acrylic or Tile-Ready Pan): $800 to $1,800
- Wall Materials (Tile, Solid Surface, or Panels): $1,500 to $3,500
- Glass Enclosure and Door: $1,200 to $3,000
- Plumbing Adjustments and Valve Installation: $600 to $1,500
- Labor (Installation, Waterproofing, Finishing): $2,000 to $4,000
- Demolition and Removal of Old Tub or Shower: $500 to $1,500
- Estimated Total: $7,500 to $13,500
Walk-In Shower Cost Table
| Cost Category | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Average Total Cost | $4,500 to $15,000 |
| Shower Base (Acrylic or Tile-Ready Pan) | $800 to $1,800 |
| Wall Materials (Tile, Solid Surface, or Panels) | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Glass Enclosure and Door | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Plumbing Adjustments and Valve Installation | $600 to $1,500 |
| Labor (Installation, Waterproofing, Finishing) | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Demolition and Removal of Old Tub or Shower | $500 to $1,500 |
| Estimated Total (Mid-Range Example) | $7,500 to $13,500 |
Walk-In Shower Cost by Project Type
How much you spend often depends on whether you are converting an existing tub, upgrading an old shower, or building a brand-new walk-in shower. Project type shapes your labor costs, plumbing scope, and material choices.
- Replace Tub With Walk-In Shower: $6,000 to $15,000
- Convert Existing Shower: $4,000 to $10,000
- New Walk-In Shower Installation: $7,500 to $15,000 or more
- Prefab Shower Kit Installation: $2,000 to $5,000
Walk-In Shower Costs by Type
To budget effectively for your new walk-in shower, it helps to decide where you want to spend more and where you might save. Fixtures, glass, tile, and size all vary in cost depending on whether you choose basic, mid-range, or luxury features. Below, we break down the most common pricing tiers so you can plan with more confidence.
Basic Walk-In Shower
A basic walk-in shower, costing between $2,000 and $5,000, typically includes more budget-friendly features like a fiberglass shower pan, a standard showerhead, and minimal plumbing work. You will have fewer customizable features, but you will save money overall.
Not sure what your shower will cost?
Use our calculator to get a fast estimate based on your bathroom size and design.
Mid-Range Walk-In Shower
A mid-range walk-in shower, costing between $5,000 and $10,000, generally includes upgraded features like a tiled shower floor, a custom glass enclosure, and higher-end fixtures. You’ll have more customizable options, offering a balance between personalization and cost.
Luxury Walk-In Shower Costs
A luxury walk-in shower, costing between $10,000 and $15,000 or more, offers premium features like natural stone or marble surfaces, multiple showerheads, and a steam system. You’ll enjoy extensive customization options and high-end materials, though it comes with a higher price tag.
Walk-In Shower Costs by Size
In addition to impacting cost, your walk-in shower size will also determine how much tile you need, whether you have room for a shower bench, and how much glass you may need for the enclosure.
Standard Walk-In Shower Size
A standard walk-in shower measures 36 inches by 48 inches. Another common size is 36 inches square, which is more compact but still offers enough space for a comfortable shower experience. Either standard size has an average cost of about $7,000, right in line with the national average.
Small Walk-In Shower
A small walk-in shower typically measures 32 inches square (32 inches by 32 inches) to 34 inches by 36 inches.
These sizes are often used in smaller bathrooms or as secondary showers in larger bathrooms. If you choose a pre-fab model, you can pay as little as $1,000 to about $3,000. How much does it cost to build a small walk-in shower? Costs start at $3,000 and go up to as much as $5,000.
Large Walk-In Shower
A large walk-in shower typically measures 48 inches by 60 inches or larger. Some custom walk-in showers can be even larger, taking up a significant portion of the bathroom. Sizes like 60 inches by 60 inches or larger are not uncommon in spacious bathrooms. For these bigger showers, prices start at $9,000 and can exceed $12,000.
You can read more about standard shower sizes in our guide.
Prefab vs. Custom Walk-In Shower Cost
One of the biggest pricing decisions is whether to choose a prefab kit or a custom shower. Prefab units keep labor and material costs lower, while custom showers offer more design flexibility and premium finishes.
| Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab Shower | $2,000 to $5,000 | Budget-friendly, fast installs |
| Custom Tile Shower | $7,000 to $15,000+ | Design flexibility and premium finishes |
Remodeling vs. New Walk-In Shower Installation: Cost Differences
If you have a walk-in shower already and are not changing where it is located in your bathroom, then your project costs will largely be predictable. You can calculate shower tile square footage for the walls and floors and price out shower door types if you want a door.
On the other hand, installing a new walk-in shower will likely involve demolition of your existing shower or tub, may require changes to your plumbing, and will mean installing new shower glass in addition to the above.
What Impacts Walk-In Shower Cost the Most?
- Tile vs. Prefab: Custom tile showers are significantly more expensive than prefab kits.
- Glass Enclosure: Frameless glass and larger enclosures can add a major cost increase.
- Shower Size: Larger showers require more tile, waterproofing, and labor.
- Plumbing Changes: Moving drains, valves, or supply lines increases labor and material costs.
- Labor Rates: Costs vary by region and contractor availability.
Material Cost Considerations
Regardless of whether you are remodeling or installing new, you should consider the following material costs in your budget.
- Walk-In Shower Base. This will be the floor of your shower. If you are on a budget, choose a pre-fabricated walk-in shower pan to keep costs low. Custom walk-in showers usually have a tile floor.
- Floor and Wall Tile. In addition to the difference in costs between various tiles, there are a variety of tile patterns and sizes that are considered easier or harder to install. The more difficult the installation, the more it will cost.
- Shower Screen. A shower screen is the fixed glass panel that helps to contain water. You can choose a half-glass shower wall, a full glass shower panel, or to have a completely open shower.
If you go prefab, fiberglass walk-in showers are an especially popular choice among homeowners, and their cost is significantly less. They start at around $900 and top-of-the-line kits reach about $2,500.
If you’re going custom, you can get a stone walk-in shower, tile the floors and walls, and decide from many door and doorless entry options. The floor and wall materials you choose will make up a big portion of your project costs.
Natural stone, marble, and other high-end materials are at the top of the price range, glass tile falls in the middle, and porcelain and ceramic tile tends to be cheapest. However, even cheaper tiles can eat up a large part of your budget, so measure how much shower tile you need carefully to determine how much you can spend per square foot.
Walk-In Shower Door Costs
Walk-in shower doors tend to be an expensive portion of overall project costs. Shower doors for a walk-in shower project can range from $300 to $2,500 or more, depending on the type and customization. Framed doors are the most budget-friendly, while frameless and custom glass enclosures offer a more modern look at a higher cost. Upgrades like specialty glass and hardware can further increase the price.
You can explore our shower doors guide to see all the options available to you.
Other Cost Considerations
Pre-Fab or Custom?
A pre-fabricated walk-in shower will be significantly less expensive than a custom shower. Prices start at just $1,000.
A custom shower will be more expensive, though also more tailored to your style and needs. Prices start at about $3,000.
Shower Location
The location of your shower will help determine how much glass you need. Glass is the majority of the materials cost for most walk-in shower projects, so this is a good area to reduce price where possible.
- A corner walk-in shower tends to be smaller, bringing the price down. It also usually requires only a minimal amount of glass to block splashes and leaks.
- A niche shower goes into an existing space or cutout in the bathroom. Prices here can be quite low depending on how closed off you want it. A mostly or completely open shower will be cheapest, while a closed-off niche and or a door will make it much pricier.
- A standalone walk-in shower will almost certainly require at least one glass wall to protect the rest of your bathroom from water. How much glass you want and how closed off you want the shower to be will help determine your project price.
Next Steps for Getting a Walk-In Shower
Now that you know what goes into a walk-in shower budget, you might be ready for quotes. We recommend getting quotes from three to four contractors to find the best price for your shower project. You can start by browsing our contractor directory to find bathroom remodel pros in your area.
Not sure a walk-in shower is in your budget? Check out our shower remodel guide to narrow in on your other options. There are seven types of showers, so you have plenty of options to find something that you love that fits in your price range.
If you’d like to streamline the process of finding pros, deciding on shower types, or getting quotes, we can help. Modernize can match you with up to four pre-vetted contractors we love who could be a great fit for your project. Click below to get started by answering a few questions.
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