Bathroom Remodel
How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?
Average Cost: $4,500 – $15,000
The national average cost of a walk-in shower installation is about $9,500, with most homeowners spending between $4,500 and $15,000, depending on size, materials, and labor. A prefab kit can cost as little as $2,000 installed, while a custom curbless tile shower with frameless glass can top $15,000.
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Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?
- Walk-In Shower Cost by Project Type
- Walk-In Shower Costs by Type
- Walk-In Shower Costs by Size
- Prefab vs. Custom Walk-In Shower Cost
- Curbless and Accessible Walk-In Shower Costs
- Remodeling vs. New Walk-In Shower Installation: Cost Differences
- What Impacts Walk-In Shower Cost the Most?
- Material Cost Considerations
- Walk-In Shower Door Costs
- Other Cost Considerations
- How Long Does It Take to Install a Walk-In Shower?
- Is a Walk-In Shower Worth It?
- Ways to Save on a Walk-In Shower
- Next Steps for Getting a Walk-In Shower
- Walk-In Shower Cost FAQs
- Sources
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 shower size, materials, glass enclosure, and labor. Costs vary widely because walk-in showers range from simple acrylic kits to fully custom tile builds. Our walk-in shower guide covers the design side if you’re still deciding what you want.
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
- Cost Per Square Foot: About $300 for prefab and $600 for custom
Walk-in showers range from budget-friendly prefab kits to fully custom tile builds, so they’re one of the most flexible bathroom upgrades in terms of cost.
How do walk-in shower costs break down?
Materials and labor drive most of the cost, and glass enclosures and tile work take the largest share of the budget. Below is an example of how costs might appear on a contractor invoice for a mid-range walk-in shower.
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
Not every line lands at its high or low end on the same job. If every item hit its minimum, the line items would add up to $6,600, and if every item hit its maximum, they would reach $15,300. Most mid-range projects land between $7,500 and $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 |
| Permit | $250 to $500 |
| Estimated Total (Mid-Range Example) | $7,500 to $13,500 |
Walk-In Shower Cost by Project Type
Your project type is one of the biggest cost drivers. Converting a tub, upgrading an old shower, and building a new shower each involve different labor, plumbing, and materials.
- 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
- Curbless (Zero-Entry) Shower: $8,000 to $15,000 or more
- Prefab Shower Kit Installation: $2,000 to $5,000
- Tub Cut-Out (Low Entry Opening in a Tub): $800 to $1,800
If you’re weighing a tub swap, see our guide to tub-to-shower conversions for a step-by-step look at what the work involves.
Walk-In Shower Costs by Type
To budget well, decide where to spend and where to save. Fixtures, glass, tile, and size all change in cost depending on whether you choose basic, mid-range, or luxury features. These are the most common pricing tiers.
Basic walk-in shower
A basic walk-in shower, costing between $2,000 and $5,000, typically includes budget-friendly features like a fiberglass shower pan, a standard showerhead, and minimal plumbing work. You’ll have fewer customizable features, but you’ll 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, with 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. Large custom suites can exceed $20,000. You’ll get extensive customization and high-end materials, with a higher price tag.
Walk-In Shower Costs by Size
Your walk-in shower size affects cost, and it also determines how much tile you need, whether you have room for a shower bench, and how much glass the enclosure requires. Angi estimates costs at about $300 per square foot for a prefab shower and $600 per square foot for a custom one.
| Size | Typical Dimensions | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 32 by 32 inches to 34 by 36 inches | $1,000 to $3,000 prefab; $3,000 to $5,000 custom |
| Standard | 36 by 36 inches or 36 by 48 inches | About $7,000 |
| Large | 48 by 60 inches or larger | $9,000 to $12,000+ |
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 comfortable. Either size averages about $7,000, a bit below the $9,500 national average because it needs less tile and glass than a large shower.
Small walk-in shower
A small walk-in shower typically measures 32 inches square to 34 inches by 36 inches. These sizes suit smaller bathrooms or secondary showers, and our ideas for walk-in showers in small bathrooms can help you plan one. A prefab model costs as little as $1,000 to about $3,000. A custom build starts at $3,000 and goes up to $5,000. A corner shower is a common way to save space.
Large walk-in shower
A large walk-in shower typically measures 48 inches by 60 inches or larger, and some custom builds are bigger still. Sizes like 60 by 60 inches are common in spacious bathrooms. For these showers, prices start at $9,000 and can exceed $12,000.
What size is code and comfortable?
The International Residential Code (IRC) sets the minimum shower compartment at 30 by 30 inches, or 900 square inches of finished floor. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends at least 36 by 36 inches for comfort. A 60-by-30-inch shower is the standard tub-replacement size. Local codes vary, so confirm the rules with your contractor.
You can read more about standard shower sizes in our guide.
Prefab vs. Custom Walk-In Shower Cost
Prefab versus custom is one of your biggest pricing decisions. 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 |
The kit itself is only part of a prefab price. Prefab kits typically cost $700 to $3,000 for materials, and installation brings the total to $2,000 to $5,000. A custom shower starts around $3,500 for a small tiled build and climbs from there. A prefab install takes days, while a custom tile shower can take weeks. See our picks for the best walk-in showers if you want to compare models.
Curbless and Accessible Walk-In Shower Costs
A curbless shower, also called a zero-entry or barrier-free shower, has no step at the entry. A curbless walk-in shower typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on how much floor work your bathroom needs.
The premium comes from the floor. The subfloor often has to be lowered or sloped so water drains correctly, and a linear drain usually replaces the center drain. Published estimates of the extra cost over a curbed shower vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to $5,000, based on your floor structure.
- Transfer Shower: At least 36 by 36 inches, with a seat.
- Roll-In Shower: At least 30 by 60 inches, with no curb at the entry.
- Grab Bars: About $150 to $500 each, installed.
- Fold-Down Seat: About $300 to $800, installed.
- Handheld Showerhead: About $100 to $300, installed.
Our guides to roll-in showers and bathroom accessibility modifications go deeper. Original Medicare doesn’t usually pay for bathroom remodels, but see our page on Medicare coverage for what may qualify.
Remodeling vs. New Walk-In Shower Installation: Cost Differences
If you already have a walk-in shower and you’re not moving it, your costs will be fairly predictable. You can calculate shower tile square footage for the walls and floors, and price out shower doors if you want one.
A new walk-in shower costs more. It usually involves demolishing your existing shower or tub, may require plumbing changes, and adds new shower glass. Converting a tub is often cheaper than building from scratch, but it still requires demolition, waterproofing, and tile or panel work.
What Impacts Walk-In Shower Cost the Most?
Seven factors move your price the most:
- Tile vs. Prefab: Custom tile showers cost much more than prefab kits.
- Glass Enclosure: Frameless glass and larger enclosures add major cost.
- Shower Size: Larger showers need more tile, waterproofing, and labor.
- Plumbing Changes: Moving drains, valves, or supply lines raises labor and material costs.
- Waterproofing: Sheet membranes run about $500 to $1,000, and liquid membranes about $50 to $800.
- Permits: Most areas require one, typically $250 to $500.
- Labor Rates: Costs vary by region and contractor availability, and urban areas cost more.
Material Cost Considerations
Whether you’re remodeling or installing new, include these material costs in your budget.
- Walk-In Shower Base. This is the floor of your shower. If you’re on a budget, choose a pre-fabricated shower pan to keep costs low. Custom walk-in showers usually have a tile floor.
- Floor and Wall Tile. Costs differ between tiles, and some patterns and sizes are harder to install than others. The more difficult the installation, the more it costs.
- Shower Screen. A shower screen is the fixed glass panel that helps contain water. You can choose a half-glass wall, a full glass panel, or a completely open shower.
If you go prefab, fiberglass walk-in showers are a popular choice and cost much less. Kits start at around $900, and top-of-the-line kits reach about $2,500.
If you go custom, you can choose stone, tile floors and walls, and many door and doorless entry options. Floor and wall materials make up a big share of your project cost. Angi’s 2026 figures put tile at about $2 to $17 per square foot, marble at about $10 to $36, and cultured granite, Corian, and other stone at about $38 to $67.
Natural stone and marble sit at the top of the price range, glass tile falls in the middle, and porcelain and ceramic tend to cost the least. Even cheaper tile can eat up your budget, so measure your tile needs carefully to decide how much you can spend per square foot. Our guide to the best tile for showers can help you choose.
Don’t forget to budget for tile installation. Smaller, more complex tiles cost more to install than larger, more regular ones.
Walk-In Shower Door Costs
Walk-in shower doors are one of the larger costs in a project. They typically run from $400 to $3,000 or more, depending on type and customization. Framed doors are the most budget-friendly at about $400 to $1,200. Frameless doors and custom glass enclosures look more modern and cost about $1,200 to $3,000. Specialty glass and hardware can push the price higher.
You can explore our shower doors guide to see all the options.
Other Cost Considerations
Prefab or custom?
A prefab walk-in shower costs much less than a custom one. Prices start at about $1,000 for a small kit. A custom shower costs more but fits your style and needs. Prices start at about $3,500 for a small tiled build.
Shower location
Your shower’s location helps determine how much glass you need. Glass is one of the largest material costs in most walk-in shower projects, so reducing it is a good way to cut your price.
- A corner walk-in shower tends to be smaller, which lowers the price. It usually needs only a minimal amount of glass to block splashes.
- A niche shower goes into an existing space or cutout in the bathroom. Prices can be quite low depending on how closed off you want it. A mostly open shower is cheapest, while a closed-off niche or a door costs more.
- A standalone walk-in shower almost certainly needs at least one glass wall to protect the rest of your bathroom from water. How much glass you want will help set your price.
Fixtures and add-ons
A new or upgraded shower valve typically costs $225 to $1,200, depending on the model. Benches, niches, rain showerheads, body sprays, and waterproof lighting all add to the total. Ask your contractor to price each one separately so you can decide what to keep.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Walk-In Shower?
A prefab walk-in shower usually takes 1 to 3 days to install, and a custom tile shower typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Tile projects take longer because the waterproofing membrane, tile, and grout all need time to cure.
- Permit Approval: About 3 to 14 days, depending on your area.
- Demolition: 1 to 3 days.
- Waterproofing and Pan: 1 to 2 days, plus curing or flood-test time.
- Tile and Grout: 3 to 7 days.
- Glass: Often 1 to 6 weeks of lead time, because the shop measures after the tile is set.
Curbless and heavily customized showers fall toward the long end. See our bathroom remodel timeline and what to expect during a shower remodel to plan around the work.
Is a Walk-In Shower Worth It?
For many homeowners, yes. Walk-in showers are easy to enter, easy to clean, and popular with buyers, especially in primary bathrooms. Sources put the return on a tub-to-shower conversion at roughly 60% of the cost at resale.
Resale depends on your market and your layout. A National Association of Home Builders survey, cited by remodelers, found that most buyers still prefer a tub and a shower in the primary bathroom. If your home has only one tub, think twice before removing it, and see our guides to primary bathroom bathtubs and resale and bathroom remodel cost vs. value. A shower that helps you stay in your home as you age can be worth more than its resale number.
Ways to Save on a Walk-In Shower
You can lower your price without giving up the look. Try these steps:
- Keep the drain and plumbing where they are, since moving them adds labor.
- Choose a prefab base and panels instead of a fully tiled build.
- Pick porcelain or ceramic tile instead of stone or glass tile.
- Go with a framed door, a fixed glass panel, or a doorless design.
- Choose a standard size, since custom sizes add cutting and glass costs.
- Get at least three quotes, and ask for line-item pricing.
Read how to avoid hidden costs and negotiate cost with your remodeler. If you need to borrow, compare ways to finance a bathroom remodel.
Next Steps for Getting a Walk-In Shower
Now that you know what goes into a walk-in shower budget, you may be ready for quotes. Get quotes from three to four contractors to find the best price, and learn how to evaluate contractor quotes. Our guide to choosing a contractor can help you find bathroom remodel pros in your area.
Not sure a walk-in shower fits your budget? Check out our shower remodel guide to narrow your options. There are seven types of showers, so you can find something you love that fits 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 who could be a great fit for your project. Click below and answer a few questions to get started.
