Materials
The materials you select for your walk-in shower will have a significant impact on the total cost. Key options to consider include:
- Shower base: The shower base, also known as a shower pan, provides the foundation for your walk-in shower. Options include tile, acrylic, fiberglass, vinyl, and cultured marble. Acrylic and fiberglass bases tend to be the most affordable, starting around $300. Tile shower pans are more expensive, with costs starting around $1,500.
- Shower walls: Tile, acrylic, and fiberglass are also popular choices for walk-in shower walls. Acrylic and fiberglass walls can cost $1,000 to $2,500 installed. Tile shower walls start around $2,500, with pricing varying based on the type and grade of tile selected.
- Shower door: Frameless glass shower doors provide a sleek, modern look. Expect to pay $800 to $2,500+ for a custom glass shower door, depending on size, features, and glass thickness. Standard shower doors with metal frames cost $300 to $800.
- Shower fixtures: The plumbing fixtures like the shower head, valves, and controls will add to your total shower installation cost. Expect to pay $200 to $600+ for a combination shower valve system. A rain shower head could add another $100 to $500+ to your budget.
- Bench: Adding a built-in bench provides a place to sit while showering. Tile or stone bench slabs cost around $500 to $1,500 installed. Pre-formed fiberglass or acrylic benches are more affordable at $250 to $500.
Labor
The complexity of the installation will determine how much you pay for professional labor. Some factors that can increase labor costs include:
- Shower pan installation requires building a mortar bed and properly sloping it for drainage.
- Tiling shower walls takes time and skill to get it watertight.
- Plumbing for shower fixtures, valves, and drains.
- Installing and sealing a shower door takes precision.
With these complexities, expect to pay a pro $100 to $200 per hour for installation. The total labor time could range from 10 to 40 hours depending on the specifics of your project.
Total Walk-in Shower Cost
Putting together all these factors, you can expect to spend:
- Walk-in shower (fiberglass base): Starting around $2,500 installed.
- Walk-in shower (acrylic base): Starting around $3,000 installed.
- Walk-in shower (tile base): Starting around $5,000 installed.
- Custom or luxury walk-in shower: $8,000 to $15,000+
Keep in mind, if you’re remodeling an existing bathroom space to add a walk-in shower, you may also need to budget for plumbing modifications, relocating fixtures and drains, and underfloor waterproofing. Integrating a walk-in shower into a complete bathroom remodel could drive the total costs above $20,000.
Factors That Affect Walk-in Shower Cost
Several variables beyond the base materials can also impact the total installation costs:
- Shower size – Larger showers require more materials and longer installation time.
- Niche and bench additions – Built-in recesses and benches add labor time and material costs.
- Glass thickness – 3/8″ glass doors cost more than 1/4″ thick glass.
- Specialized features – Add-ons like body sprays, benches, and curb-less entry increase cost.
- Tile grade and size – Natural stone tiles, mosaic sheets, and large format tiles get more expensive.
- Accessibility features – Walk-in showers suited for aging in place or ADA compliance add cost.
- Electric components – Heated floors, lighting, and digital controls add complexity.
- Remodeling challenges – Retrofitting an existing space costs more than new construction.
Saving on Your Walk-in Shower
If your budget is tight, here are some tips to reduce the costs of your walk-in shower installation:
- Select a fiberglass or acrylic shower base instead of tile.
- Use a standard shower door rather than custom glass.
- Skip the built-ins like niches and benches.
- Stick with standard shower fixtures.
- Choose smaller tile sizes and lower grades.
- Do demo of the old shower yourself.
- Finish trims like grout and caulk yourself.
Though walk-in showers come at a premium compared to compartment showers, the increase in your home’s value and having a low-maintenance, spa-like retreat may make the investment worthwhile. Just be sure to accurately estimate your budget using the typical cost ranges above.
FAQs About Walk-in Shower Costs
How much does it cost to convert a tub to a walk-in shower?
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower costs $4,000 to $8,000 on average. The cost depends on the shower materials and the complexity of the conversion based on your home’s layout.
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub?
Generally, yes. A basic walk-in shower with fiberglass pan and standard shower fixtures can be installed for around $2,500. A new bathtub and surround tile can easily cost $4,000 to $6,000 installed.
How can I get a walk-in shower on a budget?
To save on a walk-in shower:
- Choose inexpensive materials like fiberglass base and acrylic walls
- Use existing plumbing lines rather than relocating
- Install a basic shower door rather than custom glass enclosure
- Limit special features like benches, niches, and tile accents
Should I choose acrylic or tile shower walls?
Acrylic walls cost less, starting around $1,000 installed versus $2,500 for tile. But tile is more durable and customizable with infinite design options. Acrylic is easier to keep clean.
How much does a custom glass shower door cost?
Expect to pay $800 to $2,500+ for a custom glass shower door. The cost depends on the size, type of glass, hardware finish, and special features like etchings or shelves. Frameless doors cost more than framed.
Can I install a fiberglass walk-in shower myself?
With some DIY experience, you may be able to self-install a fiberglass walk-in shower pan and acrylic surround walls. But you’ll need a pro for plumbing connections. This can save 30% to 50% on labor costs versus hiring a contractor for the full project.
Conclusion
A walk-in shower can be a great addition to refresh your bathroom and add convenience, accessibility, and style. But it comes at a significant cost, with most installations ranging from $2,500 for fiberglass to over $15,000 for upscale custom showers. Carefully weigh the features you need vs. nice-to-haves to find the right balance of cost and value for your home. With some savvy planning and design choices, you can create a beautiful new walk-in shower without blowing your budget.
