How Much Does A Walk In Shower Cost?

Last Updated on October 11, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Upgrading to a sleek contemporary walk-in shower offers easy accessibility, modern design, and lower long-term maintenance versus old-fashioned tub-showers. But with the many options and variables, what should homeowners realistically budget for installation costs?

Comparing installation costs for different types of showers, material grades, sizing, accessories, and professional services enables smart investments enhancing bathrooms without overspending.

How Much Does A Walk In Shower Cost?

The cost for a walk in shower spans from $5,000 to $15,000 professionally installed depending on the size, chosen amenities, materials selected, and complexity of the design. Simpler prefabricated kits can reduce costs to $2,000 to $4,000 range. However, regional labor rates, special features, and accessories add expenses quickly.

The structural shower construction type chosen has a major impact on bottom line costs:

• Prefabricated shower kits – Budget-friendly and easier to install. $2,000 to $4,000 range installed.
• Framed semi-custom showers – Mid-range option allowing some customization. $4,000 to $8,000 range installed.
• Frameless glass luxury enclosures – High-end bespoke designs fabricated onsite. $8,000 to $15,000 range installed.
• Complete custom tile showers – Fully personalized curbless wet room designs. $10,000 to $25,000+ installed.

The more you can utilize standardized options versus complete customization, the more affordable installation becomes. But evaluate options against long-term enjoyment enhancing your daily rituals.

According to Angi, the average cost for a walk-in shower installation is around $6,700, with prices typically ranging from $1,150 to $8,000. The total cost can be influenced by the choice between prefabricated and custom-built showers.

Another source, EZ Bath, states that walk-in showers can cost anywhere from $8,500 to $20,000, depending on the materials selected and the complexity of the design. This higher range reflects the potential for luxury features and high-end materials that can significantly increase overall costs.

A detailed overview from Yankee Home Improvement indicates that homeowners can expect to pay between $8,500 and $20,000+ for a walk-in shower remodel. The article emphasizes that factors such as size, brand, and additional features will greatly impact the final price.

According to The Spruce, prefabricated walk-in showers generally range from $700 to $3,000, while custom walk-in showers can cost between $1,800 and $6,800. The total installation costs for custom showers often fall between $4,200 and $8,500, which includes labor and materials.

Walk-In Showers Are a Popular Choice

Walk-in showers offer advantages including:

• Easier access compared to climbing over a tub wall, especially for those with mobility issues or age-related limitations.
• More open and spacious feeling than a tub-shower combo.
• Contemporary style for a fresh look. Glass and tile designs create a luxury spa aesthetic.
• Lower maintenance with no tub grout or caulk to frequently clean and replace. Reduced soap scum buildup.
• Added home value by modernizing bathrooms in a sought-after way if selling.

Understanding installation costs helps maximize benefits.

Factors Impacting Walk-In Shower Costs

Several considerations substantially impact the total costs of installing a new walk-in shower:

• Type of shower structure – Prefabricated kits, curbless designs, custom tile, or glass enclosure all vary significantly in product and labor costs.
• Dimensions and layout – Larger and more intricate shapes demand more materials and installation time, increasing expenses.
• Materials selected – Tile, glass, acrylic, fiberglass, and accessories have wide cost ranges based on grades chosen.
• Special features – Add-ons like built-in seating, specialty showerheads, and heated features add costs.
• Accessibility needs – Accommodating disabilities may require custom design and installation considerations.
• Regional construction rates – Labor and material costs understandably vary across different areas based on average wages and housing market factors.

Walk-In Shower Materials

Choosing higher grades of these essential materials increases costs noticeably:

• Tile – Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone all vary significantly in cost. $5 to $50 per square foot installed.
• Glass – Frameless, frosted, colored, textured, or intricate patterns add expense. $50 to $200 per square foot installed.
• Fixtures – Premium shower systems, thermostatic valves, and decorative drains raise budgets. $1000 to $5000 range.
• Waterproofing – Higher quality liquid membranes provide robust leak protection but cost more in materials and labor time to apply properly.

Always inspect samples firsthand before finalizing material selections. Pictures fail to convey true quality and appearance. Touching products clarifies impressions.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a tub to shower conversion, Onyx collection shower, or shower valve replacement.

Additional Cost Factors

While enticing, upgrades add up quickly:

• Designer drainage – Artistic linear drains, troughs, and tile inserts range $500 to $2000
• Luxury fixtures – Multiple designer shower heads, rainfall heads, and body sprays add $1000 to $4000+ to costs.
• Built-in seating – Tiled, stone, or teak benches range $500 to $2000 depending on materials.
• Waterproof TVs – Adding television and sound systems easily exceeds $2000 depending on screen size and audio quality preferred.
• Heated features – Radiant heated flooring, walls, and fog-free mirror technology costs $2000 to $5000+ in most cases.

Carefully weigh the daily usefulness of potential upgrades against the value added. Avoid superficial trendy fads exceeding your budget.

DIY vs Professional Installation

DIYers can potentially save if tackling the project themselves:

• Shower kits – Prefabricated units help simplify installation challenges. $1500 to $3000 range.
• Material costs – Tiles, plumbing, glass, and final touches. $2000 to $5000 in materials.
• Specialty equipment rentals – Tools needed like tile saws and mixing drills. $500 to $2000+ in rentals.
• Time investment – Expect 100+ hours for first-timers to learn techniques watching videos and reading guides.

While DIY saves significantly on labor, perfection requires developing specialized skills first. Using the bathroom during the process is also impacted for weeks. Hiring professionals still typically delivers the best results balancing cost, quality, and speed. If attempting DIY, start with simpler basement or secondary bath projects first before tackling your main bathroom.

Regional Cost of Living

Location also significantly impacts pricing:

• Urban areas – Higher labor demand increases rates. Materials also cost more. $8000 to $20,000+ installed.
• Suburban areas – Broader competition provides some savings on services. $6000 to $15,000 installed.
• Rural areas – Limited demand lowers labor prices but materials remain costlier. $4000 to $12,000 installed.
• Nationwide averages – When budgeting without location specifics, plan on $5000 to $15,000 installed for a mid-range custom walk-in shower as a useful guideline.

If budgets are tight, check costs in less costly areas within reasonable driving proximity to identify potential savings. But don’t sacrifice quality craftsmanship.

Professional Walk-In Shower Installation

Fully installing a walk-in shower involves:

• Demolition – Removing old tub/shower along with proper disposal. ($500 to $2000)
• Rough plumbing – Adjusting pipe layouts and pressure balancing mixing valves. ($1000 to $3000)
• Substrate prep – Hardiebacker board installation or waterproof shower pan for curbless designs. ($1000 to $5000)
• Drainage – Waterproof liner with proper slope set and drain fitted. ($500 to $2000)
• Tile setting – Applying decorative finishes like ceramic tile requires high skill perfecting grout spacing. ($2000 to $10,000+)
• Glass installation – Precisely measuring and fitting frameless glass enclosure panels. ($1000 to $5000)
• Final fixtures & accessories – Installing showerheads, controls, and add-ons like seating. ($500 to $5000)
• Sealants & caulking – Long-lasting flexible grout lines prevent leaks. ($300 to $1200)

Total costs quickly sum $5000 to $15,000+ for mid-range custom professional installation in most regions.

Planning a Walk-In Shower

The investment in a walk-in shower brings comfort, aesthetics, and easier maintenance over decades of enjoyment. Ensure your project stays on-budget by:

• Comparing material costs and durability to select the optimal balance of quality and affordability.
• Checking local building codes for any required permits to avoid surprise expenses.
• Only opting for luxury add-ons like benches, specialty tiles, or heated floors if the budget allows.
• Soliciting multiple installation bids from contractors to find the best local rate.
• Looking at prefabricated options if avoiding expensive custom tile work is a priority.

With careful planning and cost comparisons, even luxury walk-in showers can fit many homeowner budgets.

All-In Cost Ranges

Based on numerous homeowner reports, common pricing ranges include:

• $2,000 to $6,000 for basic prefabricated walk-in shower kit installation – Includes mid-grade components and professional installation completing the project from start to finish. Offers a quality experience balancing cost and customization freedom.
• $6,000 to $15,000 for high-end custom walk-in shower installation – Encompasses using top-grade tiles, glass, accessories, and plumbing fixtures. Full demolition to finished product handled professionally. For luxury dream bathrooms or master suites.
• $1,500 to $3,500 for DIY custom shower installation – What handy homeowners report spending to self-complete projects using mixed pro-sumer grade components. Provides major labor savings for those able to learn necessary techniques and handle the physical work.

Naturally costs rise proportionally the larger and more intricate your design. But applying smart budgeting and utilizing professional guidance enables installing beautiful walk-in showers matching both style and affordability goals.

Final Words

The upfront investment in a contemporary walk-in shower delivers years of easier accessibility, luxurious daily enjoyment, and simplified cleaning and maintenance. But controlling project costs requires thorough planning and realistic budgeting.

By applying prudent project management, even intricate walk-in showers can match both design visions and practical budgets. Protect your investment through proper planning from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is walk-in shower more expensive?

The waterproofing, tiling, glass installation, plumbing changes, and accessibility features required for walk-in showers add cost compared to basic tub shower combos. Larger dimensions also increase expenses. However, lower long-term maintenance costs can offset higher upfront pricing over decades of use.

What is the cheapest way to build a walk-in shower?

Prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic walk-in shower kits offer the most budget-friendly options since major components come premade for easier DIY or professional installation. While not customizable, their convenience and affordability make them cost-effective choices.

How much space does a walk-in shower take?

The average dimensions for a basic walk-in shower are 32-36 inches wide by 48-60 inches deep. Curbless showers may need to be larger for proper drainage slope. Showers with seats, shelves, or other extras require more room as well. Carefully measure to ensure adequate space during planning.