How much does a new shower installation cost?

Shower installation cost

Installing a new shower costs $2,000 to $9,000 on average, depending on size, type, and materials. Shower replacement costs $1,000 to $8,000 for a prefab shower stall. Walk-in shower installation costs $3,500 to $15,000. The cost to install shower plumbing is $850 to $1,200.

Average new shower cost

The following table shows the average cost to install a shower.

Cost data is based on 319 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Walk-in shower cost

A walk-in shower costs $1,000 to $8,000 for a prefab stall with installation or $3,500 to $15,000 for a custom tile shower. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average. Walk-in shower prices depend on the shower size, material, and plumbing work required.

Cost to install tile stand-up shower

Retiling a shower costs $7 to $25 per square foot or $800 to $3,000 on average. Tile shower installation costs depend on the shower size, tile type, and tile layout or design. Ceramic tile is the most budget-friendly and costs $1 to $8 per square foot for materials alone.

Stone or concrete walk-in shower cost

A cultured marble or stone walk-in shower costs $2,000 to $7,500 installed. Cultured marble shower panels feature crushed stone particles blended in resin to replicate the look of marble slabs. Retiling a shower with marble or natural stone tile costs $11 to $54 per square foot total.

A concrete shower costs $1,200 to $2,400 for a 3'x3' stall. However, concrete is slippery, porous, and prone to staining. Corian or solid surface panels are a better option for showers and come in concrete lookalike styles.

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Shower replacement cost

Shower replacement costs $2,000 to $9,000 on average, depending on the shower size, materials, and plumbing work required. Replacing a shower insert costs $1,000 to $8,000, including labor and materials. Removing an old shower costs $70 to $800, depending on if it's tile or a prefab stall.

Cost to replace prefab shower insert

Replacing a prefab shower insert costs $1,000 to $8,000 with installation. A prefab shower kit alone costs $400 to $4,100, depending on the material.

• Fiberglass shower stalls are the least expensive but the least durable.
• Acrylic is economical, more durable, and scratch-resistant.
• Composite and solid surface shower stalls are the most durable but more expensive.

*Without installation

Cost to replace tub-shower combo

Installing a tub-shower combo costs $1,400 to $4,000, depending on if it's a prefab tub-shower stall or a separate tub and shower surround. Having at least one bathtub in the home increases resale value.

• Bathtub replacement costs $600 to $2,500 on average for a basic alcove tub.
• The cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $3,500.
• A walk-in tub costs $2,500 to $10,000 with a shower combo.

Alternatively, installing a bathtub liner costs $1,700 to $2,500 to cover an old or damaged tub and shower surround with an acrylic liner instead of replacement.

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Cost to add shower to a half-bath

Adding a shower to a half-bath costs $1,100 to $11,500, depending on if the bathroom has enough space or if walls need moving. The minimum bathroom size to accommodate three fixtures is 5' x 7'.

• The shower must be at least 30" x 30" to meet minimum code requirements.
• Confirm the subfloor can support a shower. Additional reinforcement may be required.
• Wall framing costs $3 to $4.50 per square foot to build new walls for a shower in a half-bath.
• The cost to remove a wall is $500 to $2,000 for non-load-bearing.

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Bathtub to shower stall conversion cost

A tub to shower conversion costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average, depending on the shower size, type, material, and plumbing work. Replacing a bathtub with a shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000 for the kit with installation. Converting a tub to a tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.

Cost to replace shower head and faucet

A new shower head installation costs $250 to $800 on average, depending on the style, features, and finish. Standard shower heads cost $15 to $80 for the fixture alone. Rainfall and waterfall shower heads cost $20 to $400 for basic models and up to $2,000 for high-end models.

Full body shower system cost

A full body shower system costs $130 to $2,000, depending on the style and features. Full body shower systems are also called shower panels or shower towers and feature a waterfall showerhead plus 2 to 8 adjustable body spray jets.

Most shower panels feature adjustable water spray patterns. Some models also include a handheld shower head.

Cost to install shower plumbing

Installing shower plumbing costs $850 to $1,200 to rough-in the shower drain and pipes for a first-time installation. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to connect the drain and install new fixtures when replacing an old shower with a new one.

Some shower installations require upgrading the water heater. New water heater installation costs $800 to $3,500.

Shower valve replacement

Shower valve replacement costs $225 to $575, depending on the type. Shower valves control the water pressure and temperature and come in three types. Shower valve repair or replacement may also require tile or drywall repair, depending on the accessibility.

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Additional costs to install a new shower

Additional shower remodeling costs such as a glass shower door and bench, can also be included in your bathroom remodel.

Labor cost to install a shower

The labor cost to install a shower is $350 to $1,000, not including the materials. Installing a new shower may also require hiring a plumber and electrician near you to ensure the work is up to code.

Labor to install a shower stall includes:

• Framing and setting backing board at existing plumbing rough-ins.
• Securing the mortar and routing the plumbing connections.
• Sealing the wall panels.

Installing a shower pan

Shower pan replacement costs $900 to $2,300 on average, depending on if it's a premade shower tray or custom stone or tile pan. A shower pan is a solid, waterproof floor sloped to guide water to the shower drain.

Hot mop shower pan

A hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500 installed. Hot mopping uses asphalt and layers of felt to create a waterproof pan that is less puncture-prone than a vinyl membrane.

Shower door installation

Shower door installation costs $400 to $1,100 for a framed door or $600 to $1,900 for a frameless glass shower door. Shower doors come in hinged, sliding, and bi-fold opening styles. Stationary glass panels, also called shower screens, cost $300 to $1,000 installed.

Handicap showers designed for seniors

Installing a handicap shower costs $3,000 to $6,000 to meet ADA requirements. Handicap walk-in showers feature a zero-threshold curbless entry with a shower floor level with the bathroom floor. Barrier-free showers also provide wheelchair accessibility.

Other options to improve accessibility:

• Installing a grab-bar costs $50 to $300 per bar, including labor.
• Wall-mounted fold-down shower benches cost $100 to $500.
• Converting a tub to a shower costs $2,000 to $12,000, depending on if it's a prefab stall or a tiled walk-in shower.

Cost to install a shower bench

Installing a custom, built-in shower bench costs $300 to $800, depending on the size and material. Wall-mounted fold-down shower benches cost $100 to $500 on average. A shower bench improves accessibility for people with mobility issues and provides a footrest for leg-shaving.

Adding or replacing a bath fan

Replacing a bath fan costs $150 to $550. The cost to install a new bathroom fan is $250 to $950 and requires venting, ductwork, and electrical wiring. A bathroom exhaust fan vents moisture outdoors to reduce humidity, remove odors, and prevent mold and mildew.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to install a shower?

The cheapest shower is installing a fiberglass prefab shower stall with a built-in shower pan. Budget-friendly fiberglass shower stall kits cost $400 to $700. Using a shower curtain instead of a glass shower door also reduces costs.

What are standard walk-in shower sizes?

Standard walk-in shower sizes are:

• 34" x 34" or 36" x 36" for small showers
• 48" x 36" or 48" x 48" for mid-sized showers
• 60" x 36" or more for large showers
• 60" x 30" or 60" x 32" when replacing a standard alcove tub with a shower

A walk-in shower must be at least 30" x 30" to meet minimum code requirements. Guidelines from the ADA and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommend a minimum of 36" x 36" for improved accessibility and comfort.

What is a walk-in shower?

A walk-in shower is a standalone shower without a tub. Some walk-in showers are enclosed by a partial wall or a fixed glass shower screen and don't require a door or curtain. Walk-in showers can be built in any shape and typically have a low threshold or curbless entry.

Is it more expensive to install a shower or bathtub?

Installing a tub is cheaper than installing a shower. Bathtub installation costs $800 to $4,600, whereas shower installation costs $2,000 to $9,000 on average.

How much does it cost to install a shower liner?

Installing a shower liner costs $1,000 to $2,600 for a basic acrylic liner or $4,000 to $7,000 for a custom liner with built-in soap dishes, shampoo shelves, and grab-bars. A shower liner is a solid vacuum-formed piece designed to precisely mold to the contours of the existing shower.

Will Medicare help pay for a walk-in shower?

Medicare will not pay for a walk-in shower. Medicare doesn't cover walk-in showers because they are not considered "durable medical equipment" since anyone in the home can use them. Medicare Advantage plans may reimburse part of the cost when prescribed by a doctor, but coverage varies.

Other financial assistance options for seniors:

• Many states have programs to help senior citizens pay for home modifications.
• The USDA provides grants to elderly residents in low-income rural areas for home modifications to improve safety.
• Non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together offer grants to seniors and people with disabilities to pay for home modifications.

Can I install a shower myself?

Installing a new shower is a complex project that requires plumbing experience and specialized tools. Replacing an existing shower with a prefab stall may be manageable as a DIY project, but new shower installation needs a professional. Incorrect installation may result in water leaks and damage.

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Hiring a shower installer

Before hiring a shower installer near you, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for licensed contractors with experience installing showers.
• Request references and ask to see a portfolio of their previous work.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• For tile showers, look for licensed CTEF Certified Tile Installers (CTI) who are members of the National Tile Contractors Association.
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• What kind of shower do you recommend for my bathroom and why?
• How long have you been in business?
• How many showers have you installed?
• Can you provide references and a portfolio showing your work?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What steps will you take to waterproof the shower?
• Does the estimate include the shower pan, fixtures, doors, and all other required materials?
• Does the estimate include demo, removing the old tub or shower, and hauling away the debris?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• How long will the installation take?
• How many people will be working on the project?
• How soon will I be able to use the shower after the installation?
• Is a warranty included, and if so, what does it cover?

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