Whether you’re remodeling your shower or your entire bathroom, a walk-in shower can give your home a modern style upgrade. Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower can range from $6,000 to $12,000, with an average cost of $9,000.
Walk-in showers are growing in popularity, making bathrooms look more spacious and allowing users to avoid stepping over the edge of a bathtub. You can either pick a prefabricated design to save money or build the customized shower of your dreams. We’ll go over the cost factors in more detail below.
- We recommend hiring a professional bathroom remodeler to install your walk-in shower rather than installing it yourself because of the risk of improper installation. Incorrectly installed showers can leak, which may cause extensive water damage to your walls and floors. A professional installer will minimize these errors and provide you with a workmanship warranty if an issue arises.
All cost data in this article was sourced from 2025 Angi pricing estimates unless otherwise noted.
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Walk-In Shower Cost Factors
The amount you pay for a walk-in shower can vary drastically depending on multiple factors. For example, installing a prefabricated shower will generally cost less than a fully custom unit. The material you choose, the type of shower, and installer rates also factor into your shower remodel cost.
We break down each cost factor in more detail below to help you know what to expect with a walk-in shower installation.
Prefabricated vs. Custom Design
The biggest factor influencing walk-in shower costs is whether to install a prefabricated shower or a custom shower. The cost of a prefabricated unit ranges from $700 to $3,000, according to Angi.
Companies selling prefabricated showers deliver them as a kit that includes the shower pan and surround. They may also include the plumbing and glass shower doors. Prefab showers are more affordable and easier to install because they typically come fully or nearly fully assembled.
Custom walk-in showers are much more expensive compared to prefabricated units. Installers must build these showers from the ground up, requiring more materials and labor. Depending on which options you select, a custom shower can cost anywhere between $4,200 and $8,500.
Building a custom shower often involves framing a new area or incorporating an existing closet space into the shower. Custom showers typically have more durable, high-end materials. Though this is a bigger upfront investment, custom showers might fit in better with a full bathroom renovation later on.
The table below shows the average cost of walk-in showers based on design.
| Shower Design | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated shower | $1,850 |
| Custom Shower | $6,350 |
Cost by Type of Shower
The type of shower you choose affects its installation, placement, and functionality in your bathroom. If you’re replacing a bathtub with a shower, converting the alcove—or space in between two walls—will require three walls and either a glass door or curtain for enclosure.
Those with small bathrooms should consider a corner or freestanding shower with a curved or angled pan to save space, though these may not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard of 36-inch minimum entries. You can also install a freestanding shower, which allows you to select from several showering options, such as a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead, a hand shower on a slide bar, or a demountable hand shower.
Some freestanding showers require installing only one or two walls, while open showers close off the entire bathroom when the shower is in use, leading to “wet room” floor plans that are typically suitable for large bathrooms with good ventilation.
Another option that can help ensure your safety if you have mobility issues is choosing a curbless—or roll-in—shower. These units have the shower floor flush with the bathroom floor, and there’s no lip to step over. You can add a door or curtain to your curbless shower for a more enclosed space.
The table below shows the average cost of walk-in shower installation based on shower type.
| Shower Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Corner | $4,000 |
| Curbless/roll-in | $6,000 |
| Freestanding | $6,000 |
| Alcove | $8,000 |
Cost by Shower Material
Another factor to consider is the material you use to build your walk-in shower. High-end materials, such as marble and granite, will typically cost more than tile or acrylic. Expect to pay between $2 and $17 per square foot of tile on average and up to $65 per square foot for high-end stone.
If you decide to use a prefabricated walk-in shower insert, you’ll pay for the entire unit rather than per square foot. For example, an acrylic insert ranges from $500 to $2,000, while a fiberglass insert costs between $400 and $2,000.
The table below shows the average cost per square foot of a few common walk-in shower materials.
| Shower Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tile | $2–$17 |
| Marble | $10–$35 |
| Granite/other high-end stone | $40–$65 |
Installation and Labor Costs
The final major factor affecting walk-in shower costs is installation and labor. Expect to pay an additional $400–$2,000 on top of the shower unit costs to hire a professional contractor. That said, the amount you pay for labor depends on the size of your project, its complexity, and the type of labor needed.
For instance, you may need to hire more than a single specialized contractor to handle various aspects of the shower installation. The table below shows the labor rates per hour of three contractor types that you may need for your walk-in shower project.
| Contractor Type | Labor Rate (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | $50–$100 |
| Tiling installer | $30–$120 |
| Plumber | $45–$200 |
Additional Cost Considerations
Like most home improvement projects, there are additional costs that could spring up during installation. We detail several cost factors to expect during your walk-in shower project:
- Permits ($250–$500 per permit): Before starting your walk-in shower installation, verify with your local municipality whether or not you need a permit to install the shower in your home.
- Shower size ($2,700–$5,400* for a 36-by-36-inch shower): The size of the walk-in shower you choose will impact your total project costs. Larger showers will cost more because they require more materials and labor to install correctly.
- Shower doors and enclosures ($550–$1,400): While not a necessity, you have the option to add a glass door or enclosure to your walk-in shower. A glass door or enclosure can add visual appeal to your shower while preventing excess water spillage.
- Shower accessories and upgrades ($75–$1,900): Shower accessories and upgrades vary in price depending on what you want. For example, a simple grab bar costs $100–$500, while dual showerheads can cost up to $1,000.
*Cost data was sourced from Fixr.com.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is an open-designed shower, which is easier to enter than stepping over a bathtub. These showers typically include a glass enclosure or partition to contain water while maintaining a sleek, modern look. Unlike conventional shower-and-tub combinations, a walk-in shower eliminates the need for a bathtub, allowing for a more spacious feel.
Beyond looks, walk-in showers improve accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility concerns. The absence of a large ledge allows for easier entry, reducing the risk of tripping or slipping. Many walk-in showers incorporate slip-resistant flooring, built-in seating, and grab bars to enhance safety and comfort.
While installation costs vary depending on materials, customization, and plumbing modifications, investing in a walk-in shower can increase a home’s value and long-term usability.
How To Save on Walk-In Showers
Even if you hire professional shower installers, you can still save money by following these tips:
- Disassemble your old shower or tub and remove it yourself using proper safety equipment.
- Install a prefabricated shower in an existing location instead of customizing your shower.
- If you opt for tile, consider regrouting the shower at the end of the installation.
- Work with your home’s existing plumbing layout as much as possible.
Professional Walk-In Shower Installation Process
Although you may want to install your walk-in shower yourself to save money, we don’t recommend doing so unless you have plumbing and remodeling experience. You must perform several important steps correctly to prevent severe water leakage. Below, we go over the main steps professionals take to install a walk-in shower:
- Planning and preparation: The first step is to have a professional consultation with you to plan the design and location of your walk-in shower. From there, the professional will obtain the necessary permits to start the installation.
- Plumbing and drainage: Next, your contractor will begin installing or adjusting the necessary plumbing lines to fit your new walk-in shower. The contractor will also set up proper draining systems.
- Subfloor preparation: Once your contractor sets up the shower’s plumbing and drainage, the subfloor preparation is next. This step ensures there is a proper slope on the shower floor to help with water drainage.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing involves installing a membrane on the subfloor and walls of the shower to prevent water from leaking into other parts of your bathroom or house.
- Shower base installation: After the professional finishes waterproofing the shower, they’ll install the shower base on top of the subfloor. Contractors typically apply thin-set mortar to the bottom of the shower pan to permanently connect the pan to the subfloor.
- Wall preparation and installation: Next, your contractor will begin measuring, cutting, and installing shower panels or backer boards to fit your shower space.
- Fixture installation: Once your installer completes the shower wall installation, they will move on to fixture installations, such as the shower valve, faucet, and showerhead.
- Final touches: The final step professionals take is to apply caulk or grout where needed, clean the area, and check if your shower works as designed.
How To Hire a Remodeling Professional
When looking for professional shower installers, keep the following things in mind.
- All the tradespeople involved should have the necessary licensing in your state.
- All contractors should carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and accreditation status.
- Get quotes on a set design from at least three different contractors before making your choice.
Is Installing a Walk-In Shower Worth It?
A walk-in shower is a worthwhile investment if you want to enhance comfort, improve accessibility, and increase your home’s resale value. Although it can be an expensive project, you can minimize its financial impact with careful budgeting or by choosing prefabricated options. Custom showers offer more design flexibility but require a higher investment. Note that different materials and layouts can help balance aesthetics, functionality, and affordability.
Regardless of which walk-in shower type you choose, we recommend hiring a professional to install it. A licensed contractor will perform proper installation and provide a warranty for their work. Before reaching out to contractors, we suggest narrowing down your shower layout and material choices to streamline the process and get more accurate quotes.
FAQs About Walk-In Showers
What is a fair price for a walk-in shower?
A fair price for a walk-in shower largely depends on the type, style, and material choice you select. A basic prefabricated walk-in shower with no additional features should cost an average of $1,850, including installation. A custom-built shower should cost an average of $6,350. Expect to pay more if you add more shower features and use higher-end materials.
Will adding a walk-in shower increase my home’s value?
Replacing a tub or old shower with a walk-in shower may increase your home’s value, particularly if you live in an area with older residents where accessible bathrooms are important. However, families with young children tend to value having at least one bathtub in the house.
What is the difference between a walk-in shower and a step-in shower?
A step-in shower typically has a bathtub, and you must step over the side of the bathtub to get in. A walk-in shower has no tub, so you may only need to step over a small lip called a curb—or sometimes no lip at all—to get in.
How much does it cost to remove a bathtub and add a walk-in shower?
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $8,000 to remove an existing bathtub and add a walk-in shower. The amount you pay will depend on the complexity of eliminating your bathtub as well as the type of walk-in shower you want. You’ll pay less for a prefabricated shower compared to a custom unit built from the ground up.
