How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost in 2024?

Extra space and uncompromising access are what let a walk-in shower head the home remodeling wish list. Homeowners fancy the idea that they don’t have to make an extra effort, like getting in a bathtub or stepping over a barrier to shower. You can design it fully open or separate a shower area with clear glass to protect the rest of the bathroom from water splashes. By matching walk-in shower tiles with the room style, you can augment the seamless effect while adding to the visual flow of the space. Many design options are available, from minimalist, modern designs to more opulent, luxurious aesthetics. 

Even though walk-in shower prices are not extremely budget-friendly, such a bathroom upgrade is worth an investment, especially for the elderly and people with mobility issues. The wide space minimizes the risks of slips and falls during bathing, not to mention those associated with entering a traditional bathtub or shower. You can equip it with grab bars and other add-ons for more comfortable aging in place.  

How much is a walk-in shower? The average range is $8,200 to $15,500 across the USA, with most homeowners spending about $9,300. However, you can fork out almost three times less – $3,200 if you go for a low-end prefab option. On the other hand, the luxury custom alternative can set you back $19,000. 

The price to install a walk-in shower

What Affects the Shower Installation Cost? – Key Factors Explained

Removing an outsize tub and replacing it with a curbless shower is a tried-and-true way to make your bathroom feel airier. With such a makeover, you can boost your property’s value while turning up the comfort level in your home. The size of the shower area, its configuration, and the materials used pose the main determinants of the walk-in shower installation cost. If you are on a shoestring budget and can’t afford a high-end design project, you can kick around these price-shaping factors to cut expenses. We’ll consider them all in detail further, so stay tuned. 

Those who don’t have time to read and calculate the project cost can cut corners by using the MyHomeQuote platform. Here, you can lay out your walk-in shower design ideas, possible pitfalls, or concerns. Once your request is processed, you’ll get tailor-made estimates. Provide the information in the form below.

Walk-in Shower Cost by Specification: Prefab vs. Custom

If you don’t want to follow the 3-R line of shower makeover – remodel, regret, redo – you need to analyze your upcoming project in accordance with your budget. How things unfold significantly hinges on the chosen specification of the walk-in shower. 

A prefabricated one offers more pocket-friendly prices and tight deadlines, but you shouldn’t expect a ‘wow’ effect. Its custom alternative is meant to transform the space by maximizing its aesthetic appeal and functionality. But the cost of a walk-in shower can be twice as high. To handle this dilemma, you should get the blueprint nailed from the outset and gain insight into your available finances. 

The price to install a walk-in shower by specification

The Cost of a Walk-in Shower by Size

Off-the-shelf walk-in showers can be as small as 30''x30'' and as big as 60''x72''. If you select a shower stall with the needs of seniors and mobility-impaired people in mind, it must be at least 36''x36'' in compliance with the ADA. For a fair balance between space and comfort, go for medium-sized options around 48''x36'' or more. 

As bespoke walk-in showers are crafted to fit a particular space or meet specific needs, their dimensions only depend on the available space. They allow multiple unique design features, including railings, non-slip floors, and built-in seats. The only thing here is that the cost of custom walk-in shower installation remains an open-ended question. It can fluctuate based on the materials used and the scope of work required. That’s why any changes to the layout should be evaluated in terms of feasibility, costs, and deadlines.

The price to install a walk-in shower by size

The Cost of a Walk-in Shower Installation by Type

As bathroom square footage is limited, selecting a walk-in shower that perfectly fits the existing space is essential. You can choose from four types to meet your interior and bathing needs. Each of them has unique installation challenges and advantages, which affects the answer to “How much does a walk-in shower cost?”. Hence, before recreating the design you’ve seen on Pinterest, it’s worth analyzing its shower type to determine whether it is in tune with your needs, bathroom space, and budget.

Corner

Planning a small bathroom layout may feel like a pain in the neck. But installing a corner shower can tackle two tasks with one action. You can expand your bathroom’s functional square footage while reducing the cost of walk-in shower installation. Many prefab units have built-in doors, but you can buy a shower tray and complement it with two glass boards. 

Alcove

When converting a tub to a shower, you will likely install a brand-new unit into the existing alcove. Thus, you’ll get three walls with an open side that you can enclose with glass or a shower curtain. It is an ideal option for smaller-sized spaces. Depending on the installation complexity – whether your contractor needs to add water and drainage lines, the price of a walk-in shower can be higher.  

Barrier-Free

Also known as ‘zero-threshold,’ these showers come without a barrier or step for effort-free access. It is the best bet for older adults and people with mobility issues, including those with wheelchairs. As there is no threshold to contain the water, ensuring proper drainage is essential. Many prefab models have built-in seats.

Freestanding 

You don’t have to place your walk-in shower against or within a nook or corner if you don’t want to. However, the installation process can be trickier because the plumbing needs to be rerouted to the selected area, which can add to the walk-in shower cost. You can enjoy a luxurious aesthetic and increased design flexibility despite higher expenses. 

The price to install a walk-in shower by type

The Cost of a Walk-in Shower Installation by Material

Not only does your choice of materials affect the overall expenses, but it also influences the complexity of installation. While everything is more or less clear with prefabricated options – you purchase a ready-made unit made of specific material, custom ones offer room for imagination. If you crave out-of-this-world patterns or intricate designs with your tiles, such a project can be more labor-intensive and require comprehensive knowledge and experience on the contractor’s part.

Do you find it tiresome to get into the nitty-gritty details of selecting ideal materials that won’t skyrocket the total walk-in shower price? No worries. MyHomeQuote is here to provide you with an experienced hand to guide you. Fill in the questionnaire below, and we’ll connect you with up to five best contractors in your district. 

Prefab Materials

Even though acrylic is an unspoken leader among materials used for producing off-the-shelf showers, it is not the only option. You can also find models made of cultured marble or fiberglass. Each option has pros and cons regarding the walk-in shower remodel cost, aesthetics, and installation. 

Acrylic is a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. It comes in all possible dimensions and configurations, making it fit in contemporary and traditional designs. Cultured marble mimics the appearance of natural marble, adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom without making you pay through the nose. Fiberglass is the most expensive option equipped with upscale features.

The price to install a prefab walk-in shower by material

Custom Materials

When it comes to bespoke alternatives, how much to install a walk-in shower depends on the material and additional work required. You can purchase a ready-made acrylic pan and tile it, or refuse any prefabricated elements and do everything from scratch. The modern market is chock-full of materials suitable for making a shower, from porcelain tile to stone slab to solid surface. You can choose one option or combine a few for a more eye-catching effect. Please note that certain materials require extra steps to ensure proper fitting and sealing. Thus, contractors can charge higher rates for their services.

The price to install a custom walk-in shower by material

The Cost of a New Shower Installation by Door Type

A shower curtain is a budget-friendly solution to keep water from splashing out, but it is not 100% effective, meaning your belongings can still suffer from leaks. If you want to save yourself the hassle of daily cleaning, it’s worth considering a more water-proof variant like shower doors. They are available in all possible dimensions and styles to match your shower type perfectly. While most prefabricated walk-in shower kits involve a door, some low-end options may come without. 

How much is a walk-in shower door? Depending on the configuration, you can spend anywhere from $280 to $5,100. For example, if you need to purchase a separate door for a custom shower, you can get an off-the-shelf or bespoke one. You can come across framed and frameless options that swing or hinge. As they all have different levels of complexity, the cost can vary from type to type. 

The walk-in shower replacement cost by door type

The Walk-in Shower Installation Cost by Additional Features

A bathroom remodel is not something you do every year, so it’s worth considering all nuances and add-ons that can come in handy. Worry that extra features like built-in shelves can put a crimp in your expenses? Even though the cost of a tiled walk-in shower can increase, you won’t regret these additional modifications in the long run. Not only do they help improve your shower aesthetics by minimizing clutter and visual noise, but they can also make your bath experience safer and more comfortable. 

If you are about to install a walk-in shower for older family members with chronic pain, consider equipping the bathing space with a bench or seat. A slip-resistant floor can become a boon for everyone, as over 70% of injuries that happen in bathrooms are due to slip-and-fall accidents. 

The cost of walk-in showers for the elderly by add-ons

Labor Cost to Install a Walk-in Shower

If you want to add a walk-in shower to a brand-new construction, your expenses can be much lower than those who install it in a lived-in one instead of the existing shower unit or bathtub. How much for a walk-in shower to get installed? Prefab units are the most cost-effective ones in terms of labor costs. Most plumbers charge between $80 to $155 per hour, depending on the location. You can pay $2,500 to $3,600 for installation (plumbing and draining job included). However, these digits can be higher if demolition or restoration services are required.

And how much does it cost to install a walk-in shower when it is custom-designed? Your contractors may have to go all out to ensure a marvelous result, as besides plumbing, they will take care of waterproofing, tiling, and more. Hence, you should expect to spend from $3,700 to $8,500 in labor. 

Walk-in Shower Replacement Cost

While a freshly built room makes for a pristine canvas on which you can draw your project, a bathroom used for years is a Pandora’s box. Contractors have to tear down the existing materials, assess the condition of the walls, and fix all possible issues like leaks or mold in the first place. Demolition alone can set you back from $450 to $1,100. 

Once the bathroom and soon-to-be shower place are prepared for installation, the following process will be standard. Overall, the average cost of a walk-in shower replacement can be between $4,200 and $8,000, where labor will be paid from $3,100 to $4,500. If you replace a custom shower, you can spend $8,400 to $16,500, shelling out from $4,400 to $8,500 in labor costs.