A wide range of sources contribute to the information provided in our cost guides, from real-time contractor estimates to published cost studies and specialized websites.
Refer to our Methodology and Sources for more in-depth information.
DIG INTO THIS ALL-ENCOMPASSING WALK-IN BATHTUB COSTS OVERVIEW TO PUT GUESSES ASIDE AND SHOP LIKE A PRO
Are you updating your home to make it safe and comfortable for aging in place? Then equipping your bathroom with a walk-in tub should be at the top of your agenda. Our cost overview will help you to discover the up-to-date prices of walk-in tubs and the factors affecting them.
A walk-in tub is a priceless bathing invention for people with mobility issues. Unlike standard tubs, walk-in units are equipped with a low threshold, handling bars, a built-in seat, a door that opens inwards, and other safety features that make bathing easier and safer. Tubs of this type are best for older adults who want to age in place, remaining independent for as long as possible. Except for added safety, walk-in tubs also offer multiple health advantages like hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and water massage, helping bathers to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, poor circulation, and anxiety.
The costs of walk-in bathtubs, especially those with luxury features, are pretty high. That is why this home update requires careful thinking. Looking ahead, we'd like to admit that walk-in bathtubs are worth the investment and bring a tangible return on investment, raising the property's sale value. Nevertheless, they're not created equal, ranging widely by in-built features, sizes, and configurations. From basic soaker models to hydromassage and lay-down ones, walk-in tubs meet different budgets and purposes.
Do you want to cope with bathing on your own and enjoy the therapeutic value of soaking in warm water? Start budgeting for a walk-in tub installation project. This buying guide will serve as a road map, highlighting all aspects that make the overall walk-in tubs cost. Keep reading to take a deeper plunge into the cost-formation factors and national averages based on the latest estimated data.
If you seek to get a precise price for a walk-in tub installation in your region, the best way to go is to fill out the request form on our site. Getting a price quote from us is absolutely free and does not force you to do anything.
How much does a walk-in tub cost? - An overview of national average costs
The price range of walk-in tubs starts at $2.350 and goes as high as $20.000, including the unit itself and labor. The cost is mainly determined by the configuration of the tub, the manufacturing company, and included features. The level of installation complexity also affects the overall quote.
For the beginning of 2024, the national average cost to install a standard soaker walk-in tub made of fiberglass and coated with a gel is $3.750. Tubs of custom size or with specific features like bariatric and wheelchair ones cost from $4.200 to $12.400, which includes the cost of materials and labor. Acrylic walk-in tubs with multiple hydrotherapy features are the costlier ones. Their countrywide cost averages $8.500 and can rise sky-high, depending on the client's custom requirements.
When it comes to walk-in tubs, the labor part of the project's cost is roughly 14%. Nevertheless, it also must be considered while budgeting. The average price of a walk-in tub installation ranges from $700 to $1.500, depending on the location and complexity of the job. Please note that dismantling and disposing of an old tub costs an extra $150 - $200. Plumbing fixes also might be added to the overall installation cost.
What are the main factors that influence walk-in tub costs?
As we said before, the cost you can get in your walk-in tub estimation can vary on countless factors, including but not limited to the tub's size, type, brand, and add-ons. Tubs that meet ADA requirements will cost more. Walk tub prices also vary depending on the material. Units made of wear-resistance acrylic usually have a higher price tag. On top of that, the installation of a walk-in tub that comes along with plumbing, electrical, or structural upgrades adds up to the overall cost. If you want to mount a tub in a place where no tubs were placed before, it will make the ultimate cost even higher.
Let us scrutinize the factors that influence walk-in tub costs:
Material.
The three primary materials used for walk-in tubs are porcelain, acrylic, and gel coat. The most durable and wear-resistant option is acrylic. It is lighter than porcelain and less prone to scratching than a gel coat. Nevertheless, it can show signs of light scratching over time. The least expensive option is the gel coat. However, it's not recommended to go for it, as the chances are you will need to replace your gel-coated walk-in tub sooner than expected.
Type & size.
There are multiple configurations of walk-in tubs aimed to meet the custom needs of bathers. The bigger the size of the tub and the more add-ons it has, the higher the cost. For instance, 2-person and lay-down walk-in tubs are considerably more expensive than standard ones. Plus, they may require additional renovation to be mounted in your bathroom.
Manufacturer.
The origin of a walk-in tub also affects its cost. Lauded brands like Kohler or American Standard made a name for themselves, meeting high-quality standards and selling top-shelf tubs covered by extended warranties. Their products come at higher prices compared to other brands.
Extra features.
Most walk-in tubs come with built-in add-ons to boost the comfort, safety, and convenience of bathers. However, additional options can also be added to a standard tub configuration for an extra cost. The most sought-after add-ons include grab bars, slip-resistant floor, ADA -compliant seating, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy features, in-line heating, lighting, and an anti-scald valve.
Doors.
Walk-in tubs come with both outward and inward-opening doors. The difference between them lies in their storage-saving properties. Thus, outward-opening doors save space inside a walk-in tub, while inward ones allow using less space around the tub. The cost of tubs with outward-opening doors is higher by $400 - $600. Plus, manufacturers offer L, S, and U-shaped doors that fit different sizes and configurations of tubs. U-shaped doors are commonly seen in standard tub models, while S and L ones are in large and combination models for specific needs. These add-ons cost can range from $600 to $800.
Plumbing and electrical.
A walk-in tub installation involving plumbing and electrical services might cost $250 - $750 higher. It requires hiring dedicated professionals who charge from $70 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the task. Shower-to-tub transitions, pipeline system amendments, wiring connections, and installations of a new electrical panel are only a few cases when additional spending is inevitable.
Space.
As a rule, walk-in tubs are installed in the space formerly occupied by a standard tub. Nevertheless, there are cases when homeowners want to replace their shower stall with a walk-in tub. In the latter case, bathroom remodeling with an amending plumbing system can cost as much as $7.000, which is comparable with the average cost of a walk-in tub.
Tiling.
Homeowners forced to remodel their bathroom space around the walk-in tub often invest in new tiling. The part of the wall behind the tub should be properly sealed to create a watertight coverage. Plus, updated tiling helps to create a holistic view of a bathroom. Contractors charge from $7 to $25 per square foot for installing ceramic or porcelain tile.
An overview of walk-in tub costs by their types
Thanks to the growing demand for safe bathing systems for people with specific needs, the market for walk-in tubs has been rapidly developing through the last decade. And today, we have up to 10 basic types of walk-in tubs that can widely vary by their configuration and cost. They can address the special needs of immobility individuals and provide tremendous therapeutic value.
Below you will find the most sought-after walk-in tub configurations, along with their costs and features. This overview will help you to get a general picture of the current offerings and pick the best one for your needs and budget.
Type of a tub
Overview
Advantages
Average cost (including installation)
Standard (soaker) walk-in tub
The standard walk-in tub is much deeper than a regular tub and has basic safety features, allowing a bather with mobility issues to enjoy safe bathing. Tubs of this type hold enough water to ensure bathers can submerge up to their shoulders, reveling in the healing effect of soaking in warm water. Standard walk-in tubs come without luxury add-ons that make their price affordable. Plus, they can fit into the space a traditional tub fits in.
- Affordability
- Enhanced safety (low threshold, raised seat, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Deep soaking
- Have standard dimensions
- Simple to retrofit
- Suits the need of the whole family
$1.500 - $5.000
Walk-in tub shower combo
A walk-in tub with a shower enhances the functionality of a bathroom and saves extra space. Due to the spending associated with adding plumbing and tiling, these walk-in tubs are more expensive than soaker ones. Nevertheless, not only immobile people but the whole family can take advantage of the added convenience of stand-up or a sit-down shower. The walk-in tub shower combo often comes with acrylic walls or curtains to prevent water splashing. The cost of a walk-in tub with a shower is reasonable, which makes it the best bet for people who seek a practical tub with built-in safety features.
- Versatility (both bathing and showering options)
- Suits the need of the whole family
- Enhanced safety (low threshold, raised seat, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Custom showerhead and doors
$3.300 - $6.500
Wheelchair accessible tub
Roll-in tubs are specifically designed for people in wheelchairs. They're equipped with L-shaped outward-opening doors, low and wide seats, and flat entry thresholds to allow wheelchair users to enter the tub safely. These tubs are bigger than standard ones, demanding bathroom remodeling and amending the existing plumbing system. Some wheelchair-accessible tubs come with lifts to ensure maximum independence for immobility people.
- Enhanced safety (flat threshold, extra-wide door opening, low and wide seats, grab bars, anti-slip floor, lifting system, anti-scald valve)
- Meet ADA requirements
- Ensure independence of immobility people
$3.500 - $11.500
Hydromassage walk-in tub
Walk-in tubs of this type are also called whirlpool and hydrotherapy ones. They're equipped with jets that force water or air and provide a deep-tissue massage when turned on. These tubs are recommended for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and muscle tension. Plus, they can be used as a part of post-surgery rehabilitation.
- Enhanced safety (low threshold, raised seat, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Muscle therapy
- Relaxation
- Healing effect
- Soothing of aches
- Whirlpool-like experience
$4.900 - $10.000
Lay down walk-in tub
These tubs allow bathers to lie down, which might be especially helpful for people with health issues that make it difficult or impossible to sit upright. Long tubs are much bigger than regular tubs, which might require reconstructing the bathroom, including layout and plumbing changes. Consider this while budgeting your walk-in tub installation project.
- Allow lying down horizontally inside the tub
- Enhanced safety (low threshold, raised seat, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Suits the need of the whole family
- Can come with safety and luxury add-ons
$3.600 - $10.000
Two-seater walk-in tub
The size and configuration of a tub allow two people to take a bath simultaneously. The two-seater tubs can come with built-in jets, lighting, aromatherapy, and safety features. These walk-in tubs are big and challenging to accommodate in a place where a regular tub or a shower is placed. That means their installation will be accompanied by bathroom reconstruction and changing pipes to bigger ones for a more efficient draining system.
- Roomy
- Equipped with double seats
- Enhanced safety (low threshold, raised seat, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Can come with safety and luxury add-ons
$3.500 - $10.000
Bariatric walk-in tub
Walk-in bathtubs of this type are longer and wider than regular ones, as they're made to accommodate people whose weight goes from 300 to 600 pounds. They have large doors and seats, handling bars, quick drain technology, easy-locking handles, and other safety features. Bariatric tubs can only be installed by remodeling the existing bathroom and preparing a place for installation. Plus, they're two times larger than traditional tubs and need considerable space to be installed.
- Have a considerable weight capacity (up to 600 lbs)
- Suitable for larger bathers
- Enhanced safety (wide doors and seats, low threshold, grab bars, anti-slip floor)
- Can come with safety and luxury add-ons
- Compliant with ADA requirements
$4.400 - $12.000
How much do walk-in tubs cost? - Labor costs overview
The average cost to install a walk-in tub depends on the job load and complexity. A simple retrofit involving dismantling an old tub and installing a new walk-in unit costs around $1.200. Projects that need plumbing updates and electrical hookups will cost $270 - $600 higher. Installation of larger walk-in tub models like bariatric and two-seater ones comes alongside a bathroom renovation and even altering the home's floor plan. Projects involving tiling, updating and sealing the tub's surrounding area, and upgrading plumbing and wiring will absorb more labor costs. You can expect to pay around $7.000 for a complex bathroom renovation associated with installing a custom-size walk-in tub.
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