How Much Does It Cost To Install A Shower Stall?

New shower replacement cost

There are a variety of factors that will alter the cost to replace a shower stall.  Showers typically come in 32 x 32 or 36 x 36-inch sizes. They come in a variety of types, such as a standard shower, a bathtub and shower combination, a corner shower, or even something custom-built. In order to keep costs down, installing a basic model into the pre-existing space is your best option. The smaller the shower, the less money it will be to purchase.

The style and complexity of the new showerhead will also alter the costs. A new showerhead can rejuvenate an older shower without replacing the entire thing. Another factor to cost is the effort needed to remove the old shower. You’ll have to have it demolished and hauled away. If you want the new shower to be somewhere new, you’ll have to pay to relocate or add new pipes, which can add up as well. These variables make estimating a shower cost difficult to pinpoint.

Shower stall installation vs walk-in shower cost

Most showers include a stall to separate them from the rest of the bathroom, along with a base pan to collect the water. Materials and installation typically cost from $1,722 to $7,440.

However, walk-in showers feature a sealed floor that's level with the rest of the room, offering easier access and better use of space. A walk-in shower is a little more expensive, costing an average of $4,200 to $8,500.

Shower stall installation vs walk-in shower cost

The cost of a new shower stall will also depend if you want a specialized walk-in shower. Different from a stall, which you’d step into, these showers are designed to walk (or even to roll a wheelchair) directly into. The floors may be sloped for drainage, or be sealed against water damage. These showers can be anywhere from $4,200 to $8,500 depending on the scope of the job.

Cost to install a tile shower

There are more factors when it comes to shower stall installation cost. An acrylic stall can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,000, whereas custom tiling can cost between $2.00 to $17.00 per square foot. This is largely due to the labor involved in cutting and properly installing the tiles to fit the design.

Shower installation cost by surround materials

Shower surrounds can be bought as ready-made prefab units, or built to a custom shape and size. For both options, the price largely depends on the type of material used.

Prefab showers

You can purchase prefab showers, which are ready-built in a number of sizes. There are many types, with the most expensive being a composite and solid-surface shower stall. These are the most durable of your options, compared to fiberglass or acrylic prefab installations. Composite stalls can cost between $700 to $2,400, before installation. The cheapest type is plastic and can range from $300 to $500.

Fiberglass shower

If you’re looking for an affordable cost of a new shower stall, you’ll want to look at fiberglass. While not as durable as its competition, it's lightweight and easy to install. These stalls tend to come in one piece and are often designed as small showers. They can range from $400 to $2,000 for purchase. This price doesn’t include installation.

Acrylic shower cost

Acrylic is economical and scratch-resistant. As a prefab unit, it’s very common for occupying the middle ground between durable and inexpensive. These units can range from $550 to $2,000 to purchase. They can come as a single unit, or a pre-packaged, ready-to-install unit. Acrylic is a great way to lower your shower stall replacement costs.

Cultured marble shower cost

Marble can be sleek and refreshing. Cultured marble looks great and is often used for larger showers. You’ll have your option of colors and patterns, but unlike your other prefab options, this one comes with a high cost. Marble can cost between $1,900 to $3,700 to purchase. The price varies based on whether you’re purchasing a single unit or a pre-packed unit to install.

Custom shower materials cost per square foot

Building a custom shower gives you more options than a prefab one, but the cost can be considerably higher once design, materials, and installation are taken into account. Here are some of the most common materials and their average prices.

Ceramic tile

A new shower install cost can vary greatly if you want to build your own. Ceramic tile is available in many shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. It’s relatively easy to install compared to other options and doesn’t require regular maintenance such as re-sealing. Ceramic is great for the floors, walls, and ceiling of a shower. Depending on the style of ceramic you want, the price will range wildly from $1.25 to $100 per square foot. Due to the demand for materials, this price may even increase in the future.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain tiles have the same low-maintenance qualities as ceramic, although they're a little less flexible in terms of design. The tiles tend to come in larger sizes than ceramic, giving a bolder and more uniform look. Depending on the quality and finish of tile, expect to pay between $3 and $30 per square foot for porcelain.

Stone tile

Stone tiles also have a wide variety of aesthetics and finishes. Stone can encompass marble or granite, but slate tends to be the most popular. The cost can range from $5 to $100 per square foot for tiles. They’re more labor-intensive compared to ceramic and require maintenance to remain waterproof. The unique look of stone can be worth the effort. With proper care and resealing, stone will look great even after years of heavy use.

Glass tile

Glass tile can look bright and beautiful, which makes it a uniquely contemporary choice for showers. They require specialized installation, which means it will cost more than other materials. Glass is attractive not just because of its vibrancy, but because it can be cleaned with a simple glass cleaner. The average price for glass tile is between $20 to $50 per square foot.

Stone slab

A stone slab differs from stone tiles, as the slab is exactly that - a large piece of stone making up the frame of the shower. As a result, there’s no need to caulk between the tiles. A slab is heavy and large, and if installed incorrectly - or if an older home settles and shifts the stone - it can develop cracks. When it comes to the cost to replace a shower stall, stone is at the high end, ranging from $45 to $400 per square foot.

Prefab shower cost by shape

For a custom shower, the material costs are mainly down to the overall size rather than the format. However, for a prefab, the shape can have a significant effect on the price of the unit.

Rectangular

Rectangular showers are the most common. They fit well into standard rooms and are the most economical as a result. An average rectangular shower will range from $300 to $1,000.

Walk-in

Walk-in showers range from $1,000 to $8,000 for a prefab unit and can cost as much as $15,000 for customized tile. The cost to install a shower stall you can walk into greatly depends on size, material, and whether you need extra plumbing completed.

Barrier-free

Barrier-free showers are the most accessible, as they have no curb nor lip to hinder wheelchair access. These showers are akin to walk-in showers and can range based on size, type, need, and if you’re adding any handicap features such as a safety rail or shower seat. They can range between $3,000 to $8,000.

Neo-angle

A neo-angle shower is a corner unit with three glass sides. Rather than rectangular, this shower uses its outward side as an entrance and sits snugly in a bathroom. These kits are designed to be economical for your floor space and can range from $400 to $1,000.

Curved

Curved showers are also corner units, but they tend to take up more space. You can expect to pay between $900 to $2,000 for a prefab curved shower.

Tub and shower combination

If you want the option to have a bath, you may want to install a shower tub combination. This takes up space but gives you the best of both worlds. Some days you’ll want a quick shower, others you may want a relaxing soak in a tub. These can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

Shower installation: shower head costs

Shower heads have a rather extreme range of prices. You have the option of something standard and simple or can go with something extremely lavish. You can pay as little as $15 for a simplistic showerhead, but rainfall or waterfall showerheads could cost anywhere from $50 to $100. With any showerhead, you can find highly expensive versions of all types.

A handheld showerhead will run between $20 to $160, whereas a dual showerhead could be between $25 to $275. Tile showerheads can cost up to $100 for a low-range one, and full-body shower systems can cost between $130 to $450. For higher-end versions of any of these, you can expect to pay somewhere between $400 to $2,000

Speakman shower

Speakman shower heads are the classic conical design with a pressure lever on the side, and typically cost around $20 to $40.

Sunflower heads

Sunflower heads have a retro look combining brass and ceramic, and typically cost from $20 to $60.

Waterfall heads

Waterfall heads are large, flat, and send water out as a sheet rather than a spray. Expect to pay from $50 to $100.

Tile heads

Tile heads are fitted flush with the ceiling for a neat, contemporary look, and cost between $40 and $100.

Rain shower

Rain shower heads offer a gentle flow rather than a strong stream, and cost from $100 up to $500.

Deluge shower heads

Deluge shower heads deliver water with a higher amount of pressure and power, and typically cost between $100 and $500.

Other shower installation costs to consider

Shower door installation cost

Not all prefab showers come with doors, and sometimes you need to replace your current shower door. The shower door needs to be effective for getting in and out, keeping water where it belongs, and will ideally be aesthetically pleasing in your bathroom. Typically, a plastic door can cost between $375 to $580 to install, which would include labor and materials. Glass shower doors can be as expensive as $850, though the glass does bring a more upscale look to the entire room.

Shower installation labor costs

Showers, on average, take about three to five days for installation. This, like most aspects of replacing a shower, is dependent on the variables. Labor can cost between $350 to $1,000, depending on the amount of labor involved. 

Bath fan installation cost

If your bathroom already has a fan, it should be relatively easy to replace it with a new model. If it doesn’t, a standard fan could cost $400 to install (which includes labor). You could opt for a higher-end model that provides heat or light, which would add up to an extra $200 to the price tag.

Accessibility

Making a shower accessible needs the addition of two main accessories. If the stall doesn't already include grab bars, fitting a pair will cost between $200 and $400. Installing a bench will add a further $300 to $500.

Plumbing

If you’re replacing your shower, you can ideally use the same pipes and connections that were there previously. If the drain line needs to be installed or moved, or if new pipes are needed, you’ll need a plumber. Plumbers tend to charge $45 to $150 per hour, and installing shower plumbing could cost $850 to $1,200. When you demolish your original shower, you may find that the pipes need updating, so it’s a great idea to budget for this as a “just in case” scenario.

DIY shower installation vs hiring a pro

It is possible to replace your shower yourself, but it's not recommended. Prefab showers are easier to work with if you have experience. A professional will ensure your new shower drains properly, is waterproof, and has a proper gradient on the floor. The more lavish the shower, the more it’s recommended to hire a professional. A shower installed incorrectly can cause a lot of problems, which only get worse the more it’s used. A professional will give you peace of mind that your home is in good care.