Shower surrounds perform an important job by preventing water from damaging the drywall and studs, but after years of service, they may look worn or deteriorated. Fortunately, installing a shower surround is a cost-effective update that dramatically improves any bathroom's appearance. It's an especially worthwhile upgrade if the existing enclosure is yellowing, cracking or separating from the wall.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
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What you can expect | |||||
Range per surround: | $557.12 | $689.53 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $557 | $690 | |||
Estimate: $623 | |||||
Shower Surround Cost | 1 surround | $213 | $262 | ||
Cost of residential-grade, 3-piece modular shower wall surround, with caulk-free corner seams, four corner shelves, and a high-gloss finish. | |||||
Shower Surround Labor, Basic | 3 hours | $254 | $308 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Existing wall-mounted fixtures will be removed, plumbing openings marked and cut, and walls secured. Plumbing will be connected, and edges sealed. Repairs and finishing for surrounding walls will incur additional fees. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of installation site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Shower Surround Job Supplies | 1 surround | $33 | $38 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including connectors, fittings, and mounting hardware. | |||||
Shower Surround Equipment Allowance | 1 job | $57 | $82 | ||
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include pneumatic-finish nailer, 10" miter saw, electric jigsaw, 3" belt sander, and 3-1/4" electric planer. Consumable equipment elements not included. | |||||
Shower Surround Debris Disposal | 1 surround | $62 | $70 | ||
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse. | |||||
Optional Services | |||||
Option: Demo and Remove Bath or Shower Area | 4 hours | $74 | $465 | ||
Unit will be detached from adjacent components, broken into portable segments, removed from premises, and disposed of in a safe and legal manner. |
cost to install a shower surround | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per surround | $226.39 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 surround | $594.63 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 surround | $531.47 - $657.79 |
Most homeowners and builders choose prefabricated acrylic and fiberglass shower surrounds over custom tiling due to the affordability and convenience. Shower enclosures come in several configurations although three-piece options are most common. Direct-to-stud liners work best when the framing around the shower or tub is already exposed. Otherwise, the enclosure is secured to the backer board using specially formulated adhesives.
In existing homes, removing the liner and preparing the walls for the new enclosure are the most time-consuming steps. If the existing surround isn't in good condition, the removal process might uncover water damage and mold growth. These problems must be resolved before the installation can proceed. On the other hand, if the area has already been gutted and framed, the installation should move quickly.
This project requires intermediate to advanced plumbing and carpentry skills, such as removing and reinstalling bathtub faucets and using power tools to modify the enclosure and accommodate plumbing lines. In addition to installing trim and applying caulk, licensed contractors use professional finishing techniques that can improve the enclosure's overall appearance as well as its ability to protect against water infiltration.