How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower in 2024?

The modern pace of life doesn’t leave homeowners much room for bathing. That’s why bathroom makeovers often involve shower replacement or new installation. Such an upgrade allows for perking up the space while reimagining the daily bathing routine. If you are willing to add to your bathroom’s overall appearance and functionality, it’s worth starting with discovering potential expenses. The list of cost-shaping factors consists of materials, labor rates, customization, plumbing and structural changes, your home location, and more. To keep the cost of new shower installation or replacement down, you need to know its base components and plan your project well in advance. 

If it’s your first shower, you should be ready to spend between $3,800 and $15,000. The average new shower install cost is $7,850. However, once you decide to replace the existing one, you can pay anywhere from $1,000 to $7,400, with most homeowners shelling out $3,200. 

The price of installing a shower

Cost range for new shower installation	$3,800 - $15,000
Cost range for shower replacement	$1,000 - $7,400

Shower Installation Cost Breakdown

Most homeowners clearly know what their brand-new shower should look like. However, while they zero in on the aesthetic aspect, the physical dimensions and materials selected are what form the price. No contractor can tell you how much to install a shower when knowing nothing about the size, preferred type, and material of the dream unit, to name a few. 

If you have several variants in mind but don’t know which one fits your budget, you can solve this puzzle with MyHomeQuote. Avail yourself of a user-friendly platform to outline the key parameters of your shower and the design options you would like to try. Once your request is analyzed, our team will cherry-pick the most suitable contractors in your area and ask them to provide you with custom estimates.  

Cost to Install a Shower by Size

Replacing the existing shower stall with a new one of the same size is the most affordable option, especially when it comes to prefabricated units. If you want to expand the shower space or move it to another place to make the most out of your layout, the cost to install a shower will be higher. The size affects both your bathing experience and the amount of required tiling, plumbing, and fixtures. Thus, more oversized showers offer a spa-like routine for an extra fee. Whether you go for a prefab or custom unit, the price will increase for every additional inch, both in materials and labor. 

The price of shower installation by shower size

Size	Average cost
32 inches by 32 inches	$1,100 - $1,700
34 inches by 34 inches	$1,300 - $2,100
36 inches by 36 inches	$1,890 - $2,400
48 inches by 36 inches	$2,500 - $3,000
48 inches by 48 inches	$3,400 - $4,000
60 inches by 36 inches	$3,200 - $4,500

Cost to Install a Shower by Type

If your shower appears dilapidated or needs substantial repairs that can only be addressed through a complete overhaul, you can seize this opportunity to go for a different, comfier type. Your choice should be based on the budget and bathroom layout. Please note that sticking to the exact model you currently have can save you a bundle. If you hate the one you have and want to switch to an alternative one, there is a trick to reduce the new shower installation cost. Select an off-the-shelf model instead of a tailor-made one, and your expenditure will remain low. 

Stand-Alone Shower

Modern, minimalist style and practicality make this shower type the #1 choice among many homeowners. You can stop by the nearest hardware store for a prefabricated option in the desired size. Its construction allows you to install it against a wall or in a corner. Contemporary designs often incorporate glass doors and metallic frames, providing a stylish, modern look. Stand-up shower installation costs from $900 to $7,800 based on the selected materials and features. 

Shower-and-Tub Combo

You no longer need to choose between invigorating showers and calming bubble baths, as this stunning combo offers multi-functionality. But how much does to install a shower + bathtub type? If it is supposed to be a full-scale project, you can spend up to $9,000. But if you need only to install a shower insert, your expenses can be as low as $370.  

Tub-to-Shower-Stall Conversion

It is a popular choice for those who prefer showers to baths or are looking to optimize a modest bathroom space. The process may involve rerouting plumbing, installing new tiles, a new shower base, and potentially new shower doors. Based on the changes and material choices, the shower stall installation cost can land between $1,500 and $8,000. 

Walk-in Shower

Due to their easy access and opulent allure, walk-in showers have become a trending choice for contemporary homes. Their design allows direct barrier-free access, meaning you don’t need to step over a bathtub edge or threshold. A prefabricated option can set you back about $1,000, while its custom counterpart can cost up to $15,000.

Steam Shower

It is one of the most luxurious yet sophisticated shower projects. The construction requires robust, non-porous steam containment materials, contributing to its higher cost. Moreover, you will have to shell out on electrical work. The cost to install a shower can be from $2,700 to $14,800. 

Accessibility Shower

Designed with disabled people in mind, accessibility showers feature zero-threshold entries and non-slip flooring to enhance safety. These showers often include built-in seats, handheld showerheads, and strategically positioned grab bars for added stability and comfort. How much to install a new shower of this type? As the process may require extensive bathroom modifications, you can spend between $2,500 and $16,000.

The price of shower installation by type

Type	Average cost
Stand-alone shower	$900 - $7,800
Shower-and-tub combo	$370 - $9,000
Tub-to-shower-stall conversion	$1,500 - $8,000
Walk-in shower	$1,000 - $15,000
Steam shower	$2,700 - $14,800
Accessibility shower	$2,500 - $16,000

Cost to Install a Shower by Material 

Are you okay with prefab showers, or are you a custom-shower-only person? Whatever the case, selecting the suitable material is another point on your to-do list. Prefab options are notorious for being affordable, but there are still some cheaper and more expensive units. With custom counterparts, you can be even more spoiled by choice. That’s why it is essential to view the most common variants in detail.

Prefabricated Shower Material

Installation of a prefabricated shower is a great way to refresh the space on a budget. Its stall can be made of acrylic, cultured marble, or fiberglass. Let’s examine each option closer to determine their drawbacks and advantages:

• Acrylic. Homeowners opt for this material because of its ability to resist scratching, cracking, and fading. Some models are reinforced with fiberglass for additional strength.
• Cultured marble. It is a type of faux stone made from a blend of stone particles and resin. It offers an affordable, elegant, and durable option for shower interiors. However, it is prone to discoloration from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and harsh chemicals.
• Fiberglass. If you are a passionate DIYer, this material is ideal for you. Moreover, as it represents a mix of woven fibers and plastic resin, the fiberglass shower installation cost appears to be the most affordable. However, your unit can scratch, crack, or fade over time.

The price of shower installation by material

Material	Average cost (material only)
Acrylic	$500 - $2,000
Cultured marble	$1,800 - $3,750
Fiberglass	$390 - $2,100

Custom Shower Material 

If your home interior design is meant to impress, chances are high that a prefabricated shower stall won’t be your thing. Fortunately, hardware stores are full of tiling materials – from glass tiles to solid surfaces to stone slabs – allowing for bringing ideas to life. Thus, ceramic tiles are the most widely used option as they are stain- and scratch-resistant. However, for an extra oomph, stone tiles are worth considering as they offer a fancy look to your shower. 

Please note that premium materials can hike up the cost of building a shower. Hence, if you are on a shoestring budget, it is worth calculating your expenses for tiling beforehand. It won’t be a challenge because tiling materials are usually priced by square foot. You only need to discover your shower dimensions and do some math. 

Finding it hard to make a choice? A certified contractor can be beneficial in this scenario. Through MyHomeQuote, you can connect with high-caliber specialists in your locality who can guide you on replacing or installing your shower afresh. Fill in the form below to let us know more details about your project.

The price of shower installation by tiling material

Tiling material	Average cost per sq. ft.
Stone tile	$5 - $50
Glass tile	$11 - $40
Ceramic tile	$1.5 - $95
Porcelain tile	$2- $35
Porcelain slab	$7.5 - $35
Solid surface	$95 - $200
Stone slab	$45 - $395

Accessories Contributing to the Total Shower Installation Cost

The devil is in the details, and when it comes to showers – it is all about accessories. The type of shower head, doors, and built-in features like benches or niches are what add to your uncompromising bathing experience. However, top-notch fixtures like a rain-style showerhead or a frameless glass door can significantly increase the shower installation price. Let’s bring into view the most essential accessories your shower can’t become comfy without. 

Shower Head 

Many homeowners wrongly belittle the role of a shower head in defining their bathing experience. Even though all models are designed to regulate water flow and direction, some types offer a unique functionality:

• Adjustable-pressure shower head. It allows you to customize water pressure, offering a personalized showering experience.

• Full-body showerhead. Equipped with multiple jets spraying water from different angles, it offers a luxurious, spa-like experience.

• Handheld shower head. If you live with kids, pets, or people with mobility concerns, this type of showerhead can become a boom. 

• High-pressure shower head. Even homes with low water pressure can benefit from such an upgrade. 

• Rainfall shower head. It disperses water in a gentle, rain-like pattern. You can come across luxury models featuring various spray settings & LED lights.

The price of shower installation by shower head

Type	Average cost
Adjustable-pressure	$190
Full-body	$600
Handheld	$110
High-pressure	$80
Rainfall	$95

Shower Faucet

The critical function of a shower faucet lies in controlling the water flow and temperature. There are many different types to consider. Thus, pressure balance valves maintain a constant water pressure until sudden water changes occur (like a toilet flush). But their thermostatic counterparts regulate temperature precisely, no matter what. Digital shower faucets allow temperature control with digital touchscreen panels. They all come in various materials and finish styles, from chrome to bronze to nickel, bringing a distinct aesthetic to your bathroom.

Shower Pan

The shower pan is the bottom part of the shower enclosure and directs water into the drain. Once in the market, you can find shower pans in various shapes – square, rectangular, neo-angle, quarter-circle – to match your shower space perfectly. Whether you prefer low-profile options or those with a high threshold for more depth, they are all available. 

Shower Door

Not only does a shower door create a distinct look for your bathroom, but it also ensures water containment. Frameless options come with a higher price tag while offering a sleek look. Semi-frameless doors offer a balance of style and affordability. Framed doors provide excellent durability and cost less but may seem dated. 

Bathroom Fan 

The overall hygiene and well-being of your bathroom hinges on the bathroom fan as it aids in reducing humidity, eliminating odors, and preventing the growth of mold. Standard fans expel moist air, while those with an inbuilt heater can warm up cold bathrooms. Please note that features like motion or humidity sensors and energy-efficient models can add to the cost.

Bathtub and Shower Liner

Bathtub and shower liners represent acrylic or PVC overlays designed to cover existing tubs or showers, providing a fresh appearance without needing a complete remodel. You can install them over damaged areas, effectively hiding cracks or stains.

The price of shower installation by accessories

Type	Average cost
Shower faucet	$160 - $600
Shower pan	$500 - $2,700
Shower door	$580 - $1,900
Bathroom fan	$100 - $1,200
Bathtub and Shower Liner	$1,300 - $3,500

Additional Factors Affecting the Shower Installation Price

A bathroom project is a pricey one for a reason, and a shower installation is one of its most sophisticated parts. It can involve multiple pitfalls and issues managing, which can cost you a penny. Even if you don’t incorporate special features like steam generators, your expenses can still be high, mainly if the following factors occur. 

Demolition and Cleanup

You won’t need this service if you install a shower in a freshly built home. However, those about to replace the existing unit must dismantle it first. You can shell out from $45 to $100 for such a service, provided that neither wall demolition nor pipe removal and replacement are required. The cleanup can set you back about $240.  

Plumbing Modifications

Often, a shower installation or replacement necessitates modifications to the existing plumbing system. This can involve removing old pipes, adding new fixtures, or alterations or relocations of current plumbing. Professional plumbing services can cost from $550 to $7,500, based on the scope of work required. 

Permits

In many regions, building codes require getting a permit for major plumbing work inside a house. You can spend anywhere from $100 to $300. Even though it means additional expenses, noncompliance with regulations can cost you much more.

Shower Location 

Incorporating a new shower into a half-bath can range from $ 5,800 to $13,000 because fresh plumbing and fixtures are needed. It’s recommended to consult your contractor about the average cost to install a shower in a room. 

The price of shower installation by add-on services

Service	Average cost
Demolition and cleanup	$45 - $340
Plumbing modifications	$550 - $7,500
Permits	$100 - $300
Shower Location	$5,800 - $13,000

Labor Cost to Install a New Shower

The installation process’s intricacy determines a seasoned contractor’s labor fees. The accessibility of the installation area, project scale, and degree of customizations required influence the labor cost of installing a shower surround. Urban areas are more likely to have steeper installation costs than rural regions. The total labor cost to install a shower stall can vary depending on the location, falling from $300 to $2,000.