How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Shower Stall in 2024?

A shower stall has become an indispensable element in modern bathrooms due to its utility, sleek design, and diversity of sizes and configurations. It fulfills a practical role by streamlining a bathing process and offers endless design options, from sleek glass doors that reflect the morning light to intricate tiles that transport you to a Moroccan escape.

Modern shower stalls are made to fit different bathroom layouts and homeowner budgets. Prefabricated units can be installed for as low as $460 for material and labor, while the total cost of custom-built showers with a solid surface may go over $10,000. The typical shower stall cost varies from $1,850 to $7,650, including installation. Projects involving plumbing and tiling range between $7,000 and $12,000. 

The national average cost to replace a shower stall

Labor Cost to Install a Shower Stall

The labor component of the project takes around 60% of the total project cost. It mainly depends on the type of shower, its size, and its configuration. Prefabricated units can be installed by DIY enthusiasts who have the required tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions. A professional installer can cope with such a project in 4-6 hours with an average hourly rate of $80 - $130. This encompasses both the roughing of plumbing and the setup of the surround and trim. Consequently, the total shower stall installation cost will range from $320 to $780, varying from local plumbing rates and the specific time demands of the job.

The situation differs when it comes to custom shower stall installation. The process involves specialists from different fields, such as carpenters, tilers, and plumbers, each bringing their unique skills to achieve a tailored shower design. This multifaceted approach often results in a higher labor cost due to the complexity and customization involved. Installers often charge around $7 per square foot for installing a custom shower stall. The whole process takes around 3 days and costs $4,000 - $6,500 in total. 

Shower Stall Installation Cost by Type

Installing a new shower stall can dramatically transform the appearance and functionality of your bathroom, but the costs can vary widely depending on the type you choose. Whether it's a prefabricated unit that offers convenience and cost-efficiency or a custom-designed stall that provides a unique, tailor-made solution, understanding the price differences is crucial. Read on to explore the installation costs associated with different types of shower stalls to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences.

Barrier-Free Shower

Barrier-free showers offer unparalleled accessibility, merging the convenience of walk-in designs with the essential functionality for those with mobility challenges. Options range from fully acrylic units to custom designs, with the possibility of blending an acrylic base with tiled walls for a semi-custom solution. Incorporating features like grab bars and benches, they can be tailored to meet specific needs, ensuring safety and comfort for all users. You can expect to spend from $800 to $7,450 for a barrier-free shower stall installation, including labor.

Neo-Angle Shower

Neo-angle showers represent an efficient use of space, especially in smaller bathrooms, by fitting into corners with their innovative design. These units typically feature two walls and a pan shaped with three straight angles, including an outward-facing side that serves as an entrance, often completed with a door following the same angular design. The most sought-after models are made of acrylic for durability and ease of installation. Generally, the cost to install a shower stall in a neo-angle design varies from $730 to $6,550 for material and labor.

Rectangular Shower

These showers can seamlessly integrate into a myriad of bathroom layouts, ranging from compact to expansive spaces. They offer the flexibility of being designed with or without a curb, accommodating additional features such as built-in benches, shelves, and multiple shower heads or body sprays. With the minimum size threshold of roughly 36” by 36” to comply with building codes in most areas, these showers can be scaled up as desired, making them an economical choice for both standard and customized bathroom designs. As for the actual installation cost, rectangular showers may range from $760 to $7,000, depending on their material and size. 

Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers vary widely in shape and configuration from rectangular and curved to neo-angle and barrier-free. They may be enclosed with glass doors, allowing for customization in size to fit any bathroom layout. Particularly favored for master bathrooms, these showers can feature minimalistic designs with one solid wall and three glass walls or opt for a more traditional setup with three solid walls and a single glass door for privacy and accessibility. The installation cost of walk-in showers ranges between $1,150 and $8,200. 

Curved Shower

Curved showers present a distinctive design choice, primarily installed in corner settings, where the front of the shower boasts a unique curved shape, and the back corners converge at precise angles. The rarity and intricacy of curved shower pans and doors contribute to a higher cost, particularly when compared to other prefabricated models that come with standard shapes and features. One should expect to spend as high as $1,300 - $9,000 for a shower of a curved type.

Cost to install a shower stall by type

Cost to Install a Shower Stall by Surround Materials

You may expect to spend a different budget on a shower stall depending on the choice between prefabricated and custom-built units, with the material used for the surround being a pivotal factor affecting the price. Prefab showers offer a more budget-friendly alternative with fixed designs and materials. In their turn, custom showers open up a realm of possibilities with a range of exquisite and water-resistant materials like ceramic, stone, and glass, offering greater design flexibility at a higher cost.

See the tables below to discover how much a shower stall costs by surrounding materials.

Other Factors Affecting a Shower Stall Installation Cost

When installing a shower stall, various factors, including electrical work for steam showers, potential water damage, adherence to local codes, and the choice between spa-like features, can influence the cost and complexity of the project. It's essential to consider these additional considerations and expenses beforehand. 

Shower Door

Whether you want to enhance the functionality of the existing prefab shower or convert a bathtub to a standalone shower for better accessibility, you need to install a shower door. As a rule, a glass door of a standard size and configuration ranges from $910 to $2,650, including labor.

Accessibility Features

Specialized elements that go beyond standard fittings, like grab bars, non-slip flooring, wider doors, and low or no threshold entries, add to the total shower stall replacement cost. Generally, you can expect to spend from $195 to $415 for a pair of grab bars, another $150 - $230 for a non-slip floor, and up to $450 for installing a bench. 

Plumbing

The plumbing requirements can significantly influence the overall cost of installing a shower stall. If you need to install new pipes, move the drain line, or make other extensive changes, hiring a professional plumber will be necessary, increasing the overall installation expense. Depending on the extent and complexity of the plumbing job, you can expect to pay from $700 to $1,250 per project. 

Shower Stall Replacement Cost

Replacing a shower involves a variety of choices, from sticking with a similar model to transitioning between tile, prefab, or slab walls, each affecting the overall cost. Changes in the shower's layout, size, plumbing, and valve systems also contribute to the price variability. 

If replacing an existing prefab unit with a new one, the costs can start with tear-out fees of around $200, plus installation fees that range from as low as $850 to as high as $4,600. 

If you aim to upgrade your prefab shower to a custom one, you should expect to invest from $4,200 to $10,000, including tearing out the existing enclosure and installing a new one with the framing, backer board, and tile.

The cost to remove a shower stall with tile walls falls within $500 - $750, especially if mud jobs are required. When replacing the shower with one of a similar size and material, the average total expenditure falls within the range of $9,500 to $10,000.