Walk-In Shower Cost Calculator

Walk-in shower costs range from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on type and materials. Acrylic/prefab kits cost $2,500–$5,000, custom tiled showers $5,000–$10,000, curbless/ADA showers $6,000–$12,000, and luxury multi-head showers $8,000–$15,000. Add $500–$2,000 for a glass door, $300–$800 for a bench seat, and $200–$500 for a niche. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of total cost.

A basic walk-in shower ($2,500–$5,000) costs roughly the same as a bathtub replacement ($1,800–$5,000). However, mid-range tiled walk-in showers ($5,000–$10,000) are more expensive than most tub installations. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower adds $1,000–$3,000 for plumbing relocation and drain modifications. Walk-in showers can increase home value by 5–8% in the bathroom.

The cheapest walk-in shower is an acrylic or prefab kit at $2,500–$5,000 installed. These one-piece or multi-panel kits include walls and a base, require minimal waterproofing labor, and install in 1–2 days. Budget further with a curtain instead of glass door (saves $500–$2,000). DIY installation of a prefab kit can bring costs down to $800–$1,500 for materials only, but proper waterproofing is critical.

Installation time varies by type: prefab/acrylic kit takes 1–2 days, custom tiled shower takes 5–7 days (including waterproofing cure time), curbless/ADA shower takes 5–10 days due to floor modifications, and luxury multi-head shower takes 7–14 days. Demolition of an existing tub or shower adds 1 day. Plumbing rough-in adds 1–2 days if relocating fixtures. Most contractors recommend allowing 2 weeks for a full custom shower project.

Walk-in showers don't require a door if designed correctly. Doorless (open) showers need minimum 36-inch entry width and a splash wall or partial glass panel to contain water. Benefits: no door to clean, ADA accessible, modern look. Downsides: less heat retention, potential water splashing, requires larger shower area (minimum 42x60 inches). Glass doors ($500–$2,000) or frameless panels ($300–$1,200) are popular alternatives that contain water better.

A curbless shower has no raised threshold — the floor slopes directly into the drain for a seamless transition. Cost is $6,000–$12,000, about 20–40% more than a standard walk-in shower. Benefits: ADA/wheelchair accessible, modern aesthetic, easier to clean, aging-in-place friendly. Requirements: linear drain ($200–$600), sloped subfloor, high-quality waterproofing membrane. Worth it for accessibility needs, resale value (appeals to aging buyers), and contemporary design.

All walk-in showers require a waterproof membrane behind tile and under the base. Options: sheet membrane like Schluter Kerdi ($2–$4/sq ft installed), liquid membrane like RedGard ($1–$3/sq ft), or hot mop ($3–$5/sq ft). Critical areas: shower pan (must slope 1/4" per foot to drain), wall-floor joints, valve penetrations, and niche interiors. Waterproofing failure is the #1 cause of shower problems — never skip this step. Cost adds $500–$1,500 to the project.

Yes, tub-to-shower conversion costs $3,000–$8,000 depending on scope. Basic conversion (prefab kit in tub space): $3,000–$5,000. Custom tiled conversion: $5,000–$8,000. Costs include: demolition ($300–$600), plumbing relocation ($500–$1,500), new drain ($200–$500), waterproofing ($500–$1,500), and wall finishing. The existing tub footprint (typically 30x60 inches) works well for a standard shower. Permit may be required — check local codes.