Cost to Install a Shower – 2024 Price Calculator

How Much Does a Shower Installation Cost?

Installing a shower is a sizable project that might require a few different professionals, depending on the type of shower. While a plumber can install a prefab unit on their own, a custom shower may require more professionals, such as a plumber, tile installer, and glass installer.

Because of this, the project is often part of a larger bathroom renovation; learn more about the costs associated with the project.

The cost to install a shower varies based on a few different things, such as the type of shower, whether you use a prefab unit or tile, quality of fixtures and hardware, and cost of labor in your area. Most people spend $3,500 to $11,000 for a complete shower installation, including plumbing, fixtures, and hardware.

Average Shower Prices

The type of shower can have an impact on the cost of the plumbing, materials, and hardware required. Showers can be installed on their own or with a tub, and in either case, you also have the option of using prefab units or designing a custom shower using tile or slabs.

Standalone Shower Costs

A standalone or stall shower is becoming much more popular to supplement a standalone bathtub or for use in smaller or secondary bathrooms. They can be finished either using a prefabricated stall kit or using custom tile.

Prefab shower stalls can be made of a few materials, including acrylic and fiberglass. Costs to install a basic prefab unit with fixtures is around $1,200 to $1,750. If you choose a unit with a door, costs will approach $3,000 installed.

Showers can also be constructed entirely using tile installed on backer board, which is installed over the studs with a vapor barrier. Tile showers require a bit of construction, making this a custom project.

Tile installers or a contractor will need to construct a shower pan, install backer board on the walls, add a moisture barrier, and then install the tile. Custom tile showers often cost $3,000 to $15,000 or more.

Shower/Tub Combination Costs

Shower and tub combination units are the most commonly installed type of shower due to their flexibility. Shower/tub combos are also available in prefab units made of acrylic or fiberglass.

Some are available with options like jets in the tub, grab bars, and doors, while others are more simple. They have an average cost of around $2,000 to $5,000 installed.

If desired, you can also build a custom tub/shower. Choose from standard air bath or jetted tubs, and create a surround with tile or slabs.

While most alcove tub/showers are 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, it’s possible to have tubs up to 72 inches long and 24 inches deep. Costs for a tiled tub/shower installation start around $3,500 to $15,000.

See our bathtub installation cost guide for more information on the cost of installing a tub.

Shower Fixture Costs

Adding new fixtures can make an old shower look new again at a fraction of the expense.

Shower fixtures typically come in chrome, bronze, nickel, or brass finishes. They come in a few components. You can change the valve cover along with the shower head and/or tub spout for $200 to $1,000.

You can also completely change the valve inside the wall and the finish plates and faucets for $500 to $2,000. This is a good option if your existing valves are starting to stick, leak, or have other issues.

Installation can often be completed in about an hour to an hour and a half if you should be able to use the old water lines and drainpipes.

Showerheads

The homeowner or a handyperson can usually replace showerheads without hiring a plumber. Most showerheads can get twisted off, as there are usually screw threads holding them in place. It will require thread seal tape, a polytetrafluoroethylene tape placed over the threads before screwing on the new shower head to keep water from leaking.

If you do hire a plumber to replace a showerhead, it should not take more than one hour, unless the old showerhead got welded together by rust. You should not pay more than $100 – $150 in labor, and then only because they usually have a minimum service call price.

Multiple Head – Full-Body Showers

If you’re building a new shower, you can also customize the plumbing. Adding jets, extra shower heads, and better control over volume and temperature is known as a performance shower.

This can add anywhere from $300 to $5,000 to the cost of the shower. The more units you add, the more plumbing that will be required. Keep in mind that each shower head and body spray will produce between 2 and 7 gallons of water per minute.

For the average 50-gallon water tank, a shower with two heads and three body sprays can only have hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Therefore, keep in mind that performance showers often require an upgraded water tank as well.

Cost to Add a Door

One often overlooked expense in adding a shower is the cost of the door. Some opt to skip the door and install a curtain, which can cost as little as $25 for the curtain and hardware.

Shower doors run from $900 to $2,500 on average, including installation. The more glass and features, the higher the average cost.

Plumbing Alterations

When adding a brand new shower or altering the plumbing to relocate a shower, a plumber will need to do a rough-in for the project. Installing or relocating plumbing will vary in cost depending on the conditions of the project.

In most cases, water lines and the drain can be installed for under $1,500, but that cost could rise if the conditions are not favorable. The further you need to move the plumbing, the higher the cost.

When plumbing needs to be relocated, a permit and inspection might be required. Plan on spending $20 to $200 for one if your locality requires it.

Hiring a contractor

If you don’t already have a plumber you are comfortable with, try our plumbing contractor locator to find a professional that can help with your project and get several free quotes. Plumbers can charge between $50 and $250 per hour, depending on the work.

There are several ways to go when adding plumbing to a shower, but the best course of action is to get three or more estimates from plumbing professionals.

You will also want to check our plumbing cost guide to learn more about the costs of plumbing projects in your area.

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.