How Much Does It Cost To Install A Shower?
Most homeowners spend between $1,420 to $3,411 nationally.
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A key feature of any new bathroom is bound to be the shower, but how much is that likely to cost? The national average for a new shower installation project, when performed by a capable contractor, is $2,749. At the low-end of the normal cost range, homeowners are paying $1,181, and at the high-end, they’re spending $2,846. Nonetheless, there is a wide range.
See the average cost near you and then, connect with local shower professionals ready to assist you in your next bathrom remodeling project.
National Install a Shower Costs
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$2,997
Median Cost$59
Min Cost$9,400
Max Cost
$1,420
to
$3,411
| National Average Cost | $2,997 |
| Minimum Cost | $59 |
| Maximum Cost | $9,400 |
| Average Range | $1,420 to $3,411 |
How do we get this data? This info is based on 1474 cost profiles, as reported by ImproveNet members.
Table of Contents
- New Shower Costs
- Shower Liner Installation Cost
- Tub Shower Installation Cost
- Shower Tile Installation Costs
- Shower Door Installation Cost
- Steam Shower Installation Costs
- Electric Shower Installation Costs
- Shower Pump Installation Cost
- Shower Material Costs
- DIY Shower Projects
- Find A Pro
New Shower Cost
A new shower frequently accounts for about one-third of the total cost of remodeling an entire bathroom, so a good way to properly consider the issue is to break those costs down into smaller pieces and examine how each element contributes to the final total.
All costs below must be considered when installing a new shower or remodeling your current shower. Furthermore, before jumping into any research, you must know what you want. For example, some couples just need a shower while others, perhaps with children, need a tub shower combo. Additionally, glass doors, tile, shower head design and more should all be referenced before reviewing the average shower installation costs below.
Shower Liner Installation Cost
Shower liners act as the ground of your shower. Over the years, shower liners have matured quite a bit. Years ago, the only options revolved around acrylic, PVC and polymer. Now, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you can choose much more attractive options such as wood, tile or natural stone.
The shower liner installation cost will largely depend on your style and current plumbing. Likewise, installing a brand new shower liner into a new bathroom is more expensive then remodeling or replacing an existing shower liner. Nonetheless, the average shower liner installation cost is $2,433.
Tub Shower Installation Cost
If you don’t have the space for a separate shower and bathtub, we highly recommend installing a tub shower combo. They are not only great for kids, but after a long day at the office, there is nothing like relaxing in your large soaker tub.
Once again, installing a brand new tub shower combo is more expensive than adding on to your current model. On average, homeowners should be prepared to pay roughly $3,000 for a tub and shower combo.
If you want to save money on your installation, you can always add a shower to your freestanding tub.
Shower Tile Installation Cost
The average cost to tile a shower is $1,250, however, we have seen prices as low as $0.49/sf to as high as $84/sf. The job itself is labor intensive, and the contractor will charge more for sophisticated patterns that require hand-work or detailed customization.
There is also the question of using block versus tile. While block is not as popular as it once was, it’s a great way to add some extra light to a shower space. But if privacy is a concern, it may not be ideal. Most block used in bathrooms these days is a form of acrylic instead of real glass.
Shower Door Installation Cost
New glass shower doors typically cost around $800, but depending on various factors, we have seen prices go as high as $1,500. The factors in play for installing a shower door are the size of the door, the type of glass employed, how it operates and whether it includes side panels.
Size is by far the biggest factor because more glass simply equals more cost. More cost-effective side panels will reduce the price. If a homeowner opts for a tub shower combination, the cost will increase further because the door will likely need to be custom fitted by the contractor.
Different types of glass will impact the project cost, with thinner, clearer glass being the cheapest and thicker, frosted glass being more expensive. Anti-glare features also add to the cost of the door. The total weight of the door ultimately determines how sturdy the frame will need to be, increasing the price a bit more for a heavier frame installation.
Steam Shower Installation Cost
A steam shower is a luxurious option that will significantly add to installation project cost. Steam showers, excluding labor, start at $2,500. That means you could pay up to $5,000 to professionally install a basic steam shower. Labor is expensive because steam showers require the addition of a steam generator and the shower will need to be proofed against vapor rather than just being waterproof.
Electric Shower Installation Cost
The idea behind an electric shower is to deliver instantly warmed water using electric heat near the shower head. Some homeowners prefer the instant availability of electrically heated water to waiting for warm water to make its way through the line. The electric shower components themselves are relatively cheap, costing between $100 and $500. The job, however, demands the assistance of both a plumber and an electrician. Once again, the plumber’s labor will account for around $350, and bringing in an electrician will average around $375 or more for a contractor in the area who is comfortable handling this type of uncommon installation project.
Shower Pump Installation Cost
Water pressure from the typical gravity-fed shower can be disappointing. Depending on a home’s plumbing and the available water pressure in the area, there may simply not be enough water pressure to run a gravity-fed shower. If that’s the case, then homeowners should be prepared to pay up. A relatively affordable pump by itself costs $2,500, minimum. Having a qualified plumber tackle the task of installing it will add at least $350 in labor costs and more if the installation process gets complicated.
Shower pumps are generally not seen in the U.S. They’re more popular in Europe and other regions where water is at a premium, and the cost of pressurizing a smaller amount of water outweighs simply pressurizing the water by increasing the output. However, a pump can result in a more stable supply of water to the shower and may be an addition worth considering.
Shower Material Costs
Most costs above include professional installation. However, there are a few shower projects you can do yourself. Therefore, the only costs are materials and time. As such, we found all material costs for the most common DIY shower projects.
- Shower Inserts: $50 - $500
- Shower Pan: $200 - $700
- Shower Stall Doors: $190 - $480
- Frameless Shower Doors: $900 - $1,300
- Shower Glass Panels: $865 - $1,220
- Shower Heads: $15 - $500
You’ll notice a very wide range when it comes to shower heads. Shower heads have greatly transformed over the years and now, there are hundreds of shower head designs on the market. The 4 most popular shower head designs are:
- Hand Held Shower Heads
- Dual Shower Heads
- Rainfall Shower Heads
- Multiple Shower Heads
DIY Shower Projects
Despite the complexity of some of the projects listed above, active DIYers can accomplish many projects on their own. Below are a few of those projects, as well as links to full how-to articles.
- How To Retile A Shower
- How To Add A Shower To A Freestanding Tub
- How To Install Shower Grab Bars
- How To Install A Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- DIY Tips For How To Remove Old Ceramic Tile From Bathroom
- How To Refinish (Reglaze) A Bathtub
- How To Clean A Shower Head
- Cleaning Your Shower Drains
- DIY Tips For Cleaning Tile Floors
- How To Clean Grout On Tile Floor
Find A Pro
Whether you hire a pro or not, budgeting out your shower remodel will help reduce unexpected costs. Properly accounting for a shower's expenses can leave more room for adding quality features to the rest of the bathroom.
Now that you have all the costs, let’s help you turn your old shower into your dream shower.
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Last updated on May 25, 2017
