Shower Replacement Costs: Stalls, Tiles & Features

As the centerpiece of your bathroom, a shower can really make or break the décor.

And not only will a new shower go a long way towards improving the look of your bathroom, but renovations made in this area of the home are among the best in terms of return on investment (ROI).

How Much Does a Shower Replacement Cost? #

Installing a new shower costs $3,000 to $7,500 on average depending on the type, size and features. Here is a cost breakdown:

Shower Stall Replacement

• Basic Fiberglass Shower Stall: $500 - $1,500 installed
• Neo Angle or Corner Stall: $1,500 - $3,000 installed

Custom Tiled Shower

• Ceramic Tile Shower: $3,000 - $7,500 installed
  • 5x7 ft Tile Shower: $4,500 - $6,500
  • Large 6x4 ft Tile Shower: $6,000 - $9,000

Shower Features

• Tile Base: $5-$20 per sq.ft
• Glass Shower Door: $500 - $2,500
• Shower Niche: $500 - $800
• Rainfall Shower Head: $500 - $1,500

Shower Plumbing & Installation

• Drain Installation: $500 - $1,500
• Plumber Hourly Rate: $45 - $150 per hour

So for a full master bath shower replacement with tile, door and plumbing, expect to pay $7,000 - $12,000. Higher-end showers with custom tiles, niches, body sprays and benches run $15,000 to $30,000+.

Real-World Shower Replacement Costs #

• "I had my old fiberglass shower insert replaced with a new white neo angle stall for $2,100 installed." - Janet D., Ohio

• "To open up my cramped master bath, I splurged on a frameless glass walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, tile niche and bench seat for $8,500." - Mark F., Illinois

• "I upgraded from a basic tub/shower combo to a 5x7 tiled shower stall with mosaic tile walls and a new glass door. With plumbing it was $6,300 total." - Jessica N., Indiana

• "For my basement bathroom addition I had a contractor install a 4x6 ceramic tile shower surround and pan with a new drain and copper shower system for $7,900." - Robert T., Maine

• "I converted my tiny half bath into a larger 3/4 bath with stand-up tiled shower. For the whole small remodel including the new custom tiled shower it was $11,500." - Sarah K., Oregon

Types of Showers #

When installing a new shower, there are two major options: buy a prefabricated shower enclosure, or have a tile shower custom built. More details for each project are provided below.

1. Shower Enclosures

A shower enclosure, also known as a shower surround, is available in a huge variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.

These units are built in a factory and are ready to be installed upon delivery.

The two materials used most often in shower surrounds are fiberglass and acrylic. Although both are plastic-based, there are significant differences between the two materials, most notably that acrylic showers are stronger, longer-lasting, more scratch-resistant, and easier to clean.

Acrylic enclosures, however, are also more expensive. You can read more about acrylic and fiberglass showers here.

One of the most popular shower enclosures is the glass shower enclosure, which imparts an open, contemporary look.

This style can be further accentuated by installing an enclosure with a frameless glass door (no metal framing) or a semi-frameless shower door (metal framing on the sides, but not the top and bottom).

2. Tile Shower

A custom-built tile shower is a more expensive project, but allows for great customization.

Unless you are a skilled do-it-yourselfer, you're going to need to hire a carpenter (to build the frame and walls) and tiling contractor.

The payoff of the higher price tag is that tile showers provide infinite design options and have a higher resale value.

Still not sure whether a prefabricated or tiled shower is right for you? Browse shower designs and get inspired.

Use Our Free Service & Find Shower Replacement Pros Near You #