What is the Average Cost of a Walk-In Shower Installation?
At Atlas Home Improvement, we believe every homeowner deserves a bathroom that not only looks great but works for every stage of life. A walk-in shower offers a stylish, accessible, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional tubs, especially for those prioritizing safety and ease of use.
Whether you’re planning to age in place, accommodate a mobility concern, or simply modernize your bathroom, understanding the cost and options available for walk-in showers can help you make the right investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from pricing and materials to installation and customization.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is a barrier-free or low-threshold shower space that typically doesn’t require a door or curtain. Its open design and minimal step entry make it easier and safer to use—especially for seniors, individuals with limited mobility, or those transitioning from a bathtub setup.
Walk-in showers come in a variety of layouts, sizes, and styles. They often feature built-in benches, slip-resistant flooring, hand-held showerheads, and custom wall surrounds—all tailored to your bathroom’s existing footprint and your personal preferences.
Average Cost of a Walk-In Shower Installation
The total cost of installing a walk-in shower can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000, though the low end starts at $1,200 and can go higher than $20,000 depending on the project scope, materials chosen, and the complexity of the installation.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Walk-In Shower Type | Price Range (Installed) |
| Prefabricated Shower Kit | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| Custom-Tiled Walk-In Shower | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
| Full Bathroom Conversion | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
On average, most homeowners choose a professionally installed, prefabricated mid-range walk-in shower that includes upgraded fixtures, new wall panels, and accessibility features.
Key Factors That Influence Walk-In Shower Costs
1. Shower Base and Flooring
- Acrylic or Fiberglass Bases are affordable and quick to install.
- Tiled Shower Pans offer a custom look but require more labor.
- Slip-resistant flooring adds safety and peace of mind.
2. Wall Surrounds
Wall surrounds impact both style and maintenance. Options include:
- Acrylic and PVC Panels: Low maintenance and budget-friendly.
- Cultured Marble or Solid Surface: Durable, elegant, and easier to clean.
- Custom Tile: The most customizable, but also the most expensive and labor-intensive.
3. Plumbing and Fixtures
Upgrading your plumbing lines, moving drain locations, or replacing shower valves can significantly affect the price. Additionally, stylish or functional hardware like hand-held wands, rainfall showerheads, or anti-scald valves..
4. Walk-In Shower Door Types
There are a wide variety of walk-in shower door types to choose from. Depending on the style you choose, the cost can range from as low as $300 to as high as $5,000.
Accessibility and Safety Features
Homeowners often choose walk-in showers for safety as much as for style. At Atlas Home Improvement, we offer a variety of built-in and optional features designed with accessibility in mind:
- Grab bars ($50–$200 per bar)
- Built-in seating or fold-down bench ($250–$600)
- Low- or zero-threshold entries
- Anti-slip floor coating
- ADA-compliant fixtures and handles
- Handheld shower with slide bar
Adding several of these features may increase your cost by $1,000 to $3,000, but can significantly improve safety and ease of use.
Labor and Material Cost Breakdown for Walk-In Showers
Installing a walk-in shower involves multiple components, each contributing to the overall cost. From the shower base to plumbing fixtures and wall surrounds, every element requires both materials and skilled labor. At Atlas Home Improvement, we work with homeowners to clearly outline these costs up front—no guesswork, no surprises.
Below is a sample cost breakdown based on the national average for a standard 60” x 32” walk-in shower, using durable, mid-grade materials and professional labor:
| Project Component | Estimated Labor | Estimated Materials | Total Cost |
| Demolition & Disposal | $300 | – | $300 |
| Shower Base Installation | $350 | $850 | $1,200 |
| Wall Surround System | $500 | $1,800 | $2,300 |
| Shower Fixtures & Valve | $250 | $450 | $700 |
| Drain Assembly & Hardware | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Glass Door Enclosure | $350 | $1,200 | $1,550 |
| Waterproofing & Caulking | $150 | $100 | $250 |
| Electrical (optional light/fan) | $300 | $200 | $500 |
| Permit & Inspection Fees | – | $150 | $150 |
| Total | $2,300 | $4,950 | $7,250 |
These figures reflect standard conditions and mid-range product selections. Final pricing can fluctuate based on:
- Regional labor rates
- Material upgrades (such as custom tile or high-end glass doors)
- Structural work (moving walls, plumbing reroutes, or electrical updates)
For example, opting for a fully tiled shower instead of acrylic wall panels may increase both labor time and material costs by 30–50%. Likewise, frameless glass doors or rainfall showerheads will affect the fixture budget.
Planning for the Unexpected
Older bathrooms, in particular, may reveal hidden challenges during demolition—such as outdated plumbing, mold remediation, or subfloor repair. These issues can raise labor costs and require additional materials. While we always aim to assess potential problems during the estimate, we also build in contingency planning so you can feel prepared.
Cost-Saving Strategies
At Atlas Home Improvement, we believe in delivering long-term value. Here are several ways to manage your budget while still getting a quality walk-in shower:
- Use your existing tub footprint to minimize structural changes
- Opt for high-quality acrylic wall panels instead of custom tile
- Keep plumbing fixtures in the same location
- Limit high-end add-ons to what you’ll use regularly
- Ask about financing and seasonal installation promotions
We also offer free consultations to help you find the most cost-effective solutions based on your goals and space.
What Kind of Warranty Can You Expect?
Most walk-in showers come with manufacturer warranties, but the scope of coverage can differ dramatically depending on the brand and the specific components. Some warranties focus solely on structural elements like the shower base or wall panels, while others may include hardware, seals, plumbing fixtures, or even the glass enclosure.
When evaluating warranties, homeowners should ask:
- Does the warranty cover parts and labor, or just materials?
- Are plumbing fixtures like valves and handheld showerheads included?
- What is the duration of coverage for different components?
- Are installation errors or water damage covered?
At Atlas Home Improvement, we partner with trusted brands that stand behind their products with long-term protection. Here’s an example of how a comprehensive warranty might be structured:
Is a Walk-In Shower Covered by Insurance?
Medicare and private health insurance generally do not cover walk-in showers, unless medically prescribed and tied to specific care benefits. Some Medicaid programs or local home modification grants may provide partial reimbursement, particularly for aging-in-place or disability-related projects.
Veterans may also be eligible for VA housing grants, including the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) programs.
Walk-In Shower vs. Tub: Which Is Right for You?
Walk-in showers offer a modern, efficient solution for many homeowners. Compared to traditional bathtubs, they:
- Take up less space
- Are easier to enter and exit
- Require less water
- Offer better accessibility
If you’re considering whether to replace your current tub, remember that removing a bathtub may reduce resale appeal in some markets. However, if accessibility or aging-in-place is a priority, the investment in a walk-in shower often delivers immediate lifestyle benefits.
Work With a Trusted Bathroom Remodeling Team
At Atlas Home Improvement, we specialize in custom, accessible shower installations that prioritize both safety and design. We handle every aspect of your project—from demolition to final fixture—ensuring that your new walk-in shower is built to last and tailored to your needs.
With service capabilities in Southeastern Michigan, we’re here to support homeowners at every stage of life.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help transform your bathroom into a safer, more beautiful space.
