How Much Does a New Shower Cost?
Last Updated: January 13, 2022
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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). This buying guide explains the basic types of shower installations as well as how much you can expect to pay for a new shower.
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.
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).
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, even empowered, at HGTV.com.
New Shower Costs #
The actual cost of a new shower depends on your location, the materials used, the complexity of the installation, and other factors.
A basic shower enclosure may cost as little as $400 to $600, while a combination bath/shower unit or a top-of-the-line surround could cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
A shower surround can be installed by a plumber for $150 to $300.
The total cost for a new shower surround should average $1,200 to $2,000.
For tile shower installation, you're probably looking at a minimum cost of at least $1,500, although intricate, labor-heavy designs and add-ons (such as new faucets and a tub) could easy bring the price up to $5,000 or more.
Although not a permanent solution, a shower liner (a plastic or acrylic sleeve that slips over the top of the existing installation) can give your bathroom a facelift for $750 to $1,500 installed.