Remove existing tub, install shower pan, tile walls, add door and fixtures
Framed Glass Door: $400-$900 installed
Keeping plumbing in place saves thousands
$75-$250 per bar installed with blocking
Shower Remodel Cost Estimate
Project Type
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Timeline: 3-5 days
Total Estimated Cost
$2,400 - $10,900
Base + door + add-ons
Cost Line Items
Base Cost Breakdown (% of Project)
Compare All Shower Types
| Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Tub-to-Shower ConversionSelected | $2,000 - $10,000 | 3-5 days |
| Walk-In Tile Shower (Custom) | $6,000 - $15,000 | 5-10 days |
| Tub-Shower Combo (Alcove) | $1,500 - $6,000 | 1-3 days |
| Prefab Shower Insert | $1,200 - $4,500 | 1-2 days |
| Full Custom Shower (High-End) | $12,000 - $30,000 | 2-4 weeks |
Cost Overview
Contractor tip: The single biggest cost escalator in a shower remodel is moving plumbing. Keep the drain and valve in the same location and you can save $1,500-$5,000. A tub-to-shower conversion with plumbing in place typically runs $3,000-$6,000 for a tile finish. Move the drain across the room and you're looking at $7,000+ before tile.
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-03-28
Shower Remodel Cost by Project Type (2026)
| Project Type | Low | High | Typical | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefab Shower Insert | $1,200 | $4,500 | $2,500 | 1-2 days |
| Tub-Shower Combo (Alcove) | $1,500 | $6,000 | $3,200 | 1-3 days |
| Tub-to-Shower Conversion | $2,000 | $10,000 | $4,500 | 3-5 days |
| Walk-In Tile Shower | $6,000 | $15,000 | $9,000 | 5-10 days |
| Full Custom (High-End) | $12,000 | $30,000 | $18,000 | 2-4 weeks |
Prices include demolition, materials, labor, and standard fixtures. Based on national averages from Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, and contractor bids (verified Feb 2026). Regional costs vary 15-35%. Plumbing relocation adds $1,500-$5,000.
What's Included in Each Shower Project Type?
- Prefab insert: One-piece or multi-piece acrylic stall. Best for budget-friendly replacements where tile isn't needed. Installs over existing substrate in most cases.
- Tub-shower combo: Fiberglass or acrylic surround unit in a standard 60" alcove. The most affordable option that still includes a tub. Great for family bathrooms.
- Tub-to-shower conversion: Removes the tub, installs a shower pan and curb (or zero-entry), tiles the walls, and adds a glass door. The most popular remodel for primary bathrooms.
- Walk-in tile shower: Custom-built from the subfloor up. Includes waterproofing membrane, mortar bed or prefab pan, full wall tile, and glass enclosure. Standard for mid-range to high-end remodels.
- Full custom: Large-format porcelain or natural stone tile, linear drain, frameless glass panel, body sprays, rain head, built-in bench, and multiple niches. Primary suite upgrade.
Shower Door / Enclosure Costs
| Door Type | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtain Rod + Curtain | $30 | $100 | Budget-friendly, easy to replace |
| Framed Glass Door | $400 | $900 | Most common, durable hardware |
| Semi-Frameless Glass | $500 | $1,500 | Cleaner look, partial frame |
| Frameless Glass Door | $800 | $2,500 | Premium look, tempered glass |
| Fixed Glass Panel (No Door) | $400 | $1,200 | Open walk-in, splash guard only |
Shower Remodel Cost Guide
Installed pricing for every shower project type in 2026, sourced from contractor bids and pricing databases.
How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost in 2026?
A shower remodel costs $1,200-$30,000 depending on project scope. A prefab insert runs $1,200-$4,500. A tub-to-shower conversion averages $2,000-$10,000. A custom walk-in tile shower costs $6,000-$15,000, and high-end custom showers with frameless glass, body sprays, and built-in benches can reach $30,000.
Key Takeaways
- Prefab shower insert: $1,200-$4,500 installed (1-2 day project)
- Tub-to-shower conversion: $2,000-$10,000 (most popular remodel type)
- Walk-in tile shower: $6,000-$15,000 with standard finishes
- Full custom shower: $12,000-$30,000+ with premium materials and features
What Drives Shower Remodel Cost Up or Down?
The three biggest cost drivers are plumbing relocation ($1,500-$5,000 adder), tile selection ($10-$35/sf for ceramic vs. $25-$80/sf for natural stone), and glass enclosure type ($400-$2,500). Keeping your drain and valve in the same location is the single biggest way to control cost.
Key Takeaways
- Moving the drain or valve adds $1,500-$5,000 to any shower project
- Ceramic tile ($10-$18/sf) vs. natural stone ($25-$80/sf) is a 3-4x material difference
- Framed glass ($400-$900) vs. frameless glass ($800-$2,500) is a common upgrade
- Waterproofing (Kerdi, RedGard) adds $300-$800 but is not optional for tile showers
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost Breakdown
A tub-to-shower conversion runs $2,000-$10,000 with most projects landing at $4,000-$6,000 for a mid-range tile finish. Demo and tub removal cost $200-$500. New shower pan and drain run $300-$1,200. Wall tile installed costs $12-$35 per square foot. A glass door adds $500-$2,500 depending on style.
Key Takeaways
- Tub removal and demo: $200-$500
- Shower pan (mortar bed or prefab): $300-$1,200
- Wall tile installed: $12-$35/sf (50-80 sf for a standard shower)
- Glass door: $500-$2,500 depending on framed vs. frameless
- Plumbing transition (tub valve to shower valve): $250-$700
Shower Add-Ons and Their Real Costs
Common shower upgrades that get quoted as add-ons include built-in benches ($400-$1,200), recessed niches ($150-$500 single, $250-$700 double), grab bars ($75-$250 each), and thermostatic valve upgrades ($250-$700). Body sprays run $200-$600 per head including rough-in. A rain showerhead with ceiling arm adds $150-$400 installed.
Key Takeaways
- Built-in tile bench: $400-$1,200 (framed, waterproofed, tiled)
- Recessed niche: $150-$500 per niche (standard 12x24)
- ADA grab bar: $75-$250 installed with blocking
- Linear drain (trench style): $300-$800 vs. $100-$250 for center drain
- Heated floor mat under tile: $400-$900 for shower area
How to Use This Calculator
Select Your Shower Project Type
Choose from 5 project types: tub-to-shower conversion ($2,000-$10,000), walk-in tile ($6,000-$15,000), tub-shower combo ($1,500-$6,000), prefab insert ($1,200-$4,500), or full custom ($12,000-$30,000).
Pick Your Door or Enclosure Style
Select curtain ($30-$100), framed glass ($400-$900), semi-frameless ($500-$1,500), frameless glass ($800-$2,500), or open walk-in (no door). Frameless glass is the most popular upgrade.
Add Optional Features
Check boxes for built-in bench ($400-$1,200), recessed niche ($150-$500), grab bars ($75-$250), or valve upgrade ($250-$700). Each add-on shows its installed cost range.
Review Your Total Estimate
See a line-item breakdown of base project, door, add-ons, and plumbing relocation costs. Compare all 5 project types side by side for your budget.
Shower Remodel Cost Formula
Total Cost = Base Project + Door/Enclosure + Add-Ons + Plumbing Relocation (if any)Where:
- Prefab Insert
- = $1,200-$4,500 installed (acrylic/fiberglass stall)
- Tub-Shower Combo
- = $1,500-$6,000 installed (alcove surround unit)
- Tub-to-Shower Conversion
- = $2,000-$10,000 (demo, pan, tile, door)
- Walk-In Tile Shower
- = $6,000-$15,000 (custom waterproofed tile)
- Full Custom
- = $12,000-$30,000+ (premium materials and features)
- Glass Door
- = $400-$2,500 depending on framed vs. frameless
- Plumbing Relocation
- = $1,500-$5,000 if drain or valve is moved
- Built-In Bench
- = $400-$1,200 (framed, waterproofed, tiled)
- Recessed Niche
- = $150-$500 per niche (standard 12x24)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shower remodel cost in 2026?
A shower remodel costs $1,200-$30,000 depending on scope. A prefab insert runs $1,200-$4,500. A tub-to-shower conversion averages $2,000-$10,000. A custom walk-in tile shower runs $6,000-$15,000. High-end custom showers with frameless glass, body sprays, and multiple features can reach $30,000.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
A tub-to-shower conversion costs $2,000-$10,000 with most projects at $4,000-$6,000 for a mid-range tile finish. This includes tub removal ($200-$500), shower pan installation ($300-$1,200), wall tile ($12-$35/sf installed), and a glass door ($500-$2,500). Keep the plumbing in place to stay under $6,000.
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub-shower combo?
No. A tub-shower combo is typically cheaper at $1,500-$6,000 because it uses a single prefab surround unit. A walk-in tile shower runs $6,000-$15,000 because it requires custom waterproofing, tile work on all walls, a shower pan, and a glass enclosure. The combo is faster to install too, usually 1-3 days vs. 5-10 days.
What is the cheapest way to redo a shower?
The cheapest option is a prefab shower insert at $1,200-$4,500 installed. These one-piece or multi-piece acrylic/fiberglass stalls install in 1-2 days and eliminate tile work entirely. For an existing shower that just looks dated, reglazing the tile costs $300-$600 and buys you another 5-10 years without a full remodel.
How much does a frameless glass shower door cost?
A frameless glass shower door costs $800-$2,500 installed. A single swinging door is $800-$1,400. A larger door with fixed panel runs $1,200-$2,500. Semi-frameless doors are a good middle ground at $500-$1,500. Framed doors are the most affordable glass option at $400-$900.
Does moving the shower drain increase cost?
Yes, significantly. Moving plumbing adds $1,500-$5,000 to any shower project. Relocating a drain requires cutting into the subfloor or slab, running new drain pipe, and potentially rerouting the P-trap. This is the single biggest cost escalator in a shower remodel. If you can keep the drain in the same spot, do it.
How long does a shower remodel take?
Timeline depends on the scope. A prefab insert takes 1-2 days. A tub-shower combo install takes 1-3 days. A tub-to-shower conversion takes 3-5 days. A custom tile walk-in shower takes 5-10 days. High-end custom showers with multiple features can take 2-4 weeks. Add 1-2 days if plumbing is being relocated.
Should I remodel just the shower or the whole bathroom?
If the rest of your bathroom is in good shape, a shower-only remodel saves 40-60% vs. a full bathroom renovation. A mid-range shower remodel runs $4,000-$10,000 while a full bathroom gut costs $25,000-$75,000. However, if your bathroom floor, vanity, and fixtures are all dated, doing it all at once avoids paying for demolition and plumbing mobilization twice.
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