A walk-in shower is a useful addition to modern bathrooms and a worthwhile alternative to traditional bathtubs. It not only looks great but also enhances the convenience of taking a shower. This bathroom fixture also comes in a variety of designs, catering to all kinds of spaces, big and small. That said, if considering installing such a unit, it is important to understand its benefits and the cost to make an informed buying decision.
Benefits of walk-in showers
Walk-in showers are gradually replacing the traditional bathtub and shower combination for a few reasons.
Visual appeal
Modern homes need features and fixtures that align with contemporary design needs. Walk-in showers can align with such layouts. Additionally, these showers come in various designs. Buyers can also choose from multiple types of tiles and accessories that go in the shower. From luxurious, massive stone or marble showers to sleek, minimalist ones, buyers get a lot of options.
A walk-in shower, with or without a glass enclosure, makes the bathroom look larger than it actually is. The design can also be customized for a bathroom, so it is likely to fit well.
Ease of maintenance
Walk-in showers do not come with extensive hardware that could require frequent repairs, replacements, and cleanup. As they typically consist of floor-to-ceiling tiles and optional glass doors, walk-in showers are easier to clean than traditional bathtubs.
Accessibility
Walk-in showers are easy to enter, exit, and use. They can also be equipped with safety features like grab bars and shower seats to enhance the safety of the space, especially if the users have limited mobility.
Average cost
Service providers can provide varying cost estimates for installing walk-in showers depending on the experience of the professionals and location. The difference in prices can also be attributed to the type of materials used and the type of project.
Cost by material
The higher the quality of materials used in the walk-in shower, the higher the cost.
Acrylic inserts: The average cost of acrylic inserts can range from $500 to $2,000.
Fiberglass: This material can cost anywhere between $450 and $2,000 based on size and thickness.
Marble: This material can cost around $10–$35 per square foot based on design.
Tiles: The cost of tiles based on the material and design can range between $3 and $17/square feet.
Fixtures and fittings: The showerhead and jets can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000.
Cost by type of unit
In addition to the type of material, the extent of customizations, labor, and structural changes can play a role in determining the overall cost. On average, a walk-in shower installation estimate is about $7,500. That said, such projects can cost anywhere between $3,200 and $12,000. Choosing more complex walk-in shower designs and trickier installations increases the cost.
Basic walk-in shower: This unit comes with a standard faucet and showerhead, along with a fiberglass enclosure. Here, customization is not required.
Mid-range walk-in shower: This project can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. With this budget range, one can choose a fancy tiled floor, glass enclosure decoration, and high-end faucets and fixtures.
High-end walk-in shower: If one is willing to splurge on the shower installation, they can choose premium walk-in units priced at over $15,000. For instance, one can even opt for a steam unit or add a rain shower feature and multiple water flow settings. Here, one can also invest in marble and stone surfaces, which offer extensive customization options. A large shower, say, measuring 48 by 60 inches, would be categorized as high-end as well.
Going for a standard 32×32-inch shower is a good way to save money, as this fixture wouldn’t require any customizations to fit into the bathroom. This can be cheaper than a standard accessible shower, which is supposed to be 36 by 36 inches. Additionally, if upgrading to a walk-in shower, one may be able to use some of the existing fixtures and avoid replacing them with expensive options.
Tub-to-shower conversion price
If one has a bathtub that they need to replace with a walk-in shower, they can simply opt for a tub-to-shower conversion service. This can be more expensive than a straightforward walk-in shower installation, as demolition of the existing tub comes at an additional cost that has to be taken into consideration. Typically, the cost to convert a tub into a walk-in shower can be anywhere between $1,200 and $8,000. To save money on the installation, one can opt for prefabricated shower kits and skip any customization. This procedure is likely to cost about $3,000. Additionally, the larger the desired walk-in shower, the higher the tub demolition and shower installation costs. So, it is important to determine requirements and choose the right size based on these needs.
To make an informed decision, one should seek quotes from multiple walk-in shower installation companies. Then, one should compare the estimates, services, and ratings of these companies and choose a provider that seems to offer the most value for money. Many service providers also offer a free consultation, which can help one understand the installation procedure and feel better equipped to undertake this project.