How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower?

Replacing a worn-out shower unit with a sparkling new model is an effective way to give your bathroom a facelift.

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Although shower installation can be expensive, understanding your options can help you choose an option to suit your budget.

According to Bob Vila, shower installation costs around $6,576 (CAD 8,784) on average. These averages include the cost of the shower unit and fixtures, installation labor and anything else required to finish the job, such as demolition and repairs.

How Much Do Materials for Shower Installation Cost?

How much you'll pay for the materials to construct your shower depends on the type, size and quality you require. For example, you'll pay significantly more for a brand-new shower stall than you would for the materials to install a shower head over an existing bathtub.

According to Bankrate, you should expect to pay between $50 and $900 (CAD 67 and CAD 1,202) for the shower head and faucet and a further $600 (CAD 801) for the thermostatic valve. Linear drain fittings cost around $65 (CAD 87), and prefabricated acrylic shower stalls typically cost between $1,000 and $2,600 (CAD 1,336 and CAD 3,473). Overall, the materials to construct a basic standalone acrylic shower cost between $1,715 and $4,165 (CAD 2,291 and CAD 5,563).

However, you may need to purchase additional materials to repair or finish your shower and the surrounding bathroom. For example, you may have to purchase tiles, grout or plastering materials if the walls require refinishing.

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How Much Do These Common Shower Features Cost?

The cost range for shower installation is broad because you can build a basic shower relatively cheaply. Adding expensive features or premium decorative finishes could significantly increase your project costs. Understanding how much common shower features cost can help you plan your budget more precisely.

Tiled Shower

Tiling is a popular option for finishing a shower because it provides a durable, waterproof finish. You could pay as little as $2 (CAD 2.67) per square foot for basic ceramic tiles or up to $17 (CAD 23) per square foot for bespoke tiling.

Walk-In Shower

The average walk-in shower costs roughly $6,641 (CAD 8,870) to install, according to Forbes. However, you could pay much more for a large walk-in shower or an accessible mode.

Shower/Tub Combo

Installing a shower/tub combo can be convenient because it allows you to maximize space. The average cost of a shower/tub combo is $3,600 (CAD 4,808), based on data from HomeLight. This includes tiling and installation labor.

Glass Shower Doors

How much you'll spend on glass shower doors depends on the type. Framed doors are the most affordable option, costing between $190 and $500 (CAD 243 and CAD 668) on average. Sliding doors could also be suitable if you're on a budget, costing between $100 and $300 (CAD 134 and CAD 401).

Frameless shower doors can be significantly more expensive. Prefabricated frameless door kits start at around $300 (CAD 401). Custom-made doors could cost significantly more.

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Rainfall Shower Head

Rainfall shower heads are relatively inexpensive accessories, with most DIY stores charging between $25 and $100 (CAD 33 and CAD 134) per unit. However, a ceiling-mounted model could cost as much as $195 (CAD 260), excluding the cost of plumbing in your shower.

How Much Does Shower Installation Labor Cost?

Labor typically accounts for around 50% of the cost of installing a shower. You can expect to pay less for a plumber to install a basic prefabricated stall, while your contractor will charge considerably more to construct a custom-made shower.

Hourly fees for labor range between $50 and $75 (CAD 67 and CAD 100) per hour. However, going rates often depend on the cost of living in your area, so you should expect to pay more if you live in an expensive city. Demolishing and disposing of an existing fixture could increase your labor costs by $1,200 to $6,350 (CAD 1,603 to CAD 8,482).

What Other Factors Affect How Much Shower Installation Costs?

You'll likely need to obtain permits before remodeling or installing a shower. Which permits you need depends on the rules in your municipality and the extent of your project. You can determine what permit to obtain and the costs by contacting your local permitting office. Typically, permits to install a shower cost between $175 and $2,000 (CAD 234 and CAD 2,671).

Another factor to consider is your bathroom's condition, and you may need to perform repairs before you can install a new shower. For example, many homeowners have to spend around $500 (CAD 668) to remedy mold and mildew caused by leaks from their existing showers.

It's usually cheaper to install a new shower if you stick to your existing plumbing layout. Therefore, many homeowners choose to install a new shower in the same place as their old unit. Moving your shower could increase your outlay by $600 to $1,600 (CAD 801 to CAD 2,137).

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.