If your shower is looking rough – cracked, discolored, or just not performing the way it should – you probably have some questions. How much does an acrylic shower replacement cost? What factors will make a shower replacement more expensive? What will keep costs down? Is an acrylic shower my best option?
For many homeowners, an acrylic or fiberglass shower is a logical choice. But is it the best option for your home? Let’s breakdown the costs, what’s typically included, and when it might be worth considering other options.
Acrylic Shower Replacement Costs in the NH Seacoast
A professionally installed acrylic or fiberglass shower typically costs between $12,000 and $18,000 in the New Hampshire Seacoast. There are several factors that affect these costs:
- Quality of materials – A builder-grade fiberglass shower unit with basic features will be less expensive than a premium acrylic shower with upgrades like built-in shelving, a low-threshold entry, or reinforced shower base.
- Plumbing modifications – If you’re replacing a bathtub with a shower, the existing drain pipe will often need to be upgraded to meet modern building codes. Older homes may also require additional plumbing updates, like replacing outdated drain pipes or water supply lines.
- Wall repair & finishing – The drywall around your existing shower will need to be removed to allow for the new shower to be installed. The amount of drywall that needs to be removed and how much work is required to patch, repair, and paint around the new shower unit will affect the cost of the project.
- Shower doors & fixtures – A curtain rod and shower curtain is the most cost-effective option for a shower replacement. Shower doors provide a more modern and open feel, but add to the overall cost. The choice of shower fixtures – basic chrome showerhead vs high-end multi-function hand shower system – also affects the final cost.
- Floor repair or replacement – If the new shower unit is larger or smaller than the existing one (a very common situation), floor patching will be required to accommodate the size of the new shower. In some cases, a full flooring replacement will be required to ensure a long-lasting installation.
A shower replacement is a fairly simple process, but even a basic installation requires coordination between demolition, plumbing, carpentry, drywall, and finishing work.
What’s Included in a Professional Acrylic Shower Installation?
Acrylic shower replacements seem simple but there’s more to it than meets the eye. One of our past clients called us about a failing bathroom floor. When we arrived she also mentioned she didn’t like the bathtub and asked if we could install a shower instead. Since we were already replacing the floor, it made sense to do both at once.
Here’s what the process looked like:
- Demolition & Plumbing Upgrades
- We removed the existing fiberglass tub, old ceramic tile and failing subfloor.
- Our plumber upgraded the drain to a 2” pipe to meet building codes for the new shower.
- Shower Installation
- We installed premium subfloor panels for a sturdy foundation.
- Our plumber added new piping for a showerhead and hand shower along with a Delta shower faucet that allowed the client to control both.
- The new fiberglass/acrylic shower unit was installed.
- Finishing Touches
- Moisture-resistant drywall was hung and finished with a high-durability joint compound.
- New engineered vinyl tile flooring was installed and grouted.
- We installed a new set of sleek shower doors.
- Base trim, caulking, and final paintwork completed the transformation.
By doing the flooring and shower at the same time we saved the client time and hassle of multiple renovations. The total project cost $23,000, a more cost-effective option than doing each part separately.
Avoid the “Half-Finished Shower” Surprise
Many homeowners assume replacing a shower is a simple job for a plumber. In fact, we often see homeowners go through this scenario:
- They get two quotes—one from a general contractor for around $12,000 – $18,000 and one from a plumber for $6,000 – $8,000.
- They hire the plumber, thinking, “This is a simple plumbing job, so why would I pay a contractor double?”
- The plumber comes in, removes the old shower, installs the new one, and says, “All done!”
- Now the homeowner notices the missing drywall, gaps in the flooring, and lack of shower doors.
- The plumber explains, “Oh, we’re plumbers. We don’t do drywall, flooring, or glass installation. You need to hire those trades for that work”
Now the homeowner must:
- Hire a drywaller to repair the walls.
- Find a painter to paint the new drywall.
- Get a flooring contractor to fix or replace the flooring.
- Contact a glass company to install the shower doors.
After all the other work is done, the total cost will often be the same or nearly the same as the general contractor’s original quote—but with a lot more headaches and phone calls!
For experienced DIYers, hiring a plumber for the shower installation and handling the rest yourself can be a good approach. But, if you’re looking for a complete, professionally done shower installation, coordinating multiple trades on your own can quickly become stressful and time-consuming.
When you work with a professional remodeling contractor, everything is included from start to finish. That means you don’t have to find multiple trades, coordinate schedules, or deal with unexpected costs mid-project.
Is an Acrylic Shower the Right Choice for Your Remodel?
Acrylic showers are budget-friendly but have limitations. They’re quick to install and low maintenance but can feel mass-produced and not durable like custom tile. Homeowners who want a high-end look and feel may want to consider an alternative.
Alternatives to an Acrylic Shower Replacement
- Custom Tiled Shower ($18,000 – $30,000+)
- Fully customizable with premium tile, built-in niches and elegant glass enclosures.
- Adds long-term value and durability.
- Timeless and luxurious.
- Curbless Walk-In Shower ($20,000 – $30,000+)
- Ideal for aging in place and accessibility.
- High-end look.
- Eliminates step-over hazards common in tub-to-shower conversions.
- Solid-Surface Shower ($15,000 – $20,000+)
- Mid-range option offers a seamless, low-maintenance finish.
- More durable than acrylic and resistant to mold and mildew.
- Available in many colors and patterns to mimic natural stone.
One of our past clients was going to replace his old acrylic shower with another acrylic shower. But after seeing the options he decided to upgrade to a solid-surface shower instead. He loved the idea of a sleek, grout-free design that looked high-end but was still budget-friendly. The end result was a beautiful, low-maintenance shower that felt like a luxury upgrade without the cost of custom tile.
Conclusion: The Best Shower for Your Home
Acrylic shower replacements are a quick and affordable fix but they’re usually not the best long-term investment. If you want a bathroom remodel that increases your home’s value and beauty, a solid-surface or custom tile shower may be a better option.
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling we specialize in high-end bathroom makeovers that balance function, style, and durability. If you’re thinking of replacing your shower, our expert team can help you find the best solution for your home. Schedule a Free consultation today!