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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
If your bathroom is in need of an update or upgrade but you don’t want to take on a full-room remodel, a shower kit just might be the perfect solution. A shower kit is a prefabricated cubicle that will transform the look of your bathroom space with relatively minimal effort and expense. “Shower kits save time and money when installing an existing bathroom as a replacement, a remodel of the existing bathroom, or adding a bathroom to an existing home,” says Jerry Bradbury, master plumber for A1 Sewer and Drain located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
We researched dozens of shower kits, evaluating their ease of installation, value, and variety of styles. Check out these top shower kits to buy right now.
Best Overall
DreamLine Visions White 2-Piece Alcove Shower Kit
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Walmart
Wide entry
Room for a seat
Easy installation
May need two people to install
Does require additional tiling
The DreamLine Visions Alcove Shower Kit is a fantastic buy for those who want the convenience of a shower kit but don’t want to skip out on the customization of tiling. Since it’s just two pieces—the base and the door—you can set up the rest of the shower however you’d like. It’s ideal for customized accents and details, and its versatile nature gives you so many options.
This straightforward shower kit is also highly accessible, with a design that provides a wider entryway in and out of the shower. That innovative, low-threshold design is also ideal for anyone who’s short on space in their bathroom. The trim of the semi-frameless design is made of anodized aluminum that can be adjusted up to 1 inch per side. And because it’s nice and wide, you’ll have plenty of room to add a bench seat inside, if you’d like.
Installation is surprisingly simple—but it’ll be easier and more efficient if you have the help of an additional person. The kit comes with everything you need: the shower door and left drain base plus hardware.
Price at time of publish: $1,126
Dimensions: 32 x 60 x 74.75 inches | Material: Acrylic, anodized aluminum | Design: Alcove
Best Budget
Delta Classic 400 Standard Fit Bath and Shower Kit
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Home De Pot
Affordable
Built-in shelves
Easy-to-clean acrylic walls
Installation can be tricky
May create gaps
While shower kits are largely more affordable than installing a fully-tiled shower, the Delta Classic 400 is particularly budget-friendly. It’s also relatively stylish and highly durable, so although you won’t pay much for it, it should last you for years and years to come—and look great in the process.
The walls of this alcove-style shower kit are made of high-gloss acrylic, which not only looks nice but also adds to the functionality. Acrylic is mold- and mildew-resistant and is easy to wipe clean. This kit also gets high marks for shower storage, as the unit includes seven built-in shelves for all your shower accessories.
The three-piece kit fits into small spaces, perfect for bathrooms both small and large. Plus, it’s designed for easy direct-to-stud installation. Just note: This is better for new builds or gut renovations, as the installation process can be a bit difficult. Its walls can have a slight curve, leaving slim gaps in some spaces, so you may want a professional’s help to get it placed just right (and without leaks).
Price at time of publish: $679
Dimensions: 32 x 60 x 80 inches | Material: Acrylic | Design: Alcove
Best Splurge
Castico Arcadia Alcove Shower Kit
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Home Depot
Textured, slip-preventing surface
High-end marble look
Stain- and scratch-resistant
Expensive
Lower-quality hardware
Want a high-end look without the hassle (and expense) of tiling? There are luxurious shower kits available, as proven by the Castico Arcadia. This four-piece shower kit is made of solid composite stone that’s not only strong, durable, and lightweight, but also looks just like Carrara marble. It’s also groutless, so the whole shower looks like one continuous marble stone. Plus, this makes installation a breeze.
The shower has covetable safety features, too. The entry features a low step to prevent trips, and the shower pan has an anti-slip textured finish that looks and feels like real stone. But since it’s not actually real marble, you won’t have any of the same maintenance issues. The composite is stain- and scratch-resistant and can stand up to common household tile cleaners.
Some reviewers note that the included hardware for this shower kit isn’t the best quality. However, if you’re hoping to get a dupe for high-end stone at a lower price, this lookalike is still a worthwhile choice—and you can always swap out the included pieces for your preferred hardware, if needed.
Price at time of publish: $1,899
Dimensions: 60 x 32 x 84 inches | Material: Composite | Design: Alcove
Best Modern
A&E Jana Framed Pivoting Shower Door Enclosure and Base Kit
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Home Depot
Sophisticated design
Smooth open and close
Low profile
Expensive
With its sleek lines and standout matte black framing, the A&E Jana Pivoting Shower Door and Base Kit looks like something Joanna Gaines would install. Its modern look might even make you feel like you’re staying in a luxurious hotel rather than in your very own bathroom. The windowpane style is constructed with an anodized aluminum frame that looks sophisticated.
But this shower doesn’t just look good. The quarter-inch-thick tempered glass has substantial heft, so the pivoting doors open and close smoothly. Plus, the magnetic door creates a sturdy seal to help keep the glass panels in place and prevent any leaking. What’s more, the acrylic base has a low 2.5-inch threshold for easy entry and exit.
The kit includes everything you need for installation. You’ll get the clear glass shower door and panels, aluminum profiles, white corner shower base, and shower drain. While it does carry a higher price, this is a shower kit that’s built for style and substantive performance over time.
Price at time of publish: $1,354
Dimensions: 48 x 36 x 75 inches | Material: Acrylic | Design: Corner
Best Steam Shower
Steam Planet Jupiter Plus Steam Shower Enclosure Kit
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Home Depot
Produces steam quickly
Highly functional
Built-in luxury features
Easy to clean
Very expensive
Requires professional installation
If you’re willing to make a bigger investment, you can turn your bathroom into so much more than a necessity—you can create a relaxing spa-like environment and upgrade your shower to a steam shower. The Jupiter Plus Steam Shower Kit is an all-in-one steam shower setup that replaces a typical-sized bathtub with a simple yet luxurious alternative. This kit comes with a 3.5-kilowatt steam generator, so once installed the shower will produce steam in under one minute.
It’s all very simple to control. A built-in digital control panel controls the temperature. Of course, the unit has additional functionality. You can use it as a steam shower, rain shower, or handheld shower. You’ll also love the extra perks, like mood lighting, an audio system, and an aromatherapy reservoir, which allows you to enjoy your favorite essential oils while taking a steam shower.
Despite all of this, cleaning isn’t difficult. Simply pour your preferred cleaning product into the cleaning port. Installation is another thing, though. Because of the various functionalities, you’ll need a professional to install this shower kit. Additionally, this is a very expensive pick; however, the long list of handy, functional features makes it a shower kit that goes above and beyond.
Price at time of publish: $4,077
Dimensions: 43 x 31 x 86 inches | Material: Not listed | Design: Corner
Best for Corners
Ove Decors Breeze Shower Kit
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Home Depot
Sleek, space-saving design
Smooth open and close
Reversible door
Installation can be tricky
Instructions aren’t clear
When you’re tight on space, a corner shower kit is ideal for making the most of a small bathroom remodel. The Breeze Round Corner Shower Kit from OVE Decors marries function and design, with a rounded door to maximize room without creating uncomfortable angles. The rounded design also looks a bit sleeker, adding more visual interest than your standard box shower.
The kit’s glass door is made of 6-millimeter-thick tempered glass and is reversible, so you can determine the most space-saving installation for your bathroom. Once set up, the door has a high-quality sliding mechanism for smooth opening and closing. This also helps keep moisture in and prevent leaks.
The kit comes with everything you need for installation—the door hardware, acrylic walls, and acrylic base. Just note: Some reviewers say installation is trickier than it appears, so you may want to hire a professional. The instructions can be challenging to follow, and you may find, depending on your bathroom, that you need adjustments to make fittings work and walls seamlessly fit. For small spaces (and with some assistance), it’s still a solid choice.
Price at time of publish: $1,100
Dimensions: 34 x 34 x 73.25 inches | Material: Acrylic | Design: Corner
Best Outdoor
Zippity Outdoor Products Vinyl Hampton Premium Outdoor Shower Enclosure Kit
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Home Depot
Flexible freestanding design
Highly durable
Simple, straightforward assembly
Doesn’t come with plumbing parts
If you have a swimming pool or live near the beach, you’ll love the option of having an outdoor shower for both cleansing and changing before heading inside the house. We love the Zippity Outdoor Products Vinyl Hampton Outdoor Shower Kit because it has a very flexible freestanding design that can be installed just about anywhere you can run plumbing.
With this kit, you’ll get three walls and a hinged door, as well as four sturdy posts and a ceiling (though you don’t have to use this part if you’d prefer a more open-air shower). When assembled, the white vinyl looks sleek and blends nicely with just about any outdoor patio or yard aesthetic. Unfortunately, the kit does have one drawback. Reviewers note that it arrives missing a few elements you’ll need for proper installation: It lacks ground-mounting brackets to keep it in place, and it doesn’t include a shower head or plumbing parts.
Price at time of publish: $852
Dimensions: 62 x 47 x 89 inches | Material: Vinyl | Design: Freestanding
Best With Seat
STERLING, a KOHLER Company Accord Seated 36-Inch x 60-Inch x 74-1/2-Inch Shower Kit
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Home Depot
Easy-to-clean high-gloss finish
Removable, swappable optional seat
Lots of built-in shelving
Simple installation
Seat sold separately
Just because you’re going with a modular option like a shower kit doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function in your bathroom—and this four-piece Sterling Accord Standard Fit Shower Kit proves it. The glossy white alcove kit comes with four pieces (a base and three walls) that feature caulkless seams and snap together in a flash. It’s the perfect option for DIYers who want to complete the installation themselves. Everything makes an audible click when together, so you know you’ve done it right.
Inside the shower, there’s ample room for a 12-inch-wide seat that can be positioned on the left or right side of the shower. However, you do have to purchase this part separately. And if you prefer extra foot room, the seat can even be removed. Also nice: The walls have six built-in shelves that are perfect for a whole family’s shower essentials.
Price at time of publish: $1,177
Dimensions: 36 x 60 x 74.5 inches | Material: Composite | Design: Alcove
Best Frameless
Vigo Winslow Frameless Sliding Door Shower Enclosure
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Amazon
Tempered glass
Reversible door
Adjustable RollerDisk technology
Incorrect parts can get shipped
No base included
If you’re rehabbing an existing shower or want the flexibility to customize a portion of your shower with your own tiles, Vigo’s Winslow Frameless Shower Enclosure is a great option. It’s designed for a curbless shower complete with two pre-tiled walls. As such, it comes with two very sleek tempered glass panels, a glass door, and the stainless steel hardware required for mounting. (There’s no base included, so keep that in mind, too.) You’ll have the ability to add your own tile, create custom walls, or flex any other creative freedom you’d like on the shower walls; this kit will take care of almost everything else.
The unit also comes with a stainless steel drain and wall mounting brackets to make the glass panels and door durable enough to stand up to daily use. There’s flexibility in design, too. The pre-drilled tempered glass door is reversible—install it to open to the left or to the right, whatever suits your space the best. The use of RollerDisk technology also allows for adjustments as needed.
However, you’ll want to make sure to double-check the parts once this shower kit arrives. In some cases, users have received incorrect parts inside their boxes. It can be a small frustration, but it’s one that’s relatively easy to fix, should it happen.
Price at time of publish: $1,080
Dimensions: 34.625 x 46.5 x 74 inches | Material: Not listed | Design: Corner
Best With Tub
Bootz Industries Maui NexTile Standard Fit Alcove Bath and Shower Kit
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Home Depot
Tempered glass
Reversible door
Adjustable RollerDisk technology
Incorrect parts can get shipped
No base included
Families with kids will likely want to add a tub to their shower space, and it’s totally possible to get a great combination product with the Bootz Industries Maui NexTile Standard Fit Alcove Bath and Shower Kit. The kit features a heavy-duty tub with a slip-resistant surface plus three glossy walls that are easy to clean. The four-piece kit doesn’t include any of the plumbing fixtures, but you get everything else you need to create a near-finished product. Not to mention, installation is exceptionally easy. There’s no mortar base required—you simply set and level it.
The tub itself is highly functional, too. The manufacturer claims it’s the industry's deepest enameled steel bathtub. It also has a modern recessed design, complete with 35-degree lumbar support for a more comfortable experience. And if you’re showering, the tub features a slip-resistant surface to keep you safe. Also nice: The back wall has a generously sized storage niche built right into it. Do keep in mind, though, that this shower kit works best with a shower curtain; its sloped walls make getting a glass door installed difficult.
Price at time of publish: $789
Dimensions: 30 x 60 x 76.5 inches | Material: Porcelain-enameled steel | Design: Alcove
Best 5-Piece Shower Kit
Foremost Jetcoat 5-Piece Shower Kit
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Home De Pot
Installs in just hours
Durable walls
Non-slip shower floor
Scratch- and stain-resistant acrylic
Doesn’t come with a shower door
Drain not included
Despite the budget-friendly price, the Jetcoat 5-Piece Shower Kit is exceptionally functional. It doesn’t skimp on style or durability, as its acrylic walls are water-, scratch-, and stain-resistant. Plus, the shower pan has a textured base that’s meant to help prevent slips. It also has a low threshold to prevent you from tripping when you walk in and out.
It’s a great option for small renovations, too. The whole thing can be installed over waterproof backer board or existing tile. All you have to do is spend a few hours measuring, cutting, and adhering the whole thing to the wall (and the walls are easy to trim to size!). Just note: This affordably priced kit doesn’t come with any accessories—including a shower door, rod, or curtain. You’ll also need to purchase a drain separately, which can drive up the cost slightly.
Price at time of publish: $795
Dimensions: 32 x 60 x 78 inches | Material: Acrylic | Design: Alcove
Our top pick is the DreamLine Visions White 2-Piece Alcove Shower Kit, because it’s highly customizable, has an accessible design, and even has room for a seat. But if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the Delta Classic 400 Three-Piece Direct-to-Stud Alcove Shower Wall Surround is a good option. The low-cost kit features high-gloss acrylic walls that are mildew-resistant and easy to wipe clean, plus there are seven built-in shelves for plenty of storage space.
What to Look for in a Shower Kit
Size
Shower kits come in a range of sizes and formats to fit bathrooms of varying proportions and layouts. You can opt for simple and streamlined kits without walls and with just the basics like the Vigo Winslow Frameless Sliding Door Shower Enclosure. Or, you opt for something larger and more all-inclusive like the expansive Jupiter Plus Steam Shower Kit or the Bootz Industries Maui NexTile tub-and-shower combo kit. If you’re buying a one-piece unit for a small bathroom, be sure that it will suit the space without overwhelming it. It’s also helpful to take careful measurements of the available space you’re hoping to slot your new shower kit into to ensure you’re looking at one that is the right size.
Shape and Location
It’s also important to choose a shower kit that corresponds to the layout of your bathroom so it can be installed easily. This means paying attention to details such as making sure that the drain in your shower kit lines up with the drain in the floor. You’ll also want to note whether you’re planning to pop the kit into a corner, if there are any pre-existing features or obstacles that may impact installation, and how the door of the shower will open (you won’t want a fixed door that swings into a wall or gets blocked!).
Installation
Shower kits come either fully assembled in one piece or in multiple pieces to be assembled on-site. While fully assembled units make installation quicker, be sure to measure your bathroom’s access points to make sure the unit will fit through the doors before you commit. Otherwise, opt for a multi-piece shower kit that can be assembled and installed by you or a professional in less time than it would take to build a tiled shower from scratch.
Materials
Shower kits are a more affordable alternative to building a tiled shower made up of individual tiles or slabs of stone. Prefab showers are generally made from inexpensive materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, plastic, or tempered glass. Acrylic is a popular and durable pick, as it’s typically easy to clean and resistant to wear—for example, the Jetcoat 5-Piece Shower Kit features acrylic walls that are scratch- and stain-resistant. It also helps to look for water-resistant or waterproof materials to help keep your bathroom waterproof. Keep in mind that the quality of your shower kit materials will have an impact on its longevity as well as the overall decor of your bathroom.
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Is it cheaper to tile a shower or buy a kit?
Industry experts say a shower/tub kit is definitively cheaper than doing a regular tile shower remodel that includes tile, a base, and walls. The latter requires more materials and workmanship, which drives up the cost; it also takes longer to construct and install. That said, shower kits typically aren’t quite as sophisticated and customizable, though they are budget-friendly.
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Which is better for a shower kit: fiberglass or acrylic?
In general, acrylic is considered the superior material. “Acrylic is stronger than fiberglass,” Jerry Bradbury, master plumber for A1 Sewer and Drain, says. “Acrylic also resists scratches, cracking, and fading better than fiberglass.”
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Can I install a shower kit myself?
If you have basic DIY skills, you can install a shower kit yourself—doing so is easier than tiling an entire shower. “However, a professional plumber is recommended, as alterations to water and drainage may be required,” Bradbury says.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about home products, including shower kits. To curate this list, she scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and analyzing reviews. To make her top picks, she consulted experts like Jerry Bradbury, master plumber for A1 Sewer and Drain located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and then used that guidance as she analyzed the size, material, style, and overall value of each product.