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Showers, tubs & vanities: how to choose

Compare showers, tubs, vanities, and the finishes and planning choices that make bathroom updates durable, comfortable, and easier to maintain.

Lifespan, DIY and permitsDIY: hard — fixture swaps may be manageable, 12 brands7 cost linesUpdated Nov 2026

Decide these first

  1. Are you replacing finishes or moving plumbing?
  2. Do you need a shower, a tub, or both, and who uses them daily?
  3. What are the finished dimensions, drain locations, and doorway clearances?
  4. How much storage, seating, and accessible space do you need?
  5. What maintenance level and total project budget fit your household?

Specs that actually matter

TermWhat it meansLook for
Showerhead flowFlow rate is gallons per minute; efficient models can still provide satisfactory spray performance.Choose an EPA WaterSense-labeled showerhead rated no more than 2.0 gpm.
Fixture fitFinished dimensions, plumbing locations, door swing, and service access determine whether fixtures fit and remain usable.Measure finished walls, rough-ins, access route, and storage before ordering.
Surface selectionTile, grout, and floor texture affect cleaning, appearance, and comfort underfoot.Review wet-area product data and mock up tile and grout before committing.

Good, better, best

Good

Stock shower kit, standard acrylic or fiberglass tub, and ready-made vanity with basic hardware.

$600–$1,800 for a prefab shower kit installed; other fixtures vary.

Better

Midrange fixtures, durable tile or solid-surface finishes, and a professionally planned shower and vanity layout.

$4,200–$8,500 for a walk-in shower; vanity and other work extra.

Best

Custom shower or wet room, premium fixtures, tailored storage, and coordinated lighting and finishes.

$25,000–$80,000 for a full bathroom remodel, depending on scope.

What it costs

ItemUnitTypical US rangeSource
Prefab shower kit, installed
Labor and materials; site conditions and kit size affect the total.		project$600 to $1,800Angi 2026 bathroom remodel guide
Walk-in shower, installed
Labor and materials; custom work and plumbing changes can cost more.		project$4,200 to $8,500Angi 2026 bathroom remodel guide
Bathtub replacement, installed
Range varies by tub material, style, and installation complexity.		each$2,000 to $9,400Angi 2026 bathroom remodel guide
Tub-to-shower conversion
Typical conversion range; plumbing relocation and finish choices affect scope.		project$1,200 to $3,600Angi 2026 bathroom remodel guide
Glass shower door, installed
Installed range from Angi's bathroom addition guide.		each$500 to $1,400Angi 2026 bathroom addition guide
Vanity and countertop, installed
Installed range; size, counter material, and customization drive cost.		each$400 to $5,000Angi 2026 bathroom addition guide
Walk-in bathtub, installed
Most complete projects fall in this range; features and site preparation affect cost.		each$4,000 to $15,000Angi 2026 walk-in bathtub guide

Calculators

Bathroom clearance checker

Check toilet and vanity spacing against code minimums and NKBA recommendations.

Results

Bathroom clearance checkerTile calculator

Major brands and where to buy

Links go to each manufacturer. Tier is a rough price position, not a quality score.

SterlingValue bath fixtures and showeringValueMAAXAcrylic bathtubs and shower basesValueDreamLineShower doors and enclosuresValuePfisterValue faucets and fixturesValueMoenFaucets, showers, and bath accessoriesMidDelta FaucetFaucets and shower systemsMidAmerican StandardBath fixtures, toilets, and tubsMidJacuzziWhirlpool tubs and bathing systemsMidKOHLERBath fixtures and integrated plumbingPremiumTOTOJapanese toilets and bath fixturesPremiumDuravitDesigner bathroom ceramics and furniturePremiumBrizoDesigner faucets and shower systemsPremium

Retailers

The Home DepotLowe'sFergusonFloor & DecorWayfair

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Moving fixtures without confirming drain, vent, and framing implications.
  • Choosing tile before the installer defines the wet-area assembly and drain details.
  • Underestimating doorway access and the dimensions of a new tub or vanity.
  • Ignoring ventilation, lighting, storage, and access to serviceable valves.
  • Selecting a floor finish without checking its suitability for wet use.
  • Changing the layout before pricing permits and plumbing work.

Questions to ask a pro

  1. What waterproofing and drain system will you specify, and who warranties it?
  2. Which layout changes require plumbing, electrical, or structural work?
  3. What is included in demolition, disposal, permits, and finish work?
  4. How will the shower, vanity, and door clearances work for everyone using the room?

How long it lasts

Walk-in tubs commonly last 10–15 years with consistent upkeep; seals, valves, and other components may need service sooner.

Can you DIY it?

hard — fixture swaps may be manageable, but waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical work require careful skill and code checks.

Permits

Plumbing, electrical, layout, and wet-area work often need permits; confirm requirements with your local building department.

Ready to hire?

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Trusted resources

From the Journal

Sources

  1. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-bathroom-remodel-cost.htm
  2. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-add-bath.htm
  3. https://www.angi.com/articles/walk-in-bathtub-cost.htm
  4. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2026-u-s-houzz-bathroom-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~185833793
  5. https://nkba.org/press/nkba-kbis-releases-annual-2026-bath-trends-report/
  6. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads

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