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How to Install a Walk-In Shower

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated July 29, 2026

Installing a walk-in shower is a great way to update your bathroom and improve accessibility. Some shower kits are DIY-friendly, while others require plumbing or waterproofing. Careful planning and following the manufacturer's instructions help ensure a successful installation.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Key Takeaways

  • Plan your shower layout, verify measurements and check local building codes before beginning installation.
  • Remove the existing shower and prepare the subfloor and wall framing for the new installation.
  • Follow the shower kit manufacturer's instructions for waterproofing, drain installation and shower base installation.
  • Install the shower wall panels, ensuring they are level, properly secured and sealed.
  • Install the shower fixtures and test all plumbing connections for proper operation.
  • Apply silicone sealant where required and allow all adhesives and sealants to cure before using the shower.

Before You Install

Check local building codes before beginning your project. Some shower installations require plumbing permits or inspections, especially if you're relocating the drain or modifying water supply lines. If you need help with your project, Lowe’s offers professional shower and bath installation services.

Measure for a Walk-In Shower

Before installing a walk-in shower, consider your bathroom's layout, plumbing location and available space. Choose a shower size that fits your bathroom while meeting the shower kit manufacturer's installation requirements.

Common walk-in shower floor sizes range from 36 by 36 inches to 60 by 36 inches or larger. Most shower wall kits are approximately 72 to 80 inches tall.

Tip

If you're installing a shower door, check the manufacturer's recommended clearance before finalizing your layout. Most hinged shower doors swing outward for safety and are commonly available in widths ranging from 24 to 36 inches.

Choose the Right Shower Kit

Selecting the right shower kit helps ensure a successful installation. Shower kits typically include the shower base, wall panels and installation hardware. Waterproofing materials, adhesives and some plumbing components are often sold separately.

After selecting your shower kit, choose compatible shower hardware, including:

  • Shower head
  • Shower valve trim
  • Faucet handles
  • Grab bars (optional)
  • Shower door or glass enclosure

Remove an Existing Shower

If you're replacing an existing shower, you’ll need to remove the old unit before beginning the installation. Below is an overview of the typical steps involved, but your project steps may vary. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about removing the existing shower.

  1. Turn off the water supply.
  2. Protect the bathroom floor with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
  3. Remove the shower door, trim pieces and plumbing fixtures.
  4. Disconnect the drain assembly.
  5. Using a pry bar or jab saw as needed, remove the shower walls and shower base down to the wall studs and subfloor, if necessary.
  6. Remove any remaining fasteners, adhesive and debris.

Caution

Avoid damaging plumbing, electrical wiring or structural framing while removing the existing shower.

Install a Walk-In Shower

Once you've gathered your materials and prepared the installation area, you're ready to begin. Here are the typical steps you’ll follow. But defer to the kit instructions and, as always, consult a professional if you’re unsure.

Step 1: Waterproof the Shower Area

Follow your shower kit manufacturer's instructions for waterproofing. Some tile-ready shower systems require a waterproof membrane over cement backer board, while many direct-to-stud shower wall systems do not require additional waterproofing behind the panels.

If your installation requires waterproofing:

  1. Clean the installation area thoroughly.
  2. Install cement backer board where required.
  3. Apply a waterproofing membrane according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Seal all seams, corners and penetrations.
  5. Allow the waterproofing membrane to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before continuing.

Good to Know

Flood testing helps confirm that your shower's waterproofing is working properly before the finished surfaces are installed. During a flood test, the drain is temporarily plugged and the shower pan is filled with water to check for leaks. Flood testing is recommended for many custom-built tile shower systems. Follow local plumbing codes and the waterproofing manufacturer's instructions. Factory-made shower pans typically do not require flood testing after installation.

Step 2: Install the Shower Base

The shower base (or shower pan) directs water toward the drain and forms the foundation of your walk-in shower.

Factory-made shower bases are available in acrylic, fiberglass, composite and solid-surface materials. Custom shower pans are built using mortar and finished with tile.

  1. Clean the subfloor and repair any damaged areas.
  2. Dry-fit the shower base to verify that it fits properly and that the drain aligns with the plumbing.
  3. If the subfloor is uneven, correct it according to the manufacturer's recommendations before installation.
  4. If required by the manufacturer, spread a supporting bed of mortar beneath the shower base.
  5. Install the drain assembly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  6. Set the shower base into position and press it firmly into the mortar or onto the subfloor, depending on the installation method.
  7. Verify that the shower base is level from side to side. Factory-made shower bases are already sloped toward the drain, so no additional slope adjustments are necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Shower Walls

Shower wall systems are commonly made from:

  • Prefabricated acrylic or composite panels
  • Tile installed over cement backer board
  • Solid-surface wall panels

Inspect the wall framing to ensure it is plumb and structurally sound. Install cement backer board where required by the manufacturer.

Step 4: Install the Shower Wall Panels

  1. Measure the wall area and trim the panels as needed using the cutting method recommended by the manufacturer.
  2. Dry-fit each panel before permanently installing it.
  3. Secure the panels using the fasteners or adhesive specified by the manufacturer.
  4. Ensure each panel is level and properly aligned.
  5. Apply silicone sealant at all required joints and where the panels meet the shower base.
  6. Use painter's tape to hold panels in place while the adhesive or sealant cures, if recommended.
  7. Repeat the process for all remaining panels.

Tip

Some wall panel systems require a manufacturer-approved adhesive. Always use the adhesive specified in the installation instructions.

Step 5: Install the Shower Fixtures

Install the shower valve trim, shower arm, shower head and any additional accessories according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use thread seal tape on threaded plumbing connections where required.

Once the installation is complete:

  1. Turn the water supply back on.
  2. Check all plumbing connections for leaks.
  3. Test the shower valve and shower head for proper operation.

Step 6: Seal and Allow the Shower to Cure

  1. Apply silicone sealant to all required joints, seams and corners according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Allow the sealant and any adhesives to cure completely before using the shower. Cure times vary by product but are commonly at least 24 hours.
  3. Once the sealant has cured, your walk-in shower is ready to use.

Installing a Walk-In Shower FAQs

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