10 Sleek Shower Kits That Look Like Custom Showers for a Fraction of the Cost (2024)

Updating a bathroom may not be the simplest home project, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated or time-consuming. A shower kit—also known as a shower enclosure—is a pre-made cubicle that includes a shower base, walls, and door, and it’s an easier and more affordable way to upgrade your bathroom.

“Think of it as a quicker, more convenient alternative to the traditional, custom-built shower, where you’d pick out tiles and wait for installation,” says Joseph Wade, Vice President of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “With a shower kit, you can have everything done in a few days instead of weeks.”

When shopping for shower kits, be aware they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Shower kits come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Consider your unique spatial needs, design preferences, and desired budget when shopping for a shower kit. We researched a variety of shower kits on the market and ranked them on their special features, ease of installation, value, and more.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Jetcoat system locks walls in place

  • Can install over old tile

  • Available in left and right drain locations

What We Don’t Like

  • No built-in shelving

  • Panels must be installed in a specific order to achieve a seamless look

With a classy Carrara marble-inspired look—sans the required cleaning—smooth-rolling frameless doors, and generous handles that double as towel racks, Craft + Main’s Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit has a clean, modern silhouette that’s pretty easy to install. It features three smooth walls—the kit’s available in both 30- and 32-inch widths—with a Jetcoat locking system that snaps panels together and doesn’t require grout.

It can be installed onto waterproof backing boards or even the bathroom’s original tile, making it a great choice if you’re intimidated by ripping down walls. If you do choose to install over tile, be sure to read the installation instructions as there might be a few measurement adjustments.

This option also offers some nice customization: the wall panels can be cut to different heights to accommodate a tub if necessary—just be sure to caulk accordingly—and you can drill holes for proper plumbing fixture placement. We also like that it comes with optional vertical edge and corner pieces, helping it hold its shape and further prevent sneaky leaks.

Dimensions: 30 x 60 x 78 inches | Material: Fiberglass, acrylic | Style: Alcove

What We Like

  • Includes four integrated corner shelves

  • Works for small spaces

  • Mistelite glass doors add privacy

What We Don’t Like

  • Brand recommends doing a mock-up assembly

This all-in-one shower kit from Maax proves that a bathroom upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank. It has a sturdy frame and a 4-inch step-over threshold designed to fight against leaking. Unlike some of our other picks, this design also has the center drain part, making that one less piece to purchase. If you’re looking for a little extra privacy, the tempered glass doors have a frosted finish and slide open for an easily accessible centered entry.

The wall panels are made of three pieces—two sides and a corner with four built-in shelves for extra storage—that attach to waterproof wall boards with polystyrene-compatible adhesive. While the installation process is somewhat straightforward, the brand recommends doing a mockup install of the panels with tape to make sure the measurements are correct for your space: if the corner piece overlaps the side walls too much, trimming might be required.

Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 70 inches | Material: Polystyrene | Style: Corner

What We Like

  • Recessed shelf spans length of tub

  • Available with left or right drain locations

  • Tub has 35-degree lumbar support

What We Don’t Like

  • Tub material prone to chipping

  • Four-piece construction can make installation time-consuming

A shower may be a convenient and easy way to bathe, but if you’re a fan of soaking, a shower kit with a tub is a non-negotiable. This tub-shower combo kit from Bootz Industries combines the best of both worlds with a deep, 60-inch, porcelain-finished tub and a four-part surround. A recessed shelf along the back wall provides ample storage, plus you can add a tile design to it for further customization.

Unlike some of our other picks that use adhesives, this one requires direct-to-stud installation for proper stability and leveling. The subway tile-inspired walls have a tongue-and-groove system that easily slides them into place, but there might be a need for additional trimming or adjustments, especially if your alcove space isn’t level or perfectly square.

Dimensions: 30 x 60 x 77 inches | Material: Porcelain-enameled steel | Style: Alcove

What We Like

  • Includes 5-year warranty

  • Available in four sizes

  • Round design is space-efficient

  • Reversible door

What We Don’t Like

  • Installation requires drilling through tile

A corner shower can sometimes feel cramped, but this round option from Ove Decors makes the most of its space. The sliding curved door design is more space-efficient than other corner styles: the 36-inch size provides nearly 47 inches of shower space from the corner to the door. It’s available in four sizes—32 to 38 inches—and three finishes, so finding the perfect option for your bathroom shouldn’t be an issue.

The clear glass door is 6 millimeters thick, ensuring a long-lasting, durable life and watertight experience. It smoothly glides open and shut, and we like that it’s reversible so you can tailor it to your space. This is another option, however, that doesn’t come with walls, so be sure there’s an appropriately pre-tiled corner space ready for installation.

Dimensions: 40.8 x 40.8 x 76.97 inches | Material: Acrylic, glass | Style: Corner

What We Like

  • Available in four finishes and two drain locations

  • Smooth-gliding door

  • Accommodates up to ⅜-inch adjustability in case of future home settling

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires pre-tiled walls

  • No integrated shelving

A frameless shower has a sleek, airy look thanks to its exposed glass edges (don’t worry, they’re not sharp) and minimal style. The Vigo Winslow’s silhouette, complete with corner brackets, an eye-catching vertical handle, and an exposed roller-disk gliding door system, easily complements any modern home setting.

Another bonus of a frameless shower outside of aesthetics? Less framework and metal parts equals easier cleaning. Plus the glass wall and door of this kit “essentially prevents instances of mold and mildew since the spores can’t grow on its surface,” says Construction Manager Brandon Walker of ASAP Restoration, LLC. Just be aware of the weight here—the tempered glass is 10 millimeters thick, and it’s a two-person job when handling and installing the sliding door and walls.

Dimensions: 36 x 48 x 80 inches | Material: Acrylic | Style: Corner

What We Like

  • Available in three hardware finishes

  • Made in the USA and Canada

  • Ulok system aligns walls and locks them into place

What We Don’t Like

  • Installation requires a lot of caulking

  • Matte finish prone to scratching

An alcove shower kit—consisting of three panels that are inset into a wall, similar to a closet—is the most common type of shower kit, according to Walker. The Utile Arctik Shower Kit from Maax combines a moderate design aesthetic with function and durable utility. Its three finish options (chrome, brushed nickel, or dark bronze) complement the pale gray faux-tile design, and it’s topped with a multi-hued mosaic border for added visual interest.

The brand says this is a one-day install thanks to the Ulok system that lets you easily align the walls and snap them into place. The installation process still requires some technical knowledge, though—while some of our other top kits use special adhesives to attach the side panels to the wall, this one securely attaches directly to the studs.

Dimensions: 32 x 47.875 x 83.5 inches | Material: Fiberglass, acrylic, tempered glass | Style: Alcove

What We Like

  • Includes a Bluetooth speaker and FM radio

  • 8-inch rainfall showerhead with adjustable height handheld attachment

  • Removable stool

  • Tempered glass

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires 220-volt breaker

  • Unclear assembly instructions

If an aromatic, spa-like level of relaxation is your personal goal, a steam shower is worthy of your consideration. This Steam Planet kit boasts a Bluetooth sound system to play your peaceful tunes, an overhead rainfall showerhead, 8 body massage jets, and colored LEDs for chromotherapy, all in a stall that creates and traps steam.

The steam heats up quickly thanks to a 3.5 kW steam generator—just add a few drops of essential oil to the attached reservoir for the ultimate “breathe in, breathe out” experience. The built-in, waterproof control panel adjusts everything with a simple interface. Installation can be a chore though and some electrical know-how is required: it uses a 220-volt breaker and the control panel and generator might require service in the future.

Dimensions: 31 x 43 x 86 inches | Material: Tempered glass | Style: Corner

What We Like

  • High-gloss surface is easy to clean

  • Seat is removable and can be installed on either side

  • Snap-together installation doesn’t require caulking

What We Don’t Like

  • Additional sanding might be required to achieve proper panel fit

Some might prefer a seat option in the shower, whether it’s for mobility issues, relaxation, or just to comfortably shave your legs. This cool Accord Seated Shower Kit design from Sterling—a Kohler company since 1984—has a 12-inch wide seat that securely notches into either side of the shower or can be removed altogether.

It’s made of solid Vikrell, a fiberglass-composite material known for its rigid durability, lightweightness, and smooth texture that’s easy to keep clean. The four panels—including three walls and a shower base—connect with a tongue-and-groove system that makes a clicking sound when the pieces snap together, no caulking is required. Unlike some of our kit picks that don’t offer any storage, the Accord kit gives enough room for the whole family’s toiletries thanks to six shelves and extra space below the seat.

Dimensions: 36 x 48 x 76 inches | Material: Vikrell | Style: Alcove

What We Like

  • Two sliding doors open for center access

  • Allows for up to a half-inch adjustment for uneven walls

  • Textured base for slip resistance

What We Don’t Like

  • No shelving

  • Door magnets can be a bit noisy

For a modern, industrial look that stands out in a sea of minimal shower silhouettes—without the weight of heavy steel frames—we like DreamLine’s French Corner Sliding Shower Enclosure. It’s a neat trick: the doors have a proprietary JetGlaze glass pattern that creates a window pane look while maintaining a smooth glass surface that’s easy to clean. The matching anti-slip, acrylic square base completes the look.

The brand recommends professional installation, but regardless of whether you plan to DIY or not: this kit doesn’t include inner walls. Be prepared with a pre-tiled corner before you start the process.

Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 74.75 inches | Material: Aluminum, acrylic | Style: Corner

What We Like

  • Standard 2-inch compression fitted drain

  • Includes two glass corner shelves

  • Slip-resistant coating on base

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t include door

  • Wall panels require trimming to fit

If you’re working with a small bathroom alcove space, like an old closet, here’s a shower solution for you. Taking up only a 32-square-inch footprint, the Framed Square Shower Stall from DreamLine is specially designed for small spaces. It has a simple, efficient design featuring trimmable wall panels—in a stylish, diagonal tile pattern—with two glass shelves for holding your shower necessities.

Note that this pick doesn’t include a door, although it can easily accommodate a tension rod-shower curtain combo or a 31- to 32-inch shower door if preferred. While parts of it might be easy to assemble yourself, DreamLine recommends using a licensed plumber to install the shower base to ensure proper drainage and plumbing connections.

Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 76.75 inches | Material: Fiberglass | Style: Alcove

Final Verdict

Our top shower kit pick is Craft + Main’s Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit, an alcove style that includes three chic marble-inspired walls, a base—available in both left or right drain locations—and easy-glide doors. For a more wallet-friendly kit, we chose Maax’s Mediterranean III Corner Shower Stall not only for its value but also its sturdy frame construction, frosted privacy glass, and integrated corner shelving.

How We Picked the Best Shower Kits

Using a shower kit instead of going the custom-built route is a quicker and cost-efficient way to upgrade a bathroom, so we considered factors an average person would look for like style, materials, and cost. When researching the best shower kits, we looked at large home retailers known for speedy delivery and finalized our list by ranking their special features and—since we know not everyone is a home handyperson—ease of installation.

Some of our top picks require professional installation while several could be a DIY project if you have the right tools and experience. We also picked different-sized shower kits because bathrooms can greatly range in size and drain placement.

What to Look for in a Shower Kit

The Right Dimensions for Your Space

Be sure to adequately measure the shower space where you’ll be installing the kit. Will you be attaching it to the studs, adhering it to bathroom-grade drywall, or building over the original tiles? Different shower kits require different attachment methods and each one has specific dimensions to consider.

We recommend reading the kit’s measurement guidelines (usually available as a PDF on the retailer’s site) before purchasing to ensure you’re picking the best product for your allotted space. A licensed plumber or contractor can also help you measure correctly. Likewise, “the location of the drain is key,” says Wade. “If the new shower doesn’t line up with your existing plumbing, you might have to make some changes, which could affect your budget.”

A Shape That Suits Your Bathroom Configuration

Shower kits come in three basic shapes: alcove, corner, and freestanding. According to Walker, an alcove kit requires three walls, a corner unit uses two, and a freestanding style, while not nearly as common as the other two shapes, requires only one wall to attach to.

If you have a small alcove, try the DreamLine Framed Square Shower Stall. Larger alcove spaces are perfect for the Maax Utile Arctik Rectangular Alcove Shower Kit or the Bootz Industries’ Maui Tub/Shower Combo Unit if you don’t want to give up your bathtub. Keep in mind that alcove shower kits tend to have more components to keep track of.

Corner kits are great space savers, but “one of the biggest drawbacks of a corner shower kit is the space limitation within the shower itself,” says Walker. The Ove Decors Breeze Corner Shower Kit solves this problem by providing a surprisingly wide shower space thanks to its round exterior structure. Alternatively, the industrial-chic DreamLine French Corner Sliding Shower Enclosure is square and fits into roomier bathroom corners.

Unless you’re jumping into a full bathroom remodel where you’re rearranging the floor plan and drainage options, it’s best to follow your original shower’s footprint. “If the old unit went in the corner, the new unit should go in the corner,” Walker says. “This isn’t just for aesthetic’s sake; it also makes the [installation] that much simpler, and simplicity as well as cost savings are the main reasons for getting this kind of kit.”

Durable Materials and Components

A bathroom is the wettest and most humid area of the house, and it’s important to pick a shower kit made of waterproof, long-lasting materials with proper sealing to prevent leaks or even worse, mold growth. Most of our picks are made of acrylic or fiberglass, which are both durable and generally cheaper than tile. Regardless of its makeup, the shower kit panels need to firmly attach, especially in corners, or have thoroughly caulked seams to prevent water from seeping through.

Fiberglass “is probably the most common type of material [for] shower kits,” says Walker. “It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and can be molded into an endless series of shapes and designs.” One of our favorites, the Accord Seated Shower Kit from Sterling, is made of Vikrell, a proprietary fiberglass-based material designed to be extra-sturdy, lightweight, and chip- and stain-resistant.

Wade likes acrylic for its lightweight and mildew resistance, but “it’s prone to scratching and can warp over time,” he says. Both the Ove Decors Breeze Corner Shower Kit and the Vigo Winslow Sliding Frameless Shower Enclosure have durable bases made of acrylic and thick, glass doors for ultimate waterproofness and easy cleaning.

One More Thing

While some shower kits can technically be installed yourself, even the savviest of DIYers should know what to expect before taking on the project. Walker says the installation process typically includes stripping the bathroom wall down to its studs, attaching the shower base to the subfloor with a leveler mortar, and installing shower valves.

Regardless of your skillset and toolbox contents, always read the installation instructions in full before getting started. Most of our picks have online how-to manuals and measurement guidelines that can be viewed before purchase to help nudge you in the right direction. Some shower kits are either one-unit pieces designed to slide right into the allotted space, while other styles have multiple parts that require more assembly and could lead to potential installation errors or leaks if you’re not highly skilled.

“While some [shower] kits are marketed as DIY-friendly, it’s highly recommended to work with a licensed professional for the installation,” says Wade. “This ensures the job is done correctly, avoiding costly mistakes.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Becky Eaton, a freelance writer who covers home products and an owner of a 110-year-old home who’s overseen several necessary antique plumbing-related upgrades and drainage projects. She researched shower kits at popular retailers, focusing on bestselling, highly-rated shower kits. She also consulted two plumbing experts about installation, features to consider, and the most durable shower kit materials, then narrowed down her final list to include a range of designs, styles, and sizes.

Our Experts:

  • Joseph Wade, Vice President of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
  • Brandon Walker, Construction Manager at ASAP Restoration LLC

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