The Spruce
Shower kits can make the process of remodeling a bathroom much simpler. They offer a watertight installation for a fraction of the cost of a custom shower. “It’s a pre-arranged system with all of the parts, pan, walls, and optional doors that are designed to function together,” says Alex Atkinson, a plumber at Super Brothers. We found the best shower kits, all of which feature durable materials, sleek designs, and easy assembly. All of our top picks are made from waterproof surfaces and corrosion-proof hardware to ensure durability.
Top Picks
Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit at Home Depot
$1,588
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American Standard 3 Piece Glue Up Alcove Shower Panel Kit at Lowes
$399
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Delta Classic Alcove Rectangular Bathtub and Shower Combo at Home Depot
$758
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Aquatic Everyday 1-Piece Shower Stall at Home Depot
$1,291
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Dreamline Framed Square Shower Stall and Base at Wayfair
$963
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Delta Round Sliding Frameless Corner Shower at Home Depot
$559
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DreamLine French Corner Sliding Shower Enclosure at Amazon
$1,223
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Best Overall
Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit
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Elegant marble look
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Installs over existing tile
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Left- or right-facing option
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Doesn’t include shelving
With all the features of a custom shower, minus the headache of planning for one, the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit stands out as our top pick. We love that the walls can be installed over existing tile or backer board and don’t require any grout. Plus, the doors are made from thick, water-repellent glass to ensure quality construction.
Thoughtful details, such as the beveled edges, smooth door rollers, and marble finish, also stood out to us, creating a seamless design. The floors are textured to prevent slipping. Still, the base retains a high gloss and is made from fiberglass, so it looks sleek while also offering durability and easy maintenance. The walls can also be cut to your desired dimensions for a custom fit.
We like that the shower door has a magnetic strike to prevent water from leaking out as you bathe. Depending on the layout of your bathroom, you can choose from a right- or left-hand orientation. Although the kit features dual towel bars, we wish it included integrated shelves to store toiletries, which would add to the practicality of this shower kit.
Dimensions: 60 x 30 inches or 60 x 32 inches | Material: Composite, coated glass, acrylic, MDF, fiberglass | Style: Alcove
Best Budget
American Standard 3 Piece Glue Up Alcove Shower Panel Kit
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Built-in shelves on each corner
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Curved edges
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Easy to clean
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No towel bar included
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Material is flimsier than others
While many shower kits ring in at around four figures, the American Standard Glue Up Alcove Shower Panel Kit offers many of the same features at a more affordable price point. We like that it has a subway tile texture, offering a classic look that complements most bathroom designs.
Unlike the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit (our best overall pick), this option has six built-in shelves—three on each corner—so there’s plenty of space to stow and access your toiletries. The curved edges are another highlight, ensuring there are no hard edges to bump into.
This set comes with a base, wall system, and door. We like that it has the option for a left- or right-hand drain. However, it’s not as customizable in terms of wall length or drilling holes as our best overall pick. It’s also made from polystyrene, which is more fragile.
Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 72 inches | Material: Polystyrene | Style: Alcove
Best With Bathtub
Delta Classic Alcove Rectangular Bathtub and Shower Combo
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Classic glossy white finish
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Full wall of storage
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Space-saving design
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Slim width
If you love to soak or have kids, you can always opt for a kit with a bathtub, like the Delta Classic Alcove Rectangular Bathtub and Shower Combo. We love that this has a full wall of storage, complete with a wide center shelf, side shelves, and an accessory ledge at the top.
The classic glossy white finish is perfect for a bathtub, with an acrylic surface that is easy to clean with a quick wipe or scrub. Like the American Standard Glue Up Alcove Shower Panel Kit (our best budget pick), this kit features a curved design, which saves space—although the width is significantly slimmer, meaning you have less space to move around.
However, the kit is quite easy to install, thanks to its snap-and-lock walls. There are pre-made drill holes and a reinforced base to secure the tub in place. Just note that this option is also made from polystyrene, which can be prone to wear over time.
Dimensions: 60 x 16 x 41 inches | Material: Polystyrene | Style: Alcove
Best With Seat
Aquatic Everyday 1-Piece Shower Stall
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Reinforced with fiberglass
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Integrated seat
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Several color options
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Not for finished surfaces
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No doors included
Whether you need increased accessibility or a sturdy base to shave, the Aquatic Everyday Shower Stall has you covered. This kit features a wide, nearly 6-foot opening, allowing you to customize the style and size of the door. However, the door (or a shower curtain) must be purchased separately, as it is not included with the kit.
We love how seamlessly the seat is integrated into the walls, though; it’s coated in the same textured tile finish. The material is reinforced with fiberglass to ensure it can handle the weight. Plus, there are three colorways to choose from to match your bathroom’s design.
The shower’s slip-resistant floor and direct-to-stud installation ensure it’s safe and durable to use in the long run. However, this pick can only be used on new builds or full gut renovations, as it can’t be installed on finished walls.
Dimensions: 60 x 36 x 76 inches | Material: Acrylic | Style: Alcove
Best for Small Spaces
Dreamline Framed Square Shower Stall and Base
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Frosted glass finish
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Trim-to-fit walls
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Tile flange prevents leaks
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No door included
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Can’t mount to studs
The Dreamline Framed Square Shower Stall features petite proportions and an alcove shape that’s ideal if you’re short on square footage. The square base is just 3 feet by 3 feet, with a center drain and lifted edge to prevent water from pooling.
We like that the kit doesn’t skimp on design, too. With indented walls, a diagonal tile pattern, and a frosted glass finish, it feels luxe even though you’re saving money. However, unlike the Aquatic Everyday 1-Piece Shower Stall (our best with seat pick), this option doesn’t attach directly to studs. This can mean a bit less reinforcement, but it also allows you to glue the walls to existing surfaces without ripping the walls out.
The scratch- and stain-resistant floors add to the appeal, along with integrated shelves. The panels can be trimmed to size, as well, so you can get a custom fit for your bathroom. Just keep in mind that the door is not included, so you’ll have to add that to the overall cost of this project.
Dimensions: 36 x 76.745 inches | Material: Fiberglass, glass, acrylic | Style: Alcove
Best for Corners
Delta Round Sliding Frameless Corner Shower
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Rounded door shape
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Tempered glass door and panels
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Non-slip base
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Base sold separately
A corner shower like the Delta Round Sliding Frameless Corner Shower is another great option for small bathrooms. We like this pick for its rounded design, which helps save space. You can choose from different frame finishes, including stainless steel, matte black, or chrome.
This kit is easy to install, including over tile. Plus, you can customize it with a right- or left-sliding door. The tempered glass and stainless steel construction also stood out to us, ensuring the shower stays durable through moisture and frequent use. The textured bottom further ensures there’s no slipping.
However, this pick doesn’t come with a base, so you’ll have to purchase one separately, which can be inconvenient due to the unique, semi-circular shape. However, the brand offers one that’s compatible with this kit if you want to streamline the process.
Dimensions: 38 x 72 inches | Material: Tempered glass, stainless steel | Style: Corner
Best Design
DreamLine French Corner Sliding Shower Enclosure
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French door-style panels
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Works with uneven walls
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Sliding doors
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Base not included
A shower kit doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Case in point? The DreamLine French Corner Framed Sliding Shower Enclosure. The French door-style panels immediately caught our eye, adding an elegant touch to any bathroom.
The frame is made with anodized aluminum, which means it has a protective layer that prevents it from chipping, rusting, or corroding. The edges accommodate a half-inch adjustment for uneven walls, safeguarding against leaks as well.
For small spaces, the sliding doors are handy and add to the luxe feel. Keep in mind that this kit only comes with panels—not a base or shelves—so it’s a lot more bare-bones if you’re doing a new build or gut renovation, compared to options like the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit (our best overall pick).
Dimensions: 34.5 x 34.5 x 72 inches | Material: Tempered glass, aluminum | Style: Corner
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit, an easy-to-install option with an elegant marble look. It is made from durable materials and comes with all the necessary surfaces for a complete shower. We also like the American Standard Alcove Shower Panel Kit for its built-in shelves, curved edges, and classic subway tile finish.
What to Look For in a Shower Kit
The Right Dimensions for Your Space
When finding the best shower kit for your space, the first consideration is whether it will fit in your space. Make sure to pre-measure your existing space and verify the depth, height, and length of the shower kit to ensure the proportions work.
Plumber Alex Atkinson notes that most panels come pre-cut to standard dimensions, eliminating the trial and error of traditional builds. Still, you can opt for showers with petite proportions to work with limited square footage, as seen in the Dreamline Framed Square Shower Stall and Base Included (our best for small spaces pick).
Some also have adjustable walls that you can cut (like our best overall pick, the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit) to get a custom fit.
A Style That Suits Your Bathroom
There are a myriad of designs that integrate your shower with your bathroom aesthetic. Contemporary ones often feature glass and can be frameless for a minimal look. Others are more traditional with subway tile finishes.
Marble finishes can add a touch of elegance to a space, while unique designs bring in charm, as seen in the DreamLine French Corner Framed Sliding Shower Enclosure, which has French door-esque panels.
Practically, there are styles with seats or shelves for extra storage—such as the Aquatic Everyday Shower Stall with Left Seat (our best pick with a seat).
The Budget for Your Remodel
Keep your remodeling budget in mind and choose a shower kit with some flexibility to account for potential plumbing and contracting costs. Most of the shower kits in our roundup cost around or just under $1,000. Typically, a higher cost is indicative of better quality materials and can help your shower last longer over time.
However, if you want to save money, there are options for a couple of hundred dollars, like the American Standard Glue Up Alcove Shower Panel Kit (our best budget pick). Opting for a DIY install can help cut costs as well.
The Ease of Installation
Most shower kits take at least a couple of hours to install, but are still much faster to set up than a custom shower. Surfaces that can be glued are typically easier to install. Plus, they can usually be tacked onto existing surfaces, so you don’t need to remove the walls—like the Dreamline Framed Square Shower Stall and Base (our best for small spaces pick).
Direct-to-stud installs are more involved and require more handiness (and a toolkit), but can result in a more secure shower. Some panels are height-adjustable, which can also elongate the installation process, since you have to cut them, as with the Craft + Main Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit (our best overall pick).
Keep in mind your skill level when it comes to assembly and plumbing, as any mistakes can be costly. “If you get one step wrong, you’ll end up with leaks behind walls or improper drainage that means bigger problems down the line,” Atkinson says. “If you’re comfortable with a level, a drill, and silicone sealant, and you don’t mind cutting and matching panels, you could do it. But I would recommend getting a licensed plumber to come in and perform at least the drain hookup and waterproofing inspection to make sure everything is safe and to code.”
Why Trust The Spruce
This roundup was written by Shagun Khare, a writer who’s covered everything from corner showers to bidets. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2021 and has been writing about interiors for over three years.
Khare used her knowledge of bathroom design to determine which picks were stylish, durable, and easy to install. She also vetted shopper reviews and researched top brands to determine the standout picks.
Our Experts:
- Alex Atkinson, a plumber at Super Brothers
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