How Much Does a Shower or Bathtub Liner Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

The average cost of installing a bathtub or shower liner can be as low as $499 or as much as $15,000. Special features like custom shelves or tubs and the type of material you use can add to the total cost. On average, you can expect to pay $6,394.

A liner is a great way for homeowners to give their old tub or shower a brand-new look without installing an entirely new unit. They’re made to lock in place over the existing tub or shower, and there’s no demo involved.

Shower and Bathtub Liner Cost by Material

The cost of a bathtub and shower liner varies greatly by material.

Fiberglass 

Fiberglass wall surrounds are a good choice if you’re looking for something very durable. It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, scratches, and chips. These wall surrounds cost $210 to $1,300. Combined with a tub liner, you can expect to pay $510 to $2,300.

Acrylic

Acrylic wall surrounds cost about $260 to $1,600. The lower-priced acrylic surrounds tend to be thinner, while higher-priced acrylic surrounds are reinforced with fiberglass. In total, with a liner, you can expect to pay $560 to $2,600.

Solid Surface

Solid surface wall surrounds consist of an acrylic and plastic composite or a fiberglass and plastic composite. It’s another durable, mold- and mildew-resistant option. These surrounds range between $260 and $2,000. If you combine it with a liner, then the cost increases to $560 to $3,000.

Vikrell

Vikrell is a great option for DIYers because it’s easy to install. It’s made to last, and it won’t chip or crack. The nonporous surface means it’s perfect for showers. Vikrell costs about $270 to $1,800 for the surround or $570 to $2,800 with a tub liner.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a good option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly. The cons are that it’s not as durable as other options on this list. Over time, your polystyrene surround can discolor and get dented and scratched. The surround costs about $90 to $300, with a tub and surround installation ranging between $390 and $1,300.

Size

The bigger the tub, the more your liner will cost. The same applies to showers and tub-and-shower combos (which are the most expensive).

Wall Surrounds 

While installing your tub or shower liner, consider installing new wall surrounds. Some liners come with wall surrounds, while others do not—meaning you'll have to purchase them separately. Tub surrounds cost $1,000 to $2,000, while shower surrounds cost $700 to $900.

Labor

Hiring a local plumber to install a shower liner costs between $500 and $1,500, though this may vary based on the size of the job and project complexity. The more complex your tub or shower is, the more expensive it gets, and the more skill sets are needed.

Additional Costs to Consider

Before you finalize your liner installation budget, make sure to keep these potential additional costs in mind.

Remove an Existing Bathtub or Shower Liner 

Removing the existing tub or shower liner costs around $450 to $1,100. Unfortunately, the removal process isn’t as straightforward as the installation. Since the liner is glued to the tub, removing it requires a bathtub pro to rip or cut pieces out until it’s all gone.

Plumbing Repairs

This factor only matters if you need to perform any plumbing repairs, such as fixing a leaking pipe or a malfunctioning shower valve. It’s important that you do this before installing your brand-new liner to avoid any unnecessary spending later on.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Liners

You may be wondering about the differences between bathtub refinishing and bathtub liners. The two processes are very different—refinishing involves reglazing your tub with new layers of epoxy and sealant, and liners are glued onto the tub. Both can cover up bathtub wear and tear and damage like cracks, chips, and scratches. 

Liners cost more, as bathtub refinishing costs range between $350 and $650. Also, a refinished tub can last 10 to 15 years, which is considerably longer than the life span of a tub liner. Either way, both of these options allow you to extend the life of your existing tub so you don’t have to spend extra money on a brand-new one.

Furthermore, both of these options make for challenging DIY projects. In particular, there can be health risks associated with the bathtub refinishing process. So find a shower pro or hire a bathtub refinisher near you for the best results.

Why You Should Hire a Bathtub Liner Installer 

If you hire a local shower or bathtub liner pro to install your shower liner, labor will take up 15% to 20% of the total cost, depending on the size, materials, and style. While skipping a professional installation might seem like a worthy cost-saving measure, DIY liners can cause mold issues and lead to costly repairs.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a bathtub pro

A bathtub or shower liner installation is not an easy project, so here’s why you should leave it to the pros:

• Improper installations can lead to moisture between the tub or shower and the liner, causing costly mold and mildew issues, bad odors, and health issues.

• Installing a new liner requires preparing the surface correctly.

• It can be challenging to remove an existing tub or shower liner due to the adhesive that glues the old liner to the surface.

• Bathtubs or showers needing plumbing repairs before applying a new liner require a licensed plumber. 

• Incorrectly installing a new shower or bathtub liner can lead to extra expenses for repairs or replacement parts.

• A plumber can address any concerns you have about your bathtub or shower for a more comprehensive bathroom remodel.

• If you need additional services, like major structural repairs or plumbing services, then you may need a permit and a licensed plumber to complete the repairs.

If you want to DIY a shower or bathtub liner

If you still want to get in a little DIY work, there are smaller ways you can help your pro, including:

• Cleaning the bathtub or shower until all limescale is removed

• Measuring the dimensions of your shower or bathtub

• Taking care of any mold or mildew before installing a new liner

• Repairing cracks, chips, and drainage problems before the installation

• Removing the hardware on your tub or shower

• Ensuring your new bathtub insert fits the space

• Reattaching removed hardware once complete

How to Save on Bath and Shower Liner Installation 

The best way to save on bath and shower liner installation is to shop around to see which company offers the best deal. Before deciding, check all the details on the included services to ensure the quotes are comparable.

If you’re gathering information on large-scale bathroom remodel costs, find out if the company or contractor you hire is willing to make any bundle deals.

Besides that, you can opt for more affordable materials and options to cut back on the final costs. This likely means you’ll go with a PVC liner and perhaps forgo a wall surround until later. If you need a wall surround, use polystyrene or a relatively low-cost acrylic or solid surface option.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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