A walk-in shower installation is one of the most requested bathroom upgrades in Montreal. Whether you’re converting an old bathtub, replacing a dated shower stall, or building a new bathroom from scratch, understanding what the work actually costs — and what drives that cost — helps you plan realistically and avoid surprises.
At GRM, we install walk-in showers across Montreal, Laval, and the West Island. Here is an honest breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
What Affects the Cost of a Walk-In Shower in Montreal
No two walk-in shower installations cost the same. The walk-in shower cost in Montreal typically ranges from $4,500 to $15,000+ depending on the scope of work. The variables that drive price the most:
1. Size A larger shower requires more tile, more waterproofing membrane, more labor, and often a larger glass enclosure. A standard shower replacement in an existing bathtub footprint costs significantly less than a custom large-format shower built from scratch.
2. Tile selection Tile is one of the biggest cost variables in any shower installation. Large format porcelain slabs, natural stone, and textured feature tiles cost more to purchase and more to install than standard ceramic or subway tile. The size of the tile also affects labor — large format tiles require more precise substrate preparation and more time to set correctly.
3. Glass enclosure A basic pivot door in a standard frame costs a fraction of what a custom frameless glass enclosure costs. Frameless glass requires thicker tempered glass, custom hardware, and more precise installation. For most Montreal homeowners, the upgrade to frameless glass is worth the cost — it makes the shower feel significantly larger and is easier to clean.
4. Waterproofing system This is where many cheaper quotes cut corners. A proper waterproofing system — bonded membrane on all walls and floor, fabric reinforcement at all corners and joints, integrated drain — costs more than a single coat of liquid membrane. At GRM, we use Schluter KERDI and DITRA systems on every installation. The cost difference is real. The difference in long-term performance is also real.
5. Plumbing changes If the shower is replacing a bathtub, the drain location changes. If you are adding a rain shower head, body sprays, or a thermostatic valve, the plumbing rough-in is more complex. Each addition affects the overall cost.
6. Heated floor Many clients add an electric radiant floor to their walk-in shower. The heated floor mat is installed under the tile and connected to a thermostat. It adds cost to the project but is one of the upgrades clients are most satisfied with long-term.
7. Niche, bench, and accessories Built-in niches require additional waterproofing and tile work. A built-in bench adds time and materials. Linear drains cost more than standard round drains but create a cleaner look and better water flow in curbless designs.
Typical Cost Ranges for Walk-In Shower Installation in Montreal (2026)
These ranges reflect GRM project data for Montreal and surrounding areas. Every project is different — these are reference points, not firm quotes.
Standard walk-in shower conversion (existing tub footprint, standard tile, basic glass door, updated plumbing): Projects in this range typically start in the mid-five figures and vary based on tile selection and plumbing complexity.
Mid-range walk-in shower (larger footprint, upgraded tile, semi-frameless or frameless glass, niche, updated plumbing): Projects at this level reflect the most common scope we complete for Montreal homeowners upgrading their primary bathroom.
Premium walk-in shower (large format tile or stone, custom frameless glass, rain shower, body sprays, heated floor, linear drain, bench): These projects are priced based on full scope assessment. Material costs alone for premium finishes can represent a significant portion of the total investment.
We do not provide accurate pricing by phone or photo. Walk-in shower costs in Montreal vary too much based on building age, existing plumbing configuration, substrate condition, and what we find behind the walls during demolition. We provide written estimates after an on-site assessment.
What Is Included in a GRM Walk-In Shower Installation
Every GRM walk-in shower installation includes:
- Full demolition of existing tub or shower
- Inspection and documentation of existing conditions
- Plumbing modifications and drain relocation if required
- Schluter waterproofing system on all walls and floor
- Substrate preparation including slope for drainage
- Tile installation — floor, walls, and niche if applicable
- Glass enclosure installation
- Final plumbing connections — valve, showerhead, controls
- Complete cleanup and waste removal
- 10-year workmanship warranty
What can add to the scope: discovery of hidden water damage, mold remediation, electrical work for heated floors, structural modifications, permit requirements in multi-unit buildings.
Curbless vs. Curbed Walk-In Shower — Cost Difference
A curbless (zero-threshold) shower eliminates the step at the entry. It requires a longer floor slope, more precise waterproofing, and often a linear drain at the entry to contain water effectively. The result is a cleaner, more accessible shower that works particularly well in larger bathrooms.
A curbed shower has a small raised threshold at the entry. It is easier and faster to waterproof and build, and the cost is typically lower. For most standard Montreal bathroom sizes, a curbed shower is the practical choice.
The choice depends on your bathroom layout, your budget, and whether accessibility is a priority.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Walk-In Shower Quote
- What waterproofing system do you use? Ask specifically — not “we waterproof everything” but the actual product and method.
- Is the glass enclosure included in the quote or quoted separately?
- What happens if you find damage behind the existing tile during demolition?
- What is your warranty on the waterproofing?
- Are you RBQ licensed and insured?
A lower quote that excludes the glass, uses inadequate waterproofing, or has no warranty for hidden conditions will cost more in the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a walk-in shower installation take in Montreal? A typical GRM walk-in shower installation takes 10 to 16 working days from demolition to completion. Custom elements — large format tile, heated floors, custom glass — extend the timeline. We provide a detailed schedule at the start of every project.
Do I need a permit for a walk-in shower installation in Montreal? For most standard conversions within the existing bathroom footprint, no permit is required. If the project involves moving walls, adding electrical for heated floors, or significant plumbing changes in a multi-unit building, permits may be required. GRM advises on permit requirements during the estimate.
Can a walk-in shower be installed in a small Montreal bathroom? Yes. We regularly install walk-in showers in Montreal condos and older homes with compact bathrooms. A well-designed walk-in shower in a small space can feel larger than the tub-shower combination it replaces. The design and layout are planned during the estimate to maximize the available space.
What is the most common mistake homeowners make when getting walk-in shower quotes in Montreal? Choosing based on price alone without verifying what is included. The most common scenario we see: a homeowner accepts a lower quote, the contractor skips proper waterproofing, and within 3 to 5 years the shower is leaking and requires full demolition and reinstallation. The repair cost exceeds the original renovation cost.
Planning a walk-in shower installation in Montreal? Contact Groupe Rénovation Montréal for a free on-site estimate. We serve Montreal, Laval, West Island, and surrounding areas. RBQ licensed. 10-year warranty.
