Shower projects come with a different cost structure than countertops, mostly because vertical surfaces and water exposure change some of the fabrication requirements. Here’s what actually goes into pricing a shower slab project, without throwing out numbers that won’t necessarily apply to your specific bathroom.
Material Choice
As with any stone project, material is the largest driver of cost. Granite and quartz tend to be more accessible, while marble, quartzite, and more exotic natural stones typically run higher due to sourcing and the fabrication expertise required, especially for larger wall panels.
Shower Size and Wall Count
A single accent wall obviously costs less than covering an entire shower enclosure in slab. The number of walls being covered, along with the height and width of your shower, directly affects how much material is needed and how much fabrication work is involved.
Seams and Panel Configuration
Larger showers sometimes require multiple slab pieces per wall, depending on the size limitations of the material. Fewer seams generally means a cleaner look but can also mean sourcing larger, less common slab sizes, which affects overall project cost.
Design Complexity
Standard flat wall panels are the most straightforward to fabricate and install. Features like a book-matched pattern, a built-in niche, a bench, or curved corners all add complexity and therefore cost compared to a simple, flat installation.
What’s Included in Our Shower Slab Quotes
When we quote a shower slab project, it covers the material, precise measuring, fabrication, and installation of the stone surfaces themselves. Our shower remodel services page has more detail on our process and material options.
I want to be clear about scope here as well, since shower projects can sometimes get bundled with broader bathroom work in people’s minds. We handle the stone slab portion of your shower, walls, niches, and benches. Plumbing, fixtures, waterproofing membranes, and general bathroom construction fall outside what we do.
Getting an Accurate Number
Because so many variables affect the final cost, from wall count to design complexity, the only reliable way to get an accurate number is to have your shower measured in person and to compare real slab pricing for the materials you’re considering. We provide consultations at our Thousand Oaks showroom for homeowners throughout Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a niche or bench add significantly to the cost?
Yes, built-in features like niches and benches require additional fabrication work compared to flat wall panels, which affects the overall project cost.
Are fewer seams always more expensive?
Not always, but achieving fewer seams sometimes requires larger, less common slab sizes, which can affect pricing depending on the material.
Is plumbing work included in your shower slab quotes?
No, our quotes cover the stone slab installation itself. Plumbing and fixture work would need to be coordinated separately.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Shower
Stop by our showroom at 2300 Corporate Center Drive in Thousand Oaks for a consultation based on your actual shower dimensions. Find us on Google Maps for directions.
Arena Marble & Granite
2300 Corporate Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, United States
805-375-2771