A watertight shower floor begins with a dependable pan liner, yet many homeowners underestimate the planning and expense behind this critical component. At CountBricks, we turn guesswork into clarity by generating detailed AI-driven estimates in real time. Below, we break down the actual cost to install a shower pan liner in a residential setting and show how our platform streamlines every stage of the project.
Based on thousands of recent CountBricks takeoffs, the typical homeowner spends between $750 and $1,650 for professional liner installation. That figure includes demo, materials, labor, flood testing, and cleanup. High-end curbless designs or liners larger than 3’ × 5’ can reach $2,400 or more, while a straightforward replacement in a 32" × 32" stall often stays below $1,000.
• Shower footprint — The bigger the area, the greater the liner square footage, mortar volume, and labor hours.
• Liner material — PVC remains the most common and affordable, while CPE, liquid membranes, or sheet-applied alternatives raise material spend.
• Drain complexity — Center drains are fastest to set. Linear or concealed drains demand precise slope work and specialty kits.
• Subfloor condition — Rot, out-of-level sheathing, or cutting for plumbing reroutes can add half-day labor charges.
• Building code & permit fees — Municipal inspection fees range from $75 to $350 depending on jurisdiction.
• Market labor rates — Urban regions with busy remodeling cycles command higher journeyman wages than rural areas.
• 15 ft. PVC liner roll: $65–$85
• Clamping drain kit with weep guard: $40–$70
• Pre-slope mortar & top deck mud: $45–$90
• Fasteners, adhesive, & butyl sealant: $25–$40
• Flood-test plug & gauge: $15–$30
Total materials: $190–$315
1. Demo & disposal of existing base: 1–2 hrs
2. Framing repair & pre-slope float: 2–3 hrs
3. Liner fit, fold, and corner weld: 1.5–2 hrs
4. 24-hr flood test oversight: minimal active labor, but trades must revisit
5. Top mortar bed, curb form, and cleanup: 2–3 hrs
Total crew time: 7–10 labor hours
• Unexpected termite or water damage discovered after demo
• Upgrading to a deeper curbless recess requiring joist notching
• Tile pattern changes that expand the footprint
• Expedited scheduling fees when a project is under time pressure
Traditional takeoffs might require manual measuring, spreadsheet math, and supplier phone calls. CountBricks condenses those tasks into minutes:
• Speak dimensions into your mobile mic, and our AI captures them instantly
• Upload a blueprint, and CountBricks auto-detects wet-area outlines
• The platform references live supplier feeds for PVC, mortar, and drain pricing
• Labor hours adjust automatically to your ZIP-code rate profile
• Generate a branded PDF quote complete with tasks, materials, and line-item costs ready to send the same day
1. Protect adjacent finishes and shut off water supply
2. Remove existing shower floor down to clean subfloor
3. Verify framing slope direction and reinforce as needed
4. Float a 1/4"-per-foot pre-slope mortar bed
5. Position PVC liner, fold corners, and clamp to drain
6. Conduct a 24-hour flood test at 2" water depth
7. Install final deck mud, shaping proper slopes
8. Waterproof curb and transitions, then release to tile setter
• Order liner width at least 6" wider than shower pan on all sides to avoid seams
• Use pea gravel around drain weep holes during top float to prevent clogging
• Photograph the flood test for your client record and permit inspector
• Pair the PVC liner with a surface waterproof membrane on walls for a full “tub” effect
• Log every material batch in CountBricks.com/portfolio to simplify future warranty calls
A confident DIYer can source materials for roughly $300 and invest a weekend of labor. Mistakes, however, can lead to trapped moisture and costly mold remediation. Professional installers backed by CountBricks estimates carry liability coverage, follow local code, and perform industry-standard flood tests—benefits that far outweigh the initial savings for most homeowners.
• AI accuracy within 3% of final invoice cost
• Integrated change-order tracking that updates quotes in seconds
• Realtime collaboration between GC, homeowner, and tile contractor
• Centralized document storage at CountBricks.com/projects
• No hidden fees—only transparent, line-itemed pricing you can trust
If you’re planning a shower upgrade or a full bathroom remodel, start with a precise cost to install a shower pan liner at CountBricks.com/services. Our consultants can capture your scope over a quick voice call, deliver an itemized estimate before the call ends, and schedule field crews from our vetted network. Turn confusion into confidence—CountBricks has your shower floor covered.
CountBricks recently supported a homeowner in Houston aiming to swap dated fiberglass walls for modern subway tile. The existing pan liner showed premature pinholes, so our team recommended a full tear-out and replacement.
• 42" × 60" shower footprint with center drain
• Desired curb-height reduction for easier access
• Matching herringbone mosaic on the floor
1. Materials: $285 including upgraded CPE liner and stainless drain kit
2. Labor: 9.2 hours at prevailing Houston rates, totaling $720
3. Permits & debris haul-off: $120
Total projected cost: $1,125
The homeowner received a branded CountBricks PDF within 12 minutes of the initial call. Because the estimate was tied to live supplier pricing, there were zero material overruns despite a sudden market increase on mortar sand two weeks later.
• Flood test passed on first inspection
• New curb height dropped from 6" to 3", meeting client accessibility goals
• Project closed at $1,138—less than 1.2% above the AI projection
• Real-time pricing protects profit margins for both contractor and homeowner
• Digital photo documentation inside CountBricks.com/projects speeds permit approvals
• Small upgrades—like stainless drain bodies—offer long-term value at minimal added cost
Ready to experience similar accuracy? Contact CountBricks.com/consultation to discuss your own shower liner project. Our AI tools, expert field teams, and transparent workflows ensure you know every dollar before the first tile is lifted.
