The demand for quick, affordable bathroom upgrades has pushed the popularity of shower overlays to an all-time high. A shower overlay—sometimes called a liner or cap—fits over existing tile or fiberglass to create a fresh, watertight surface without the mess of a full tear-out. But what does a residential homeowner really spend on this option? CountBricks has analyzed hundreds of projects through our AI estimate engine to break down the numbers and help you budget with confidence.
National residential average captured in CountBricks bids: $1,850 – $3,900 per shower
• Entry-level acrylic kit installed by homeowner: about $900 in materials, plus time
• Professional acrylic or composite overlay: $2,200 – $3,400 including labor
• Premium cultured marble or solid-surface overlay with upgraded fixtures: $3,500 – $5,200
Because CountBricks estimates pull live material costs and local labor rates, these figures update in real time. Check your zip code at CountBricks.com/services for the latest numbers.
1. Existing shower size and condition
2. Overlay material (acrylic, PVC composite, cultured marble)
3. Wall prep and minor repairs before capping
4. Plumbing upgrades—valve, trim, handheld, or rain head
5. Glass door replacement vs. reuse of existing curtain
6. Permit and inspection fees where required
• Acrylic: Light, budget-friendly, large color selection, average $9–$14 per sq ft
• PVC Composite: More rigid, higher heat resistance, $13–$18 per sq ft
• Cultured Marble / Solid Surface: Luxury look, seamless corners, $22–$30 per sq ft
CountBricks automatically suggests products that match your design specs and price point. Our voice-guided estimate tool even adjusts calculations if you switch from acrylic to cultured marble on the fly.
Labor for an overlay is typically 40-55 percent of total cost. In Dallas, recent CountBricks projects show certified installers charging $55–$75 per hour, completing most overlays in 8-12 crew hours. Labor climbs when walls require mold remediation, plumbing relocation, or custom trim fabrication. With CountBricks, those extras are flagged instantly, so surprises never make it onto your final invoice.
• On-site measurement and template creation
• Demolition of loose tile or soap dishes
• Surface cleaning, sanding, and adhesive prep
• Dry-fit, trimming, and permanent bonding of panels
• Sealing joints with color-matched silicone
• Reinstalling faucets, valve trim, and accessories
1. In-home laser scan using CountBricks Blueprint Capture (15 minutes)
2. Same-day AI estimate delivered to client inbox (1 hour)
3. Factory-cut panels arrive on site (7-10 days)
4. Demo/prep morning; overlay installed by afternoon (1 day)
5. Cure time and punch list (24 hours)
6. Final walkthrough and CountBricks e-invoice (day 3)
• Live material pricing prevents mark-ups and supply-chain spikes
• Voice-to-estimate workflow cuts office hours by 30 percent
• AI blueprint takeoffs eliminate waste, ordering only what is needed
• Automated scheduling pairs projects with nearest certified crews
Result: homeowners save an average of 8-12 percent compared with traditional quoting methods.
• Keep plumbing in the same locations whenever possible
• Choose stock colors instead of custom patterns
• Reuse existing glass doors if frameless isn’t essential
• Bundle additional bath updates—paint, hardware—to leverage labor already on site
• Approve CountBricks digital change orders promptly to avoid delays
If structural rot, sub-floor damage, or extensive mold is discovered, a full shower rebuild may be safer and more cost-effective long term. CountBricks advisors can pivot your project to a complete tear-out estimate in minutes, carrying over measurements and finishes already selected.
Ready for exact numbers tailored to your bathroom? Upload a few photos or schedule a live video walkthrough at CountBricks.com/consultation. Our AI will calculate your personalized shower overlay cost, generate a polished proposal, and book the nearest installation date—all before you finish your morning coffee.
CountBricks recently completed a shower overlay for a 1980s ranch home on Maple Drive. The client wanted a modern look without the four-week demolition timeline her neighbors endured.
• Existing 34" × 60" alcove with cracked white tile
• Selected PVC composite overlay in “Arctic Stone” finish
• Upgraded to a pressure-balanced valve and slide-bar handheld
• Retained existing framed glass door to control cost
1. Materials: $1,490 (panels, adhesive, sealant, valve trim) pulled in real time via CountBricks live pricing
2. Labor: $1,120 covering 10 crew hours at the local market rate
3. Contingency & permits: $180
Total shower overlay cost: $2,790—delivered within 3 percent of the initial AI estimate.
• Digital blueprint takeoff ensured zero over-ordering—only nine PVC panels shipped, no leftovers
• Voice-based change order allowed the homeowner to add niche shelves mid-install without paper delays
• CountBricks scheduler slotted installation between two nearby jobs, lowering mobilization cost
“The entire process felt frictionless. I approved my quote while commuting, watched progress in the app, and showered in my ‘new’ bath three days later. The final bill matched the first number CountBricks gave me.”
Whether you are a DIY-minded homeowner seeking supply-only pricing or a contractor needing turnkey labor, CountBricks scales to your project. Tap into our AI engine, see your shower overlay cost in minutes, and lock in a crew that respects your timeline. Start now at CountBricks.com/consultation and bring your bathroom back to life—without breaking the bank.
