10 Sleek Shower Kits That Look Like Custom Showers for a Fraction of the Cost (2024)

Our Top Picks

With a classy Carrara marble-inspired look—sans the required cleaning—smooth-rolling frameless doors, and generous handles that double as towel racks, Craft + Main’s Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit has a clean, modern silhouette that’s pretty easy to install. It features three smooth walls—the kit’s available in both 30- and 32-inch widths—with a Jetcoat locking system that snaps panels together and doesn’t require grout.

It can be installed onto waterproof backing boards or even the bathroom’s original tile, making it a great choice if you’re intimidated by ripping down walls. If you do choose to install over tile, be sure to read the installation instructions as there might be a few measurement adjustments.

This option also offers some nice customization: the wall panels can be cut to different heights to accommodate a tub if necessary—just be sure to caulk accordingly—and you can drill holes for proper plumbing fixture placement. We also like that it comes with optional vertical edge and corner pieces, helping it hold its shape and further prevent sneaky leaks.

^{Dimensions: 30 x 60 x 78 inches | Material: Fiberglass, acrylic | Style: Alcove}

This all-in-one shower kit from Maax proves that a bathroom upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank. It has a sturdy frame and a 4-inch step-over threshold designed to fight against leaking. Unlike some of our other picks, this design also has the center drain part, making that one less piece to purchase. If you’re looking for a little extra privacy, the tempered glass doors have a frosted finish and slide open for an easily accessible centered entry.

The wall panels are made of three pieces—two sides and a corner with four built-in shelves for extra storage—that attach to waterproof wall boards with polystyrene-compatible adhesive. While the installation process is somewhat straightforward, the brand recommends doing a mockup install of the panels with tape to make sure the measurements are correct for your space: if the corner piece overlaps the side walls too much, trimming might be required.

^{Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 70 inches | Material: Polystyrene | Style: Corner}

A shower may be a convenient and easy way to bathe, but if you’re a fan of soaking, a shower kit with a tub is a non-negotiable. This tub-shower combo kit from Bootz Industries combines the best of both worlds with a deep, 60-inch, porcelain-finished tub and a four-part surround. A recessed shelf along the back wall provides ample storage, plus you can add a tile design to it for further customization.

Unlike some of our other picks that use adhesives, this one requires direct-to-stud installation for proper stability and leveling. The subway tile-inspired walls have a tongue-and-groove system that easily slides them into place, but there might be a need for additional trimming or adjustments, especially if your alcove space isn’t level or perfectly square.

^{Dimensions: 30 x 60 x 77 inches | Material: Porcelain-enameled steel | Style: Alcove}

A corner shower can sometimes feel cramped, but this round option from Ove Decors makes the most of its space. The sliding curved door design is more space-efficient than other corner styles: the 36-inch size provides nearly 47 inches of shower space from the corner to the door. It’s available in four sizes—32 to 38 inches—and three finishes, so finding the perfect option for your bathroom shouldn’t be an issue.

The clear glass door is 6 millimeters thick, ensuring a long-lasting, durable life and watertight experience. It smoothly glides open and shut, and we like that it’s reversible so you can tailor it to your space. This is another option, however, that doesn’t come with walls, so be sure there’s an appropriately pre-tiled corner space ready for installation.

^{Dimensions: 40.8 x 40.8 x 76.97 inches | Material: Acrylic, glass | Style: Corner}

A frameless shower has a sleek, airy look thanks to its exposed glass edges (don’t worry, they’re not sharp) and minimal style. The Vigo Winslow’s silhouette, complete with corner brackets, an eye-catching vertical handle, and an exposed roller-disk gliding door system, easily complements any modern home setting.

Another bonus of a frameless shower outside of aesthetics? Less framework and metal parts equals easier cleaning. Plus the glass wall and door of this kit “essentially prevents instances of mold and mildew since the spores can’t grow on its surface,” says Construction Manager Brandon Walker of ASAP Restoration, LLC. Just be aware of the weight here—the tempered glass is 10 millimeters thick, and it’s a two-person job when handling and installing the sliding door and walls.

^{Dimensions: 36 x 48 x 80 inches | Material: Acrylic | Style: Corner}

An alcove shower kit—consisting of three panels that are inset into a wall, similar to a closet—is the most common type of shower kit, according to Walker. The Utile Arctik Shower Kit from Maax combines a moderate design aesthetic with function and durable utility. Its three finish options (chrome, brushed nickel, or dark bronze) complement the pale gray faux-tile design, and it’s topped with a multi-hued mosaic border for added visual interest.

The brand says this is a one-day install thanks to the Ulok system that lets you easily align the walls and snap them into place. The installation process still requires some technical knowledge, though—while some of our other top kits use special adhesives to attach the side panels to the wall, this one securely attaches directly to the studs.

^{Dimensions: 32 x 47.875 x 83.5 inches | Material: Fiberglass, acrylic, tempered glass | Style: Alcove}

If an aromatic, spa-like level of relaxation is your personal goal, a steam shower is worthy of your consideration. This Steam Planet kit boasts a Bluetooth sound system to play your peaceful tunes, an overhead rainfall showerhead, 8 body massage jets, and colored LEDs for chromotherapy, all in a stall that creates and traps steam.

The steam heats up quickly thanks to a 3.5 kW steam generator—just add a few drops of essential oil to the attached reservoir for the ultimate “breathe in, breathe out” experience. The built-in, waterproof control panel adjusts everything with a simple interface. Installation can be a chore though and some electrical know-how is required: it uses a 220-volt breaker and the control panel and generator might require service in the future.

^{Dimensions: 31 x 43 x 86 inches | Material: Tempered glass | Style: Corner}

Some might prefer a seat option in the shower, whether it’s for mobility issues, relaxation, or just to comfortably shave your legs. This cool Accord Seated Shower Kit design from Sterling—a Kohler company since 1984—has a 12-inch wide seat that securely notches into either side of the shower or can be removed altogether.

It’s made of solid Vikrell, a fiberglass-composite material known for its rigid durability, lightweightness, and smooth texture that’s easy to keep clean. The four panels—including three walls and a shower base—connect with a tongue-and-groove system that makes a clicking sound when the pieces snap together, no caulking is required. Unlike some of our kit picks that don’t offer any storage, the Accord kit gives enough room for the whole family’s toiletries thanks to six shelves and extra space below the seat.

^{Dimensions: 36 x 48 x 76 inches | Material: Vikrell | Style: Alcove}

For a modern, industrial look that stands out in a sea of minimal shower silhouettes—without the weight of heavy steel frames—we like DreamLine’s French Corner Sliding Shower Enclosure. It’s a neat trick: the doors have a proprietary JetGlaze glass pattern that creates a window pane look while maintaining a smooth glass surface that’s easy to clean. The matching anti-slip, acrylic square base completes the look.

The brand recommends professional installation, but regardless of whether you plan to DIY or not: this kit doesn’t include inner walls. Be prepared with a pre-tiled corner before you start the process.

^{Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 74.75 inches | Material: Aluminum, acrylic | Style: Corner}

If you’re working with a small bathroom alcove space, like an old closet, here’s a shower solution for you. Taking up only a 32-square-inch footprint, the Framed Square Shower Stall from DreamLine is specially designed for small spaces. It has a simple, efficient design featuring trimmable wall panels—in a stylish, diagonal tile pattern—with two glass shelves for holding your shower necessities.

Note that this pick doesn’t include a door, although it can easily accommodate a tension rod-shower curtain combo or a 31- to 32-inch shower door if preferred. While parts of it might be easy to assemble yourself, DreamLine recommends using a licensed plumber to install the shower base to ensure proper drainage and plumbing connections.

^{Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 76.75 inches | Material: Fiberglass | Style: Alcove}

Final Verdict

Our top shower kit pick is Craft + Main’s Lagoon Alcove Shower Kit, an alcove style that includes three chic marble-inspired walls, a base—available in both left or right drain locations—and easy-glide doors. For a more wallet-friendly kit, we chose Maax’s Mediterranean III Corner Shower Stall not only for its value but also its sturdy frame construction, frosted privacy glass, and integrated corner shelving.

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