Prefab vs. Custom Showers: Which One Is Right for Your Remodel?

What Is a Prefabricated Shower?

A prefabricated shower (prefab) is a factory-made unit, usually fiberglass or acrylic, that comes in one or several pieces. They’re designed to be installed quickly and often include built-in shelving, a seat, and sliding or swinging doors.

Pros of prefab showers:

• Affordable: Lower upfront cost compared to custom.

• Quick installation: Can often be installed in a day or two.

• Low maintenance: Smooth surfaces make cleaning easier.

• Good for secondary bathrooms: Perfect for guest baths or rentals.

Cons of prefab showers:

• Limited sizes and styles: You’re locked into what the manufacturer offers.

• Not truly custom: May leave awkward gaps in unique spaces.

• Can feel generic: Lacks the “wow” factor of a tailored remodel.

What Is a Custom Shower?

A custom shower is designed and built specifically for your bathroom. Tile, stone, glass, lighting, niches, benches — the sky’s the limit. It requires skilled tradespeople and more time, but the results are tailored to your lifestyle and space.

Pros of custom showers:

• Completely personalized: Choose every finish, fixture, and layout.

• Perfect fit: Works with unusual layouts or small bathrooms.

• Design freedom: Add niches, benches, rainfall showerheads, frameless glass, or curbless entries.

• Adds value: Custom tile showers are a huge selling point for resale.

Cons of custom showers:

• Higher cost: Materials and labor are more expensive.

• Longer build time: Expect a week or more for tile and waterproofing.

• More maintenance: Grout lines need upkeep compared to prefab surfaces.

Which One Should You Choose?

This really comes down to budget, lifestyle, and goals for the remodel.

• If you’re remodeling a guest bath or rental, a prefab shower can be a quick and budget-friendly choice.

• If you’re updating your primary bathroom, most homeowners choose custom. It not only looks better but also creates a space you’ll enjoy every single day.

The Toupin Take

At Toupin Construction, we specialize in custom showers because they allow us to give homeowners exactly what they want. We’ve built showers with stunning accent tile, seamless niches, benches, heated floors, and even steam features.

Prefab showers may be practical in certain situations, but a custom shower transforms your bathroom into more than just a utility space — it becomes a retreat.

The Bottom Line

Prefab showers are fast and affordable, but custom showers are timeless and tailored. When you’re investing in a remodel, it’s worth asking yourself: do you want something that simply works, or something that truly wows?