AVERAGE COST OF KOHLER WALK-IN TUB
Kohler is a top-of-the-line brand, and their high-quality walk-in tubs reflect that. Although prices for Kohler’s walk-in tubs can get high, they do come with a wide array of customization options so that you can pick and choose what you like to find the right fit for you and your budget.
For a review of their walk-in tubs, see our Kohler Walk-in Tub Review page.
Why should I get a walk-in tub?
A walk-in tub may be a necessary expense for you if you or a loved one has mobility issues due to things like aging, arthritis, injury, etc. Walk-in tubs make bathing simpler and safer by allowing individuals to grab onto handrails as they open the bath door and sit right down in a comfortable seat. In addition, many of the fall risks with standard bathtubs are eliminated in walk-in tubs, which we will discuss further down on this page.
You do not need to have trouble moving around to benefit from a walk-in tub. If you simply want a comfortable place to soak with massaging jets to relieve pain in your sore and aching muscles and joints, then a walk-in tub is an excellent solution for you.
COST OF A KOHLER WALK-IN TUB
THE OVERALL COST
The average cost of a Kohler walk-in tub is between $3,000 and $4,000. However, you can pay as low as $2,000 and as high as $20,000 for one of their walk-in tubs, depending on the number of extra features you choose to include.
Therefore, it is ultimately up to you what features are important to you and what you ultimately end up paying.
Below is a table that shows you how your overall costs break down when purchasing a Kohler walk-in tub and generally what you can expect to pay for each given cost section. The three main cost areas are for the actual walk-in tub, any added features you choose, and installation.
Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
Walk-in Tub | $2,000 - $20,000 |
Extra Features | $1,000 - $5,000 |
Install | $2,500 - $8,000 |
TOTAL | $5,500 - $33,000+ |
COST BY TUB TYPE
Kohler offers four general types of walk-in tubs, which increase in price as additional features are tacked on. A model with fewer bells and whistles will cost less than those that have more of them.
Here is a rundown of these four walk-in bathtub types and how much different models of Kohler walk-in baths range in price:
1
Basic: $2,000 - $5,000
This is the lowest cost walk-in tub that Kohler offers. It still has features like a low threshold, opening door, and built-in seat to sit on while bathing.
2
Hydromassage: $5,000 - $10,000
These tubs have whirlpool and air jets, which brings the price up a bit.
3
Specialty: $2,500 - $15,000
This level of tub includes features like a shower head and additional seating.
4
Premium: $7,000 - $20,000
Features that may come with Kohler’s premium walk-in tubs include a wider seat, hand shower, heated seat, aromatherapy system, etc.
OTHER COST FACTORS
Remodeling Needs
If your bathroom needs to be reworked to accommodate the type of walk-in tub you are interested in, then you may have some additional costs. Kohler walk-in tubs fit in the same space that a standard tub fits in, but if you are looking for a larger walk-in tub, like the bariatric tub, then you may need to make room with some remodeling work.
Also, if you don’t have the necessary piping or electrical setup (if needed for specific features) for a bathtub in your current bathroom, then you may have some extra remodeling to do before your walk-in tub installation.
Customization
The pricing can also fluctuate depending on the specific features that you choose for your custom tub. Certain features cost more than others, and of course, the more you add, the more it will cost. Additionally, some features may require additional work from the installation side.
For example, if you chose to include massaging jets, you may need additional plumbing or if you picked the light therapy feature, then you may need electrical work done. This is of course only necessary if your bathroom needs these updates to accommodate the specific features.
Installation
Installation costs will be included in your initial quote from the Kohler dealer. However, on average, Kohler walk-in tub installation cost is between $2,500 – $8,000. Where your cost falls in this range will depend on how complicated your specific installation needs are.
Professionals that are trained in Kohler-specific products will remove your old tub and install the new one. They will also dispose of the old bathtub for you, which is not standard practice. Some other companies will tack on a charge for the removal and disposal of the old tub, which is something to consider in the pricing.
As far as timing, Walk-in tub installation typically only takes one day. However, it could extend into additional days depending on the complexity and needs of the job.
Capacity of your water heater
Walk-in tubs can hold more water than traditional tubs and thus will require more out of your water heater. Kohler recommends having a water heater with at least a 50-gallon tank. This will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable for longer in their walk-in tubs. Other manufacturers recommend using a 60+ gallon tank. This means that you’ll likely want to upgrade your existing water heater at least once during its life cycle no matter which direction you end up going in.
For a guide on some of the top available water heaters, see our page on Best Tank Water Heaters.
EXTRA FEATURES FOR ADDED COSTS
Below are some of the options for added features that we’ve discussed that will cost more to include in your Kohler walk-in tub package:
- Whirlpool jets
- Air jets
- Heated backrest
- Handheld shower
- Showerhead on wall
- Aromatherapy system
- Light therapy system
- Larger bath size
- Larger seat
- Bath walls
- Additional seating
- A door that slides down instead of opens
HOW TO BUY A WALK-IN TUB
Where can I buy a walk-in bathtub? There are three main routes to purchasing a Kohler walk-in tub. Here is a breakdown of those options and what you can expect to see going through each option:
BUY DIRECTLY FROM KOHLER
- Free home consultation and quote from Kohler
- Professional install
- Their quote will include the cost of the bath, accessories, and installation. They promise that the price will remain the same for one year to avoid any surprises down the road.
- Comes with a lifetime limited warranty
If you are going with a Kohler tub, buying directly from them is the safest option. To get a free quote from Kohler, click on the red button below.
BUY THROUGH ONLINE RETAILER
- You can easily compare prices and features across different brands online
- You will need to find someone to install the tub or install it yourself
- You will also need to make sure the tub is covered under warranty
BUY THROUGH CONTRACTOR
- If you want to have your contractor install your tub, make sure that they are qualified to install walk-in tubs and that they have the necessary insurance, bonds, and licenses required in your area.
BENEFITS OF A WALK-IN TUB
A walk-in bathtub has many benefits over a standard bathtub. Below are just a few reasons why these types of baths are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to upgrade their bathrooms.
More space
A walk-in bathtub offers up to 40% more room inside than a regular bathtub. This means there’s plenty of room for relaxing after a long day at work.
Easier access
With a walk-in bathtub, you don’t have to climb down into a deep tub to bathe like you do in a standard tub. Instead, you simply step right into the tub.
Safety
Features like built-in seats, low clearance steps for entry, non-slip flooring, and handrails help make walk-in tubs significantly safer than standard tubs, especially for those with physical limitations.
Giving independence to those with mobility issues
Since these tubs cut down the safety hazards so dramatically and allow for easier access, a walk-in tub returns some much-needed independence and privacy to individuals who may have lost it with a standard bathtub.
Comfort
The ability to sit comfortably, sometimes with a heated backrest, during bathing is a luxury in and of itself. While not all people enjoy taking showers, soaking in a warm water soak before bedtime can provide a sense of peace and tranquility. In addition, the heat helps ease muscle aches and relaxes sore joints.
Pain relief and increased blood circulation
Massaging whirlpool and air jets can help relieve pain in aching muscles and promote blood circulation, which can help alleviate symptoms from conditions like arthritis, back pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and rheumatism, to name a few.
In conclusion, Kohler walk-in tubs are one of the best on the market, and quality is something you have to pay for. Kohler’s walk-in tubs may set you back more than you’d like, but consider the long-term benefits of solid equipment and a trustworthy company in your calculations before deciding if the higher price is worth it to you.
As noted above, there are many reasons why a walk-in bathtub can benefit your daily life and comfort. If mobility issues have made bathing difficult or dangerous, then this may be exactly what you need to make it simple again. The sheer number of customization options available leaves room for finding an affordable option that suits your needs.