How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?

Tile is a substance that is used to cover surfaces in damp sections of your house. Tile is frequently used for shower walls, bathroom floors, and backsplashes behind kitchen sinks to prevent water damage. With proper care, it is extremely resilient to water and long-lasting. Numerous colors, textures, sizes, shapes, and materials are available for tile. Granite, marble, glass, porcelain, and ceramic are the most popular kinds of tile.

Breakdown of The Cost to Tile a Shower

How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?

Item Details
Average Cost to Tile a Shower
$1,000 to $3,500 for tile installation
Average Cost per Square Foot
$20 to $30, with variations based on materials
Standard Shower Size
90 – 100 square feet; additional 10 – 15 square feet for the floor
Tile Types and Costs
    • Ceramic Tile: $2 to $50 per square foot

    • Porcelain Tile: $4 to $30 per square foot

    • Travertine Tile: $2 to $30 per square foot

    • Slate Tile: $4 to $10 per square foot

    • Limestone Tile: $9 to $27 per square foot

    • Granite Tile: $15 to $30 per square foot

    • Marble Tile: $8 to $50 per square foot

    • Glass Tile: $10 to $40 per square foot
Preparation Costs
$5 – $6 for backer board installation; $1 – $2 for waterproofing
Custom Shower Pan Costs
$700 to $1,250
Labor Costs
$2 to $16 per square foot
DIY vs. Professional
    • Considerations for DIY: skill level, project complexity

    • Pros of Professional: expertise, faster installation
Potential Additional Costs
    • Cleaning existing tile: ~$450

    • Removal of existing shower: $50 – $200

    • Mold testing/removal: $1,200 to $3,200
Shower Features
    • Glass Doors: $400 – $1,900

    • Showerheads: $20 – $200

    • Shower Fixtures: $50 – $500
Timeframe for Completion
1 to 2 weeks for a full installation, depending on complexity
Average Total Cost
$1,800 to $4,000 for a full tile installation
Maintenance Costs
Regular sealing for natural stones: varies

🛠 What This Is About

How shower tiling works and why it is important in a bathroom.


🧱 Why Tile a Shower?

  • Makes the surface waterproof.
  • Strong and long-lasting.
  • Looks good and can be customized.

🎨 Design Options

  • Tiles come in many sizes:
    • From 1 x 1 inch to 30 x 60 inches.
  • Lets you match the style you want.

📏 Common Tile Sizes

Shower Floors

  • Use 1 x 1 to 4 x 4-inch tiles.
  • More grout lines = less slippery.

Shower Walls

  • Use 4 x 4-inch tiles or larger.

✅ Benefits of Tiled Showers

  • Better than paint or wallpaper:
    • Lasts longer.
    • Handles moist and damp bathrooms.

Cost of Tile Shower vs Insert

Choosing between a prefab shower stall and a tile shower is a major decision when you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom. While a prefab shower insert is quick, simple, and affordable, a tiled shower allows you to create a custom look with a plethora of design options.

Material for Tiles
There is a seemingly endless number of options available to you when it comes to selecting the perfect tile solution for your shower.

On the other hand, the majority of available choices are restricted to a small number of fundamental materials, each of which possesses its own set of advantages and disadvantages, particularly with regard to the cost.

All right, let’s have a look at those few fundamental possibilities for shower tiling:

Tiles made of ceramic
Ceramic tiles, which are well-known for their adaptability and inexpensive cost, are frequently used in shower systems. They are also simpler to cut and install, which will result in a reduction in the costs associated with the installation. These tiles typically cost between $6 to $110 per square foot, with the price varying according to the quality and pattern of the tile.

Tiles made of porcelain
At a price range of approximately $8 to $40 per square foot, porcelain tiles are a form of ceramic tile that is more resistant to water and more durable. Believe us when we say that the durability of these tiles frequently makes up for the higher cost, despite the fact that they are more expensive than any ceramic tiles.

Tiles made of natural stone
Prices for natural stone can range anywhere from ten to one hundred and ten dollars per square foot. Additionally, natural stone tiles require more maintenance and are typically more expensive than porcelain or ceramic tiles, both in terms of the material prices and the installation expenses. This is due to the fact that natural stone tiles need to be sealed in order to prohibit water absorption.

Tiles made of glass
Glass tiles normally cost between $25 and $60 per square foot but can range anywhere from $25 to $60. They are on the more expensive end of the scale, not only due to the expense of the materials, but also due to the complexity of the installation process.

Now that we have completed discussing the various kinds of materials, it is time to move on to discussing the measurements of your shower as well as the price list for those products!

Prefab Stall vs. Tiled Shower

Item Details
What Is a Prefab Shower Stall?
Prefabricated shower stalls are usually fiberglass or acrylic kits created in a factory and shipped to your home in one or several pieces.
What Are Prefab Shower Stall Kits?
Most shower kits include a shower pan and two or three solid wall panels. Some may be one-piece shells that integrate the shower base with the walls.
Custom-Tiled Showers
Custom-built ceramic tile or stone showers are constructed from scratch by carpenters and tilers, allowing for a luxurious finish and endless design possibilities.
Prefab vs. Tiled Showers
Prefab units are typically cheaper and quicker to install, while custom tiled showers take more time and cost more but offer versatility and durability.
Prefab Pros
    • Cost-effective

    • Quick installation

    • Low maintenance

    • Lightweight

    • DIY-friendly
Prefab Cons
    • Limited styles

    • Not eco-friendly

    • Size limitations

    • Difficult to repair

    • Lower real estate value
Tile Pros
    • Infinite design options

    • Eco-friendly

    • Size flexibility

    • Increased real estate value
Tile Cons
    • High cost

    • Labor intensive

    • High maintenance

    • Likelihood of leaks

    • Heavy
Common Pitfalls of Prefab Showers
Dulling from soap scum; maintenance with fiberglass boat or auto wax can help protect the finish.
Common FAQ

How can I make installing a tile shower more affordable?

By installing it yourself or buying tiles in bulk.

Which is better for a walk-in shower?

Prefab units are faster and cheaper but less durable.

Which is easier to clean?

Prefab showers are easier to clean due to fewer grout lines.

Different types of shower tiles

Generally, you can estimate the cost of tiling a shower based on the type of tiles you’ll be using.

Type of tileAverage cost per square foot2
Ceramic$1.25-$100
Slate$3-$15
Porcelain$3-$30
Limestone$5-$30
Granite$10-$50
Glass$10-$50

Conclusion

In this piece, you learned about how much it costs to tile a shower, cost of tile shower vs insert, what a prefab shower stall is, custom-tiled showers, and other interesting concepts about the cost of building a tile shower. For more informative guides, stay connected to Buildersviller.

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