How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,800 - $5,000
The average cost to tile a shower is $2,700. A larger shower or larger tiles will drive the final price up, as the labor required will be more intensive.
The average cost to tile a shower is around $2,700, which includes the tile, setting materials, and professional installation, but it can go up to $10,000 or more. If your shower is outdated, worse for wear, or just not meeting your desired aesthetic, a fresh tile job can change up its look. The type of tile you choose will impact your budget most, but other variables like size and labor costs also play a role. Here’s what it could cost to tile your shower.
- Average
- $2,700
- Low end
- $900
- high end
- $10,000
Shower Tiling Cost Breakdown
Installing new tile can transform the look of your shower without the hefty cost of a total shower remodel. You can keep the shower tile costs low with budget-friendly tiles that are easier to install or splurge on premium options. Here are the basic elements that will play into your final bill.
Shower Size
A larger shower means more materials and more labor. The larger the shower size, the higher the overall cost will be. However, most contractors will offer price breaks for larger projects, so you may end up paying less per square foot. The sizes and average cost ranges below act as a helpful guide, but prices depend on the height of the walls and how far up your tiles go.
| Shower Size | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (32” x 32”) | $400–$3,100 |
| ADA-compliant (36” x 36”) | $430–$3,500 |
| Medium (60” x 36”) | $520–$4,290 |
| Large (48” x 48”) | $575–$4,680 |
Tile Size
Tiles come in a variety of sizes, from mosaic tiles that are less than 1/2-by-1/2 inches to large-format tiles that are 16-by-16 inches. Large-format tiles may result in higher labor costs since they require greater care during transportation and installation to prevent breakage.
Tile Type
Ceramic tiles cost as little as $0.50 per square foot, while premium varieties of ceramic and glass can go for upwards of $100 per square foot. Given these wide price ranges, the type of tile you choose will significantly impact this project.
Tile Patterns
Shower tile can have a uniform appearance, or varying colors and textures can form ornate, colorful patterns. If you want a custom design, this will call for extra labor. See the table below for a cost comparison of these popular patterns.
| Tile Patterns | Labor Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50 – $16.50 |
| Nature stone design | $10 or more |
| Pinwheel | $16 |
| Staggered brick | $5 – $10 |
| Subway tile | $7 – $13 |
Tile Finish
The tile finish refers to its surface appearance, and your choice may depend on current bathroom tile trends. A glossy, or shiny finish, is typically the most affordable finish and offers a bright look for the space. Matte and rustic finishes are flat and offer a softer look. They can also provide more grip than glossy tiles that tend to be slippery. These finishes usually cost more than glossy finishes, but may be the right choice depending on the aesthetic of the space. Metallic tiles can be shiny or matte and can enhance a space with an industrial look, but they are the most costly tile finish option.
| Tile Finish | Material Cost per Square Foot | Installation Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | $1.25 – $50 | $4.25 – $65 |
| Matte | $3 – $50 | $6 – $65 |
| Metallic | $20 – $50 | $23 – $65 |
| Rustic | $3 – $100 | $13 – $110 |
Materials
Apart from the cost of shower tile, there will be extra material costs for supplies, such as grout, mortar, and grout sealant. Larger showers will have higher costs for these items as well.
Prep
If there is any damage to the underlying structure behind your shower, it will cost extra to correct and prep the area. Prices vary based on the type and extent of the damage.
Labor and Installation
Expect to pay between $7 and $14 per square foot to cover labor costs for this project. Different types of tile require more skilled, detail-oriented installations, which will drive up the price. For example, stone and other porous tiles need sealing when installed, which means higher labor costs on your bill.
Shower Tiling Prices by Type
Since the price of the shower tile you choose will play a big role in your overall costs, let’s break down the most common types of tile.
Ceramic
Most ceramic tiles cost between $8 and $25 per square foot installed. However, premium handmade varieties can go as high as $120 per square foot. Installing ceramic tile is a beautiful and durable choice for tiling a shower and comes in a huge array of styles and colors.
Slate
Slate tiles cost between $13 and $16 per square foot on average for installation. These stone tiles are well-suited for wet areas and have a natural rustic appeal. Extra finishes like a polished surface will increase the cost.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles typically cost between $15 and $47 for installation. These sturdy tiles are an excellent investment when it comes to tiling a shower as they stand up well to stains, moisture, cracking, and scratches.
Marble
The cost to tile a shower with marble usually falls between $18 and $65 per square foot. This type of tile requires sealing during installation, plus it requires regular resealing to avoid stains.
Limestone
Limestone shower tiles cost between $23 and $60 per square foot for professional installation. This stone adds natural beauty and rustic appeal to showers thanks to its low-gloss look. Like marble, it requires sealing at the time of installation and regular sealing.
Granite
Installing granite shower tiles typically costs $10 to $65 per square foot. These shower tiles aren’t a common choice, but they offer the look of polished stone without additional maintenance.
Terracotta
The cost to tile a shower in terracotta ranges between $10 and $30 per square foot on average. This clay tile comes in both glazed and unglazed varieties. Since clay is a porous material, it requires sealing after installation.
Glass
The most expensive of tile options, glass tiles typically cost between $32 and $57 per square foot to have installed, with premium varieties going for as much as $180 per square foot.
Glass tiles are translucent, which means they call for meticulous smoothing of the underlying adhesive; even the smallest flaws can show through. With that in mind, expect higher labor rates for glass tile installation in a shower, and always opt for a professional installation over DIY. Since glass isn’t porous, glass tiles are an excellent choice for shower tile in a small bathroom.
Pebble Tile
Pebble shower tiles usually go for around $40 to $70 per square foot installed. These sheets of tile consist of small rocks glued together. The textured surface makes a beautiful accent to other tiles or can cover the whole wall.
Quarry Pavers
Quarry pavers usually cost around $15 to $40 per square foot installed. These clay pavers come unglazed for a natural terracotta-like appearance or glazed in a variety of colors and patterns.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from basic labor and materials, a few extras can increase your budget. Here are the main additions that affect your cost to tile a shower.
Old Tile Removal
Removing old tiles before retiling your shower will cost an additional $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Whether you’re trying to save on your shower or the cost of tiling an entire bathroom, you can save by removing old tile yourself. However, it’s possible to damage your shower or flooring in this process, so you shouldn’t take it on unless you know what you’re doing.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The cost to convert a tub into a shower ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. The project cost varies based on size, materials, style, and custom additions, such as shelving and ornate tile designs.
Waterproofing
Tile shower waterproofing will add about $1 per square foot to your overall costs. A pro will install a waterproofing membrane before the shower tile to shield your tile backing board against moisture.
Heated Floor
Heated floors cost $1,700 to $6,000 or more and add an extra-luxurious feel to your bathroom. Radiant heating can extend to your shower floor as well, provided it’s completely waterproof. This feature requires professional installation to ensure safety.
Threshold
Adding a marble threshold to your shower costs an additional $30 to $75 on average. Pre-made thresholds come in a variety of colors, or you can use a matching slab from your countertops.
Wall Repairs
If the previous shower tile wasn’t properly waterproofed or the wall behind the tile is damaged, you may be looking at adding wall repairs to the total cost. Water damage repair costs between $3.75 and $7 per square foot on average, but the actual cost will depend on the extent of the damage. A licensed water damage professional can be called in to assess the area and make recommendations for repairs.
Mold Testing and Remediation
If you suspect or see mold, having the area tested is the best way to protect your home and your health. A mold inspection costs between $300 and $1,000 and involves a professional doing a visual inspection, swabbing areas that could contain mold, and assessing your HVAC system. If they determine that a mold test is necessary, that will cost between $250 and $500 depending on whether or not samples are sent to a lab or the inspector uses their own tools.
If mold is identified and needs to be removed, professional mold remediation costs between $1,100 and $3,300.
Cost to Tile a Shower Yourself
DIY shower tile installation costs an average of $800 to $1,400 in total, though this varies considerably based on the shower size, type of tile, and supplies you already have on hand. This can save you labor costs, but it’s a challenging project that requires precise measuring, cutting, and leveling. Plan to budget approximately three to four days of your time as well.
DIY Cost vs. Hiring a Pro to Retile Your Shower
You’ll save an average of $7 to $14 per square foot off the cost to retile your shower if you DIY this project. However, it calls for a lot of tiling tools and supplies, not to mention the extra investment of your time and energy. It’s also a fairly complex process that leaves room for error, which could result in pricey repairs. If you’re not completely confident and stocked with the proper power tools, it’s best to hand this project to a local tile contractor.
How to Save on Shower Tiling Costs
Tiling a shower costs a good amount of money, but there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. You can save by sticking to basic tiles and designs rather than splurging on premium options. If you’re willing to do some of the old tile removal and haul away the debris, you might be able to save on those costs. It’s also a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to find the best deal.
Gemma Johnstone contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most professional shower tile installations take between six and eight hours, depending on the size and complexity. Most projects get completed in a single workday. DIY-ing the project takes around three to four days or roughly 16 hours. However, this will vary based on the skill level of the person completing the work.
It’s best to start with tiling the shower floor before moving on to the walls for the most visually-pleasing results. When taking on any tiling project, you’ll want the wall tiles to “sit” neatly on the floor tiles rather than overlapping them. Finishing your floor tiles first will allow you to place your wall tiles without any gaps, holes, or awkward intersections.
Glass, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone are all excellent choices for tiling a shower floor. Some glazed finishes can be slippery when wet. Your tiling contractor can provide more information on which tiles will work best for your shower floor.
Yes, it would be best if you waterproofed your shower walls before tiling. The cement backing board behind the tile is not waterproof; it’s only water-resistant. On top of your tile backing board, be sure to use a waterproof shower membrane before you start installing your shower tiles.
A quality shower tiling project is a bathroom upgrade that can increase resale value. Bathroom remodels have the highest return on investments for any home update. Tiling a shower won’t offer the potential 70% ROI that a full bathroom remodel involving upgrading fixtures, installing storage, and a complete room retile will. However, you can expect an average return of 55% to 60% for this refresh.