How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Unlike a standard ceramic shower, a tile shower can be a great focal point, adding a lot of decor to any sized bathroom.

The cost to tile a shower will depend on the type of tile being used, the contractor performing the job, the design of the shower, the size of the shower and geographical location.

Master shower floor and side wall by jmrodri, on Flickr
Master shower floor and side wall” (CC BY 2.0) by  jmrodri

How much does it cost to tile a shower?

Depending on the factors mentioned above, the average tiled shower, with no complex designs, can cost about $11 to $20 per square foot to just install the tile, not demolish an existing shower setup.  This price also won’t include the shower door.  According to our research, the average shower is 90 to 100 square feet, and most homeowners paid anywhere between $1,000 to $2,100 to have their shower tiled.

As for materials, the cost will heavily depend upon the type you’re using.  Ceramic tile, for example, will cost about $3 to $5 per square feet on average, while metal could be five times this amount.  Refer to our table below to see what the average materials would cost for your shower.

One member on Do It Yourself, for instance, talked about what he would charge as a contractor.  He said he would charge $250 for the demo, $350 for the sheetrock, $100 for the waterproof membrane, $300 to set the four-inch curb, and $1,200 for the labor.  The total project in question, for a three-by-five shower, would cost about $2,200, according to this estimates.

MaterialAverage Cost (materials only)
Ceramic$1 to $8
Glass Mosaic$5 to $25
Granite$4 to $6
Limestone$3 to $7
Marble$5 to $35
Metal$10 to $35
Polished Stone$10 to $15
Porcelain$1 to $8
Slate$4 to $8
Travertine$5 to $25

NOTE:  These are the prices for materials only.  As for labor rates, add $11 to $20 per square foot to the price range mentioned above.

The cost factors

Type of tile being used

As you can see in our table above, the tile, aside from the professional labor, will be the most expensive part of tiling a shower.  If you do it on your own, then it will be the most expensive part of the job.

The tile size

The larger the tiles are, the quicker the job can be done, effectively lowering the costs.

Labor costs

Your geographical area will play a large influence on the costs, along with the contractor’s demand and experience.  Since it consuming, most contractors who agree to the job will often have a daily minimum, regardless of how much work needs to be done.

Removal

As we talk about below, there’s a good chance something has to be removed ahead of time.  Whether it’s the shower shell or existing tile, this labor-intensive job will be an additional cost on top of the labor and material costs.

Condition

Some showers, depending on the age, may need a waterproofing membrane, for instance, while another may need new drywall installed.

Complexity

What kind of design are talking about?  Is it a relatively straightforward job with no angles, or are you looking for a diagonal or herringbone pattern?

What are the extra costs?

If the older tiles need to be removed, plan on spending $200 to $450 for the average-sized shower.  After removal, if the drywall were damaged, then this could be an additional $100 to $200 to replace.

More involve patterns, usually those of a diagonal or complex design, can add 10 to 20 percent more to the estimate mentioned above.

While optional, a contractor may recommend a waterproof membrane be installed behind the shower before the tile is laid.  This membrane will waterproof the backer board, other parts of the shower and can cost an extra $100 to $175 to install.

If the shower is older, a contractor may recommend updating the plumbing since the backing is now exposed.  Upgrading the pipes and fixtures can cost $400 to $600 more, depending on the fixtures and piping used.

Another optional service may involve glazing unglazed ceramic tiles.  This sealant will help protect the tile and will cost about $100 or so.

A new shower base, if you want to install a new one, can cost $400 to $900 to install.

A new glass door, if you were to require one, would be yet another cost to consider.  Depending on the door you’re looking to purchase, it could be as little as $100 for a basic Plexiglass unit to as much as $3,000+ for a solid glass door with a stainless steel frame.

Some various finishes can scratch or wear off over time, leading to a maintenance call.  Limestone, for instance, can cause algae problems, while granite tiles are known to stain easier.

Tips to know:

When purchasing tile on your own, always purchase 10 to 20 percent more in case the other tile breaks or you come up short.

Shower tile can last up to 10 years or longer as long it’s maintained and cleaned.  Unlike other materials, tile is designed to resist water, fading, scratches and wet areas in general.

How can I save money?

Some contractors will offer discounts if you combine other services at the same time.  For instance, if you needed a new vanity, you could combine these projects to bring the costs down.

When hiring a contractor, it’s best to get at least three to five quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal in your town.  If you don’t know where to turn, consider using HomeAdvisor.com to receive multiple quotes in your area.


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