How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?
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Tile is a common material choice for a shower because of its affordability, durability, and customization options. The cost to tile a shower ranges from $225 to $1,920, with homeowners paying a national average of $900 for this project.
Highlights
- The typical cost range to tile a shower is $225 to $1,920, with a national average cost of $900.
- Some of the factors that affect the cost a homeowner will pay to tile their shower include the shower size; tile shape, material, finish, and pattern; and the cost of labor to install the tiles.
- Tile has many benefits as a shower material, including affordability, durability, longevity, easy maintenance, eco-friendliness, and moisture resistance.
- While a handy homeowner may be able to complete a basic shower tiling project themselves, many homeowners will want to hire a professional to ensure a proper install.
Tile is a popular choice for a shower material, and for good reason. Not only does it look good, but it is also moisture-resistant, durable, and versatile, with numerous material, shape, size, and pattern options. Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the cheapest materials, which makes them a common material for a shower, while glass tiles are more expensive but can create a clean and modern look. Homeowners who are considering tiling their shower will likely be wondering exactly how much this project will cost them.
According to Angi, the cost to tile a shower ranges between $225 and $1,920, with homeowners paying an average of $900 nationally. The exact cost will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the shower, the type of tile a homeowner chooses, the installation pattern, the size of the tile, the tile finish, and the labor cost to install the tile. This guide will cover these factors, as well as some additional factors that may affect the cost, information on the different types of tile and their costs, the benefits of installing tile, ways to save money on tiling a shower, and questions to ask a contractor.
Factors in Calculating the Cost to Tile a Shower
When it comes to tiling a shower, there are several factors that will affect the total shower installation cost. These include the size of the shower, the size and type of the tile, the tile pattern and finish, and the local labor cost.
Shower Size
The size of the shower is one of the most influential factors when it comes to the cost to tile a shower. The average cost to tile a shower, including materials and installation, is $25 per square foot. Thus, a larger shower will cost more to tile than a smaller one, simply because there is more surface area and therefore more material needed. Additionally, the project will take longer to complete. Walk-in showers can come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important for a homeowner to have a realistic expectation of the cost to tile a shower based on its size.
Tile Type
Homeowners have numerous choices when it comes to the type of tile they want to use in their shower—and some types of tile are more affordable than others. Ceramic and porcelain are popular choices as they are affordable, durable, and versatile. Homeowners looking for a higher-end finish might choose a tile material such as glass or pebble, but these materials have a much higher price range than other types of tile. Each type of tile is explained in more detail in a section below.
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Tile Size
Bathroom tiles come in a variety of sizes, from small mosaic tiles to large subway tiles. Larger tiles can cost more to install because they require extra care when transporting to make sure they do not break. Many homeowners choose to install large tiles on the walls for a modern look, but it’s important to note that large tiles cannot be used for tile shower floor installation as they can’t slope toward the drain without cracking. Therefore, if a homeowner chooses large tiles for the floor, they’ll want to make sure they also choose smaller tiles measuring 2 inches or less for the floor.
Tile Pattern
Since tile is such a versatile material, homeowners can choose from numerous types of patterns and finishes for their shower. Some of the most common patterns are herringbone, subway tile, and pinwheel; the labor costs for each tile pattern, as well as other popular ones, are detailed in the table below.
| Pattern | Labor Cost Per Square Foot |
| Herringbone | $14.50 to $16.50 |
| Natural stone | $10 and up |
| Pinwheel | $16 |
| Staggered brick | $5 to $10 |
| Subway tile | $7 to $13 |
Tile Finish
Another factor that can affect the average price to tile a shower is the tile finish the homeowner chooses. Glossy tiles are typically the cheapest option, but it’s not recommended to install them on a shower floor because they can become slippery when wet and are therefore hazardous. Tiles with a matte finish are more commonly used in showers since they are grippier, but they also have the highest price per square foot. Rustic tiles have a more chiseled appearance and are often handmade; these can be a good option for a shower. Finally, metallic tiles are finished with a glaze that contains metal, which can result in a more industrial look. The average cost ranges per square foot for these tile finishes are listed in the table below.
| Finish | Materials Cost Per Square Foot | Installation Cost Per Square Foot |
| Glossy | $1.25 to $50 | $4.25 to $65 |
| Matte | $3 to $50 | $6 to $65 |
| Metallic | $20 to $50 | $23 to $65 |
| Rustic | $3 to $100 | $13 to $110 |
Labor
Homeowners can expect the labor cost to install shower tile to run between $7 and $14 per square foot. Since some types of tile are more difficult to install than others, this can increase the cost of labor. Additionally, some tile materials require sealing, which will increase the project time frame—and therefore the cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Although the aforementioned cost factors will come into play in most shower tiling projects, there are additional factors that homeowners may need to consider when setting a budget. These extra factors include old tile removal, waterproofing, heated floor installation, threshold installation, and choosing custom tiles.
Old Tile Removal
If the shower has existing tile, the homeowner will need to have it removed before they can begin installing new tile. It can cost an additional $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot for a contractor to remove old tile from a shower. Homeowners may want to try tackling this project themselves to save money, but removing tile incorrectly can damage the shower or flooring, and repairs would add to the overall cost. Therefore, many homeowners choose to leave the removal of old tile to a professional.
Waterproofing
Because a shower is a wet environment, it’s important to make sure the new tiles are completely sealed and waterproofed. It typically costs an additional $1 per square foot to add a waterproof membrane to the tile backing board before the tile is installed. Skipping this step can cause future issues, so it’s generally advised for a homeowner to include waterproofing in their budget unless the area already has a waterproof membrane installed.
Heated Floor Installation
When tiling a shower, a homeowner may want to tackle other projects in the bathroom, such as installing a heated floor. This typically costs between $1,700 and $6,000 depending on the size of the area to be heated. If the shower has been thoroughly waterproofed, a homeowner may opt to extend the heated bathroom flooring to include the shower floor, though this will likely push the price up due to the additional area. Heated floors will generally need to be installed by one of the best tile floor installation services to ensure the job is done correctly and to code. A pro can also help the homeowner choose the best bathroom tile floor option for their space.
Threshold Installation
Installing a marble threshold is a relatively affordable add-on to a shower tiling project at a cost of $30 to $75 for installation. A homeowner may be able to find a slab that matches their countertop—especially if they are tiling the shower as part of a larger bathroom renovation cost—or they may choose to purchase a premade threshold.
Custom Tiles
For a truly one-of-a-kind look, a homeowner may opt to have custom tiles made for their shower. However, choosing custom tiles over machine-made ones can increase the project cost dramatically. Custom tile shower cost can be high since custom tiles are often made by hand, and this can increase the overall cost exponentially. However, if a homeowner has a large enough budget, choosing custom tiles over machine-made ones can result in a truly one-of-a-kind shower.
Types of Shower Tile
One of the main factors affecting the cost to tile a shower is the type of tile a homeowner chooses. The most popular tile materials for showers and their costs (including installation) are explained in the following table.
| Type of Tile | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
| Ceramic | $8 to $25 |
| Glass | $32 to $57 |
| Granite | $10 to $65 |
| Limestone | $23 to $60 |
| Marble | $18 to $65 |
| Pebble | $40 to $70 |
| Porcelain | $15 to $47 |
| Quarry pavers | $15 to $40 |
| Slate | $13 to $16 |
| Terra cotta | $10 to $30 |
Ceramic
Ceramic is one of the most affordable tiles to install in a shower at $8 to $25 per square foot. This relatively low cost, as well as the material’s durability, makes a ceramic tile shower a popular choice for many homeowners. Additionally, ceramic tiles are available in many different color and style choices, which makes it an easy material for homeowners to match to their existing bathroom decor.
Glass
Glass tile is very tricky to install, as well as being the most expensive tile option at $32 to $57 per square foot. Because glass tiles are translucent, they must be installed carefully and precisely, typically by a professional with experience installing this type of tile. Installed incorrectly, glass tile can look shoddy, since any flaws will show through to the surface. Despite its high cost, glass tile is a good choice for a shower because it is nonporous.
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Granite
Granite tile costs between $10 and $65 per square foot to install. It has a similar look to a polished stone tile but is much easier to take care of, making it a good choice for homeowners who prefer low-maintenance materials.
Limestone
Limestone tile offers a rustic finish in a shower and costs between $23 and $60 per square foot to install. Because limestone is a porous material, it will need to be sealed when it’s first installed, and then sealed regularly to maintain its beautiful appearance.
Marble
Marble shower tiles have an installation cost ranging from $18 to $65. Like limestone, marble will require sealing at the time of installation and regular resealing to avoid unsightly stains appearing over time.
Pebble
Pebble tile can be used for an entire shower or for an accent wall and costs between $40 and $70 per square foot to install. This material is made by gluing numerous small pebbles together to create a textured and natural-looking surface that gives a shower an earthy ambiance.
Porcelain
Porcelain is another popular and affordable tile option at $15 to $47 per square foot. Porcelain is durable and resistant to staining, cracking, scratching, and moisture damage. This makes it a common choice for homeowners who are adding tile to their shower.
Quarry Pavers
Installing quarry pavers in a shower costs between $15 and $40 per square foot. Quarry pavers are made from clay and can either be glazed or unglazed. Unglazed pavers look similar to natural terra cotta, which can give a shower a unique finish. Quarry pavers are also available in many different color and pattern choices and must be sealed when installing in a wet location such as a shower.
Slate
Slate shower tiles cost between $13 and $16 per square foot to install. Slate is an ideal material for a wet area such as a shower and can lend a rustic and natural look to a bathroom. Homeowners can opt for polished slate as well, though that will come at an additional cost.
Terra Cotta
Terra-cotta tiles have a cost range of $10 to $30 per square foot, including installation. Like quarry pavers, clay is porous and must be sealed when it’s being installed in a shower. Terra cotta is also available either glazed or unglazed.
Benefits of Tiling a Shower
Tile has numerous advantages as a material for shower walls and floors, including moisture resistance, easy maintenance, durability, affordability, eco-friendliness, and endless customization options. While the cost to replace a bathtub with a tiled shower can run in the thousands, many homeowners find this cost worth it due to the benefits of a tiled shower, which are explained in more detail below.
Moisture Resistance
Tile can help increase the moisture resistance of a shower—especially if a homeowner chooses a nonporous material such as ceramic or glass. Tiling a shower can protect the walls and floor from moisture damage, as well as mold and mildew growth, which will help the shower last longer. If using a porous material, homeowners will want to make sure they have the tile sealed thoroughly to prevent damage from water.
Easy Maintenance
Tile is an easy material to maintain. Regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of soap scum and dirt on the surface so the tile can retain its aesthetic appearance. Homeowners will also want to clean the grout around the tiles and regrout every year or so to keep the tiled shower looking fresh. When properly maintained, shower tile can last for decades.
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Durability
Tile materials such as ceramic and porcelain are extremely durable, which makes them ideal for use in a shower. Durable tiles are less prone to staining, and they are less likely to experience damage such as cracks and scratches. Ceramic and porcelain tile can last 60 to 80 years if properly cared for, and some stone tiles can last 100 years or more.
Affordability
Tile is generally an affordable shower material. Although homeowners can opt for more expensive materials, such as glass tiles, there are plenty of lower-cost options, which makes tile accessible to homeowners no matter their budget. Ceramic tiles are typically the most cost-effective choice.