Cost to Tile a Shower
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
Tiling a shower is a beautiful upgrade that enhances your bathroom's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved.
1. Average Cost to Tile a Shower
- Typical range: $400–$4,680
- National average: $1,800
- DIY cost: $800–$1,400
- Labor cost: $7–$14 per square foot
2. Cost by Shower Size
| Shower Size | Dimensions | 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 |
3. Tile Costs by Type
| Tile Type | Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|--------------------------|------------------------|
| Ceramic | $8–$25 (up to $120 for premium) |
| Porcelain | $15–$47 |
| Marble | $18–$65 |
| Limestone | $23–$60 |
| Granite | $10–$65 |
| Glass | $32–$57 (up to $180 for premium) |
| Terracotta | $10–$30 |
| Pebble | $40–$70 |
4. Tile Patterns and Costs
| Pattern | Labor Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50–$16.50 |
| Pinwheel | $16 |
| Staggered Brick | $5–$10 |
| Subway Tile | $7–$13 |
5. Additional Costs to Consider
Preparation
- Old tile removal: $1.50–$4.50 per sq. ft.
- Wall repairs (water damage): $3.75–$7 per sq. ft.
Materials
- Grout, mortar, and sealant will add costs depending on shower size.
Upgrades
- Waterproofing: $1 per sq. ft.
- Heated floors: $1,700–$6,000
- Threshold addition: $30–$75
Mold Testing & Remediation
- Testing: $250–$500
- Remediation: $1,100–$3,300
6. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
| Option | Cost | Time Needed |
|-------------------|----------------------|-------------------------|
| DIY | $800–$1,400 | ~3–4 days (~16 hours) |
| Professional | $7–$14 per sq. ft. | ~6–8 hours |
- DIY Pros: Save on labor costs.
- DIY Cons: Requires tools, precision, and significant effort.
7. Tips to Save on Shower Tiling Costs
- Choose basic tiles: Skip premium materials like marble or glass.
- Simplify designs: Avoid intricate patterns like herringbone.
- DIY prep work: Remove old tiles and clean the area yourself.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from contractors.
- Bundle projects: Combine tiling with other bathroom upgrades for discounts.
Summing it up
Tiling a shower is a rewarding investment, with costs ranging from $400 to $4,680 based on size, tile type, and design complexity. While DIY can save money, professional installation ensures a polished and long-lasting result.
