Cost to Tile a Shower

On February 25, 2026  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.


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