Cost to Tile a Shower – 2023 Price Calculator

How Much Does Tiling a Shower Cost?

How much you will spend to tile a shower depends on many factors. The size of the shower, preparation, use of waterproofing and backer board, type of tile used, and whether you can DIY or must hire a professional installer are just some of those variables.

The price to tile a shower averages about $20 to $30 per square foot, but depending on the selected material, the price can vary widely. The standard shower is 90 – 100 square feet, and you will need an additional 10 – 15 square feet for the floor if you don’t use a shower pan.

Keep in mind that a shower must have walls that are a minimum of 36″ wide to meet code. Most showers are more comfortable, however, and each wall will need to be calculated separately, along with the floor.

If your shower is 60″ long and has two 36″ wide walls and a height of 8 feet, then your shower is 88 sq. ft. for wall tile and 15 sq. ft. for floor tile. Adding in waste, this becomes 97 sq. ft. of wall tile and 17 sq. ft. of floor tile.

Keep in mind that costs can vary widely and that $25 per square foot average is a good number to keep in mind for machine-made tile; if you use handmade tile or some marbles, plan on doubling that cost.

Therefore, the average total cost to tile a shower is $2,875. However, the typical range is $1,000 to $3,500 for the tile installation. These costs do not include any plumbing, door, or other finishing costs.

If you’re hoping to freshen the look of an existing shower, it might be worth comparing the cost of cleaning tile and grout. Although a cleaning might be around $450, it could be much cheaper than the cost of new tile. Tile repair is also an option in some cases.

If you’re installing a new shower, consult our shower installation cost guide to learn more about the total cost of the project.

Average Tile Material Prices

The following are the different types of tiles available and the price for the material; this does not include installation. Prices are shown in square feet, try our square footage calculator if you’re unsure how large your shower is.

While you can use any size of tile on the walls, for the shower floor, you must choose a tile that is 3″ or smaller in size so the floor can slope to the drain. You will also need a tile rated for floor use in this area; walls can use any tile.

Ceramic Tile Prices

Ceramic tiles can cost as little as $2 cents or up to $50 per square foot. Ceramic tile is a great option for the shower and comes in many colors and styles.

If you choose a tile with a crackled finish, however, keep in mind that you will need to seal it to prevent staining.

Porcelain Tile Prices

Porcelain, a little higher quality than ceramic, costs $4 to $30 per square foot. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that has a very low water absorption rate.

This makes it excellent for wet areas like the shower. Porcelain tile can often mimic the look of glass, concrete, marble, or even wood.

Travertine Tile Prices

Travertine costs about $2 to $30 per square foot. Travertine is a type of limestone and may stain or discolor in the shower. It’s recommended mostly for dry use, but if you use it in the shower, make sure you seal it regularly.

Slate Tile Prices

This natural stone costs $4 – $10 per square foot, but it is very durable. Slate tiles come in many colors and may be polished, honed, or left with a natural cleft. If you choose an ungauged slate, be prepared to have the installation cost more than double, as it is more time-consuming to install.

Limestone Tile Prices

This natural stone costs about $9 to $27 per square foot. Limestone is a very soft, porous stone that may stain in showers.

Always use a silicone-based sealer made for very porous stone. Avoid stones like Lagos Azul in the shower, as they will pit with moisture over time.

Granite Tile Prices

This natural stone costs about $15 to $30 per square foot. Granite is not commonly used in the shower, but it is a good choice for natural stone. Most granites are only available in 12-inch square sizes, but dark colors like absolute black hold up well in moisture.

Marble Tile Prices

Marble, at $8 to $50 per square foot, is one of the most expensive stone tiles. Marble is a beautiful stone that will also require a sealer in the shower.

If you use a white stone, like Bianco Carrara, it may rust with time. To avoid this, use a waterproofing membrane below it in the shower.

Glass Tile Prices

Glass tiles cost $10 to $40 per square foot. These come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to create a beautiful and easy-to-clean shower.

Be careful of the glass you choose for the floor; some glass tiles are not designed for floor use, and others have sharp edges.

Use our tile calculator to estimate how much material you’ll need for your project.

Preparation Costs

The tile for a new shower costs more than to retile because there is more preparation necessary. The contractor will need to add backer board, waterproof, clean, prime, and then add tiles.

Backer board usually costs $5 – $6 per square foot to install, and waterproofing usually costs another $1 – $2 per square foot.

If the tile installer and plumber need to also construct a custom shower pan for a tile floor, this could add $700 to $1,250 to the price.

After the tiles dry for 24 hours, the installer will then add grout to fill in the lines and clean with a sponge. A sealer is also recommended for wet areas to protect the grout and natural stone.

The Pattern Matters

Diagonal and other patterns, as well as multicolor designs and murals, will cost the most. Intricate patterns, such as diagonal or herringbone, take longer to install and increase the labor charge.

Plus, diagonal cuts can waste up to 25% of the tile, but these designs are some of the current trends for shower tiles. See more tile patterns to select from and learn how much extra material might be needed for each.

DIY Savings

Tiling or retiling your shower might give you a sense of satisfaction, but tiling takes a specialized skill. Professionals have the expertise to correctly waterproof the area to prevent future leaks and water issues.

Professionals also know how much tile and other materials to buy and will likely waste less than a DIY. Experienced installers can quickly space grout lines because it is an acquired skill.

Tiling a shower can be a complicated project, but it is possible to do the project yourself if you have the time and talent to do so. However, if you feel unsure, you should consider hiring a professional.

The cost of installation does vary by tile type and pattern, and may range from $2 to $16 a square foot for labor. Difficult patterns, natural stone tile, and some mosaics have the highest installation costs.

Installing tile yourself is also a great way to save on the costs of a bathroom renovation.

Hire a Professional Tile Installer

When you’re ready to tile your shower, try getting free estimates from experienced tile installers in your area. We suggest getting a few estimates to get a few opinions on the project and design, and also to ensure you get a fair price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it more expensive to tile a shower?

Does a custom tile shower increase home value?

What are the cons to tiling a shower?

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.