This project can cost anywhere from $900 to $10,000, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Complex tile designs, waterproofing, and regrouting tasks make hiring a professional tiler beneficial.
Most ceramic tiles cost between $10 and $25 per square foot installed.
The project cost is impacted by the type of tile chosen, the complexity of the tile design, the removal of the tiles, and labor costs.
Popular materials for bathroom tile include ceramic, slate, porcelain, vinyl, and glass.
Tiling a shower enhances the bathroom aesthetic, increases durability, and prevents moisture seepage.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to tile a shower is around $2,700, with most homeowners spending between $900 and $10,000. Size, design, materials, and labor costs will influence the total price. Here's what you need to know to budget for your bathroom tiling project.
"When planning a tile project, make sure you ask your pro how the layout and design impact the price,” says Andy Kilborn, owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. “Some layouts are more efficient to tile, which will reduce your overall cost."
Between material and labor costs, tiling a shower costs $25 per square foot on average, meaning it can be one of the more expensive projects for your bathroom renovation. But there are certainly ways to save money, too. For example, “one way to reduce the labor cost in a tiled shower project is to include a single-piece shower base "pan," so the only tiling will be on the walls,” says Kilborn.
Since the type of tile plays a big role in your overall costs, let’s break down the most common options:
Ceramic Tiles: Cost between $10 and $25 per square foot installed, with premium varieties up to $120 per square foot.
Glass Tiles: Range from $35 to $60 per square foot installed, with premium options up to $180 per square foot.
Customized tile designs enhance your bathroom but can increase costs due to additional labor and material waste—up to 20% waste for diagonal cuts like herringbone patterns. Here are popular designs and their labor costs:
Tile Patterns | Labor Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50–$16.50 |
Staggered brick | $5–$10 |
Subway tile | $7–$15 |
Pinwheel | Around $20 |
Natural stone design | $10 |
These designs often cost more than basic ceramic tiles, potentially exceeding the average $25 per square foot to tile a new shower.
Replacing a damaged shower tile costs at least $150 for parts and labor when installing ceramic tiles. The total cost depends on the tile type, availability, contractor's hourly rate, and minimum job fees.
Adding tile sealant to seal frayed edges around older tiles can save you money. The cost to repair tile starts at $278, while the cost to regrout tile starts at around $170. Broken tile can result in moisture seepage beneath the surface, so it's a good investment of your time and money to fix either.
Here's a budget breakdown of what goes into your final costs for tiling or retiling your shower or bathroom.
The materials you choose are the biggest factor in your budget. Affordable options like ceramic, slate, porcelain, and vinyl start at around $10 per square foot installed.
Remember that installation isn't as simple as pulling up old tiles and installing the new ones. Depending on the project, steps to waterproof the subfloor and regrouting—which improves the aesthetic of your tiles and protects them from damage—could be warranted. For grout removal and reinstallation, paying an additional $10 to $25 per square foot is pretty standard.
Alternatively, a bag of grout only costs around $15 and mixes easily with water in a bucket, so you could DIY to save money. You'll need basic tools like a grout float and caulk gun, but these will only cost around $20 total.
Removing old tile before retiling costs between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot. While you can DIY to save money, you risk damaging your shower or flooring. Hiring a local bathroom tile repair specialist ensures the job is done safely.
Labor costs for tiling a shower range from $10 to $15 per square foot, or $30 to $120 per hour if the contractor charges hourly. Factors like project size, design complexity, and local labor rates affect the total cost. Complex patterns require more time and can increase labor expenses. It's wise to get multiple quotes from local tiling professionals.
While you can save money by purchasing supplies like adhesive or grout, you'll need tools like a tile cutter, spacers, and a level. Hiring a professional tiler means they bring all the necessary tools to complete the job efficiently.
Tiles may vary in price by their finish as well. Popular Tiles may vary in price by their finish as well. Popular finishes include:
Tiles may vary in price by their finish as well. Popular finishes include:
Tile Finish | Material Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Glossy | $1.25 to $50 |
Matte | $5 to $50 |
Metallic | $20 to $50 |
Grippy tiles, such as those with a matte finish, may cost more than glossy ones, which can become slippery when wet. Consider which finish may be the best (both for safety and aesthetics) for your shower floor.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Ceramic tile does not necessarily need to be sealed because the glazed surface is impermeable to water. However, sealing the grout lines and tile edges is beneficial to protect against moisture and stains. Applying a light sealant helps safeguard the most vulnerable areas that might become susceptible to leakage over time. Sealing extends the longevity of your tile installation and maintains its appearance by preventing discoloration and mold growth in the grout.
Yes, ceramic tile is highly suitable for shower walls due to its durability, water resistance, and affordability. It is one of the most popular choices among homeowners because it offers a long-lasting solution at a lower price point compared to other materials. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes, allowing you to customize your shower to match your aesthetic preferences.
When tiling a shower, it's best to start with the shower floor before moving on to the walls. Tiling the floor first ensures that the wall tiles neatly overlap the edges of the floor tiles, creating a seamless and watertight transition. Starting with the floor also helps accurately align the wall tiles for a professional look.
The best tiles for a shower floor combine slip resistance with durability. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular due to their water resistance and variety of styles. Natural stone offers a unique, textured surface but may require sealing. Choose tiles with a matte finish or textured surface to prevent slipping when wet. Consult a professional tiler to determine the best option for your needs.
Yes, you need to waterproof shower walls before tiling to protect against moisture damage and mold growth. While cement backer boards used behind tiles are water-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof. Applying a waterproof membrane or sealant over the backer board creates a barrier that prevents water penetration into the wall structure. Proper waterproofing is essential to extend the lifespan of your shower tiles and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Yes, tiling a shower can increase your home's value by enhancing its aesthetic appeal and functionality. A quality shower tiling project can yield an average ROI of 55% to 60%. Upgrading to modern, attractive tiles makes your bathroom more appealing to potential buyers and can contribute to a higher resale price.