Kitchen and bathroom remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional shower tile installation costs between $1,800 and $5,000 for your project, and your tile choice drives the total.
Shower size and tile pattern complexity shape your labor needs, and custom layouts or large-format tiles take longer to install.
You should account for old tile removal at $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, waterproofing membrane installation, and potential wall repairs.
Hiring a local shower repair professional prevents moisture damage behind your tile and keeps your shower watertight.
In 2026, the national average cost to tile a shower is $2,700, covering tile, setting materials, and professional installation. Most homeowners spend between $1,800 and $5,000, with the spread driven by tile type, shower size, and labor complexity. Costs can climb up to $10,000 or more, depending on the scope of your project.
The shower tile you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your total project cost, with installed prices ranging from $10 to $65 per square foot for common options and up to $180 per square foot for premium glass varieties. Budget-friendly choices like ceramic and slate run $10 to $20 per square foot installed, while mid-range options such as porcelain, marble, and limestone fall between $15 to $60 per square foot. Here is how costs break down by tile type.
Most ceramic tiles cost between $10 and $25 per square foot installed. However, premium handmade varieties can go as high as $120 per square foot. Installing ceramic tile is a beautiful and durable choice for tiling a shower and comes in a huge array of styles and colors.
Slate tiles cost between $15 and $20 per square foot for installation. These stone tiles are well-suited for wet areas and have a natural rustic appeal. Extra finishes like a polished surface will increase the cost.
Porcelain tiles typically cost between $15 and $50 per square foot for installation. These sturdy tiles are an excellent investment when it comes to tiling a shower as they stand up well to stains, moisture, cracking, and scratches.
The cost to tile a shower with marble falls between $20 and $65 per square foot. This type of tile requires sealing during installation and regular resealing to avoid stains.
Limestone shower tiles cost between $25 and $60 per square foot for professional installation. Thanks to its low-gloss look, this stone adds natural beauty and rustic appeal to showers. Like marble, it requires sealing at the time of installation and regular sealing.
Installing granite shower tiles typically costs $10 to $65 per square foot. These shower tiles aren't a common choice, but they offer the look of polished stone without additional maintenance.
The cost to tile a shower in terracotta ranges between $10 and $30 per square foot on average. This clay tile comes in both glazed and unglazed varieties. Since clay is a porous material, it requires sealing after installation.
The most expensive of tile options, glass tiles cost between $35 and $60 per square foot to have installed, with premium varieties going for as much as $180 per square foot.
Glass tiles are translucent, which means they call for meticulous smoothing of the underlying adhesive; even the smallest flaws can show through. With that in mind, expect higher labor rates for glass tile installation in a shower, and always opt for a professional installation over DIY. Since glass isn't porous, glass tiles are an excellent choice for shower tile in a small bathroom.
Pebble shower tiles usually go for around $40 to $70 per square foot installed. These sheets of tile consist of small rocks glued together. The textured surface makes a beautiful accent to other tiles or can cover the whole wall.
Quarry pavers usually cost around $15 to $40 per square foot installed. These clay pavers come unglazed for a natural terracotta-like appearance or glazed in a variety of colors and patterns.
Here is a cost comparison of shower tile types by average installed cost per square foot:
| Shower Tile | Average Cost per Square Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $10–$25 |
| Slate | $15–$20 |
| Porcelain | $15–$50 |
| Marble | $20–$65 |
| Limestone | $25–$60 |
| Granite | $10–$65 |
| Terracotta | $10–$30 |
| Glass | $35–$60 |
| Pebble | $40–$70 |
| Quarry pavers | $15–$40 |
Shower size directly determines how much tile, setting material, and labor your project requires, so larger showers cost more overall. Most shower installers near you offer price breaks on bigger jobs, meaning your per-square-foot rate can actually decrease as the project grows. Wall height and how far up the tile extends also influence the final number, so costs vary by the specific dimensions of your shower.
| Shower Size (Inches) | Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Small (32x32) | $400–$3,100 |
| ADA-compliant (36x36) | $430–$3,500 |
| Medium (60x36) | $520–$4,290 |
| Large (48x48) | $575–$4,680 |
Tile size ranges from mosaic pieces smaller than 1/2-by-1/2 inches up to large-format tiles measuring 16-by-16 inches, and your choice affects how much you pay for labor. Large-format tiles require extra care during transport and installation to prevent breakage, which can push labor costs higher than you might expect for a straightforward tile swap.
Shower tiles can be laid in a simple uniform pattern or arranged into ornate, colorful designs using varying colors and textures, and the complexity of your chosen layout directly shapes your labor bill. Custom designs require additional time and skill from your installer, so costs vary meaningfully depending on the pattern you select.
| Tile Patterns | Labor Cost per Square Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50–$16.50 |
| Nature stone design | $10 or more |
| Pinwheel | $20 |
| Staggered brick | $5–$10 |
| Subway tile | $7–$15 |
Tile finish describes the surface appearance of your tile and influences both material and installation costs, so it is worth reviewing current bathroom tile trends before committing to a choice. Glossy finishes are the most affordable starting point.
| Tile Finish | Material Cost per Square Foot in 2026 | Installation Cost per Square Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | $1.25–$50 | $4.25–$65 |
| Matte | $5–$50 | $10–$65 |
| Metallic | $20–$50 | $25–$65 |
| Rustic | $5–$100 | $15–$110 |
Labor for shower tile installation typically runs $10 to $15 per square foot, though the tile type you choose can push that figure higher. Stone and other porous tiles require sealing during installation, adding both time and cost to the labor portion of your bill.
Don’t forget to budget for these additional expenses when adding tile to your shower.
Old tile removal adds $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot to your project cost, but you can reduce that expense by handling the removal yourself if you want to lower the cost of tiling an entire bathroom or just your shower. DIY removal carries real risk of damaging the shower or underlying flooring, so only take it on if you have the experience to do it safely.
The cost to convert a tub into a shower ranges from $1,500 to $1,800, with the final number shaped by the size of the space, your material choices, and any custom additions like built-in shelving or ornate tile designs.
Tile shower waterproofing adds about $1 per square foot to your total, covering the professional installation of a waterproofing membrane that protects your tile backing board from moisture damage.
Heated floors cost $1,700 to $6,700 or more and bring a genuinely luxurious feel to your bathroom, and radiant heating can extend to your shower floor as long as the system is completely waterproof. Professional installation is required to ensure the system is safe in a wet environment.
A marble threshold adds $30 to $75 on average to your shower project, and you can choose from pre-made options in a range of colors or use a slab that matches your existing countertops for a cohesive look.
If the wall behind your old tile was not properly waterproofed or has sustained damage, wall repairs will add to your total cost, with water damage repair running $3.75 to $10 per square foot on average depending on the extent of the damage. A licensed water damage professional can assess the area and recommend the right course of action before tiling begins.
If you suspect mold behind your shower tile, a mold inspection costs $350 to $1,100 and includes a visual assessment, surface swabbing, and an HVAC evaluation. If the inspector determines lab testing is needed, that adds $250 to $500 depending on whether samples go to an outside lab or the inspector uses their own tools. When mold is confirmed, professional mold remediation runs $1,100 to $3,300 to fully remove it and protect your home.
Though you'll spend between $10 and $15 per square foot in labor costs for shower tile installation, it's a challenging project that requires precise measuring, cutting, and leveling. Hiring a local shower installation pro ensures the job is done correctly, preventing costly issues such as leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.
A pro shower installer is the best person for the job for the following reasons:
Tile pros understand moisture barriers, proper substrates, and local building codes.
They know how to slope shower pans correctly so water drains instead of pooling.
Licensed installers use the right tools and setting materials to ensure long-lasting durability.
DIY mistakes can trap moisture behind the tile, leading to mold, rot, and expensive tear-outs.
Professionals know how to seal seams, corners, and transitions to keep the shower watertight.
Reputable contractors carry insurance and offer warranties for added protection.
Pros ensure proper tile layout and spacing so the finished product looks even and professional.
If you want to streamline the shower tile installation project, here are safe prep tasks you can take on:
Remove surface-level items and old fixtures if your installer confirms it won't damage the waterproofing or plumbing.
Clear pathways for carrying tools and materials into and out of the bathroom.
Discuss your preferred tile layout, trim lines, and accent placement before the project begins.
Mark where you'd like niches, shelves, grab bars, or other features.
Select your tile, grout color, and layout pattern in advance to stay on schedule.
Tiling a shower costs a good amount of money, but there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. You can save by sticking to basic tiles and designs rather than splurging on premium options. If you're willing to do some of the old tile removal and haul away the debris, you might be able to save on those costs. It's also a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to find the best deal.
Request a cost estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and other expenses.
Confirm that the installer uses a full waterproofing system and not just cement board.
Ask which grout type is recommended for your tile, joint width, and moisture level.
Plan your tile layout, trim pieces, and transitions in advance to avoid delays.
Talk to your installer about any upgrades you’re considering, such as niche lighting or premium grout sealant.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Jason has helped me with multiple household projects, with the most recent being new door installation. He has always showed up on time and organized and has done an incredible job! Jason is very professional and he's now my go-to for anything around my house that needs to be fixed or...
Huff Garage Rescue, LLCCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A DimeThis company went above and beyond with their work, chimney sweeps are usually pretty messy, but the clean up was spot on.!! Josh explained every thing that he was doing, and the things that he was checking to make sure the chimney was safe for me and my family. He was very professional,...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC turned our outdated bathroom into a modern masterpiece.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCExcellent customer service and knowledge. I was recommend to him from my neighbour. My front door and window came in great and were installed beautifully perfectly, I m very satisfied with their excellent work, so decided to order one more big bow window for my living room. I cant wait for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
It was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring SolutionsWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileThey work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Tile varies dramatically in price, but there’s something for every budget. This guide will help you plan for tile installation costs, no matter the project.
Shower installation costs depend on size, style, and materials. No matter the budget, this guide can help you plan your project and even save a few bucks.
Various factors affect the total tub-to-shower conversion cost, including the size of the area, type of shower, materials, and labor fees.
The best tile for a shower is porcelain. Compare shower wall and floor tile, non-slip picks, costs, and how to choose the right tile.
To avoid mold growth and tile damage, waterproofing is essential before tiling a shower. Learn four methods for tile shower waterproofing in this guide.
A tile shower niche is a perfect addition to your shower. Not only does it save on space, but you’ll find it adds character and texture. Here are five reasons you might want to install a shower niche into your shower wall.
