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.
The average cost to tile a shower is around $2,700 which includes the tile, setting materials, and professional installation, but it can go up to $10,000 or more. If your shower is outdated, worse for wear, or doesn’t meet your desired aesthetic, a fresh tile job can change up its look. The type of tile you choose has the biggest impact on your budget, but other variables like size and labor also play a role. Here’s what it could cost to tile your shower.
Since the price of the shower tile you choose will play a big role in your overall costs, let’s break down the most common types of tile.
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.
| Shower Tile | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
A larger shower means more materials and more labor. The larger the shower size, the higher the overall cost will be. However, most shower installers near you will offer price breaks for larger projects, so you may end up paying less per square foot. The sizes and average cost ranges below act as a helpful guide, but prices depend on the height of the walls and how far up your tiles go.
| Shower Size (Inches) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (32x32) | $400–$3,100 |
| ADA-compliant (36x36) | $430–$3,500 |
| Medium (60x36) | $520–$4,290 |
| Large (48x48) | $575–$4,680 |
Tiles come in a variety of sizes, from mosaic tiles that are less than 1/2-by-1/2 inches to large-format tiles that are 16-by-16 inches. Large-format tiles may result in higher labor costs since they require greater care during transportation and installation to prevent breakage.
Shower tile can have a uniform appearance, or varying colors and textures can form ornate, colorful patterns. If you want a custom design, this will call for extra labor. See the table below for a cost comparison of these popular patterns.
| Tile Patterns | Labor Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50–$16.50 |
| Nature stone design | $10 or more |
| Pinwheel | $20 |
| Staggered brick | $5–$10 |
| Subway tile | $7–$15 |
The tile finish refers to its surface appearance, and your choice may depend on current bathroom tile trends. A glossy, or shiny finish, is typically the most affordable finish and offers a bright look for the space. Matte and rustic finishes are flat and offer a softer look. They can also provide more grip than glossy tiles that tend to be slippery. These finishes usually cost more than glossy finishes, but may be the right choice depending on the aesthetic of the space. Metallic tiles can be shiny or matte and can enhance a space with an industrial look, but they are the most costly tile finish option.
| Tile Finish | Material Cost (Per Square Foot) | Installation Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | $1.25–$50 | $4.25–$65 |
| Matte | $5–$50 | $10–$65 |
| Metallic | $20–$50 | $25–$65 |
| Rustic | $5–$100 | $15–$110 |
Expect to pay between $10 and $15 per square foot to cover labor costs for this project. Different types of tile require more skilled, detail-oriented installations, which will drive up the price. For example, stone and other porous tiles need sealing when installed, which means higher labor costs on your bill.
Removing old tiles before retiling your shower will cost an additional $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Whether you’re trying to save on your shower or the cost of tiling an entire bathroom, you can save by removing old tile yourself. However, it’s possible to damage your shower or flooring in this process, so you shouldn’t take it on unless you know what you’re doing.
The cost to convert a tub into a shower ranges from $1,500 to $1,800. The project cost varies based on size, materials, style, and custom additions, such as shelving and ornate tile designs.
Tile shower waterproofing will add about $1 per square foot to your overall costs. A pro will install a waterproofing membrane before the shower tile to shield your tile backing board against moisture.
Heated floors cost $1,700 to $6,700 or more and add an extra-luxurious feel to your bathroom. Radiant heating can extend to your shower floor as well, provided it’s completely waterproof. This feature requires professional installation to ensure safety.
Adding a marble threshold to your shower costs an additional $30 to $75 on average. Pre-made thresholds come in a variety of colors, or you can use a matching slab from your countertops.
If the previous shower tile wasn’t properly waterproofed or the wall behind the tile is damaged, you may be looking at adding wall repairs to the total cost. Water damage repair costs between $3.75 and $10 per square foot on average, but the actual cost will depend on the extent of the damage. A licensed water damage professional can be called in to assess the area and make recommendations for repairs.
If you suspect or see mold, having the area tested is the best way to protect your home and your health. A mold inspection costs between $350 and $1,100 and involves a professional doing a visual inspection, swabbing areas that could contain mold, and assessing your HVAC system. If they determine that a mold test is necessary, that will cost between $250 and $500 depending on whether or not samples are sent to a lab or the inspector uses their own tools.
If mold is identified and needs to be removed, professional mold remediation costs between $1,100 and $3,300.
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.
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