Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Laurie, MO

Yes, you can tile a shower as a DIY project, and you can save hundreds of dollars in labor costs by doing so. However, you’ll need to rent or buy quite a few tools and supplies for the job, including a saw, tile nippers, and a new shower pan. In terms of the work itself, you should be prepared to tackle a variety of different tasks, including measuring and ordering materials, removing old tile, waterproofing the wall, adding rows of tile, grouting, and more.

To ensure an even and unbending surface to lay tiles on, you’ll typically need to put a subfloor under a tile floor. Fiber cement backboards are the most common choice, but using plywood is also possible. Don’t neglect this step, or you could risk water damage and grout or tiles prematurely cracking or crumbling, especially in an area with high foot traffic. 

The average cost for tile installation is about $2,000, with a typical price range between $500 and $6,500. On a per-square-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $5 and $45 for installation.

Several factors influence the total cost, including:

• Installation Site: Costs vary for different areas. Common project costs are: kitchen floor ($870–$6,100), countertop or backsplash ($500–$3,000), bathroom floor ($300–$2,400), or shower wall ($225–$2,000).

• Tile Type and Quality: The material significantly impacts price. For example, standard ceramic or travertine tile can cost about $1 per square foot, while luxury options like marble can be as much as $350 per square foot for the material alone.

• Project Size and Complexity: The total square footage, the complexity of the pattern, and the shape of the tile (e.g., square, rectangle, hexagon, mosaic) will affect labor and material costs.

• Site Preparation: The amount of prep work needed, such as removing old tile or installing a new subfloor or backer board, can add to the final price.

• Tile Characteristics: The tile's durability rating and porosity can also influence the price.

• Location: Labor rates vary by geographic location.

Tile installation can be expensive because it requires more time and labor to install than many other materials. For example, laminate flooring can click and lock into place, and carpet comes in large rolls that you can secure to the floor. On the other hand, tiles need to be cut, laid individually, grouted, and left to cure.