How Much Does Tiling a Shower Cost in 2025?
Tiling a shower costs an average of $2,700
The average cost of tiling a shower runs between $1,800 and $5,000, with an average price of $2,700.
Costs vary depending on tile choice, design complexity, and labor.
Complex designs, waterproofing, and regrouting call for professional expertise to ensure a durable, watertight finish.
Popular shower tile materials include ceramic, slate, porcelain, vinyl, and glass.
The project enhances bathroom aesthetics, increases durability, and prevents moisture seepage.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, the cost of tiling a shower ranges from$1,800 to $5,000, with most projects averaging $2,700. Materials cost $10 to $25 per square foot, depending on style and quality. Proper budgeting can help you choose the best options, and hiring a pro ensures a reliable, watertight installation.
Shower Tiling Cost Factors
How much you spend on installing shower tile depends on a variety of factors. The following breakdown shows where most of your budget goes.
Tile Material
Material selection drives most of the budget. Below are common shower tile options and their average installed costs.
| Tile Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (All-In) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Design
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 Pattern | Labor Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Herringbone (diagonal) | $14.50–$16.50 |
| Staggered brick | $5–$10 |
| Subway tile | $7–$15 |
| Pinwheel | $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 Tile
Adding tile sealant to seal frayed edges around older tiles can save you money. The cost to repair tile starts at $280, while the cost to regrout a shower starts at $560. Broken tile can result in moisture seepage beneath the surface, so it's a good investment of your time and money to fix either.
Installation involves more than simply removing old tiles and setting 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.
Removal
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
Labor costs for tiling a shower range from $10 to $15 per square foot. Factors like project size, design complexity, and local labor rates affect the total cost. Complex patterns require more time and can increase labor expenses. Gathering several quotes from local tile professionals helps ensure competitive pricing and the right skill set for your project.
Supplies and Tools
Buying supplies such as adhesive or grout on your own can cut costs, but you’ll also need specialized 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.
Finish
Tiles may vary in price by their finish as well. Popular finishes include:
| Tile Finish | Material Cost per Sq. Ft. | Installation Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | $1.25–$50 | $4.25–$65 |
| Matte | $5–$50 | $10–$65 |
| Metallic | $20–$50 | $25–$65 |
| Rustic | $5–$100 | $15–$110 |
Tiles with added grip—such as those in a matte or rustic finish—often cost more than glossy options, which can become slippery when wet. Consider which finish may be the best (both for safety and aesthetics) for your shower floor.
Budgeting for Tiling a Shower
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your shower tile installation project more budget-friendly:
Choose a basic design rather than opting for complex installation patterns that drive labor costs up.
Get at least three detailed quotes from local bathroom tile installers to ensure competitive pricing.
Install a single-piece shower base (often called a "pan") to limit tile work to the walls and lower labor costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A straightforward professional installation takes six to eight hours, including setup and cleanup. DIY projects often stretch to 16 hours because homeowners must handle layout, cutting, and grouting on their own. Complex patterns or corrective prep work can add additional time, so always confirm the timeline with your tile contractor before work begins.
Tile professionals start with the shower floor, then move up the walls. Setting the floor first lets the wall tiles overlap the floor tile edges, creating a seamless, watertight joint and a clean visual line. Beginning at the base also establishes level reference points that keep wall rows straight and evenly spaced. Following this order minimizes cuts, speeds installation, and delivers the polished finish most homeowners expect.
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.
- Tile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Repair
- Tile, Stone, Marble - Clean, Grout, Polish and Maintain
- Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair
- Grout: Replace or Repair
- Marble Restoration & Polishing
- Stone Restoration & Polishing
- Granite Restoration & Polishing
- Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install
- Tile & Grout Cleaning
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