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How Much Does It Cost To Tile a Shower? Average 2023 Price
By: Andrew Saladino | 
7 min
August 28th, 2023
Bathroom showers aren't only a place for washing - they're also a tranquil area in your home to collect your thoughts. Over time, it's not uncommon for showers to feel outdated or lacking zen. Thankfully, you can renovate your bathroom cabinets and shower while sticking to your budget.
While the cost to tile a shower varies depending on the size of your space, type of materials, and desired pattern, there are plenty of affordable options. Design your dream shower with the help of our shower tile guide below.
The Cost To Tile a Shower
The cost to tile a shower is between $7 and $50+ per square foot depending on the tiling material, size of the shower, and labor fees.
If you calculate the cost of all the different factors, the total cost to tile a shower is typically between $200 and $4,000+.
How to calculate the cost of tiling a shower
When it comes to calculating the cost to tile a shower, you'll want to consider two main factors: materials and labor. Use the formula below to estimate the price of your remodeling project.
For example, let's say you need to cover 60 square feet and you've chosen porcelain tile that costs $10 per square foot. You've also chosen a contractor who quoted you $5 per square foot. Let's break down these numbers to estimate how much to budget for your renovation project.
Cost of Shower Tile by Type
Another important factor to consider when calculating the cost to tile a shower is the type of tiling. Let's break down the price of the tile before installation.
| Tile Type | Average Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $2 to $8 |
| Slate | $4 to $16 |
| Porcelain | $3 to $12 |
| Marble | $5 to $50 |
| Granite | $10 to $50 |
| Limestone | $5 to $60 |
| Terracotta | $10 to $30 |
| Glass | $30 to $100 |
| Pebble | $40 to $80 |
| Quarry | $10 to $40 |
Ceramic
Ceramic tile is a popular choice due to its affordability, versatility, and longevity. This type of tile is stain- and scratch-resistant, and also water-resistant if glazed. Ceramic tile is a budget-friendly choice without forfeiting a high-end, modern appearance. However, while most ceramic tiles are less than $5 per square foot, handmade ceramic tiles could be upward of $100 per square foot.
Average price per square foot: $2 to $8
Pairs well with: Sleek, modern cabinets, like our Ice White Shaker or Patton Bayside cabinets
Slate
Slate tiling is known for its longevity and is frequently used in high-traffic areas. Its unglazed finish can make a statement in any bathroom. The best part is that this natural stone tiling comes at a reasonable price, so you can achieve a luxurious, budget-friendly shower remodel.
Average price per square foot: $4 to $16
Pairs well with: Cabinets in contrasting colors like Madison White, or similar dark shades like Madison Midnight
Porcelain
While porcelain looks similar to ceramic, it's stronger because it's fired at a much higher temperature. Porcelain is a common material to use throughout a bathroom, including sinks, floors, and showers. This type of tile is especially popular for showers and other spots in the bathroom because it's not prone to water damage.
Average price per square foot: $3 to $12
Pairs well with: Neutral, transitional-style bathroom cabinets like Arthur Opal
Marble
Marble tile is more expensive than other types of tiling because of its natural texture and long lifespan. This type of tile comes in many colors and can transform any bathroom into a luxurious spa. Keep in mind that you may need to reseal the marble routinely to prevent stains.
Average price per square foot: $5 to $50
Pairs well with: Modern, sleek cabinets in classic white or trendy navy blue, like our Bowery Biscayne bathroom cabinets
Granite
While it's common to find granite in kitchens, this natural material also makes an excellent option for shower tiles. Granite tile creates a polished appearance without extra maintenance. However, this tile isn't as budget-friendly as some other materials.
Average price per square foot: $10 to $50
Pairs well with: Timeless bathroom cabinets in contrasting colors or dark wood tones like our Madison Brown cabinets
Limestone
Create the ultimate earthy-toned bathroom with limestone tile. These tiles typically come in neutral colors, like beige and shades of gray, adding a rustic vibe to any space, including smaller bathroom designs. Keep in mind that you must seal this tile during the installation process and every three to five years after installment.
Average price per square foot: $5 to $60
Pairs well with: Warm, neutral-colored cabinets like Townplace Cream
Terracotta
Create a warm-toned spa shower with terracotta tiles. Terracotta is a glazed or unglazed clay tile that requires sealing after installation and every two to three years after installment due to its porous nature. Certain terracotta tiles are on the affordable side, but others come with a steep price tag.
Average price per square foot: $10 to $30
Pairs well with: Dark stained natural wood or cabinets in warm shades of green, like Patton Laurel
Glass
Glass is the most expensive of all the different types of tiles. These translucent tiles are smooth, water-resistant, and stain-resistant - but be aware that even the smallest flaws can peek through. Not only is it expensive to purchase glass tiles, but installation comes at a premium price.
Average price per square foot: $30 to $100
Pairs well with: Classic Ice White Shaker bathroom cabinets or other neutral colors that won't clash with your glass mosaic shower
Pebble
Pebble is another tile material on the more expensive side. Small rocks are stuck together with adhesive to create the tiling, creating a unique end result. You can use the textured material for an accent wall in your shower or cover the entire space for maximum visual interest.
Average price per square foot: $40 to $80
Pairs well with: Natural wood cabinets or cabinets in earthy shades of green or blue, like our Patton Bayside cabinets
Quarry
Quarry pavers are similar to terracotta tiles in appearance and texture. These tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for plenty of design creativity. You can also choose to keep them unglazed or glazed depending on your preference.
Average price per square foot: $10 to $40
Pairs well with: Light natural wood cabinets, white cabinets, or even dramatic black cabinets like Patton Midnight
Price of Shower Tiling Breakdown
Aside from the type of tile you choose, there are several other factors to consider before you embark on a shower renovation.
Size of Shower
The larger the shower, the more materials and labor you will need to complete the project. But just because you have a smaller shower doesn't necessarily mean your overall cost will be lower - the type and size of the tile, along with the pattern, will impact the overall cost to tile a shower.
Size of Tile
Bathroom tiles come in different sizes - from large slabs to medium subway tiles to small geometric tiles. While you may think larger tiles are less expensive to install than smaller tiles, that's not necessarily the case. Large tiles require much more care and attention when transporting and installing to ensure they don't break.
Remember that larger tiles can't be used for shower floors because they will crack near the drain, which may affect the cohesive design you had in mind.
Type of Tile
The type of tile you choose can drastically affect the cost to tile a shower. There are budget-friendly options like ceramic or porcelain tiles and more high-end options like glass or pebble. Think about the price tag, durability, and lifespan of each type of tile.
Project Materials
Shower tiles aren't the only material you'll need for this home improvement project. Other project materials might include grout, sealant, and mortar. Larger showers will require more materials, which could add up in price.
Project Prep
Showers that have underlying damage like mold or a crack in the foundation will require immediate attention before the tiling phase. The price to repair any damage will vary depending on the extent.
Labor
The cost of labor and installation will depend on the square footage of the shower, but could be anywhere from $7 to $20+ per square foot. Certain types and patterns of tile are also harder to install, which can increase the labor cost.
Additional Factors That Affect the Cost To Tile a Shower
The costs mentioned above are factored into most shower renovation projects. However, there are a few additional factors to consider that could affect the total cost to tile a shower.
Removing Old Tiles
If your shower already has tile, you will have to remove the old ones before retiling. You could cut costs by removing the tiles by yourself, but it's recommended to enlist the help of a professional so you don't cause damage to the shower walls or floor.
Waterproofing Tile
If your materials need to be waterproofed, you're looking at approximately an additional dollar per square foot to the overall cost to tile a shower. A professional will install a waterproofing membrane beforehand to shield the backing against moisture.
Tile Patterns
Certain shower tile patterns require more labor and materials than others. Uniform tile patterns will be less expensive than a custom design since custom tile patterns require more labor. Herringbone or pinwheel tile patterns could be double the labor cost of subway tile.
Tiling Supplies and Tools
Folks who plan on tiling a shower by themselves can expect to purchase their own supplies and tools. Factor supplies like grout, caulk, and tile spacers into your budget.
Cost To Tile a Shower FAQ
Still have questions about the cost to tile a shower? We've answered some of the most common shower tile questions below.
How long does it take to tile a shower?
It typically takes six to eight hours to professionally tile a shower. While most shower tile projects can be completed in one day, it varies depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the project.
Should you tile the shower floor or walls first?
It's best to tile shower floors before walls to ensure the slabs are lying neatly instead of overlapping. If you complete the shower floor tile first, you'll be able to install the shower wall tiles without holes, gaps, or intersections.
What is the best tile for a shower floor?
Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and glass are all excellent options for shower floor tile. Certain glazed tiles can be slippery when wet, which you'll want to avoid.
How much does it cost to tile a shower with subway tile?
The cost to tile a shower with subway tile will vary depending on the size of your shower. On average, subway tile costs $2 to $10 per square foot, and installation labor ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
Ready to take on your bathroom remodeling project? Along with replacing your shower tile, you can swap out your outdated cabinets. Create your dream spa with our ready-to-assemble or assembled bathroom cabinets. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek appearance or a more traditional design, we have the cabinets for every preference.
