How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower or Bathroom?

Cost to Tile a Shower

Between material and labor costs, tiling a shower costs $25 per square foot on average, meaning it can be one of the more expensive projects for your tile bathroom renovation. But there are certainly ways to save money, too. For example, “one way to reduce the labor cost in a tiled shower project is to include a single-piece shower base "pan" so the only tiling will be on the walls,” says Kilborn.

By Type

The type of tile you choose for your bathroom or shower will significantly impact the overall cost. Ceramic tile can cost as little as $0.50 per square foot for the materials, while glass can cost as much as $32 per square foot without labor costs.

By Design

Customized tile designs add life and style to your bathroom setup. Diagonal designs, like a herringbone pattern, are tricky to install, so your contractor could charge more for labor. Remember that tiles are cut diagonally for herringbone layouts, so you could waste up to 20% of the tile. Installing 3-by-5 tiles in a shower is also more labor-intensive and expensive.

Some popular designs include:

• Herringbone (diagonal): $14.50–$16.50 per square foot

• Staggered brick: $5–$10 per square foot

• Subway tile: $7–$13 per square foot

• Pinwheel: $16 per square foot

• Nature stone design: $10+ per square foot

Keep in mind, these prices don’t include labor costs. Since these cost more than basic ceramic tiles, you may pay more than the $25 per square foot to tile a new shower (mentioned above).

Replacing Tile

Tiles can crack or wear down over time, which may warrant replacement in certain areas or even just one specific tile. The cost to replace one tile may depend on the type of tile material, its availability, your contractor's hourly rate, and their minimum cost per job. Expect to pay at least $150 for parts and labor for installing ceramic shower tiles.

The cost to repair tile starts at $278, while the cost to regrout tile starts at around $170. Either price tag can be justified, though. Broken tile can result in moisture seepage beneath the surface, so it's a good investment of your time and money to fix either.

Homeowners might consider adding tile sealant to seal off frayed edges around older tiles to save money.

Cost to Tile a Bathroom

Besides tiling a shower, there's still the bathroom floor and even a backsplash behind your mirror sink to consider.

Bathroom Floor

Installing ceramic bathroom floor tiles costs $5 to $17 per square foot on average. Ceramic is one of the most popular options. Just like with a shower, the more expensive types and designs may drive the price up.

Retiling a Bathroom

Retiling a bathroom floor may increase your budget due to the additional labor cost for tile removal on top of the installation. Removing old tiles costs $1.50 to $4.50per square foot.

An average bathroom floor size is 36 square feet. So you might pay anywhere from $234 (if you're doing DIY installation) to $900 to have your bathroom floor retiled with ceramic tiles.

Apply the range of $6.50 to $21.50 per square foot (for removal and installation) to your bathroom's square footage to get a rough estimate. Labor fees could vary based on where you live, though.

Backsplash

A tile backsplash adds life and vibrancy to the sink area in your bathroom. Installing a bathroom tile backsplash costs around $1,000 on average. Similarly, materials and size will increase the price.

Shower and Bathroom Tiling Cost Factors

Here's a budget breakdown of what goes into your final costs for tiling or retiling your shower or bathroom.

Material

Given the wide range in price, the raw materials you choose for your bathroom tile are probably the biggest budget factor. Wallet-friendly options include ceramic, slate, porcelain, and vinyl, at around $3 per square foot. Your tiling pro will be able to talk you through the specific supplies you’ll need for your project and their costs. 

Keep in mind that installation isn't as simple as pulling up old tiles and installing the new ones. Depending on the project, steps to waterproof the subfloor as well as regrouting—which improves the aesthetic of your tiles and protects them from damage—could be warranted. For grout removal and reinstallation, paying an additional $10 to $25 per square foot is pretty standard. 

Alternatively, a bag of grout only costs around $15 and mixes easily with water in a bucket, so you could DIY to save money. You'll need basic tools like a grout float and caulk gun, but these will only cost around $20 total.

Removal

Retiling or total bathroom renovation projects may require the removal of old tile, which costs between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot. Tackling this portion as a DIY project can save you money, but you risk damaging your shower or flooring. Hiring a local bathroom tile repair specialist can be a useful resource.

Labor

Installing a ceramic tile floor, for example, costs between $13 and $21 per square foot on average for materials and installation. Labor costs vary per contractor, so getting multiple quotes is always a good idea. Some contractors prefer to charge an hourly rate which often ranges from $30 to $120 per hour. 

Labor costs are impacted by the size of your project, how long it will take the tiler to complete the work, and the general labor market in your area. A complex design like a diagonal pattern may also take longer to complete and increase the cost of labor. 

Supplies and Tools

Savvy homeowners can save costs by DIYing and purchasing supplies like adhesive or grout. But you'll still need access to tools and supplies, such as a tile cutter, tile spacers, a level, and others, depending on the project. When you hire a professional tiler, they will come prepared with all the tools to get the job done.

Machine vs. Handmade

Handmade artisan tiles make your bathroom truly one of a kind. Designed by artists or small shops, the patterns or designs are often customized. Machine-made tiles for bathroom floors or showers will cost far less. A handmade ceramic backsplash, for example, might cost as much as $2,500.

Finish

Tiles may vary in price by their finish as well. Popular finishes include:

Grippy tiles, such as those with a matte finish, may cost more than glossy ones, which can become slippery when wet. Consider which finish may be the best (both for safety and aesthetics) for your shower or bathroom floor. 

FAQs

How much does a walk-in tiled shower cost?

Walk-in shower installation costs start just at $4,200. Because walk-in showers are generally bigger and have more components, they can cost a little more; expect to pay between $4,200 and $8,500 for the cost to tile a walk-in shower (a standard 32-inch-square model).

How much does a new tile shower cost?

Expect to pay up to $1,500 for your new tile shower. This includes the cost of tiles and labor.

What is the best way to clean a ceramic tile shower?

Always use non-scrub cleaners to avoid scraping or scratching your tile, even if it's old. A basic tile cleaning solution for bathrooms works great and costs less than $10. 

If you prefer more natural compounds, a mixture of 1/2 cup of vinegar and 12 ounces of water is another option.

How much does it cost to replace pool tile?

$25 per square foot is a good guideline to consider when calculating the cost to retile an outdoor pool. Tiling costs for any floor, whether indoors or outdoors, depend on the material costs and the price of labor. Opting for higher-end tiles—such as gripped ones that don’t get slippery when wet—may drive up the price tag. 

Does ceramic tile need to be sealed?

Sealing ceramic tile helps preserve your investment, although it's not necessary, strictly speaking. A light sealant along tile edges and in between your tiles helps protect the most vulnerable spots that can become susceptible to leakage over time. The cost to install ceramic or porcelain tile starts at $885.

Is ceramic tile suitable for shower walls?

Yes, ceramic is one of the most popular choices for shower walls due to its durability and cost. Homeowners can get a long-lasting tile at a lower-price point, at least when compared to other tiles used on shower walls.