For many homeowners, the shower is an essential feature of the home. Not only is it a place to get clean, but it's also a spot where you can relax and collect your thoughts. However, over time, your shower may start to feel dated. Fortunately, retiling your shower is an inexpensive project that can quickly refresh your whole bathroom.
There are dozens of tile styles to choose from, and various colors available. How much you'll spend on new shower tiles will depend on your choices, but you should have no problem finding something in your price range. Here's the scoop on the cost to tile a shower.
It costs about $25 per square foot to tile a shower, which includes the cost of the tiles, installation and other materials.1 In total, the average cost to tile a shower typically falls between $450 and $1,000.1 How much you'll spend depends on the type of tiles you choose and the size of the space.
Generally, you can estimate the cost of tiling a shower based on the type of tiles you'll be using.
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Type of tile
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Average cost per square foot2
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Ceramic
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$1.25-$100
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Slate
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$3-$15
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Porcelain
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$3-$30
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Limestone
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$5-$30
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Granite
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$10-$50
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Glass
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$10-$50
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Ceramic tiles start at $1.25 per square foot,2 so they're one of the more budget-friendly options. And you don't lose much on quality—these tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean. They also come in various styles, so you can get a modern look without spending too much. Keep in mind, though, that high-end ceramic tiles can cost as much as $100 per square foot.
Slate is known to be long-lasting, so it's a popular choice for bathrooms with heavy traffic. Best of all, the cost of slate typically falls between $3 and $15 per square foot.2 Slate is a natural stone, so slate tiles with a cleaner finish tend to cost more.
Porcelain tiles are reasonably priced at $3 to $30 per square foot.2 These types of tiles are sturdy, hard to scratch and durable, so they can last a long time. You can get porcelain tiles in different shapes, patterns and sizes. You can even get them glazed.
If you want a luxury look, marble may come to mind. Marble tiles cost roughly $3 to $50 per square foot,2 and they give your bathroom an instantly recognizable appearance. When using marble for your shower tiles, you may need to reseal the marble regularly to prevent staining.2
If you want to give your bathroom a natural tone, consider limestone tiles, which typically come in beige, brown and gray. With the right lighting, these tiles can give your bathroom a warm feeling at just $5 to $30 per square foot.2
Granite is often associated with countertops, but it's also available in shower tiles at an average cost of $10 to $50 per square foot.2 This natural rock isn't commonly used for showers since it typically comes in dark colors, so homeowners who choose it are usually looking for something that stands out.
At $10 to $50 per square foot,2 glass shower tiles can give your bathroom an elegant look. Glass tiles come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can easily find a unique design that suits your personality. Glass tile is naturally water-resistant and it doesn't stain.
The cost of tiles isn't the only expense to consider when renovating your shower. Be sure to factor in these additional costs that can increase the overall budget of your project.
A straight-set pattern, whereby tiles are installed on top of each other, is the most common pattern used for shower tiles. When contractors give you a quote, they may assume you want a straight-set design. However, if you're looking for something more creative like diagonal, herringbone or running bond, you may be charged extra for installation.2
Many people who choose to add new tiles to their shower also consider additional renovations to their bathroom. This could include new floor tiles, vanity, showerhead, mirror, toilet, lighting and paint. In addition, some people choose to renovate more than one bathroom at the same time, so costs can add up quickly.
When retrofitting your bathroom, your contractor must remove your old tiles and possibly replace your drywall. This will increase the hours of labor required. They will also have to dispose of any old materials, which is usually an additional cost.
The main costs of tiling a shower are materials and labor. For the tiles, you can estimate the cost per square foot based on the type of tile you choose. As for labor, it depends on the contractor.
Let's say you need to cover 50 square feet and you've selected slate tiles that cost $5 per square foot. That's $250 in materials. If your contractor quotes you $10 per square foot, then you'll need to add $500 for labor costs. That's a total of $750 you need to budget for your project. To break it down:
Size of space (50 square feet) x tile cost ($5 per square foot) = $250
+
Size of space (50 square feet) x labor cost ($10 per square foot) = $500
= $750 total
Generally speaking, shower tiles can last a very long time. However, there are a few reasons you may want to consider getting new ones.
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Some tiles are damaged. While it's possible to make repairs to your existing tiles, if there's a lot of damage, you may want to consider replacing all of them.
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You want a modern look. Tiles can last decades, but the look can be dated. Changing your shower tiles can give your bathroom a modern look.
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You're thinking about doing a bathroom renovation. Many people who renovate their bathrooms opt to redo the whole thing, and picking new shower tiles is part of the process.
