Shower Tile Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$400 – $800
$5.00 – $10.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$80 – $240
Labor
$320 – $560
Tile Area
80 sq ft
Tile Type
Ceramic
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed tile installers. Ask about waterproofing and backer board — these are critical for shower longevity and may add to the quoted price.
Ceramic Tile: Most affordable option and easy to cut and install. Best for tub surrounds and low-traffic showers. Less dense than porcelain, so choose glazed ceramic for better water resistance.
Note: Most tile contractors charge a minimum of $1,500 for shower tile projects due to waterproofing prep and setup time. Your actual cost may be higher than calculated for small areas.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Shower Tile Cost Breakdown
| Tile Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $1.00 – $3.00 | $4.00 – $7.00 | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Porcelain | $2.00 – $5.00 | $5.00 – $8.00 | $7.00 – $13.00 |
| Subway (Ceramic) | $1.50 – $3.50 | $5.00 – $9.00 | $6.50 – $12.50 |
| Natural Stone | $5.00 – $15.00 | $8.00 – $15.00 | $13.00 – $30.00 |
| Glass Mosaic | $7.00 – $20.00 | $10.00 – $18.00 | $17.00 – $38.00 |
* Costs shown for walls-only installation (1.0× labor). Walls + floor adds 10%, full remodel adds 25% to labor.
Average Project Costs (Installed)
| Project | Size | Tile & Scope | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tub Surround | 65 sq ft | Ceramic, Walls Only | $325 – $650 |
| Standard Shower | 80 sq ft | Porcelain, Walls Only | $560 – $1,040 |
| Walk-In Shower | 110 sq ft | Porcelain, Walls + Floor | $825 – $1,518 |
| Luxury Shower | 140 sq ft | Natural Stone, Walls + Floor | $1,932 – $4,410 |
How We Calculate
Our shower tile calculator estimates project costs based on tile area, tile type, and project scope. Material cost is based on area, while labor cost is adjusted by a project scope multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = tile area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = tile area × labor rate per sq ft × scope multiplier. Total = material + labor. The scope multiplier adjusts labor: walls only is 1.0×, walls + floor adds 10% (1.1×) for floor prep and slope work, and full remodel adds 25% (1.25×) for demolition, backer board, and waterproofing.
Tile Type Comparison
Ceramic ($1–$3/sq ft material, $4–$7/sq ft labor) is the most affordable and widely available. Easy to cut and install. Best for tub surrounds and budget showers. Glazed ceramic offers decent water resistance.
Porcelain ($2–$5/sq ft material, $5–$8/sq ft labor) is denser with lower water absorption (<0.5%). Ideal for shower floors and walls. Available in large format, wood-look, and stone-look styles. More durable than ceramic but harder to cut.
Subway (Ceramic) ($1.50–$3.50/sq ft material, $5–$9/sq ft labor) is a classic choice with timeless style. Higher labor cost due to more grout lines in the smaller 3×6 format. Available in flat, beveled, and handmade variations.
Natural Stone ($5–$15/sq ft material, $8–$15/sq ft labor) includes marble, slate, travertine, and granite. Premium appearance with unique natural patterns. Requires sealing every 6–12 months. Heavier than ceramic — wall support may need reinforcement.
Glass Mosaic ($7–$20/sq ft material, $10–$18/sq ft labor) offers dramatic visual impact. Often used for accent walls, niches, and borders rather than full coverage. Requires specialty adhesive and experienced installation. Zero water absorption.
Project Scope
Walls only is the baseline cost (1.0× labor) — tiling shower walls on prepared backer board. Walls + floor adds 10% labor for shower pan slope work and smaller floor tiles. Full remodel adds 25% for removing existing tile, installing new backer board, waterproof membrane, and any necessary plumbing or framing repairs.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover tile material and installation labor. Not included: cement backer board ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft), waterproof membrane ($0.75–$2.00/sq ft), thin-set mortar ($0.25–$0.50/sq ft), grout ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft), shower niche installation ($150–$400 each), accent tile or borders ($10–$50/linear ft), glass door ($500–$2,000), and old tile demolition/disposal ($2–$5/sq ft if not included in scope).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, tile supply retailers, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Labor rates reflect professional tile installation including layout, cutting, setting, and grouting. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does shower tile cost? +
Shower tile costs $5–$38 per square foot installed, depending on tile type. Ceramic is $5–$10/sq ft, porcelain $7–$13/sq ft, subway $6.50–$12.50/sq ft, natural stone $13–$30/sq ft, and glass mosaic $17–$38/sq ft. A standard 80 sq ft shower costs $560–$1,040 with porcelain tile.
What is the best tile for a shower? +
Porcelain is the best all-around shower tile. It's denser and more water-resistant than ceramic, available in many styles, and costs $7–$13/sq ft installed. For shower floors, use small mosaic or textured porcelain for grip. Natural stone offers a premium look but requires regular sealing.
How much tile do I need for a shower? +
A standard 36×36 shower stall needs about 80 sq ft of wall tile. A tub surround needs 60–70 sq ft. A walk-in shower needs 100–120 sq ft for walls, plus 9–15 sq ft for the floor. Order 10–15% extra for cuts and waste.
Can I tile a shower myself? +
Yes, but shower tiling is an intermediate-to-advanced DIY project. Proper waterproofing is critical — a leaking shower causes thousands in damage. You'll need cement backer board, waterproof membrane (Kerdi or RedGard), thin-set mortar, tile, grout, and caulk. DIY saves 50–70% on labor but mistakes are costly.
How long does tile last in a shower? +
Ceramic and porcelain tile last 20–50+ years in a shower with proper installation and maintenance. Natural stone lasts 20–30 years with regular sealing. Glass mosaic lasts 20+ years. Grout typically needs resealing every 1–2 years and may need replacing every 8–15 years.
Do I need waterproofing behind shower tile? +
Yes, always. Tile and grout are not waterproof — water will seep through to the wall behind. Use a waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi, RedGard, or Laticrete Hydro Ban) over cement backer board. This is the most critical step — improper waterproofing is the #1 cause of shower failure.
What is the cheapest way to tile a shower? +
Ceramic tile at $5–$10/sq ft installed is the cheapest option. To save more: use standard 4×4 or 12×12 tiles (less labor than mosaics or subway), choose a simple straight-lay pattern, tile only the wet area (not floor-to-ceiling), and DIY if you have the skills. A basic tub surround in ceramic can cost as little as $325–$650.
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