How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?
Tiling a shower usually costs $550–$3,000, with most homeowners landing around $1,200 for a standard shower. The price comes down to three things: the size of your shower, the tile you choose, and what local labor runs in your area. Below is what goes into that number — and how to get an estimate for your own shower in about a minute.
What does it cost to tile a shower per square foot?
Most of the cost is driven by square footage, and a shower has more of it than people expect — you're tiling three walls and sometimes the ceiling and floor, not just one surface.
On a per-square-foot basis, a tiled shower typically runs $15–$30 per square foot installed, covering both materials and labor. That's higher than a flat floor because shower tile means waterproofing and vertical work. A small shower has fewer square feet but the same fixed setup work, so the per-foot cost often looks higher than a large one.
How much of the cost is labor?
Labor is usually the biggest single piece — often 50–65% of the total. Tiling a shower is detailed, slow work: waterproofing, setting tile on vertical walls, cutting around the valve and niche, and grouting tight corners. That's why a shower costs more per square foot than a flat floor of the same tile.
Two things push labor higher:
- Pattern and tile size. Small mosaics, herringbone, and intricate layouts take longer to set and cut than large, straight-laid tile.
- Waterproofing and prep. A proper shower needs a waterproof membrane and sometimes a rebuilt pan or backer board — real work that protects you from leaks later.
Does shower size change the cost?
Yes — size is the single biggest factor. Here's a rough breakdown by shower size (national-average ranges; your area and tile choice move the number):
| Shower size | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Small (32"–36" stall) | $500–$1,500 |
| Standard (60" alcove) | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Large / walk-in | $2,000–$5,000 |
The calculator handles this automatically — you enter your actual dimensions instead of guessing which "size" you are.
Tiled shower vs. prefab: which costs more?
A prefab acrylic or fiberglass surround is cheaper up front — often $300–$1,500 installed — because it's one molded piece with little labor. A custom tiled shower costs more because you're paying for materials and skilled, detailed installation.
What you get for the higher price: any tile you want, a fully custom size and layout, and a finish that tends to add more value to the home. If budget is the only concern, prefab wins. If you want the look and longevity of tile, the extra cost buys real upgrades.
What raises the price the most?
A few choices move the number more than anything else:
- Niches, benches, and curbless entries — each adds waterproofing and labor.
- Premium tile — natural stone and designer porcelain ($10–$30/sq ft material) cost several times more than builder-grade ceramic ($1–$5/sq ft).
- Removing an old shower — demo and haul-away runs about $2–$7 per square foot.
- Where you live — labor rates vary widely by region (roughly 15% below the national average in the lowest-cost states to 30% above in the highest), which is why a single national average is misleading.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to tile a standard shower? A standard 60" alcove shower typically runs $1,000–$2,500 all in, depending on tile choice and local labor rates.
Is it cheaper to tile a shower myself? DIY saves the labor portion, but shower waterproofing is unforgiving — a mistake leads to leaks and rot. Many homeowners DIY the tile and hire out the waterproofing, or hire the whole job for peace of mind.
Does the tile pattern affect shower cost? Yes. Intricate patterns and small tiles take longer to set and cut and waste more material, so they cost more than large, straight-laid tile.
What's included in a shower tiling estimate? Tile and setting materials, waterproofing, labor, and often demo of the old shower. Our calculator itemizes these so you can see where the money goes.
Get your real number, not a national average. Enter your shower size, tile, and ZIP, and ProjectCostIQ shows your true all-in cost range — materials and labor — for your area.