Alright, let’s not dance around it. If you’re thinking about redoing your shower with tile, the cost is one of the first things that comes up. It should be. It’s not cheap, but it doesn’t have to be outrageous either. Still, people get caught off guard all the time because they didn’t understand what they were paying for. So let’s break it down.
1. So, What Does It Cost?
In New Jersey, especially around areas like Little Falls, the typical bathroom shower tile installation cost will run you anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000+. That’s a wide range, I know. But the cost depends on a few key things:
- Tile type – Ceramic? Porcelain? Natural stone? Big difference. Basic ceramic is cheaper. Stone is gorgeous, but it costs more material and labor.
- Shower size – Are we talking a 3×3 shower stall or a luxury walk-in with a bench and two shower heads? More square footage = more time and materials.
- Prep work – If your existing shower is a mess mould behind the walls, bad framing, or a rotten subfloor, expect that to affect your budget. And it should, otherwise you’re putting lipstick on a problem.
- Layout complexity – Straight set tile is faster. Diagonal, mosaic inlays, niches, and shelves add hours, sometimes days.
At Precise Tile & Stone, most standard jobs with quality porcelain tile and solid prep fall between $2,000 and $3,200. That’s a full install, not just slapping tiles on the wall. We’re talking waterproofing, backer board, tile setting, grouting, caulking. Start to finish.
2. Why This Cost Matters (and What You’re Paying For)
Let me say this clearly: you’re not just paying for tile. You’re paying for the skill, the prep, and the finish. Showers are wet zones. They fail when they’re rushed or done wrong. And when they fail, it’s not just ugly. It’s damaged mould, leaks, ruined walls, and floors.
That $800 guy you found on Craigslist who “does tile on weekends”? That’s not a deal. That’s a water leak waiting to happen. You’re paying for waterproofing. You’re paying for years of experience, knowing how a shower system is supposed to go together.
People think tile is like painting, just cosmetic. It’s not. The stuff you don’t see behind the tile is what counts.
3. When Should You Install New Shower Tiles?
Here’s when you should think about it:
- You’re remodelling the bathroom. Pretty obvious.
- The old tile is cracked, leaking, or looks like it belongs in 1973.
- You see signs of water damage, stains, a musty smell, and soft walls.
- You want to add value to your home. A properly tiled, modern shower is a big selling point. Not a DIY band-aid job, real work done right.
4. How It’s Done – The Real Process
This is where the money goes.
- Demo – Remove old tile, walls, fixtures. Safely and cleanly.
- Inspection & Repair – Check the framing, plumbing, and subfloor. Replace damaged wood. Fix bad plumbing connections.
- Waterproofing system – Cement board, waterproof membranes (we like Schluter systems or RedGard, depending on the project). This is non-negotiable.
- Tile layout – We don’t guess. We lay out the pattern properly to avoid slivers or awkward cuts.
- Tile setting – Using the right thinset, trowel, and spacing. This isn’t art class, it’s precise and measured.
- Grout and seal – Not just slapping grout in there. It’s about consistency, clean lines, and sealing it right.
- Caulking and detailing – Corners, edges, fixtures. Where water likes to sneak in.
We don’t cut corners. That’s how we’ve stayed in business for 15 years. That’s why people call us after they’ve been burned by a cheap job.
5. Common Mistakes That Cost You Later
Let me be blunt: the biggest mistake is hiring someone who isn’t a pro. A handyman might be good with drywall, but that doesn’t mean he understands tile and waterproofing systems. Here’s what we see too often:
- No waterproofing behind the tile. Just cement board and tile. Big no.
- Using mastic in a wet area. That stuff breaks down with water.
- Bad slope on the shower pan or curb. Water sits and leaks.
- Grout is cracking in corners because there’s no movement joint.
- Silicone is used instead of proper sealants or nothing at all.
People try to save money and end up spending double to fix it.
6. What Happens If It’s Not Done Right?
Let’s say someone skipped the waterproofing. Everything looks fine for a year. Then suddenly you notice a soft wall or a weird smell. Mold. Water seeped behind the tile, behind the board, into the framing. Now it’s a full tear-out. It could’ve been avoided.
Doing it right the first time always costs less than fixing it later. That’s the truth.
Final Thoughts
Tile shower installation isn’t just cosmetic. It’s part of your home’s structure, its function. If it’s done properly, it lasts 15-20 years easily. If it’s rushed or cheap out, it’ll fall apart in under 3. The cost? Yeah, it might feel like a punch at first, but trust me, it’s worth every penny when the job’s solid.
If you’re in North Jersey and want it done right, give us a call. We don’t cut corners. We build showers that last.