How Much Will it Cost to Retile My Shower?

Shower
Photo: Sitka Projects LLC, Flickr.com

Tile is a very durable material that can last for many years. However, if it wasn’t installed properly or maintained well, it may need replacing. If water penetrates the grout, it can build up and cause damage to your shower and other parts of your home. In cities with colder winters like Akron, Ohio, the damage can be the result of the water freezing and expanding; and in any climate it can be the result of mold growth. Because a tile shower is an important investment to your home, if the tile needs replacing, be sure to contact a professional tile contractor. A newly tiled shower will add appeal and value to your home for yourself as well as any potential buyers.

Cost of Tile

You may want to just install new tiles on the walls or you may be looking to tile the floors as well. Either way, be aware that plain ceramic tile tends to cost between $1 and $4 per square foot. The cost goes up if you want natural stone tile like slate, granite or marble. Mosaic tiles or pebbled tiles will cost even more, but they’ll also give your shower a unique look.

Additional Costs

In addition to the cost of the tile you’ll also need to take into account the cost of labor. While some people prefer the DIY route, this is only advised if you have experience, proper tools and adequate time. If not, you’re liable to do more damage than good or end up wasting your time and then calling a professional. Labor can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 per square foot of tile installation. Odd-shaped showers or other issues that complicate the installation can add to the cost.

If you need to install a new shower pan it could cost you an additional $300 – $400 for the pan itself, and then the additional cost of labor. And while you’re removing the old tile, it’s a good idea to inspect the piping. You may find that the cause of the damage you’re repairing might be a leaky or broken pipe and you might have to hire a plumber.

Tips

The best way to avoid having to retile your shower is to maintain it. The weakest part of your shower is the grout. Because it’s porous, water can penetrate it and build up beneath the tile. Over time, this water helps produce mold which is unsightly, unhealthy, and can spread to other parts of the floor and wall. Therefore, it’s important to seal your grout on a routine basis. While you may not be able to see cracks or holes in the grout, unless you seal and reseal, water will get through.

When having tile work done on your home, it’s always a good idea to purchase about 10% extra tile. This will come in handy if anything breaks or goes wrong during the installation and needs to be repaired, or for the future if you need to replace any tiles down the road. If not, when the time comes, it may be difficult or impossible to find exactly the same tile.

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