Replacing a fiberglass shower with tile is a common remodel that affects upfront cost and long‑term durability. This guide explains the cost to replace a fiberglass shower with tile, the price ranges you can expect, and the main drivers behind those figures.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile Material | $3,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Ceramic to porcelain; 60–120 sq ft wall surface |
| Demolition & Prep | $650 | $650 | $1,000 | Removal of fiberglass unit and substrate prep |
| Waterproofing & Backerboard | $350 | $350 | $700 | Membrane or sheet waterproofing + backerboard |
| Labor (Tile Installation) | $3,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Tile setting, grouting, sealing |
| Fixtures & Accessories | $100 | $500 | $1,400 | Niches, shelves, grab bars, door hardware |
| Permits & Inspections | 0 | $150 | $500 | Local code requirements when applicable |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $250 | $600 | Tile, membranes, and debris disposal |
| Contingency | $200 | $1,000 | $1,500 | Unforeseen prep or substrate issues |
| Total Project | $3,400 | $8,700 | $16,700 | Ranges vary by tile choice, room size, and prep |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Total project costs hinge on tile choice and room size. For a typical mid‑sized bathroom shower, the all‑in price to replace fiberglass with tile commonly falls in the range of roughly $4,000 to $14,000. The lowest end reflects basic ceramic tile, standard prep, and a straightforward layout, while the high end captures premium materials, extra features, and complex shapes. Pricing is largely driven by tile type, surface area, and labor intensity.
In practical terms, homeowners can expect per‑square‑foot pricing to fall into a broad band. Complete tile shower replacement (tile, waterproofing, substrates, and installation) commonly runs about $15 to $60 per square foot, depending on tile material and complexity. For a conventional 60–120 square foot tile surface, this translates to a broad project range that aligns with the totals shown earlier. Tile material and labor efficiency are the primary cost levers.
Cost Breakdown
Labor costs typically drive most of the price. The table below summarizes major cost categories for replacing a fiberglass shower with tile, using ranges and brief assumptions. The numbers assume a standard shower footprint with wall tiling and typical accessories; larger showers or premium tiles push the totals higher.
| Category | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile Material | $3,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 200 |
| Demolition & Prep | 0 | $650 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Waterproofing & Backerboard | $350 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Labor (Tile Installation) | 0 | $3,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fixtures & Accessories | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Permits & Inspections | 0 | 0 | $150 | 0 | 0 |
| Delivery/Disposal | 0 | 0 | 0 | $250 | 0 |
| Contingency | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $1,000 |
| Total Project | $3,350 | $3,650 | $150 | $250 | $1,000 |
The breakdown above shows how distinct cost centers contribute to the overall price. The totals you see in practice depend on tile choice, room geometry, and the extent of prep work. Assumptions: standard shower dimensions, mid‑range tile, typical accessibility features.
Factors That Affect Price
Tile selection and prep level are the top price levers. The final price to replace fiberglass with tile depends on several key factors that influence both material and labor costs. Understanding these helps buyers set realistic budgets and compare quotes.
- Tile type and size: Ceramic tile is the budget path, often $2–$6 per sq ft for material; porcelain is $3–$12 per sq ft; natural stone can exceed $8–$25 per sq ft. Larger format tiles may reduce grout lines but can raise cutting costs.
- Shower size and layout: Tile surface area drives both material and labor. Typical showers with 60–120 sq ft of wall tile surface push costs into the mid‑range; bigger showers raise price nonlinearly if patterns or niches are added.
- Waterproofing method: Sheet membranes or liquid membranes add material costs and labor time; premium systems may add $1–$2 per sq ft but improve long‑term durability.
- Substrate prep and plumbing: If substrate repairs, slope adjustments, or drain relocations are needed, anticipate $300–$1,500 extra and longer install windows.
- Niches, benches, and decorative details: Each added feature commonly increases costs by $200–$800, depending on materials and complexity.
- Regional labor markets: Prices for skilled tile installers vary by region and demand, with urban areas typically higher.
Ways To Save
Choosing standard tile sizes and a straightforward layout can significantly reduce costs. Smart planning and informed material choices are the best ways to control the budget without compromising durability or aesthetics.
- Use standard tile sizes (for example, 4×12 or 6×24) and avoid intricate patterns that require more cuts and time.
- Limit the number of niches and decorative borders to reduce labor and material waste.
- Choose mid‑range porcelain over premium stone for a balance of looks and durability, and buy tile in bulk to minimize waste.
- Bundle the shower project with other bathroom updates to leverage contractor travel and setup costs.
- Shop around for quotes from licensed installers, and verify warranties on waterproofing and tile installation.
Regional Price Differences
Regional price differences reflect labor markets, material costs, and local codes. Typical variations include:
- Northeast urban markets: approximately 10%–20% higher than national averages.
- Midwest: around −5% to +5% relative to national averages.
- West Coast (urban/suburban): roughly 5%–15% higher than the national baseline.
Using a national average around $8,000 for a mid‑range project, Northeast pricing might translate to roughly $8,800–$9,600, Midwest roughly $7,600–$8,400, and the West around $8,400–$9,200. These figures illustrate how location can shift the same scope into a higher or lower price band.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation time and crew costs are a major driver of total price. Labor charges depend on crew size, local wage levels, tile difficulty, and curing times required by waterproofing systems. Time more directly affects labor costs than most other single factor.
- Typical crew: two workers are common for tile showers; schedules extend from 2 to 4 full days on site for standard installations, with longer timelines for premium materials or complex layouts.
- Hourly rates: in many markets, tile installers charge $40–$75 per hour depending on experience and region.
- Per‑square‑foot labor: installed tile labor often ranges from $6–$15 per sq ft, with higher rates for large format or intricate patterns.
- Membrane curing and grout sealing add non‑negligible time; plan for dry times between stages when estimating on a calendar.
As a rule, faster projects with simpler layouts tend to be the most price‑efficient, while intricate patterns, many niches, or custom layouts extend both time and cost.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Permits, disposal, and substrate prep can surprise budgets if not accounted for. Hidden or overlooked costs are common in bathroom remodels, so planning for contingencies helps avoid sticker shock at the end of the job.
- Permits and inspections: some jurisdictions require permits for shower remodels; costs vary widely, typically $0–$500.
- Disposal and debris: old fiberglass, tile scraps, and packaging may incur disposal fees of $100–$600.
- Substrate repair or re‑tiling: uneven substrate, damaged drywall, or mold remediation adds $200–$1,500 depending on extent.
- Delivery charges: tile and materials may incur delivery fees, often $50–$200.
- Warranties and maintenance: extended warranties or epoxy grout options may add $100–$400.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenarios illustrate how tile choice and project scope affect price. The following cards provide specs, labor hours, per‑unit prices, and total ranges for representative setups.
-
Basic
- Specs: Ceramic wall tile, 60–75 sq ft tile surface, 1 basic niche, standard backerboard, no bench
- Labor hours: 20–28
- Per‑unit: Tile materials $2,000–$3,000; labor $2,000–$3,000; membranes and backerboard $300–$450
- Estimated total: $3,800–$5,800
-
Mid‑Range
- Specs: Porcelain tile, 90–110 sq ft, 2 niches, basic bench, standard waterproofing
- Labor hours: 32–44
- Per‑unit: Tile materials $3,000–$5,000; labor $3,000–$5,000; membranes/backerboard $400–$700
- Estimated total: $7,500–$12,000
-
Premium
- Specs: Natural stone or large‑format tile, 110–140 sq ft, 2–3 niches, premium waterproofing, custom details
- Labor hours: 45–70
- Per‑unit: Tile materials $6,000–$12,000; labor $6,000–$9,000; membranes/backerboard $600–$1,000
- Estimated total: $15,000–$28,000