Short answer
In Ottawa, the tile work for a standard alcove shower (about 90 sq ft of wall tile) typically comes to roughly $1,800 to $4,600 once you add waterproofing and the shower base. A custom tiled walk-in shower is usually quoted at about $5,000 to $12,000 as a whole project. The tile you choose, the size of the shower and how the floor is built make most of the difference.
"How much to tile a shower" is one of the first questions we get, and the honest answer is a range. Below is where the money goes, the typical 2026 Ottawa prices for each part, and two example budgets so you can see how they add up.
Where the money goes
- The tile. Ceramic and plain porcelain are the least expensive; mosaics, marble and glass cost more to buy and take longer to install.
- Installation labour. Shower walls are slower than an open floor: every wall is cut around the valve, the niche, the corners and the ceiling line.
- Waterproofing. Tile and grout are not waterproof. A membrane system such as Schluter-KERDI behind the tile is what keeps water out of the wall. See how showers are waterproofed.
- The shower floor. A pre-formed base is the simplest. A tiled floor needs a sloped mortar bed or foam tray under the membrane, and a curbless floor needs the most preparation.
- Extras. Niches, benches, accent strips, metal edge trims and a linear drain each add time and material.
Typical 2026 Ottawa prices
These ranges come from our Ottawa flooring cost guide (the average of four Ottawa companies' published prices) and from 2026 Ottawa renovation price guides. They are for budgeting; your price comes from a site visit.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Tile installation labour (porcelain and ceramic) | $5 – $12 per sq ft |
| Ceramic tile, supplied and installed | $9 – $20 per sq ft |
| Porcelain tile, supplied and installed | $12 – $25 per sq ft |
| Mosaic tile, supplied and installed | $20 – $40 per sq ft |
| Marble or glass tile, supplied and installed | $25 – $50 per sq ft |
| Shower waterproofing | $500 – $1,500 |
| Pre-formed shower base | $200 – $800 |
| Tiled floor on a mortar bed with membrane | $500 – $1,200 |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower (whole project) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Example budgets
Tile work only. Plumbing, glass, demolition and drywall repairs are separate.
Standard alcove shower, porcelain walls
A 3 × 5 ft alcove tiled 8 ft high has about 90 sq ft of wall tile.
- Porcelain walls, supplied and installed: 90 sq ft × $12 – $25 = $1,080 – $2,250
- Waterproofing: $500 – $1,500
- Pre-formed base: $200 – $800
- Total: about $1,800 – $4,550
Tiled walk-in shower with a mosaic floor
A 4 × 6 ft walk-in tiled 8 ft high on three walls has about 110 sq ft of wall tile, plus 24 sq ft of mosaic floor.
- Porcelain walls: 110 sq ft × $12 – $25 = $1,320 – $2,750
- Mosaic floor: 24 sq ft × $20 – $40 = $480 – $960
- Mortar bed and membrane floor: $500 – $1,200
- Waterproofing the walls: $500 – $1,500
- Total: about $2,800 – $6,400 before a niche, bench or glass
Ways to keep the cost down
- Pick a mid-size porcelain for the walls. It is quicker to set than mosaic and less fussy than very large slabs.
- Save mosaic and feature tile for small areas, like the floor or a niche, instead of whole walls.
- Keep the layout simple. Straight or stacked layouts cost less than herringbone or diagonal.
- Do not cut waterproofing. It is a small part of the budget and the part that protects everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to retile a shower or install a fibreglass unit?
A pre-formed unit usually costs less up front. Tile costs more but lasts longer, can be repaired one tile at a time, and lets you choose the size, layout and finish.
Can new tile go over the old shower tile?
In a shower we don't recommend it. The old tile hides the condition of the wall and waterproofing, and adding a layer causes problems at the valve, edges and ceiling. See can you tile over tile?
How long does it take to tile a shower?
Usually several working days: the base and waterproofing, then setting the tile, then grout, which each need time to cure. See how long before you can use new tile.
