When renovating or building a new bathroom, one of the biggest decisions is how to handle the shower walls. The two most popular options are tiling or using prefabricated shower panels. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to factors like cost, installation, maintenance, and aesthetics.
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Tile Shower Costs
Tiling a shower can be a big investment, but it allows for tremendous customization. Here are some of the costs associated with a tiled shower:
- Tile costs – Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles range from $2-50+ per square foot. More durable and water-resistant tiles tend to be more expensive.
- Tile installation – A professional tiler may charge $5-15 per square foot for labor.
- Shower pan – A pre-sloped base to contain water runoff costs $200-500.
- Backerboard – Cement backerboard provides a waterproof surface for tiles to adhere to, and costs around $0.50-2 per square foot.
- Grout and thinset – Adhesives average $0.50-1.50 per square foot.
- Design – Creating a custom tile layout with accent tiles or borders adds more in design fees.
In total, a custom tiled shower often ranges from $2,000-5,000+, with more elaborate designs costing even more. The quality of the materials and the complexity of the design are major cost factors.
Factors Increasing Tiled Shower Costs
- Large shower size – More surface area to cover means higher tile and installation costs.
- Tile size – Smaller tiles take more time for the tiler to install, increasing labor fees.
- Mosaic tiles – Intricate mosaic tile patterns are very labor-intensive.
- Niche and shelves – Building recessed shelves and niches for products adds costs.
- Decorative borders and designs – Custom patterns, geometric shapes, and border inlays require more planning and tile-cutting.
- Natural stone tile – Materials like marble, travertine, and granite tend to be more expensive than ceramic or porcelain.
- Glass tile – This eye-catching option ranges from $15-50 per square foot installed.
- Removing old shower materials – Labor and fees for disposal and recycling if replacing a current shower.
Shower Panel Costs
Prefabricated shower panels provide a simpler, more standardized option. Here are the costs associated with shower panel systems:
- Shower panels – These typically range from $350-1,000+ depending on size and material.
- Installation kits – Include adhesive, silicone, and hardware for $100-200.
- Plumbing – New shower valves, fittings, and showerheads if replacing an old shower, around $200-500.
- Labor – A professional may charge $200-600 for installation.
In total, expect to pay in the range of $1,000-2,000+ for a basic shower panel installation. Complex projects with extensive plumbing work can be more.
Factors Increasing Shower Panel Costs
- Large or custom size – Panels over 60 inches require multiple panels and seams.
- Thicker panel material – 1⁄2 inch panels cost more than standard 1⁄4 inch.
- Premium materials – Options like copper, bronze, or real stone panels can add hundreds.
- Plumbing modifications – Rerouting pipes or adding new valves increases costs.
- Niches and shelves – These necessitate cutting panels or adding accessories.
- Leak repairs or remediation – If water damage is found during demo, extra repairs add cost.
Cost Comparison of Tile vs. Panels
In general, installing shower panels costs $500-3,000 less than installing a tiled shower. Panels provide an out-of-the-box solution with quicker installation times and fewer materials to purchase. Tiling requires more customization, skill, and labor. However, in the long run a tiled shower may add more value to a home for resale.
Here is a direct cost comparison of average shower sizes:
| Shower Size | Tiled Shower Cost | Shower Panel Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 32 sq ft | $2,500 | $1,500 |
| 42 sq ft | $3,200 | $1,800 |
| 60 sq ft | $4,500 | $2,400 |
Shower Tiling Pros and Cons
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of tiling a shower:
Tiled Shower Pros
- Customizable design – Choose from endless tile shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns.
- Durable and long-lasting – Tile can last decades with proper installation and maintenance.
- Easier to clean – Grout lines allow water and soap scum to drain away.
- Resale value – Tile is associated with higher quality and can increase home value.
- No seams – A seamless look, especially with large format tiles.
Tiled Shower Cons
- Higher upfront cost – The average tiled shower costs $2,000-$5,000 to install.
- Lengthy installation – Tiling usually takes several days with lengthy curing and drying times.
- Grout maintenance – Grout needs periodic sealing to prevent staining and damage.
- Higher potential for leaks – Grout lines can crack over time leading to leakage.
- Challenging DIY project – Tiling requires skill to get a professional quality result.
Shower Panel Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of using shower panels instead of tiles:
Shower Panel Pros
- Lower cost – Prefabricated panels cost $500-$3,000 less than tiling on average.
- Faster installation – Panels can be installed in a day with minimal curing time.
- Beginner DIY project – Panels are easier for novices to install with simpler instructions.
- No grout maintenance – No need to seal, as panels have waterproof joins.
- Modern sleek look – Shower panels create a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic.
Shower Panel Cons
- Less customization – Limited to standard sizes and set patterns and finishes.
- Potential for mold – Water can get behind panels if not properly sealed.
- Lower resale value – Panels may be seen as lower quality vs tile.
- Shorter lifespan – Average 10-15 years vs. decades for tile.
- Seams more obvious – Seams between panels may be visible and unattractive.
Conclusion
In the end, shower panels provide a simpler, more budget-friendly route for the average homeowner. But tile allows for nearly endless customization for those wanting to invest in a higher quality, more luxurious shower design. Factors like your personal style, skill level, and budget can help determine whether shower panels or tile is the better choice for your bathroom project.