Cost to rip out shower, replace with tile?
Thread Starter
Administrator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26,326
Likes: 131
From: Northwest IN
Cost to rip out shower, replace with tile?
We have a standard fiberglass shower in the master bathroom. Fiberglass on three sides with a sliding shower door. Nothing special. Have wanted for some time to have the thing ripped out and a replaced with tile from floor to ceiling, new door and perhaps a nifty shower head, etc.
Curious if anyone has had done this? Plumbing is something stay away from, so I would hire this out. Any ideas on cost? I would assume pulling out the shower would be easy? Then it's just a matter of a little plumbing work and doing the tile work? Couple grand including labor?
Curious if anyone has had done this? Plumbing is something stay away from, so I would hire this out. Any ideas on cost? I would assume pulling out the shower would be easy? Then it's just a matter of a little plumbing work and doing the tile work? Couple grand including labor?
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Labor is definitely going to be the biggest expense. For some reason, installing tile on a wall costs ~5x more than putting it on the floor - somewhere around $15/sqft and up.
Demo should be pretty quick and inexpensive. Plumbing would be a couple hundred if it was straight forward. Tile prices vary, but should be $200-$400 (assuming 80 qft). Glass might be somewhat pricey if it's custom size or design. Fixtures could be anywhere from $150 and up to whatever you're willing to spend.
You're probably pretty close with around $2k and up for this.
Be sure to post before and after pics.
Demo should be pretty quick and inexpensive. Plumbing would be a couple hundred if it was straight forward. Tile prices vary, but should be $200-$400 (assuming 80 qft). Glass might be somewhat pricey if it's custom size or design. Fixtures could be anywhere from $150 and up to whatever you're willing to spend.
You're probably pretty close with around $2k and up for this.
Be sure to post before and after pics.
Tile the whole thing. from an ROI stand point if you ever do sell your house the extra $500 you spend now will return $2K. Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses so this is no place to cheap out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,967
Likes: 2,685
From: Jersey
A couple years ago I had a problem with my shower stall. It was leaking into the kitchen. I had to have the entire shower replaced, the drain plumbing had to be replaced, and some new ceiling drywall put in the kitchen. What I put in was a standard fiberglass shower with new sliding doors. I also had the entire subfloor in the bathroom replaced because that is what failed. The old shower floor was concrete!
I spent a little over $3300 to have the whole thing fixed and I did the repainting.
It took 2 guys over 3 days to rip out the old stuff and get the new stuff in. I am very glad I didn't even think of attempting it myself.
So assuming no gotchas are found you will probably spend $3-4k for tile.
I spent a little over $3300 to have the whole thing fixed and I did the repainting.
It took 2 guys over 3 days to rip out the old stuff and get the new stuff in. I am very glad I didn't even think of attempting it myself.
So assuming no gotchas are found you will probably spend $3-4k for tile.
Nom Nom Nom Nom
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,801
Likes: 76
From: Universal City
It really depends largely on what tile you use. But do keep in mind, you will want to get a tile that has a texture to it.
I am actually in the process of doing that same thing. I honestly can't see me spending too much money on it, but I plan on doing it all myself.
The one thing that you will have to remember is that if you do tile in the shower you will need a greenboard or masonboard behind the tile. You cannot just use typical gyp. board. So estimate that into the cost your remodel as well.
I am actually in the process of doing that same thing. I honestly can't see me spending too much money on it, but I plan on doing it all myself.
The one thing that you will have to remember is that if you do tile in the shower you will need a greenboard or masonboard behind the tile. You cannot just use typical gyp. board. So estimate that into the cost your remodel as well.
Trending Topics
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
that you should tile the whole thing. The incremental difference of tiling the floor would be pretty minimal and will make a huge difference in look and ROI.A couple of things to think about while planning this out:
1. Do you like the current layout or do you want to move the faucet or install additional heads?
2. Where do you put your soap, shampoo, etc.? Do you want to build-in a (recessed) shelf?
Just think of how you have been using the shower and if there is anything you've wanted to change other than just the looks. These little things can make a big difference.
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Park City, UT
Having the floor and walls the same is a plus, as mentioned you want something that does some texture on the floor so as to prevent slips. The real key is getting the shower pan in place first, to prevent any leaks.
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,348
Likes: 53
From: Central CA
Suggest you not focus on questionable ROI. Do what you like and can justify financially. If the bath is upstairs or house is on a raised foundation, do you want to chance doing it yourself?
The $5000 quote does not surprise me though I'm sure you could get it done for less. The shower pan might deduct $1000 all by itself.
The $5000 quote does not surprise me though I'm sure you could get it done for less. The shower pan might deduct $1000 all by itself.
Thread Starter
Administrator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26,326
Likes: 131
From: Northwest IN
Yea, they're going to give me some formal quote but $5K is for all tile. They have done other options with things like a marble pan and it'd be less. Probably about $4K-$4.5K.
I guess when you think about it, there's quite a bit of work that will go into this.
I guess when you think about it, there's quite a bit of work that will go into this.
If I had that in my house my house my wife would never leave the shower!
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Me either. Really wish we had those, as I like hot showers and the rain head we have in the new house doesn't quite cut it. Would be fine with the body sprays, but not even close on it's own.
One on the right for me
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,914
Likes: 272
From: Bay Area, CA
Pressure should be fine. When you have the plumber out there might want to have him check the pipes to make sure they are clean. My parents replaced their pipes a few years ago and the water flowed much better.
Do you have a tankless heater or just a big water heater?
Do you have a tankless heater or just a big water heater?
it's me, Alan Rickman.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 5
From: noitacol
Scrib... Get the kohler DTV - that's what i'm going to do.. eventually.. Our MB has a seperate jet tub and shower.. all fiberglass. Would like to rip it out, make the shower as big as possible in the same space, and get a free standing tub...
Here's what I want:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHd7H...eature=related
They have some $$$ stuff like the light therapy, music system, etc.. but overall the system can be done for "fairly cheap" considering it's kohler..
The DTV valve runs like $600 - $800 on eBay; then you need the controller for another $300 - 400.. then you buy the shower heads/jets/arms you want. Pretty neat.. [The DTV has a hot/cold inlet and 6 outlets. So you can have up to 6 watering devices in the shower]
Are you going to DIY any of it ?
Here's what I want:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHd7H...eature=related
They have some $$$ stuff like the light therapy, music system, etc.. but overall the system can be done for "fairly cheap" considering it's kohler..
The DTV valve runs like $600 - $800 on eBay; then you need the controller for another $300 - 400.. then you buy the shower heads/jets/arms you want. Pretty neat.. [The DTV has a hot/cold inlet and 6 outlets. So you can have up to 6 watering devices in the shower]
Are you going to DIY any of it ?
Last edited by timmahh; Dec 30, 2009 at 06:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Administrator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26,326
Likes: 131
From: Northwest IN
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 874
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Hey Scrib, how big is your bathroom? Also dependent on how close to Indiana/Illinois you are I can recommend a good contractor that is very well priced for good quality that is nowhere near 15$/sf for installation, PM me if your interested.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
Scrib... Get the kohler DTV - that's what i'm going to do.. eventually.. Our MB has a seperate jet tub and shower.. all fiberglass. Would like to rip it out, make the shower as big as possible in the same space, and get a free standing tub...
Here's what I want:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHd7H...eature=related
They have some $$$ stuff like the light therapy, music system, etc.. but overall the system can be done for "fairly cheap" considering it's kohler..
The DTV valve runs like $600 - $800 on eBay; then you need the controller for another $300 - 400.. then you buy the shower heads/jets/arms you want. Pretty neat.. [The DTV has a hot/cold inlet and 6 outlets. So you can have up to 6 watering devices in the shower]
Are you going to DIY any of it ?
Here's what I want:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHd7H...eature=related
They have some $$$ stuff like the light therapy, music system, etc.. but overall the system can be done for "fairly cheap" considering it's kohler..
The DTV valve runs like $600 - $800 on eBay; then you need the controller for another $300 - 400.. then you buy the shower heads/jets/arms you want. Pretty neat.. [The DTV has a hot/cold inlet and 6 outlets. So you can have up to 6 watering devices in the shower]
Are you going to DIY any of it ?
Thread Starter
Administrator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26,326
Likes: 131
From: Northwest IN
Not sure how you're getting $15 per sq/ft out of this and now it translates into how big the master bath is?
It's a standard shower size, 48"x36", I think...
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 874
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Yes I understood that, I guess I should have worded it differently, I believe there are contractors that can install (labor) tiles for less then $15/sf on the wall and I don't understand the price difference in labor between floor vs wall tiles.
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Most of this is up to personal taste and how much care you are willing to put into it.
One note - porcelain is ceramic, but a higher quality (consistent through the product rather than just a finish). Definitely go full porcelain over regular ceramic. The other natural stones can be beautiful, but require more care and special/non-standard cleaners. Hopefully someone with more experience with natural stones can chime in.
One note - porcelain is ceramic, but a higher quality (consistent through the product rather than just a finish). Definitely go full porcelain over regular ceramic. The other natural stones can be beautiful, but require more care and special/non-standard cleaners. Hopefully someone with more experience with natural stones can chime in.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
From: Boston
+1 on the extra care for marble and granite. Real nice looking, especially the tumbled marble. You have to make sure you clean with less costic cleaners. Like that scrubbing bubbles stuff, vs bleach.
If it were me, I would pay the premium for the nice stuff and try to save by doing the labor myself. Although there are some expensive faux rock tiles out that are still a pretty penny.
Plumbing actually isnt bad, unless you need new rough ins. Do a little reading and you should save yourself a lot of dough, or be able to put it into high end fixtures.
If it were me, I would pay the premium for the nice stuff and try to save by doing the labor myself. Although there are some expensive faux rock tiles out that are still a pretty penny.
Plumbing actually isnt bad, unless you need new rough ins. Do a little reading and you should save yourself a lot of dough, or be able to put it into high end fixtures.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, PA
I just did a DIY tile shower with pebbles on the floor. Materials (commercial grade tile, stone, waterproofing and plumbing hardware was $2K+. JohnBridge.com forums rock.
Even if you pay a plumber for the real plumbing work, you'll save thousands.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, PA
A tile floor requires a pre-slope and waterproofing materials - lots more steps than just screwing in concrete board and troweling on thinset. A pan just drops in, and makes up for lots of sins on the walls, too.
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Tiling floors is easy compared to walls (not saying that walls are that much harder), but with floors you have gravity working in your favor. On walls it is working against you, so it takes more time and care.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
Instructions for tiling a shower floor
Things You'll Need:
finish trowel
thin-set or adhesive mortar
fiberglass mesh tape
shower pan membrane liner
staple gun with staples (nails can be substituted)
tiles
grout
Step 1: First, you must slope the floor using mortar and a finish trowel. This will allow the water to drain, minimizing your chances with leaks. Apply a coat of mortar to the shower floor, making it slope from the walls toward the drain. The slope will direct the water to the drain. Make sure the edges of the shower are at least 3" higher than the center to ensure proper drainage.
Step 2: If ceramic tile is desired on the floor of the shower as well, then a shower pan membrane liner should be installed prior to the installation of the WonderBoard or Durock cement board.
Step 3: Next, install a shower pan membrane liner. This is supple plastic, and allows water that gets through the tiles and mortar to still find its way down the drain. Lay the liner at the base of the shower area, folding and forming it to the shape of the shower floor. Use the staple gun (or nails) to attach it to the shower wall frame. Cut a slit where you will want the drain assembly.
Step 4: Install a ceramic tile backerboard.
Step 5: Cover any joints around the edges with fiberglass mesh tape. It is recommended that you cover every little hole that water could even conceivably get through. You don't want to do this twice, right?
Step 6: Install a final coat of mortar on top of the liner to protect it and give you a solid surface for laying the ceramic floor tile.
Step 7: Once the mortar has set, apply a coating of latex thin-set or adhesive mortar so that the tiles have something to stick to.
Step 8: It's time to tile. Start at the drain and work outward to the edges. Use full floor pieces as much as possible.
Step 9: After the mortar has set, grout the tiles and clean away any excess with a damp cloth.
Step 10: After you have successfully installed the tile and grout, readjust the shower drain assembly so that the drain sits flush with the surface of your tile floor.
Step 11: Allow at least 48 hours for the grout to dry before using your newly tiled shower. Enjoy!
Things You'll Need:
finish trowel
thin-set or adhesive mortar
fiberglass mesh tape
shower pan membrane liner
staple gun with staples (nails can be substituted)
tiles
grout
Step 1: First, you must slope the floor using mortar and a finish trowel. This will allow the water to drain, minimizing your chances with leaks. Apply a coat of mortar to the shower floor, making it slope from the walls toward the drain. The slope will direct the water to the drain. Make sure the edges of the shower are at least 3" higher than the center to ensure proper drainage.
Step 2: If ceramic tile is desired on the floor of the shower as well, then a shower pan membrane liner should be installed prior to the installation of the WonderBoard or Durock cement board.
Step 3: Next, install a shower pan membrane liner. This is supple plastic, and allows water that gets through the tiles and mortar to still find its way down the drain. Lay the liner at the base of the shower area, folding and forming it to the shape of the shower floor. Use the staple gun (or nails) to attach it to the shower wall frame. Cut a slit where you will want the drain assembly.
Step 4: Install a ceramic tile backerboard.
Step 5: Cover any joints around the edges with fiberglass mesh tape. It is recommended that you cover every little hole that water could even conceivably get through. You don't want to do this twice, right?
Step 6: Install a final coat of mortar on top of the liner to protect it and give you a solid surface for laying the ceramic floor tile.
Step 7: Once the mortar has set, apply a coating of latex thin-set or adhesive mortar so that the tiles have something to stick to.
Step 8: It's time to tile. Start at the drain and work outward to the edges. Use full floor pieces as much as possible.
Step 9: After the mortar has set, grout the tiles and clean away any excess with a damp cloth.
Step 10: After you have successfully installed the tile and grout, readjust the shower drain assembly so that the drain sits flush with the surface of your tile floor.
Step 11: Allow at least 48 hours for the grout to dry before using your newly tiled shower. Enjoy!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
marcelft
2G TL (1999-2003)
30
Jul 10, 2018 06:17 PM
BlkTxAcuraTypeS
Member Cars for Sale
3
Oct 18, 2015 08:05 PM
