Shower Tile Calculator

There are many aspects of a shower remodel that can be daunting, but perhaps one of the most daunting of all is calculating the amount of shower tile you need for the job. A shower tile calculator can help you figure this out. However, you must do the measurements to get the information the tile calculator needs to give you an appropriate estimate.

While measuring for tile might seem difficult, it’s not as hard as you might think. Understanding the different tile sizes and where they are used is the first step to figuring out how much tile you really need. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing the tile for your shower remodel.  

Shower Tile Calculator: How Much Tile Do I Need?

Figuring out how much wall and floor tile you need for your shower remodel is easier than you think. Let’s start with the most common sizes of tile found in various parts of the shower.

• In a small shower, you want to go with smaller tiles for practicality and aesthetics. A floor pan in a small shower usually has tile of 1-inch square, while the walls often have anything between 1-inch and 4-inch square. These smaller tiles make it easier for installation in a tiny space.
• If you have a mid-size to larger shower, your options are much broader. A larger shower can handle anything from 4-inch tile to 15-inch tile, and some very large showers might look great with 30-inch tile on the walls.
• The bathroom floor usually takes tile between 1-inch square and 12-inch square. Many homeowners choose to use the same size tile on their shower floor for uniformity.
• The walls of your bathroom usually use 4-inch tiles up to 12-inch or 24-inch tile.

What Might Affect My Shower Tile Calculations?

Keep in mind that you might need more tile if you choose a design that uses anything other than small square tile. For instance, herringbone tile can be tricky because it’s hard to measure exactly how much tile you might need. When using an odd-shaped tile, always err on the side of caution and add another square foot of tile when you make the purchase.

The type of shower you have matters, too. While a simple stall shower can be pretty straightforward in the tile required, if you have a walk-in shower, your tile will need to extend well beyond the main shower area. Talking with a contractor can help you figure out how much tile you will need for a specialty shower like this.

Why is such small tile the usual for a shower? Tiles that are smaller allow for the gentle contours a tile installer will need to create to pitch the floor properly for drainage. They will also keep it level enough that you won’t notice the pitch as you use the shower. Those smaller tiles also mean more grout, which can provide better friction for wet, bare feet and help you stay upright in the shower.

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Where to Measure For Tile

Measuring for tile is relatively simple. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to add more tile to your calculations if you have a shower bench, cut-outs to hold bathing supplies, or other unique features. You might also need to subtract any areas that you want to adorn with mosaic tile for a decorative appearance and measure these separately. If you aren’t sure about any step, talk to a bathroom contractor to get accurate measurements.

Here’s how to do it yourself:

• Measure the height of the shower wall and write that down, then measure the width of the same wall.
• Find the size of your tile. If you want to use a 4-inch tile, for instance, and your shower is 100 inches by 60 inches, you would divide each number by four. That means you would need 25 tiles for the height and 15 tiles for the width.
• Now multiply the height tiles by the width tiles. This would be 25 x 15, for a total of 375 tiles for that wall.
• Now measure the other walls in the same fashion.
• Finally, measure the floor. Keep in mind that you will need to use smaller tile for the floor as well as have some extra for the sloping areas. Measure it the same way you measured the walls.

Your walls might have recessed areas to hold bathroom necessities, such as shampoo or soap. Keep in mind that you will need extra tile for these areas. A good rule of thumb is to add another 10% to your total number of tile.

What About the Bullnose?

A shower bullnose is a type of tile trim or edging that is used to finish the exposed edges of tiled surfaces, particularly in showers or other wet areas.

Bullnose tiles have a rounded, finished edge and are typically available in various sizes and materials that match the tile you’re using for the rest of your shower.

To measure for bullnose tiles, follow these steps:

1. Measure the length. Measure the length of the area where you want to install the bullnose tiles. For a shower, measure the length of each exposed vertical edge where the bullnose will be placed. If you are tiling other areas, such as the top or bottom edges, measure those as well.
2. Account for corners. If the bullnose tiles will be placed around corners, measure the length of each corner edge where the bullnose will be installed.
3. Measure the height. Measure the height of where the bullnose will be installed. This measurement will determine the height of the bullnose tiles you need.
4. Add extra tiles. It’s always a good idea to purchase some extra bullnose tiles, usually about 10% more than the exact measurements. This accounts for any potential mistakes during installation or future replacements.
5. Consider thickness. Bullnose tiles can come in different thicknesses compared to the rest of your tile. Make sure the thickness of the bullnose matches or complements the thickness of the other tiles you are using.

Once you have these measurements, you can head to the tile store or consult with a tile supplier to find the right bullnose tiles that match your needs.

Remember that measuring accurately and carefully planning your tile installation will help ensure a successful and visually appealing finished project. If you’re unsure or inexperienced with tile installations, it’s advisable to consult a professional tile installer for assistance.

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How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower?

The cost of tiling your shower depends upon many factors, including the type of tile you choose, the size of the tile, the installation costs, the addition of any special features like a bench or cut-outs for bath products, and the demolition of your previous shower. Our shower tile calculator can help you determine your estimated costs.

When you choose to go with basic tile, expect a base price of $5.25 to $8.45 per square foot for glazed ceramic tile. Larger tile sizes will typically mean a higher price, but keep in mind that that higher price might be offset by lower labor costs; after all, it takes much less labor to set 12 inch by 12 inch tile than it does to set 1 inch by 1 inch tile.

Tiling a Shower with Basic Tile

•       $780 for tiling a small shower
•       $936 for tiling a mid-size shower
•       $1,092 for tiling a large shower

Mid-range ceramic tile can range from $9.25 to $13.60 per square foot. This cost ranges from 1 inch by 1 inch tile to larger tiles of 6 inches by 4 ¼ inches.

Tiling a Shower with Mid-Range Tile

•       $1,173 for tiling a small shower
•       $1,408 for a tiling mid-size shower
•       $1,642 for a tiling large shower

If you want to go all-out with luxury, expect to pay between $21 and $33 per square foot. This luxury option is based on ceramic tile made of recycled glass in sizes ranging from two inches by two inches to 12 inches by 12 inches.

Tiling a Shower with Luxury Tile

•       $2,850 for tiling a small shower
•       $3,420 for tiling a mid-size shower
•       $3,990 for tiling a large shower

When you are ready to figure out how much tile you need, you can start with our shower tile calculator. And while you might choose to do the shower tile yourself, it can bring good peace of mind to go with a contractor instead. Modernize can connect you with bathroom remodeling experts in your area who can help you not only with the tile for your shower remodel, but with anything else that you might need in your journey to renovate your bathroom.

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