Tile Shower Cost Breakdown for a Tri-Cities Bathroom

A custom tile shower is one of the highest-impact upgrades in any bathroom — and one of the most variable in price. Here's a line-by-line breakdown of what goes into the cost of a tile shower in the Tri-Cities, and what drives the price up or down.

Demo and Prep ($400–$1,200)

Removing the existing tub or shower, hauling out materials, and prepping the space for new construction. Older homes with original fiberglass surrounds installed over water-damaged drywall occasionally reveal problems here — if the subfloor or wall framing has moisture damage, that adds cost before tile work starts.

Plumbing Modifications ($300–$2,500)

A basic shower swap with the drain in the same location and the valve in the same wall: $300–$600. Moving the drain location, adding a second showerhead, or changing from a tub to a shower (rerouting drain): $800–$2,500. A shower system with body jets, ceiling rain head, and multiple valves: $2,000–$5,000+ in plumbing alone before fixtures.

Waterproofing and Backer Board ($600–$1,400)

This is the layer that separates a shower that lasts from one that fails. Cement backer board on all walls (minimum 6" above the shower pan, ideally full height), waterproofing membrane applied at seams and corners, and a proper shower pan liner or pre-sloped pan. Don't let any contractor skip or shortcut this. If you see it missing from a bid, that's your answer about whether to hire them.

Tile and Installation ($1,500–$5,000+)

This is where design choices drive cost. A standard 60" x 32" shower (roughly 60–70 sq ft of tile) with 4x12 subway tile installed in a running bond pattern: $1,500–$2,500 installed. The same shower with large-format 24x48 porcelain slabs requiring precision cuts and no grout lines: $3,500–$5,500. Accent tile, decorative borders, and mosaic tile floors add $200–$800.

Shower Niche ($200–$500)

A built-in niche is framed into the wall before tile goes up, waterproofed, and tiled to match the walls. At the tile stage, it's a straightforward addition. Added after the fact? Much more expensive.

Fixtures ($300–$2,000+)

A builder-grade shower valve and trim kit: $200–$400. Mid-range Kohler or Delta: $400–$800 installed. Premium Hansgrohe or Brizo systems with thermostatic valves: $1,500–$4,000+.

Glass Enclosure ($800–$3,000)

A standard framed door starts at $400–$800 for the unit plus $200–$400 for installation. A custom frameless glass enclosure runs $1,200–$3,000 depending on size and glass thickness.

Total: What to Expect