A shower is a system, not just tile
Tile and grout look waterproof, but they aren't. Water passes through grout and finds its way into the wall or floor behind it. What keeps a shower dry for years is everything underneath the tile: a flat, solid base, a continuous waterproofing membrane and a floor that slopes to the drain.
That's why every shower we build starts with the waterproofing and preparation. We use the Schluter KERDI system: KERDI membrane on the walls, sealed seams and corners, a KERDI-DRAIN or linear drain, and a properly sloped floor. Then we tile.
Showers we build
- Walk-in showers with a low curb or glass panel
- Curbless (zero-entry) showers with a linear drain, where the floor structure allows it
- Tub-to-shower conversions, replacing an old tub with a tiled shower
- Recessed niches, sized to line up with your tile so there are no thin slivers
- Tiled benches and shelves
- Linear or point drains, with the floor sloped correctly either way
- Large-format and slab-look walls with fewer grout lines
- Mosaic, herringbone and zellige floors and feature walls
How a shower job runs
- Photos and a chat. Send photos and rough sizes on WhatsApp or through the quote form. We'll ask about the tile you like and what's behind the walls.
- Site visit and written quote. We check the walls, floor and drain location, then send a clear quote with labour and materials listed.
- Demolition and preparation. Old tile and board come out, walls and floor are made flat and plumb, and the base is prepared.
- Waterproofing. KERDI membrane, seams, corners, niches and pipe penetrations are sealed and checked before any tile goes on.
- Tiling and grout. Layout is planned so cuts are even and joints line up with niches, benches and fixtures.
- Finishing. Movement joints and silicone where they belong, trims installed, and the site cleaned.
How long it takes
A standard shower usually takes about 4 to 7 working days from demolition to grout, depending on size, tile format and how much preparation the walls and floor need. Curbless showers and stone take longer. You'll get a realistic schedule with your quote.
What it costs
A typical tiled shower with KERDI waterproofing runs from about $3,800 to $6,500 in labour, and a walk-in or curbless shower with a linear drain from about $5,500 to $9,500. See the full tile installation price guide for what moves the price up or down.
We tile and waterproof. Plumbing changes, like moving a drain or valve, are done by a licensed plumber, and we're happy to work alongside yours.
