Your shower is more than just there for function. It’s a huge decorative element in your bathroom and could have a large impact on your home’s overall ROI. If your shower is looking a bit outdated, it might be time to consider a remodel.

Shower tile is the way to go when it comes to changing the look of your bathroom. It’s durable, easy to clean and when chosen appropriately, can be a timeless look. See six tile shower ideas to freshen up the look of your bathroom below.

Shower Tile Cost

With any remodeling project, you should always properly budget before buying anything. While bathroom remodeling isn’t cheap, tiling a shower could be the upgrade you need that fits into your budget. The largest cost of this project will be the material.

1. Subway Tile Shower

The hottest option in bathroom tile right now is subway tile. This ceramic tile option is a timeless, vintage look. There’s also plenty of color choices if white is too plain for your taste. It’s recommended to go with a glossy finish to resist mildew and give it a great look. 

2. Wood Shower Tile

A new trend we are seeing in bathroom remodeling is faux wood tile. This type of tile is typically made of ceramic or porcelain. It will instantly give your bathroom a rustic look and a focal point all will love. Faux wood tile has become a trend all over the home, but specifically in the bathroom where it's taking center stage.

3. Rock Tile Shower

Get back to nature with rock and pebble tiles in your shower. River rock shower tiles are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a unique element to their showers. These river rock tiles can be found two ways, either individual pieces you can mosaic together, or in precut tile sizes. Depending on your project, the precut might be easier.

Rock tile shower should be cleaned with a natural stone cleaner. Don’t forget about the grout here either. Because the rocks are in different shapes and sizes, the grout lines maybe dirty as well and can easily trap soap scum and moisture. Consider a regular grout cleaning to help keep your rock tile looking its best.

4. Glass Tile Shower

Mosaic glass tile is a look that is perfect for any bathroom. You have the ability to customize the look of your shower in small and detailed ways. Glass tile is easy to clean and resistant to stains. However, installation will take some patience for these tile pieces to fit together perfectly. It’s also more costly than other shower tile options. The average cost of glass tile is between $31.25 and $48.75/sf.

Glass shower tile is fairly easy to maintain with a multi-purpose bathroom spray and a daily cleaner.

5. Travertine Shower Tile

Are you looking for an elegant natural stone tile option? Travertine shower tile is a timeless and beautiful look for any bathroom. This particular material is commonly used in shower floors, but travertine tiled shower walls are becoming more common. This tile must be sealed to protect it from mold and mildew, but be careful to not choose a high gloss sealant. This can cause slips and falls in your shower. The average cost of travertine tile is about $15/sf.

Travertine shower tile also requires a bit more care than other tile options. As a natural stone, avoid using vinegar and bathroom cleaners. This can cause damage to your tile. You’ll need to invest in a shower cleaner specific for natural stone.

6. Cultured Marble Shower Tile

If you’re looking for a sophisticated look that won’t go out of style, cultured marble might be the right choice. You’ll even save a little bit while achieving this look of elegance. The average cost of cultured marble tile is between $8 and $24/sf. This excludes the shower pan slab, which could be between $300 to $600, depending on the size of your shower.

Avoid using any abrasive cleaners on this tile, as it can cause scratches and cracks that can grow over time.

DIY Or Contact A Pro?

When you’ve chosen your material, you’ll next want to decide what is the best way of installation. Even if your shower is small, tiling can be a tedious process that’s likely to take more than a weekend to complete. You’ll also need to have the proper materials, such as a wet saw, to ensure each tile fits perfectly. We recommend shower tiling to experienced DIYers. If you’re a beginner and you want to give your shower a new look, contact a bathroom pro who can help.

Conclusion

A new look for your shower could be just the update your bathroom needs. There are many options available depending on the style you hope to achieve. Some require more care than others. Use a few of the ideas above to help inspire your next bathroom project.