Is it cheaper to tile or insert a shower?

Author: Prof. Guadalupe Reichel I  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Prefabricated showers are much cheaper than tiled shower stalls, often by hundreds of dollars.

What is the cheapest way to do a shower?

Prefabricated shower kits are often more affordable than sourcing individual components separately. These kits provide a convenient and budget-friendly solution, as they are designed to work together seamlessly while minimizing costs.

Is it cheaper to tile a shower or use panels?

Apart from being up to twenty-five per cent cheaper than tiles, shower panels have a lot going for them. They take less time to install and are much easier to maintain. If you are looking for a hygienic solution for a shower, it is worth noting that panels do not require any grouting.

What is the cheapest thing to use for shower walls?

As long as you waterproof the corner (depending on your wall material), bout the cheapest waterproof material suitible for a shower would be FRP. It's the bumpy textured plastic wall panels you often see used in public restrooms and kitchen prep areas. Runs about $30 or so for a 4 x 8 sheet.

Is it better to have shower base or tiles?

Even if the rest of the bathroom is tiled, the shower base can be a cost-effective and time-saving measure. A shower base is easier to maintain than a tile-and-grout shower floor. Shower bases eliminate the issues of grout and having to keep grout lines clean, stain-free, mold-free and crack-free.

Tub insert vs custom tile tub/shower combo. What is the difference and how much do they cost?

What is the least expensive way to redo a shower?

One of the most cost-effective ways to redo a shower is by using an insert. Shower inserts are prefabricated units that can be installed over your existing shower. They're typically made from acrylic or fiberglass and are designed to fit standard-sized showers.

What is the alternative to tile in a shower?

Acrylic panels

Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping.

Which type of shower is cheapest to run?

Following our calculations based on a 10-minute shower, you can expect to spend 73p per electric shower and 40p per gas shower. Overall, it's cheaper to run a gas shower. However, fear not, as there are plenty of ways to cut costs on your energy bills irrespective of what kind of shower you use.

Is it cheaper to tile a shower or get an insert?

Prefabricated showers are much cheaper than tiled shower stalls, often by hundreds of dollars.

How much does it cost to tile a 4x8 shower?

The average cost to tile a shower is $2,700, but it ranges from $1,800 to $5,000. A larger shower or tiles will drive up the final price. A tile installer can quote the cost to update your shower tile.

What is the cheapest way to replace shower walls?

If you're on a slim budget, then having an acrylic or fiberglass shower wall panel is most affordable than installing new tiles. Shower wall tiles are much expensive for both material and labor. It also takes longer hours for the personnel to finish tiling your entire shower wall and floor.

What is a fair price for a walk in shower?

You can either pick a prefabricated design to save money or can design the customized shower of your dreams. Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower spans from $1,000–$15,000, with an average cost of $6,700.

How can I save money on my shower?

Shortening showers from 8 to 4 minutes could save you money each year
  1. Get everything ready. Get everything ready for the shower before you turn the water on. ...
  2. Get a timer. Shower timers are small devices you can fix to the wall of your shower to time your shower. ...
  3. Pause the shower.

Is there a peel and stick tile for showers?

You've probably seen an array of peel-and-stick shower tiles in your quest for a bathroom upgrade. From the sleek look of the subway tiles to the elegance of marble, the variety of peel-and-stick tiles is endless. Peel-and-stick subway tiles, with their clean lines and classic look, have an aesthetic appeal.

How much should a shower insert cost?

A prefab shower insert costs between $300 and $500, and a kit that includes all of the materials costs $400 to $2,000. This is the most budget-friendly type of shower, and it's simple enough to install and keeps labor costs relatively low.

How long does a shower insert last?

A shower insert is usually crafted from acrylic or fiberglass and includes a single water fixture. This is generally easy to pull out and then replace with a new, similar shower insert. An acrylic shower insert should last 10 to 20 years when properly maintained.

Can you install a shower insert over existing tile?

Shower surrounds can be installed directly over securely fastened ceramic tile. Loose ceramic tiles and plastic tiles must be removed, and the walls will need to be sanded smooth before installation. In new installations, the enclosure should be applied over waterproof backerboard.

What is the average cost of a 10 minute shower?

So, if we assume that the average person takes a 10-minute shower, you can expect to spend around 35p per shower on electricity. This is based on the calculation: Power (8.5kW) x cost per kWh (0.25) / 60 = 0.035, the cost per minute.

What type of shower lasts the longest?

Tile Shower: Tile showers are renowned for their durability and can last 20 years or more when properly maintained. The key to their longevity lies in the materials used and regular upkeep. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are often chosen for their resistance to water damage and staining.

What is the least maintenance shower floor?

If you're looking for a durable, stylish, and affordable option for your walk-in shower floor, granite tile is a great choice. Granite is a natural stone resistant to scratches, staining, and chipping, making it a low-maintenance option for busy families.

Why not to tile a shower?

1. Water Resistant, Not Waterproof. Grout is a porous material, meaning that any time water sits on grout, that water is trying to seep into it. If you do not regularly seal your grout, water can get behind your grout and tile and cause damage to the materials behind it.

Is an acrylic shower cheaper than tile?

Even though those exact numbers can vary, acrylic is almost always a cheaper option than tile. When you're budgeting for your new shower, remember that if you choose tile, you must also account for the price of grout and mortar, which can drive up the cost of your project.

Is there groutless tile for showers?

Corian® Solid Surface shower walls can be perfectly integrated to create the sleek impression of a single flowing surface that eliminates grout. With the use of a seamlessly streamlined material in every corner, there are no visible joints or cracks to collect dirt and moisture.

What is the average cost of a one day shower remodel?

The cost of one-day shower remodeling on average can be $5,000 to $15,000 and vary significantly. The average price tag for such projects using acrylics and fiberglass materials is over $9,500. However, this cost can be inflated due to marketing expenses of the service providers.

How to update an old shower on a budget?

4 Budget-Friendly Shower Updates
  1. Clean The Shower & Grout. The first step in updating your shower involves cleaning and scrubbing it the best you can. ...
  2. Replace The Tiles. Next, consider replacing the tiles in your shower to update your overall look. ...
  3. Replace Your Shower Head. ...
  4. Change The Handles or Fixtures.

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