Replacing a fiberglass shower with tile transforms bathroom aesthetics, increases home value, and allows for durable, customizable finishes. This guide walks through planning, demolition, waterproofing, tile selection, installation options, costs, and maintenance to help homeowners decide whether to DIY or hire a professional.
| Aspect | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Project Time | 3–10 Days (Depends On Scope) |
| Cost (Labor + Materials) | $1,200–$8,000 |
| Common Tile Types | Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone, Glass |
Why Replace Fiberglass Shower With Tile
Tile Offers Design Flexibility, Durability, And Better Long-Term Value than molded fiberglass, allowing custom layouts, grout lines, niches, and larger-format options that match modern bathroom trends.
Tile walls and floors can be matched with different textures and patterns to create a high-end aesthetic that is difficult to achieve with off-the-shelf fiberglass surrounds.
Planning And Design Considerations
Accurate Planning Reduces Cost Overruns And Ensures Waterproofing Integrity. Begin by measuring the shower footprint, noting drain location, existing plumbing, and any structural constraints.
Decide the finished look: full-height tile walls, partial wainscot, or tile floor with a new fiberglass surround removed. Consider niche placement, bench seating, grab bars, and the slope needed for proper drainage.
Demolition And Substrate Preparation
Removing A Fiberglass Shower Requires Care To Avoid Damaging Wall Framing Or Plumbing. The typical process includes cutting the surround into sections, removing screws/fasteners, and pulling the unit away from studs.
Inspect the studs, backer board requirements, and plumbing. Rotten framing or outdated plumbing should be repaired before installing tile to prevent future leaks and structural damage.
Waterproofing And Substrate Options
Waterproofing Is The Most Critical Element When Replacing Fiberglass Shower With Tile. The two common approaches are: cement backer board with a liquid or membrane waterproofing system, or modern waterproof backer boards like Wedi or Schluter Kerdi systems.
Cement board is affordable and stable but requires a separate waterproof membrane. Prefabricated foam boards with integrated waterproofing speed installation and reduce risk of installation errors.
Choosing Tile, Grout, And Fixtures
Tile Selection Impacts Cost, Maintenance, And Visual Outcome. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most practical for shower walls; porcelain offers higher density and water resistance while natural stone requires sealing and more maintenance.
Choose grout color and type (sanded vs. unsanded, epoxy grout for stains) based on tile spacing and expected wear. Select fixtures and trims that complement the tile scale and finish.
Cost Breakdown And Budgeting
Costs Vary Widely Based On Tile Quality, Labor Rates, And Complexity. A simple bathtub-to-tile shower remodel can run $1,200–$3,500 while high-end renovations exceed $6,000–$8,000.
| Item | Low-End | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tile (Materials) | $200–$600 | $600–$1,500 | $1,500–$4,000+ |
| Backer + Waterproofing | $150–$400 | $400–$900 | $900–$2,000 |
| Labor | $600–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000+ |
| Fixtures/Trim | $100–$300 | $300–$900 | $900–$2,000+ |
DIY Versus Hiring A Professional
Experienced DIYers Can Save Money, But Improper Waterproofing Or Tiling Can Lead To Costly Repairs. Evaluate skill level in demolition, plumbing adjustments, flatness of substrate, and tile layout before attempting a DIY replacement.
Hiring a licensed tile contractor provides warranty, consistent waterproofing methods, and likely a faster, code-compliant outcome. Request references, insurance proof, and examples of full-shower tile installs.
Step-By-Step Installation Overview
1. Demolition And Clean-Up
Remove The Fiberglass Surround Carefully, Exposing Studs And Plumbing. Protect flooring and adjacent finishes, turn off water, and separate water lines if replacing valves.
2. Structural And Plumbing Repairs
Inspect And Reinforce Studs Or Subfloor As Needed Before Installing Backer Board. Address any plumbing updates like moving the drain or upgrading shower valves while walls are open.
3. Substrate Installation
Install Cement Backer Board Or Waterproof Foam Panels To Create A Stable, Flat Surface. Tape and thin-set joints when using cement board, or fasten proprietary boards per manufacturer instructions.
4. Waterproofing Application
Apply A Continuous Waterproof Membrane Over The Entire Shower Zone, Including The Floor, Walls, Bench, And Niche. Schluter Kerdi, liquid-applied membranes, or welded sheet membranes are common; follow curing times strictly.
5. Tile Layout And Bonding
Dry-Lay Tile To Confirm Pattern, Cuts, And Grout Line Consistency Before Setting With Thinset. Use appropriate thinset mortar for tile type and substrate, and work in small sections to maintain clean edges.
6. Grouting And Sealing
After Thinset Cures, Grout Joints Using The Specified Grout Type; Seal If Required For Natural Stone. Use an epoxy grout for high-stain resistance in shower floors and niches.
7. Trim, Fixtures, And Final Adjustments
Install Drain Grate, Shower Fixtures, Door Or Curtain Hardware, And Transition Trim For A Finished Appearance. Confirm proper water flow and adjust showerhead and valve operation before final cleanup.
Common Problems And How To Avoid Them
Poor Drain Slope, Inadequate Waterproofing, And Large Tile Without Proper Backer Lead To Failures. Ensure shower floor slope is 1/4″ per foot toward drain, use seams and flashing correct, and select tile size based on shower geometry.
Avoid installing heavy natural stone on a weak substrate without proper support and consult a structural or tile pro for large-format tile over larger spans.
Permits, Building Codes, And Inspections
Local Codes May Require Permits For Plumbing Or Structural Work In A Shower Replacement. Check with the local building department when altering plumbing, moving drain locations, or modifying load-bearing framing.
A proper permit process can prevent code violations, ensure inspections for plumbing, and protect resale value when replacing a fiberglass shower with tile.
Maintenance And Long-Term Care
Regular Cleaning And Periodic Grout/Sealant Maintenance Preserve Tile Shower Performance. Clean with pH-neutral cleaners, reseal grout and stone annually or as recommended, and monitor caulking at joints for cracking.
Address any signs of discoloration, loose tiles, or soft substrate early to avoid mold growth and more expensive repairs.
When Tile May Not Be The Best Option
Budget Constraints, Time Limitations, Or Mobility Needs May Favor Alternatives To Tile. Acrylic or fiberglass liners remain practical for low-cost, rapid installs and for accessible barrier-free shower pans optimized for mobility.
Consider engineered acrylic pans with tile-look panels or large-format textured panels when quick turnaround and minimal maintenance are priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will A Tile Shower Last Compared To Fiberglass?
A Properly Installed Tile Shower Can Last Decades—Often 20–50 Years—With Routine Maintenance. Fiberglass typically lasts 10–15 years before cracking, fading, or requiring replacement.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Fiberglass Shower With Tile?
Typical Timelines Range From Three Days For Simple Tile Over Pan To 7–10 Days For Full Replacement. Drying and curing times for membranes, thinset, and grout can extend total time before use.
Is It Better To Tile Over Fiberglass Or Remove It?
Removing The Fiberglass Surround Is Recommended To Inspect Framing And Ensure Proper Waterproofing. Tiling over fiberglass is generally discouraged due to adhesion issues and trapped moisture risks.
What Tile Size Works Best In Showers?
Smaller Tiles On Floors Improve Drainability; Wall Tile Can Be Larger But Should Match Shower Proportions. 2×2 or mosaic tiles are common for floors, while 4×4 to 12×24 are typical for walls depending on aesthetic and slope concerns.
Resources And Next Steps
Homeowners Should Gather Quotes, Review Contractor Portfolios, And Confirm Warranty Terms Before Proceeding. Request a written scope of work, materials list, timeline, and payment schedule to compare bids effectively.
Consider scheduling a consultation with a tile installer to review waterproofing options like Schluter or Wedi and to obtain a site-specific estimate for replacing a fiberglass shower with tile.