How much does a full custom tile shower with bench and niche cost in Ottawa?

A full custom tile shower with a built-in bench and at least one recessed niche typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 in Ottawa for 2025–2026, with most projects landing in the $6,000 to $8,000 range for a mid-grade tile selection and a standard three-wall shower enclosure. High-end builds with natural stone tile, multiple niches, a large corner bench, accent tile bands, and premium fixtures can reach $12,000 to $15,000 or more.

Here is how the costs typically break down for a custom shower in the Ottawa market. Demolition of the existing shower or tub surround runs $500 to $1,500 depending on what is being removed and how much repair the underlying framing needs — older Ottawa homes often have water damage hidden behind the old tile that adds to demolition costs. Backer board installation on walls and ceiling (cement board or foam board) costs $400 to $800. The waterproofing system — which is non-negotiable for any shower — adds $600 to $1,500 depending on the system used and the shower's total square footage including the bench and niche surfaces. The bench itself adds $400 to $1,000 for the framing, waterproofing, and tile, while each niche adds $200 to $600.

Tile installation on the shower walls runs $10 to $25 per square foot installed, which for a typical 50 to 80 square foot shower wall area works out to $500 to $2,000 in labour alone. The shower floor tile, with its precise slope to the drain, runs $12 to $30 per square foot installed. Your tile material costs sit on top of the labour — standard porcelain might add $3 to $8 per square foot, while natural stone or premium designer tile can add $15 to $40 per square foot. Grout (ideally epoxy for a shower) and all finishing materials add $200 to $500.

A few cost factors that catch Ottawa homeowners off guard: accent tile bands or decorative borders add visual interest but also add labour time because of the extra cuts and layout precision required — budget an extra $300 to $800 for accent work. If you want a shower with floor-to-ceiling tile (which looks stunning and eliminates the painted drywall above the tile line that eventually peels from moisture), that adds 20 to 40 percent more wall tile area. And if the shower floor requires any subfloor modification — particularly common in second-floor bathrooms in older Ottawa homes — structural work can add $500 to $2,000.

Getting three detailed written quotes is essential for a project of this scope. Each quote should specify the exact waterproofing system, tile products, grout type, and scope of demolition and prep work. You can find experienced tile installers through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to start comparing options.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• JC Carpentry
• Steven Labelle - Your Complete Home Renovator
• MAK Construction and Development Inc
• Speedy Pete's Inc