How much does it cost to waterproof and tile a shower in Ottawa?

For a standard tub-to-ceiling shower surround (roughly 50 to 70 square feet of wall tile plus the shower floor), Ottawa homeowners should budget $2,500 to $5,500 installed including waterproofing, backer board, thinset, tile, and grout. A larger custom walk-in shower with features like a built-in bench, one or two niches, and a glass door opening typically runs $4,000 to $8,000 depending on tile selection and complexity. High-end custom showers with natural stone, multiple body sprays, and intricate tile patterns can push past $10,000.

Here is how those costs break down in the Ottawa market for 2025–2026. Demolition and removal of the old shower runs $500 to $1,200. Backer board installation (cement board or foam board like Kerdi-Board) adds $3 to $6 per square foot. Waterproofing membrane installation — whether sheet membrane like Kerdi or liquid-applied like RedGard — runs $3 to $8 per square foot, and this is the line item you absolutely cannot skip or cheap out on. Tile installation on walls runs $10 to $25 per square foot installed depending on tile type, size, and pattern complexity. Shower floor tile with proper slope to the drain runs $12 to $30 per square foot because of the precision work involved. Each shower niche adds $200 to $600, and a built-in bench adds $400 to $1,000.

The tile material itself is a major variable. Standard porcelain subway tile or large-format porcelain might cost $3 to $8 per square foot for materials, while natural stone or premium designer tile can run $15 to $40 per square foot. The labour cost stays relatively consistent regardless of tile price, so upgrading your tile selection adds mostly material cost.

Ottawa pricing for shower tile work runs roughly 10 to 15 percent below Greater Toronto Area rates, which is a meaningful savings on a project of this scale. Always get at least three written quotes that clearly specify the waterproofing system being used, the exact tile and grout products, the scope of demolition and prep work, and the warranty terms. A quote that does not mention waterproofing by name is a red flag — it either means they are skipping it or burying it in vague language. You can compare tile contractors and request quotes through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to help with that process.

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

• Homeupgraders
• JC Carpentry
• Grunt Work 4 Grunts
• Ottawa Caulking
• Extra Mile Tile Inc.