What is the cost breakdown for a typical Ottawa shower retile including waterproofing?

A typical Ottawa shower retile including proper waterproofing runs $3,500 to $7,000 for a standard 30 to 36 inch by 60 inch tub-shower surround, or $5,000 to $10,000 for a full walk-in shower with bench, niche, and curbless entry. Here is how those costs break down across each phase of the project.

Demolition and tile removal runs $500 to $1,200 for a standard shower. This includes removing all existing tile, old backer board, and any deteriorated waterproofing down to the studs. Disposal fees in Ottawa add $100 to $300 depending on whether your contractor hauls it themselves or uses a bin service. This phase often reveals surprises — water damage behind the old tile, mould on framing, or deteriorated substructure — which is why experienced installers build contingency into their quotes.

Backer board installation costs $300 to $800 depending on shower size and the product used. Cement board (Durock or Hardiebacker) is the standard, though foam backer board like Schluter Kerdi-Board is gaining popularity because it is waterproof, lighter, and easier to work with. Never accept drywall or green board as a shower substrate — neither is suitable for wet areas regardless of what waterproofing goes over it.

Waterproofing is the most critical line item and runs $400 to $1,200 depending on method and shower complexity. Schluter Kerdi sheet membrane applied with unmodified thinset is the most common professional approach in Ottawa. Liquid-applied membranes like RedGard or Hydroban are used for complex areas — niches, benches, curbs, and corners where sheet membrane is difficult to detail. A full shower waterproofing job includes the walls, floor, curb (all six sides), niche interior, and all seams and transitions sealed with waterproofing band. This is not the place to cut costs — a failed waterproofing job can cause $10,000 to $20,000 or more in water damage to your framing, subfloor, and the rooms below.

Tile and installation is the largest single cost at $1,500 to $4,500 for a standard shower surround. This varies enormously based on tile selection — standard porcelain subway tile at $3 to $5 per square foot installed is at the low end, while natural stone, large-format porcelain, or intricate mosaic patterns push toward the high end. A typical shower surround has 60 to 100 square feet of tile surface including walls and floor, with installation labour running $10 to $25 per square foot.

Shower niche (if included) adds $200 to $600 per niche for framing, waterproofing, and tiling. A prefabricated niche like Schluter Kerdi-Board-SN simplifies waterproofing significantly.

Grout and finishing adds $200 to $500 for the grout itself, caulking at all change-of-plane joints (where walls meet floors, walls meet each other, and tile meets fixtures), and final cleanup. Epoxy grout is the premium choice for showers — waterproof, mould-resistant, and never needs sealing — but costs more in both material and labour.

Always get at least three written quotes that specify the waterproofing system, tile allowance, and scope of work. You can find experienced shower tile installers through the Ottawa Construction Network directory.

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

• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Pure Flow Water Solutions inc.
• Dreamwood Construction & Renovations
• Fulton Contracting