Shower and bath tile installation across San Diego County
Shower tile fails when the waterproofing underneath it is skipped or done wrong. We connect San Diego homeowners with insured local tile setters who install the membrane first, let it cure, and then set tile over a system that is actually waterproof. From a simple tub surround to a full wet-room floor-and-wall reset, every shower project starts with the substrate.
What's included in this service?
- Demolish and remove old shower tile, backer board, and failed or absent waterproofing membrane
- Install an approved waterproofing system on the shower pan and all wall surfaces: sheet membrane, liquid-applied membrane, or foam board depending on the shower design
- Set wall tile using large-format, subway, mosaic, or stone tile in the pattern and layout specified
- Tile the shower floor with slip-rated tile or mosaic sheets, sloped to the drain at the correct pitch
- Grout all joints in the specified color and width, and caulk movement joints at corners and changes of plane
- Install prefabricated or custom-tiled niches, bench seats, and linear drains as part of the scope
When do you need this service?
- Your shower is leaking behind the wall or into the subfloor, indicating a failed or missing waterproofing membrane
- Grout and caulk in the shower are cracking repeatedly, a sign of substrate movement or missing movement joints
- Tiles are popping off the shower walls or floor because the original thin-set bed was too thin or unbonded
- You are remodeling a bathroom and want to convert a tub-shower combination to a walk-in shower
- The original shower has no tile at all and was finished with fiberglass or a prefab surround that is now failing
What do homeowners ask about Shower and Bath Tile?
Is waterproofing included in shower tile installation?
Yes. Every shower tile project we match includes waterproofing membrane installation on the pan and walls. Tile and grout alone are not waterproof. Your tile setter installs the membrane system before any tile goes up, lets it cure, and then builds the tile bed over it. Skipping this step is the most common reason showers fail and cause water damage behind the wall.
How much does shower tile installation cost in San Diego?
A standard 3-by-4-foot shower with waterproofing, wall tile, floor mosaic, and grout typically runs $2,500-$6,000 in San Diego. A larger walk-in shower, a full wet room, or the use of large-format or natural stone tile will cost more. The on-site estimate confirms the written price after the setter assesses the current shower condition.
How long do I have to wait before using a newly tiled shower?
Plan on 72 hours at minimum for a new shower before any water use. The waterproofing membrane has its own cure window, the thin-set needs to cure before grout goes in, and the grout needs to set before the shower is used. Your tile setter gives you the specific timeline based on the products used in your project.
Can shower tile be installed over existing tile?
Rarely. In a wet area like a shower, existing tile typically needs to come out so the membrane can be installed correctly. Setting tile over old tile in a shower without addressing the membrane underneath creates a situation where water still gets behind the tile. In most cases, a proper shower tile reset starts from the studs.
What tile works best for a San Diego shower?
Porcelain and ceramic are the most practical choices: dense, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of sizes and finishes. Large-format subway tile (4-by-12 or 3-by-12) is common for shower walls. Mosaic tile is standard for shower floors because the smaller tiles accommodate the slope to the drain. Natural stone tile in showers requires sealing and more maintenance but is popular in higher-end San Diego bathrooms.
Where do we offer Shower and Bath Tile in San Diego County?
We provide shower and bath tile in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See shower and bath tile in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Our shower was leaking behind the wall for who knows how long. The crew they matched us with pulled everything, installed a proper membrane, and set the new tile perfectly. Looks incredible and no more moisture issues.
Had them redo our kitchen and entryway floors with large-format porcelain. The leveling work on our slab was done right and the lippage is basically zero. Very happy with the finished result.
Kitchen backsplash from counter to upper cabinets in a herringbone pattern. Clean cuts around the outlets and the grout lines are perfectly even. One day in and out.
Need shower and bath tile in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.