What tips should I keep in mind?

Use small mosaic tiles (2" or less) on the shower floor for better drainage slope. Waterproof membrane (Kerdi, RedGard) is required before tile — budget for it. Plan your niche placement between studs (typically 14.5" wide).

Shower Tile Calculator

Calculate wall and floor tile for a shower stall including all three walls and the floor/curb.

Shower Width (in)(Width of shower opening)

Shower Depth (in)(Depth from back wall)

Tile Height on Wall (in)(How high tile goes (typical 72-96"))

Wall Tile Size

Floor Tile Size

Shower Niche?

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Shower tile covers three walls, the floor, and often a curb. Niches add about 3 sq ft of extra tile area.

The Formula

Wall Area = Back Wall + 2 Side Walls + Niche; Floor Area = Width x Depth + Curb

Variables

Back Wall — Shower width x tile height
Side Walls — 2 x (shower depth x tile height)
Curb — Shower width x 6" x 3 sides of curb

Example

A 36x36" shower tiled to 84": walls = 52.5 sq ft, floor = 9 sq ft, curb = 4.5 sq ft = 66 sq ft total.

Tips

Use small mosaic tiles (2" or less) on the shower floor for better drainage slope.
Waterproof membrane (Kerdi, RedGard) is required before tile — budget for it.
Plan your niche placement between studs (typically 14.5" wide).
Use a linear drain to allow large-format floor tiles.
Tile the ceiling in steam showers — moisture will damage untiled surfaces.