# Shower Tiling Calculator

> Calculate tiles, waterproofing, and grout for your shower. Full-height wall tiling with material quantities and cost estimates.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/shower-tiling-calculator
Prices updated: 2026-03

## How to Calculate Tiles for a Shower

Shower tiling requires full-height wall coverage and thorough waterproofing. Unlike a half-tiled bathroom wall, shower walls should be tiled from floor to ceiling (2.4m) to prevent water damage behind the tiles. This calculator pre-sets the wall tiling height to 2.4m for shower projects.

### Shower Tiling Area Quick Reference

| Shower Size | Floor Area | Wall Area (2.4m high) | Total Tiling Area |
|-------------|-----------|----------------------|-------------------|
| 800 x 800 mm | 0.64 sqm | 7.68 sqm | 8.32 sqm |
| 900 x 900 mm | 0.81 sqm | 8.64 sqm | 9.45 sqm |
| 1000 x 1000 mm | 1.00 sqm | 9.60 sqm | 10.60 sqm |
| 1200 x 800 mm | 0.96 sqm | 9.60 sqm | 10.56 sqm |
| 1200 x 900 mm | 1.08 sqm | 10.08 sqm | 11.16 sqm |
| 1500 x 900 mm | 1.35 sqm | 11.52 sqm | 12.87 sqm |

These figures include all walls of the shower cubicle. If one side is a glass panel, subtract that wall area from the total (but keep the waterproofing behind the glass).

### Waterproofing a Shower: The Critical Step

Waterproofing is the most important part of shower tiling. A single crack or gap in the membrane can allow water behind the tiles, causing mould, rot, and structural damage that costs thousands to repair.

| Waterproofing Component | Coverage | Application |
|------------------------|----------|-------------|
| Liquid tanking membrane | 1 L per 2 sqm per coat | Apply 2 coats with roller |
| Reinforcing tape | All internal corners | Embed in first coat |
| Pipe collars | Each pipe penetration | Press into wet membrane |
| Floor drain collar | Shower drain | Seal around drain flange |

Always use products from the same waterproofing system — mixing brands can cause adhesion failure. Allow 24 hours between coats and at least 48 hours before tiling. Read our [bathroom waterproofing guide](/bathroom-waterproofing-guide) for a detailed step-by-step process.

### Tile Patterns for Showers

| Pattern | Tile Size | Waste Factor | Visual Effect |
|---------|----------|-------------|---------------|
| Horizontal stack bond | 10x30 cm or 10x20 cm | 5% | Modern, wide-looking |
| Vertical stack bond | 10x30 cm | 5% | Taller-looking walls |
| Brick bond (offset) | Any rectangular | 10% | Classic, forgiving layout |
| Herringbone | 7x21 cm | 15-20% | Statement feature wall |
| Large format | 60x30 cm or 60x60 cm | 5-8% | Minimal grout, sleek finish |

Feature walls are a popular design choice — tile three walls in a neutral colour and one wall in a contrasting pattern or colour. This creates visual interest without the cost of premium tiles on every surface.

### Grout Selection for Showers

Standard cement grout absorbs moisture and encourages mould growth. For showers, use epoxy grout or anti-mould cementitious grout. Epoxy grout is waterproof and stain-resistant but harder to apply. Anti-mould grout is a good compromise — it contains fungicide and is applied like normal grout.

After grouting, apply a grout sealer to provide an extra moisture barrier. Re-seal every 12 months to maintain protection. For the rest of your bathroom, the [bathroom renovation calculator](/bathroom-renovation-calculator) covers floor and half-wall tiling. If you are tiling other rooms, use the general [tile calculator](/tile-calculator).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Should I tile the shower walls floor to ceiling?

Yes. Full-height tiling (2.4m) is recommended for shower enclosures because water splashes above the 1.2m half-wall line. Full tiling also looks cleaner and eliminates the need to paint above the tile line in the wettest part of the bathroom.

### What is the best tile for a shower?

Porcelain tiles with a matt or textured finish are ideal — they are waterproof (less than 0.5% water absorption), durable, and slip-resistant. Avoid polished tiles on shower floors. Natural stone requires sealing. Mosaic tiles work well for shower floors due to the extra grout lines aiding drainage.

### How do I waterproof a shower properly?

Apply a liquid tanking membrane to the entire shower zone — floor and walls to at least 1.8m height (2.4m recommended). Use two coats with reinforcing tape at all corners and joints. Allow 24 hours drying between coats. Only tile once the membrane is fully cured.

### Can I tile over existing shower tiles?

Yes, if the existing tiles are firmly bonded and the surface is level. Clean thoroughly, apply a bonding primer, and use flexible tile adhesive. Be aware this raises the surface by 10-15mm, which may affect shower door fit and threshold height.

### How much grout do I need for a shower?

Approximately 0.5 kg per sqm for standard wall tiles with 3mm joints. A typical shower cubicle (3-4 sqm of walls) needs 1.5-2 kg of grout. Always use anti-mould grout rated for wet areas — standard grout will discolour within months.

---

Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/shower-tiling-calculator. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.