The cost of a tile project in Vancouver, WA depends on square footage, material selection, and prep work. Basic floor tile installation starts at $17 per square foot for standard sizes, while comprehensive shower builds require dedicated waterproofing and prep work before setting any tile. Knowing exact pricing helps you budget accurately and determine whether a full replacement or a targeted repair makes sense.
STANDARD FLOOR AND WALL TILE INSTALLATION COSTS
Setting tile on a floor or wall requires a flat, stable surface. For floor tile measuring 12 to 36 inches, installation labor runs $17 per square foot. If you select tiles under 12 inches, installation is $22 per square foot, while large-format tiles measuring 36 inches or larger cost $21 per square foot. Mosaic floor tile runs $25 per square foot due to the additional detail required during placement.
Wall applications carry similar rates based on tile size and location. Subway tile runs $22 per square foot, while mosaic wall tile costs $28 per square foot. Kitchen or vanity backsplash tile installation costs $30 per square foot.
If your existing floor requires work before tile can go down, floor preparation costs $3 per square foot. Demolition and disposal of existing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring runs $1.65 per square foot.
WHAT GOES INTO SHOWER TILING COSTS
Showers require careful waterproofing to protect the home structure underneath. Our crew rolls out of Vancouver, WA every morning to handle shower builds from the studs out.
Building a custom mudset shower pan with full waterproofing costs $60 per square foot, and setting the shower pan tile costs $45 per square foot. For the walls, shower wall prep with RedGard waterproofing costs $15 per square foot, while upgrading to HydroBlock waterproofing costs $18 per square foot. Installing standard shower wall tile up to 24 by 24 inches runs $17.60 per square foot.
If you want built-in features, single items add distinct costs:
- Shower niche: $500 each (or $550 to build, waterproof, and tile)
- Custom shower bench: $500 each (or $550 to build, waterproof, and tile)
- Shower curb: $450 each (or $330 to build and tile)
- Schluter edge trim supply and installation: $15 per linear foot
If you are replacing an existing fixture, prefab shower removal and disposal costs $935 per unit.
WHEN A CHEAPER OPTION IS THE RIGHT CALL
You do not always need to tear out an entire shower or floor to get a clean, functional surface. If your tile is structurally sound, restoration services cost a fraction of a full remodel, whether you live in Salmon Creek or near Fisher's Landing.
A full tile tear-out is unnecessary if the primary issue is stained grout, failing caulk, or a few chipped tiles. In those cases, targeted maintenance or localized repairs give you a like-new finish without paying for brand-new tile installation:
- Individual tile replacement: $175 per tile
- Spot grout repair: $12 per linear foot (with a $300 minimum)
- Tub or shower re-caulking: $250 per job ($300 for a standalone shower)
- Specialty color-matched silicone: $50 per job
- Shower restoration package: $1,250 per job
If the tile just needs deep cleaning and protection, tile and grout deep cleaning runs $2 per square foot with a $225 minimum, followed by grout maintenance sealing at $1.50 per square foot.
GROUT AND MAINTENANCE UPGRADES
For high-moisture areas, upgraded grouts and sealers lengthen the lifespan of your installation. An epoxy grout upgrade runs $6 per square foot on new installations, or $4 per square foot for standard grout color upgrades.
If you want to seal existing grout lines, grout color sealing costs $4 per square foot with a $400 minimum. A full standard shower regrout covering three walls and the floor runs $1,250 per job. For routine upkeep, an annual shower refresh costs $450 per job.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How much does a backsplash cost to install?
Backsplash tile installation costs $30 per square foot. Finishing exposed edges with Schluter edge trim costs $15 per linear foot for supply and installation.
Is waterproofing included in shower wall tile installation?
Waterproofing is a distinct step performed before setting tile. Shower wall prep with RedGard waterproofing is $15 per square foot, or $18 per square foot for HydroBlock waterproofing. Wall tile installation is priced separately at $17.60 per square foot for standard tile sizes up to 24 by 24 inches.
Can damaged grout be fixed without replacing the entire shower?
Yes. Grout joint repairs run $12 per linear foot with a $300 minimum job price. A full standard shower regrout covering three walls and the shower floor costs $1,250 per job.
NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR PROJECT
Planning tile work in Vancouver, WA requires clear numbers and straightforward communication. You can explore our tile services or review our work across Vancouver, WA to see what fits your home.
When you are ready to get accurate pricing for your exact room dimensions, contact us at Buddy Tile for a free in-home estimate with a written price delivered the same day.
Stan Misiuk