A new tile shower is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. It’s also a bigger project than many people expect, with several steps that happen behind the tile where you’ll never see them again. Knowing what to expect makes the whole process smoother.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how a tile shower remodel typically works, based on the showers Pace Floor Covering has built for homeowners across Central Florida.

Step 1: Free Estimate and Design

Every project starts with a visit. We look at your existing shower, take measurements and talk about how you use the space. This is the time to decide on the details that make a shower your own:

  • Wall tile: large-format porcelain, classic subway tile or marble-look tile.
  • Floor tile: smaller tiles or mosaics, which give better traction and slope toward the drain.
  • Niches: recessed shelves built into the wall for shampoo and soap.
  • Benches: a built-in seat for comfort and convenience.
  • Accents: mosaic strips or feature walls that add personality.

You’ll leave with a free, detailed estimate. Browse ideas on our tile showers and baths page.

Step 2: Demolition

Next, the old shower comes out. We remove the old tile and surfaces and haul the debris away. Demolition sometimes reveals surprises, such as water damage behind old tile, which is far better to find and address now than to cover up. If we find something that needs attention, we’ll talk with you about it before moving forward.

Step 3: Waterproofing, the Most Important Step

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: tile and grout on their own are not waterproof. Water can seep through grout lines over time. What actually keeps water out of your walls and subfloor is the waterproofing system behind the tile.

Before any tile goes up, we apply a waterproofing membrane to the shower walls and floor. You may see the walls painted with a bright red or blue coating at this stage. That’s the barrier that protects your home from leaks, mold and rot for years to come. In Florida’s humid climate, this step matters even more.

Step 4: Tile Installation

With the shower waterproofed, it’s time for tile. Our installers lay out each wall so cuts are balanced and lines are straight, then set the tile level and plumb. Niches, benches and accent strips are built in as we go. Larger tiles and intricate patterns, like mosaics or geometric designs, take more time to set precisely.

Step 5: Grout, Finishing and Curing

Once the tile is set, it’s grouted and the edges are finished. Mortar and grout need time to cure before the shower gets wet, so expect a short wait between the last day of work and your first shower. We’ll tell you exactly when it’s ready to use and how to care for it.

How Long Does a Tile Shower Remodel Take?

It depends on the size of the shower, the tile you choose and what we find during demolition. A simple shower with large-format tile moves faster than one with a bench, multiple niches and a detailed mosaic. Waterproofing and grout also need time to cure between steps. We’ll give you a realistic timeline with your estimate so you can plan around it.

How to Prepare for Your Shower Remodel

  • Plan for another shower: if this is your only shower, arrange an alternative for the duration of the project.
  • Clear the bathroom: remove toiletries, towels, rugs and anything stored nearby.
  • Make a path: clear the route from the door to the bathroom for our crew.
  • Protect your pets: keep them in another part of the house while work is underway.

Tips for Choosing Shower Tile

  • Large-format wall tile means fewer grout lines, so it’s easier to clean.
  • Porcelain absorbs less water than ceramic and is an excellent choice for showers.
  • Matte or textured floor tile offers better traction than polished tile when wet.
  • Marble-look porcelain gives you the luxury look of marble without the sealing and upkeep.

Ready to Start Your Shower Remodel?

Pace Floor Covering has been building tile showers and baths for Central Florida homeowners since 1981. Visit our Sanford showroom by appointment or have us come to you for a free estimate. Every installation is backed by our warranty.

Call (407) 509-6812 or request your free estimate online. We build showers in Sanford, Winter Springs, Longwood, Orange City and communities across Central Florida.