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How much does it really cost to add decorative tiles to create a custom shower, tub surround or tub  backsplash? You may look at the beautiful examples in magazines or in the tile showrooms and think there’s no way you can afford a shower like that, so you settle for plain tile. All the while, you are wondering in the back of your mind just how much it would cost. Or, you see a tile that you like and see the price tag that each tile is $20 or so per piece and just assume that the total cost will be outrageous. Take a look at the math below and you will see that a custom shower is not so far out of reach!

For example, without looking at installation costs because they vary so much from area to area, let’s look at material only:

• If you have a shower that is 5′x5′ with a shower door on the 4th wall, you will need 15-20 lineal feet or so of a decorative tile to create a decorative band. If the tiles cost $10 each, the total cost is only $150-$200 for the material. If the tiles cost $20 each, the total cost is only $300-$400 for the material.
• If you have a tub surround that is 5′ wide, you will need around the same amount as above.
• You could also buy decorative dots and place them in the intersections of tile installed on the diagonal for around the same price.

Another option: Say you want to use glass tile and you only need 15 lineal feet for an eye level band and your retailer tells you that you have to buy the whole box of glass tiles or glass mosaic tiles. Because glass mosaics come on a mesh backing, different shapes can be cut out of each sheet to create the size you need.

Here are some things you can do with the extra tile in order not to be wasteful:

• Add “dots” or squares in the intersections of the wall tile with the decorative band
• Add “dots” in the intersections of the floor tile
• Frame the bathroom mirror
• Use the extra tiles for a sink splash
• Instead of one decorative band, install more than one to create a stripe effect
• Glue the extra tiles to pictures frames
• Put a cork backing on a square of tiles and make coasters

Before deciding that you cannot afford a custom look in a shower or bath area, have your local retailer price some options for you in a budget that you are comfortable with.

If you are ready to get started and are looking for a local retailer – click here: