Would it cost less to put a fiberglass shower in or tile it with cheaper 1$ tile?

Question

Dont worry about looks with the dollar tile just want to know pricing pretty much on the tile and how expensive it is.

Answer 1

If you are doing the tile work yourself, it will be cheaper than having one of those fiberglass shower enclosures put in.  You are looking at the cost of tile (at $1/sqft.), grout ($10 or less), permabase/durock ($9 per 3x5 sheet), mastic ($30 for high quality), and caulk ($4), to get the job done.  On an average size shower, this will bring your total material bill in at right around $200.  This is based on entirely ripping out your old shower walls (back to the studs), and building an entirely new shower.  A complete rennovation for $200.  This is what I do for a living, and I can honestly tell you that you will save tons if you are handy enough to do this yourself.  One side note on the pre-fab showers (fiberglass, urethane, etc) - we get a lot of calls to come out and remove mold from these types of enclosures.  On most that I've seen there are a lot of corners and small nooks that moisture gathers up and sits in.  Just something to watch out for should you go that method.  Good luck to you, either way.