What goes beneath shower tile
For a bonded-waterproof shower, we install a sloped mortar base and solid wall backing. We apply the waterproof membrane and connect it to a compatible drain, then set the tile over the membrane with thin-set mortar. Ask a contractor to explain that drain connection—not just which tile they will install.
Allowing time for the leak check
We allow a typical 24-hour water test after the membrane mortar has set and before grouting the shower. That is a testing period, not a schedule for the entire installation. The setting mortar also needs to cure before we grout; we do not promise a next-day finish without accounting for those stages.
Finishing the tile work
Our equipment includes tile nippers. After the setting mortar has cured, we remove the spacers before grouting. We clean excess grout with a damp sponge.
What tile installation costs
For budgeting, basic installation runs $5–$15 per square foot with labor and materials included, while our tile floor projects average $1,000–$1,500. Those figures cover basic installation and floor projects; they are not a quoted price for a waterproofed shower.
A Look at the Work
A visual look at what the service involves.
How It Works
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Reach Out
A two-minute call is enough to tell us what we're working with and what to check first.
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We Take a Look
A tech inspects the problem in person — no guessing from photos, no drive-by quotes.
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Written Estimate
We put the fix, the timeline, and the number on paper — take your time with it.
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The Fix, Done Right
Our crew does the work, checks it, and leaves the site clean. You see everything we did.
Some of what that looks like in the field:
- Plan tile layout from measured wall dimensions and use a ledger board to support the first row when needed.
- Burn thinset onto the substrate, comb it in parallel ridges, and back-butter tiles where appropriate.
Typical Cape Girardeau Pricing
These are planning ranges. Nothing is final until it is in writing.
$450–$750
$1800–$5000
Straight Answers to Common Questions
How much does it cost to lay 1000 sq ft tile?
Labor for 1000 square feet typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000. Additional charges for demolition, subfloor repair, or moisture mitigation can increase the total. Larger areas sometimes receive volume discounts from installers.
How much would it cost to tile a 10x10 bathroom?
A 100-square-foot bathroom floor usually costs $300–$1,500 in labor. Shower walls or floors add $450–$750 for waterproofing plus $1,800–$5,000 for full shower tile installation. Exact price depends on tile choice and prep work required.
What should you put down before tiling a floor?
Install a suitable backerboard or membrane over a clean, level subfloor. Repair any damaged areas first, then apply a waterproofing layer in wet zones. Use a level to confirm flatness before proceeding with thinset and tile.
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Serving Cape Girardeau and Nearby
Crews serve Cape Girardeau, MO. Call (573) 381-9112 to confirm coverage for your address.
How We Do Business
- Free EstimatesThe visit and the written scope cost you nothing.
- Measured, not guessedNumbers come from the site visit, not from a script.
- We walk you through the finished workThe job ends with a walkthrough, not a wave goodbye.
No-Pressure Estimates
(573) 381-9112Call (573) 381-9112 for a free estimate.
Request a Free EstimateUpdated October 2026