Custom Tile Shower Ideas: A Comprehensive Guide with Before & Afters

Whether you're tackling a full bathroom remodel or upgrading an outdated shower, a custom tile shower offers endless potential. From stunning designs to personalized layouts, it adds both function and style to any space. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every step of creating a tile shower — from inspiration to installation — so you can feel confident bringing your dream shower to life.

Why Choose a Custom Tile Shower?

A custom shower lets you choose everything from the shape and size to the exact shower wall and shower floor materials. Unlike prefabricated options, custom tile showers are fully tailored to your layout, lifestyle, and taste.

Some of the biggest benefits:

• ‍Design flexibility: Mix and match colors, patterns, and floor tiles‍
• Increased home value: A well-designed custom tile shower is a high-ROI upgrade‍
• Improved durability: With proper prep (like a quality backer board) and installation, your tile shower will last for decades

Inspiration: Before & After Tile Shower Makeovers

Before: Old beige walls, dated fibre glass insert, limited space, and zero personality. These finishes can make a bathroom feel cramped and cluttered with tile only halfway up the wall, aging grout lines, and no clear focal point.

After: The fix? Add in a sleek walk-in custom tile shower featuring marble-look wall tiling, matte black fixtures, and a river rock shower floor for texture and traction. Full-height tile showers with soft pink ceramic floor tiles, built-in niches, and a frameless glass door will visually open the space.

Baker Bros has helped homeowners across Arizona bring transformations like these to life — and we can help you too.

What to Consider Before Starting

Designing a custom tile shower isn’t just about choosing a pretty tile. It involves a lot of technical details to ensure your shower is both beautiful and built to last.

1. Slope & Drainage

A proper slope is critical to avoid standing water and mold growth. Work with a qualified tile installer to ensure the shower pan and shower floor are angled correctly.

2. Waterproofing

Use a cement or foam backer board behind your tiles and waterproof membranes around all seams. Skipping this step can lead to costly damage.

3. Tile Selection

Choose slip-resistant floor tiles for safety, and moisture-resistant wall tiling for longevity. Large-format tiles can make a space feel bigger, while mosaics add texture.

4. Layout and Features

Think beyond the basics:

• Add niches for storage
• Consider a bench for spa-like comfort
• Explore accent strips or bold colors for visual interest

Baker Bros offers a wide selection of premium tiles and expert in-store guidance to help you bring every detail together.

Installation Tips for Long-Term Success

While a DIY approach can be tempting, tile showers are notoriously tricky. Hiring a professional tile installer ensures your shower is built with the proper slope, sealed correctly, and aligned with industry best practices.

That said, here are some insights for anyone planning or overseeing a project:

• Use high-quality materials from the start — don’t skimp on the shower pan or adhesives.
• Always double-check the framing and waterproofing before starting wall tiling.
• Confirm that your floor tiles are approved for wet areas.
• Pre-lay your tiles to avoid awkward cuts or uneven seams, that will make it easier to install.
• Choose a grout color that complements your tile while hiding future discoloration.

Design Ideas to Spark Your Custom Shower Journey

1. Timeless Marble

Pair white or gray wall tiling with a pebble shower floor for a spa-like retreat. Add brushed nickel fixtures and a recessed shelf for a clean, modern feel.

2. Earthy & Organic

Use warm-toned floor tiles in terracotta or slate, with hand-glazed subway tiles on the walls. Combine with wood accents and plants for a cozy vibe.

3. Bold & Graphic

Try geometric tile showers in black and white, or add a punch of personality with a mosaic pattern or bold border tile.

4. Color Pop

Add an accent wall in soft pink, teal, or seafoam. Balance it with neutral shower wall tiles and a coordinating shower floor for a fun yet polished look.

Baker Bros: Your Custom Tile Shower Partner

With over 70 years of experience, Baker Bros is Arizona’s go-to source for premium tile and flooring solutions. We make the process of designing and building a custom tile shower easy and inspiring. From helping you choose the perfect tile to providing tips to ensure a flawless install, our team is here every step of the way.

Whether you’re remodeling your main bath or upgrading a guest suite, we’ll help you create a space that blends comfort, quality, and lasting style.

Ready to Start Your Custom Shower?

There’s nothing like stepping into a shower made just for you. Visit a Baker Bros showroom near you to explore tile samples, speak with our tile consultants, and take the first step toward your dream custom tile shower design.