A custom tile shower is one of the highest-value upgrades in a bathroom. It's also one of the easiest things to get wrong. The technical requirements — slope, waterproofing, substrate, movement joints — are non-negotiable. When skipped, the tile looks fine at first. The failure shows up two years later when water has been infiltrating the assembly the whole time.
We build custom showers the right way. Waterproof membranes, correct drain slope (minimum ¼″ per foot), Schluter profiles at every change of plane, and tile set with full coverage — no voids behind the face.
What Goes Into a Proper Custom Shower
Substrate and Waterproofing
The shower pan and walls need a waterproof assembly — not just water-resistant cement board. We use membrane systems that create a true barrier so if grout ever cracks or a joint opens, water has nowhere to go except down the drain. Kerdi sheet membrane, liquid-applied membranes, and Kerdi-Band at corners and changes of plane are all part of the system depending on the build.
Shower Slope
The floor has to drain. We set pan slopes at the correct pitch toward the drain so water moves, not pools. In linear drain configurations, we set cross-slope so the floor pitches uniformly to the drain wall. Insufficient slope is one of the most common failures we see on pre-existing showers we're called to repair.
Schluter Systems
Corner profiles, niche trim, curb caps, and shelf edges finished with Schluter aluminum profiles — no exposed tile edges, no raw corners. Clean, professional, and built to last without cracking or separation over time.
Tile Selection
Large format tile, mosaic floors, porcelain slabs, natural stone — we'll tell you what works in a shower context and what doesn't. Some tiles aren't appropriate for wet floors. Some require sealing. Some need specific grout joint widths. We advise before you buy, not after.
Niches, Benches, and Custom Features
Built-in niches, tiled benches, full-height walls, double showers — we handle these regularly. Every feature is waterproofed the same as the rest of the assembly. A niche that looks good but wasn't waterproofed is just a slow leak hidden behind tile.
Walk-In, Curbless, and Tub-to-Shower Conversions
We build all configurations. Walk-in showers with linear drains. Traditional stalls with curbs. Tub-to-shower conversions where we demo the existing tub, rebuild the subfloor, and tile the full surround. Each is assessed individually so the waterproofing method matches the build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom shower take to build?
A custom shower installation typically takes 3–6 business days depending on size, features (niches, benches, linear drain), and whether heated floors are included. We'll give you an accurate timeline at the quote stage.
Can I use large format tile in a shower?
Yes — with the right substrate preparation, back-buttering, and appropriate thinset. Large format tile in a shower looks exceptional. The prep work is more demanding, but that's our job.
What is the minimum slope for a shower floor?
Minimum ¼″ per foot toward the drain. For a standard 36″ shower, that's roughly ¾″ of drop from the far corner to the drain. We set it correctly every time — it's not something you can eyeball.