Some showers age better than others. This one had been around for nearly 30 years, and while it had held up okay, it was clearly ready for a change. The original layout featured dated blue tile, a bulky glass door, and a window right inside the shower area. The space needed more than a facelift—it needed a full custom tile shower remodel.
At first glance, the shower didn’t seem in terrible shape. But behind the tile, small issues were forming. Cracked grout lines, aging waterproofing, and wood trim near the window were signs that moisture damage could soon follow. So, we stripped everything to the studs and started fresh.
We started this custom tile shower remodel with a full demolition. Everything came out—the old tile, backer board, insulation, and wood trim around the window. We wanted to see exactly what was behind the walls. To our surprise, there wasn’t any major water damage, just outdated materials that had done their time. Once the shower was fully stripped to the studs, we could begin rebuilding the space properly, with better prep and stronger materials.
The Plan: Clean, Functional, and Watertight
Every bathroom tile remodel we take on starts with a conversation and a solid plan. For this project, the client wanted something clean and updated, but also durable and low-maintenance.
Here’s what we focused on for this custom tile shower remodel:
- Fully demoed the existing shower and surrounding walls
- Replaced all damaged insulation and outdated waterproofing
- Centered the drain for better function and symmetry
- Tiled around the window to eliminate wood trim and prevent rot
- Raised the showerhead wall to the ceiling
- Installed a new frameless glass door for a modern, open feel
This wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade—we completely rebuilt the space with long-term performance in mind.
Material Choices That Matter
Tile selection plays a huge role in both the look and longevity of a custom tile shower. For this job, we went with:
- Marazzi Sanden Calacatta – 12×24 porcelain tile on the walls: modern, clean, and easy to maintain
- MSI Calacatta Gold Hex mosaic tile on the pan: slip-resistant, stylish, and great for drainage
- Marble-look finish to keep the space bright and timeless
This combination gave the shower a high-end look while staying practical for everyday use. It also allowed us to align with current trends while respecting the style of the rest of the home.
Solving the Shower Window Problem
A tile shower with window placement always needs special attention. In this case, the original setup had a wood sill that absorbed moisture over time—a recipe for rot and mold.
We removed the sill completely, waterproofed the frame properly, and wrapped it with the same porcelain tile used on the walls. The result is a clean, continuous look that protects the structure and looks built-in, not patched together.
This approach not only prevents future problems, but also makes cleaning the shower much easier.
A Better Layout and a Stronger Build
One of the most important upgrades in this shower tile installation was adjusting the layout. The original drain was off-center, which made the pan look unbalanced. We moved it to the middle and re-sloped the base for perfect drainage.
We also extended the tile to the ceiling on all walls, especially behind the showerhead. This protects the entire area from splashes and steam, making it last longer and perform better over time.
Before and After: The Transformation
The change in this bathroom tile remodel speaks for itself. What was once a cramped, outdated shower is now a clean, fresh space built with care and quality materials. The new layout makes better use of the space, the materials are modern and durable, and the frameless glass door opens everything up.
It went from a blue-tiled box to a sleek, easy-to-maintain custom tile shower—with every detail planned for long-term use.
Thinking About a Shower Renovation Before and After of Your Own?
If you’re dealing with a dated layout, an old window-in-shower issue, or just tired of the look, we can help. Our team specializes in full shower tile installation projects across Weymouth and the Greater Boston area.
We don’t just make showers look better—we rebuild them from the ground up so they perform better, too.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation or view more projects here and get inspired for your own custom tile shower remodel.