If you have been thinking about upgrading your bathroom with a tile shower enclosure, then you should read our quick guide that covers installation, cost, customisation, durability, and the maintenance involved in owning a tiled shower in New Zealand.
1. Installation of a Tile Shower Enclosure
When it comes to installing shower enclosures, especially tiled showers and wet area showers, professional installation is critical. Incorrectly installed showers, particularly those without proper waterproofing, can lead to severe water damage in your bathroom and beyond, resulting in costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these issues and ensure your bathroom is built to last.
The Importance of Waterproofing for Tiled Showers
Waterproofing failure is one of the leading causes of bathroom damage. In tiled showers, even a small leak can result in water seeping through floors and walls, affecting other areas of your home. Fixing such damage can be costly, making waterproofing a non-negotiable step for any tiled shower installation.
Do You Need a Building Consent for Your Shower Renovation?
In New Zealand, many bathroom renovations require a building consent, especially for tiled showers. Tiling work involves critical building elements, and not following proper procedures could leave you with costly implications down the line. Check with your builder or renovation specialist, or use the NZ Government’s online tool, ‘Do I need a building consent?’ to determine if a consent is necessary for your project. Make sure you check the one relevant to your council.
Installing a tiled shower without a building consent may lead to long-term and costly implications. Under the Building Act 2004, it is an offence to carry out work that requires a building consent, if done so, it will be regarded as illegal work. It is commonly costly to set it right and you may put people’s safety and your property at risk. In addition to that, often illegal building works are not covered on your home insurance and can also have a negative impact on saleability of your house. If you have checked with your builder and you do need a building consent, then these are some of the potential requirements your council may be looking at:
- If your bathroom floor structure is built with timber or concrete. This is because usually timber floors often require more careful detailing.
- The type and extent of the waterproof membrane that will be used, as these need to comply with the New Zealand Building clause E3.
- The council may also ask for details of the testing of these products to ensure they comply with the New Zealand Building Code. Even if you don’t need a building consent all works must be completed in accordance with the Building Code.
2. How much does it cost to install a tile shower enclosure?
Tile showers doors and trays can be easily customised to any size, style, and colour. So, the budget can vary greatly for the completion of a project. Because they are a bit trickier to install and involve a greater number of laboured forces, they are usually more expensive than acrylic tile showers. You can expect to pay anything between $7,000 to $15,000. Of course, if you are going for luxury tile showers, then the sky is the limit!
3. How can I customise my tile showers?
Customizing your tile shower is easier than ever with the ProFinish™ Tile Over Tray, a versatile base option that allows you to design your shower to fit any unique layout or style. The ProFinish™ Tile Over Tray provides a solid, waterproof foundation that simplifies the tiling process while offering full design flexibility for custom shapes and sizes. With its customizable options, the ProFinish system makes it easy to bring your dream shower to life!
To help guide you through the process, we’ve created the Tile Over Tray Quick Guide—an essential resource with step-by-step instructions, tips on selecting materials, and expert insights on ensuring a flawless installation. This guide is designed to make customization straightforward, even if you’re taking on a unique layout or working within specific spatial constraints.
4. How durable are tile showers?
Most tile showers should be treated with a sealant to form a protective barrier over the tiled surface. This is especially true for porous stone tiles like slate, marble, granite as they tend to absorb spills and stains. Ceramic and porcelain tiles may not need to be sealed but you must always check with your manufacturer.
If your shower tiles have been sealed, then overtime the shower sealant will degrade and need to be replaced.
Overall, shower tiles should be re-grouted and re-sealed every 8-10 years – earlier if any cracks or flaws exist. The durability will also depend on what kind of material you have chosen for your tiles, as mentioned some materials like porcelain will be more durable than ceramic tiles.
5. Are Tile Showers easy to maintain?
Tile showers can be easy to maintain with the right approach! The key to low-maintenance tile showers is choosing the right materials and sealing them properly. Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles are great options because they’re non-porous and resist water, mold, and mildew—making them simple to clean and maintain over time. Regularly wiping down tiles, especially in high-moisture areas, helps prevent soap scum buildup and keeps grout lines looking fresh. With a few simple steps and the right products, tile showers can stay looking beautiful and clean without requiring intensive upkeep.
Give us a call on 0508 NEWLINE or email us at info@newline.co.nz if you’d like to know if tile showers are the best option for you.