Material education
Your shower deserves real tile.
Real porcelain, ceramic and natural stone compared with factory-made panels — what goes behind the wall, and why the difference matters.
IllustrativeAnatomy of a tile shower
Layer · Waterproofing membraneFive layers, in order.
What goes into a real tile shower, from the studs out.
- Layer 01
Structural substrate
Cement backer board — not drywall — gives a rigid, moisture-resistant base that will not swell behind your tile.
- Layer 02
Waterproof membrane
A bonded waterproof membrane (ANSI A118.10) wraps every wet surface — walls, floor, curb and niches — before a single tile is set.
- Layer 03
Precision tile
Porcelain, ceramic or natural stone, set by hand, cut, placed and leveled.
- Layer 04
Grout & seal
Sanded or epoxy grout, with a penetrating sealer on cement grout lines to resist moisture and stains.
- Layer 05
Fixtures & glass
Matte black, brushed nickel or chrome trim, the valve and showerhead, and glass when it is in your scope.
Material gallery
Surface · Porcelain 24×24Choose your style.
From classic subway to natural stone — every tile set by hand.
Illustrative
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IllustrativeHonest comparison
Floor · HerringboneReal tile vs. prefab panels.
Both are Showerly services — Crafted Tile and our acrylic and composite systems — so here is when each one makes sense.
| Real tile (Crafted Tile) | Prefab panels (acrylic / composite) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain, ceramic or natural stone | Acrylic, PVC or composite panels |
| Customization | Yes — any pattern, color, niche or bench | Partly — factory colors and sizes |
| Waterproofing | Yes — bonded ANSI A118.10 membrane behind the tile | Yes — sealed seams over a waterproofed substrate |
| Grout to maintain | Partly — sealed grout lines | No — no grout lines |
| Repairs | A single tile can be replaced | Damaged panels are replaced whole |
| Install time | Longer: tile, membrane and grout need cure time | Shorter: panels go up in days |
| Published price | From $7,800 | Smart Start from $3,500 |
Prices from our published price list; your exact number is confirmed in writing at the free visit.
Professional waterproofing
Floor · River pebbleWhat matters behind the wall.
Every tile build goes over a bonded waterproofing membrane meeting ANSI A118.10, photographed before any tile is set.
Illustrative- Bonded waterproof membrane (ANSI A118.10) on every wet surface — walls, floor, curb and niches.
- Your project is photographed as the work moves forward — always including the waterproofing before it’s covered — and the photos are delivered to you.
- Manufacturer warranties on the waterproofing system pass through to you on their own terms; Showerly's own workmanship carries a 1-year labor warranty.
What you get · Check it yourself
Surface · TerrazzoWhat you get — and where to check it.
Each one is something you can check — on this site before you book, or on the paperwork you sign.
The Showerly system
A process you can check — not a promise you have to trust.
- Measured in your home, priced in writingYour quote is built from your bathroom’s real measurements and locked in writing before anything is ordered.
- Photos of your projectYour Proof Pack: photos of your project — the waterproofing always before it’s covered — saved to your private project page.
- One private portalQuote, signature, payments, photos and warranty, all in one place.
- 25+ years of construction experienceThe way we measure, schedule and finish comes from more than 25 years in construction and operations.
- 01
Price published first
Crafted Tile showers are published at $7,800–$12,000+ across four tiers, before anyone visits your home.
Check it: See all prices - 02
ANSI A118.10 waterproofing
Every tile build goes over a bonded waterproofing membrane meeting ANSI A118.10, photographed before any tile is set.
Check it: In your Proof Pack
- 03
Price Lock, in writing
Your scope and price are written and signed before work starts. The number changes only through a change order you approve in writing.
Check it: In the quote you sign
- 04
Payments follow the work
40% when you sign, 30% the day demolition starts (or the day work starts, on jobs with no demolition), and 30% after your final approval.
Check it: Printed in your contract
- 05
Proof Pack photos
Your project is photographed as the work moves forward — always including the waterproofing before it’s covered — and the photos are delivered to you.
Check it: Delivered with your project file
- 06
1-year labor warranty
Showerly warrants its installation workmanship for 1 year. Manufacturer warranties on materials pass through to you on their own terms.
Check it: Read the warranty terms - 07
No sales reps
The person who measures your bathroom writes your quote — built from your real measurements, locked in writing, with no pressure to sign.
Check it: Step 01 of How it works - 08
English & Spanish
Your visit, your written quote and your project updates in English or Spanish. Se habla español.
Free design consult
Wall · Linen-look porcelainGet your free quote.
Tell us about your project and we'll prepare a written estimate — no pressure, no obligation.
Free · No obligation
Get your free estimate
Three short steps. A person on our team follows up during business hours.
Showers
Published rangesAll prices confirmed and locked in writing at your free in-home visit.
Common questions
Finish · Calacatta-look marbleTile FAQs.
Real tile costs more up front than acrylic panels. Built over a bonded waterproofing membrane, it is a long-lasting choice for a primary shower. Crafted Tile starts at $7,800 with everything included.
Both last when they are installed correctly; how long depends on the product, the waterproofing behind it and maintenance. Tile over a bonded membrane lets you replace a single damaged tile, while a panel system is replaced panel by panel. Manufacturer warranties on materials pass through to you on their own terms.
Yes. We work with porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass mosaic and specialty tiles. You can browse options at a Raleigh tile showroom, or we can guide you through selections that pair well with modern bathrooms.
With a bonded waterproof membrane system meeting ANSI A118.10. Every wet surface is covered before tile goes up, and we photograph every stage so you have documented proof of the waterproofing.
Porcelain is non-porous and easy to clean; a regular wipe-down is usually enough. Cement grout lines are sealed with a penetrating sealer, which you can renew over time.
Yes. At your free in-home visit we help you select tiles, patterns and accent combinations that match your vision and budget, and we confirm the price in writing.
Free · No obligation
Ready to build your real tile shower?
Real tile is the choice for a shower built to last. We measure, plan and confirm your price in writing.
RALEIGH · DURHAM · CARY · CHAPEL HILL · MORRISVILLE · APEX · HOLLY SPRINGS · WAKE FOREST · GARNER · FUQUAY-VARINA · KNIGHTDALE · CLAYTON