Hold on! Put that chipping hammer down!
If you’ve decided to take your DIY shower remodel into your own hands—congrats! You’re not alone. Thousands of DIYers have taken on this challenge before, and with the right preparation, you can fake out your family and friends – they’ll think you hired a pro! Remember, a successful DIY shower project begins with careful planning.
DIY shower projects are here to stay, and to help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of “I wish someone told me” tips. This first entry will focus on the pre-demo phase—because good planning leads to a smooth installation. A well-thought-out DIY shower plan can save you time and money.
1. Define Your Design Vision
You don’t need to have every detail locked in, but having a general style direction will make decisions much easier. Ask yourself about these three elements…
1. The Look – Do you want a coastal, modern, vintage, or classic look?
• Coastal Bathroom Design Ideas (Houzz)
• Modern Bathroom Inspiration (Architectural Digest)
• Vintage Bathroom Design Guide (This Old House)
• Classic Bathroom Styles (Better Homes & Gardens)
2. The Layout – Will you keep the existing layout or change the shower’s size and shape?
• How to Plan a Bathroom Layout (Bob Vila)
• Walk-In Shower Layout Options (House Beautiful)
3. The Luxe – Do you need built-in niches, benches, or shelving for storage?
• Shower Niche Ideas (The Spruce)
• Built-In Shower Benches (Decoist)
• Luxury Shower Features (Forbes)
Take your time—this is a long-term commitment! Need inspiration? Use free online design tools (like RoomSketcher or TilePlanner) to visualize different styles before making a final decision.
2. Choose Your Tile & Layout
- Once you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to pick your tile. Consider:
- Material – Ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass tiles each have different looks and maintenance levels.
- Size & Pattern – Larger tiles create a modern look with fewer grout lines, while smaller tiles allow for more intricate designs.
- Direction – Vertical tiles make a space feel taller, while horizontal layouts can make a narrow shower look wider.
- Grout Color – A contrasting grout highlights the tile pattern, while a matching grout blends for a seamless look.
- Pro Tip: Visit your local tile store (like us! – if you are in Englewood, Venice, North Port, Boca Grande, Placida, Punta Gorda) to see and feel different options in person.
3. Estimate Your Total Project Cost
By creating a beautiful DIY shower, you’ll not only enhance your space but also increase your home’s value.
There’s nothing worse than running out of materials mid-project or realizing you need an expensive tool you hadn’t budgeted for. Avoid sticker shock by planning ahead:
• Measure your shower area to determine how much tile you need (always buy extra for cuts & mistakes).
• List all necessary tools and materials—tile, thin-set mortar, grout, spacers, waterproofing materials, a tile cutter, etc.
• Check tool availability—some specialty tools (like a wet saw) can be rented instead of purchased.
• Budget for unexpected costs—it’s common to discover hidden issues (like water damage) once demo begins.
Consider if you need any special tools and check availability and stock.
4. Prepare for Dust & Noise
Demo day can be messy and loud—so plan ahead:
• Wear protective gear—earmuffs, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
• Cover furniture & surfaces—use plastic sheeting to keep dust from spreading.
• Have a disposal plan—shower debris can pile up quickly, so rent a dumpster or check local waste disposal options.
5. Gather All Your Demo Tools
Nothing slows down a project like missing tools. Make sure you have:
• Chipping hammer or pry bar for removing tile
• Utility knife for cutting old caulk and drywall
• Screwdrivers & wrenches for removing fixtures
• Buckets & trash bags for collecting debris
• Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what you need, check out our DIY Shower Kit—it includes all the materials you need for $1,997, plus step-by-step instructional videos to guide you through the process.
Ready to Move to the Next Step?
Once your shower is designed, planned, and prepped, it’s time to start the demo! Check out our next article for helpful tips on safely removing your old shower and preparing the space for installation.
Taking into account your budget for a DIY shower will help you in making wise purchasing decisions.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments or stop by our store—we’re happy to help!
Remember that the demo phase of your DIY shower project can be particularly chaotic, so preparation is key.
Once you’ve successfully designed your DIY shower, the next step is to gather all necessary materials.
Don’t forget to think about how each step will impact the overall aesthetics of your DIY shower.
If you’re excited about your DIY shower project, share your updates with us—we’d love to hear from you!