If your shower walls are cracked, stained, mouldy, or just dated, you're probably wondering what it costs to fix them — and what your options actually are. Costs in Ottawa range from under $2,000 to over $15,000 depending on what method you choose and who you hire.
This guide breaks down the real numbers.
THE SHORT ANSWER: COST BY METHOD
| Method | Typical Cost (Ottawa) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic wall replacement Fastest | $1,950 – $3,000 | 1 day |
| Tile installation (existing backer intact) | $3,000 – $6,000 | 3–7 days |
| Full tile demo + retile | $5,000 – $10,000+ | 5–10 days |
| Full bathroom renovation | $8,000 – $25,000+ | 2–4 weeks |
The biggest cost driver isn't materials — it's labour and demolition. The more you tear out, the more it costs. This is why acrylic wall replacement is so much cheaper: there's almost no demolition involved.
ACRYLIC SHOWER WALL REPLACEMENT
Acrylic shower walls are pre-engineered panels that install directly over existing tile or drywall — no demolition required. At Pro Surface Ottawa, supply plus installation starts at $1,950.
What's included at that price
- Three-panel acrylic surround (60" back, two 36" sides, 82" tall)
- Removal of any existing tub surround if needed
- Full installation — panels trimmed on-site for a precise fit
- One-day turnaround
What's not included
- Full tile demolition (not needed — our system installs over tile)
- Plumbing changes
- Tub or fixture replacement
Why is this cheaper than tile? The biggest cost in any shower renovation is labour time. Our acrylic system is designed for fast installation — one person, one day. Tile work takes a tiler 3–7 days minimum. That's the entire price difference.
TILE SHOWER INSTALLATION
Tile is the traditional option and still the most common. In Ottawa, a standard tile job — including materials and labour — typically runs $3,000–$6,000 if the existing backer is in good shape.
If the existing tile needs to come off first (full demolition), expect $5,000–$10,000. Demolition adds labour, disposal fees, and often surprises — damaged backer board, moisture issues behind old tile, and so on.
What drives tile costs up
- Premium tile (large format, natural stone, custom patterns)
- Full demolition of existing tile
- Moisture damage discovered behind walls
- Plumbing adjustments
- Grouting and curing time extending the timeline
Tile also has ongoing maintenance costs — grout lines stain, crack, and need to be resealed periodically. This doesn't factor into the upfront quote but adds real cost over time.
FULL BATHROOM RENOVATION
If you're replacing the tub, toilet, vanity, flooring, and walls all at once, you're looking at a full renovation. Ottawa contractors typically quote $8,000–$25,000+ depending on scope and finishes.
Most homeowners replacing shower walls don't need this. If the structure is sound and the tub or shower base is in good shape, replacing just the walls is almost always the better financial decision.
WANT A QUOTE?
We serve Ottawa and surrounding areas. Most installs are done in a single day.
Call or Text 343-324-5666 →ACRYLIC VS TILE: WHICH IS BETTER?
The honest answer: it depends on your priorities.
| Factor | Acrylic | Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower ($1,950+) | Higher ($3,000+) |
| Installation time | 1 day | 3–7 days |
| Grout maintenance | None | Ongoing |
| Mould resistance | Excellent (no grout lines) | Fair (grout harbours mould) |
| Design options | Limited (set systems) | Unlimited |
| Repair if damaged | Panel replacement | Individual tile replacement |
For rentals, secondary bathrooms, and homeowners who want the job done fast without ongoing maintenance, acrylic is often the smarter choice. For a primary bathroom where design is the priority and budget is flexible, tile gives more options.
WHAT WE SEE IN OTTAWA HOMES
A lot of Ottawa homes — especially those built between the 1970s and 1990s — have shower surrounds that are either original (and showing it) or were done with tile that now has failing grout and water damage behind it. In many of these cases, the tile surface looks fine but the grout has been letting moisture in for years.
In our experience, the number one reason homeowners choose acrylic over tile isn't price — it's not wanting to deal with a 5-day renovation in an occupied home. Getting your shower back in one day is a real quality-of-life difference.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you need to remove tile before installing acrylic walls?
No. Our system installs directly over existing tile or drywall using a glue-up method. If there's an existing tub surround (not tile), that does need to come off first — but we handle that as part of the install.
Does acrylic look cheap?
Our panels have a clean subway-tile pattern and a consistent finish. They look like a proper shower, not a portable renovation. That said, if you're after natural stone or complex tile design, acrylic won't match that look.
How do I get a quote?
Call or text 343-324-5666. We'll ask a few questions about your shower and can usually give you a number without needing to visit first.
GET A QUOTE TODAY
Serving Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orleans, and surrounding areas.
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