Cost to Install Tile

Don’t let your remodeling budget go over-board by hidden surprises – understand what the average installed costs for ceramic tile flooring is near you by using our easy to use tile cost calculator.

As an experienced licensed home improvement contractor, I know first hand what it should cost for various levels — from Basic, Better, and of course the best.

The tile flooring cost estimator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. Simply enter your zip code and the square footage, next click update and you will see a breakdown on what it should cost to have tile flooring installed in your home.

How much does it cost to install a tile floor?

The average labor cost to install a tile floor is $5.00 – $8.00 per square foot depending on tile choices and size. However, prices can vary due to sub-floor conditions and prep work. This project can be a DIY project.

Tile Installation Cost

Whether it’s for your kitchen, bathroom or patio, few materials have the allure of tile. It’s beautiful, durable and budget-friendly — adding a touch of tile to a countertop or entryway can cost as little as $300. Most homeowners spend between $790–$2640 for mid-grade tile plus installation for projects ranging from flooring to tub surrounds — the national average is an affordable $1695.

Tile prices range from $0.80 per square foot to as high as $24 depending on the type you choose — most people spend $3 to $9 per square foot for materials. In general, you get what you pay for, but more expensive tile isn’t always better quality — higher prices may reflect artistic value.

Installation fees vary by location, material and the size and complexity of the project — expect to pay $6 –$15 per square foot. Some types of tile take more effort to install than others. Labor rates range from $4–$9 per square foot for porcelain or ceramic tile up to $30 per square foot for materials such as granite and marble that require special handling.

Types of Tile and Cost

There are dozens of types of tile and tens of thousands of unique styles from which to choose. Each has different characteristics and installation challenges that make some a better choice than others for specific projects. The most common are:

Cost of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is heat-hardened clay finished with a protective glaze — prices range from $0.80 to $6 per square foot. It’s affordable, lightweight and easy to install, but because it’s more porous and somewhat less durable than its cousin — porcelain — it’s a better choice for dry, low-to-moderate traffic areas. The variety of colors, textures and finishes is nearly infinite and includes styles that mimic other materials such as wood, metal and stone.

Cost of Porcelain Tile

The terms porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably, but the materials are different. Porcelain is a type of ceramic, but it’s denser and, therefore, more water-resistant. It’s exceptionally tough, and unlike ceramic, it’s the same color throughout, so chips and scratches are less noticeable over time. Porcelain tile is ideal for bathrooms and laundry areas, as well as countertops and high-traffic zones such as entryways. Prices are higher than ceramic tile — expect to pay $3–$9 per square foot.

Cost of Stone Tile

Stone tile comes in two types — natural and engineered. Natural stone tile, such as slate, granite and marble, runs double the price of ceramic tile — $6–$12 per square foot. Engineered stone tile, also known as aggregate tile, is similarly priced, but it’s made from pieces of stone set in a synthetic base.

Engineered stone can be as attractive and hard-wearing as natural varieties, and in some cases, it’s easier to install. Natural stone is prone to cracking if it’s not cut correctly. It requires special equipment and expertise to install, and that can add to the cost of your project.

Cost of Glass Tile

Glass tile, also known as Byzantine tile, is a water-resistant alternative to porcelain. It’s elegant yet sturdy— use it anywhere— and its reflective quality makes the most of natural light in any space. Expect to pay $8–$24 per square foot plus a premium for installation — expertise is a must. Because of its cost, its used primarily in bathrooms or as an accent – glass backsplashes are especially popular.

Cost of Vinyl Tile

You can get the look of stone or wood for a fraction of the price with vinyl tile. At $1.70 to $6 per square foot, it lacks some of the depth and texture of ceramic and porcelain, but it’s a perfect low-cost alternative. Popular for kitchen floors and entry-ways, it stands up to moderate traffic, and it’s a cinch to keep clean.

Cost of Metal Tile

Metal tile is aesthetically stunning, but it’s not inexpensive — you’ll pay $9 per square foot for peel and stick panels to as much as $45 per square foot for traditional varieties. Enduring, it can cover virtually any surface, but because of its cost, most homeowners use it for backsplashes or decorative accents.

Cost to Install a Tile Floor

The average price for tile work, including materials and labor, ranges from $700–$5100. What will you pay? Let’s look at estimates for familiar projects.

Cost to Tile a Kitchen Floor

Tiling an average-sized kitchen floor — roughly 150 square feet — ranges in price from $1,100 to $2,250 installed. Vinyl, ceramic and stone tile are excellent choices.

Cost to Tile a Bathroom Floor

The cost to tile an 80 square foot bathroom floor is $780–$1250 using vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tile. Vinyl and ceramic are bargain choices —but porcelain may be a better long-term value.

Cost to Install a Tile Shower

An average walk-in shower with three rectangular tile walls will set you back:

• $550 for glazed ceramic tile
• $870 for porcelain tile
• $1000 for stone tile
• $2050 for glass tile

A tile shower pan with a center drain adds another $990–$1875. Expect to pay more if walls are irregularly shaped.

Cost to Tile a Tub Surround

Tiling a tub surround can be as simple as erecting shower walls depending on how the tub sits in its alcove. Garden-style tubs, for example, require additional tilework where the tub and walls meet — prices average $1200 —$3800. If you’re on a budget, an acrylic surround at $275–$700 may be more cost-effective.

Cost to Tile Walls

Tile walls cost $6–$22 per square foot to install. The total price is determined by the material you choose and size of the wall— budget $700–$2600 per 100 square feet.

Cost to Tile a Backsplash

Tiling a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom is the perfect way to get the look of tile without spending more than you have to. Prices range from as little $650 for 30 square feet of ceramic tile to $1100 for marble, glass or copper.

Cost to Tile a Kitchen Countertop

Tile countertops are timeless, but they don’t have to break the bank. Solid surface counters such as marble, granite or quartz are pricey at $3600–$4900 installed, but traditional porcelain tile can cost as little as $1600 for a medium-size space of 50 square feet.

Cost to Tile a Patio

Tiling an outdoor patio expands your living space. Finishing a flat, 200 square foot area with mid-grade tile ranges in price from $2375–$3350. Flooring designed for outdoor use should be UV- and water-resistant, and only frost-proof tile — labeled with a snowflake icon on the box — is suitable for use in areas where the temperature goes below freezing.

Choosing the Right Tile

Judging the quality of tile isn’t always easy — for more information, look for these ratings on product labels.

Tile PEI Rating

The Porcelain Enamel Institute, or PEI, rates the abrasion-resistance of porcelain on a 1 to 5 scale — the higher the rating, the more traffic tile can handle before showing wear.

• PEI-1 and PEI-2 tile are for light-duty applications such as walls and low-use countertops.
• PEI-3 tile can handle light to moderate foot traffic and medium-duty applications such as kitchen countertops.
• PE-4 tile is suited for all applications, but it excels as residential flooring.
• PE-5 tile is heavy duty and appropriate for all residential and commercial purposes.

Porcelain Tile Grades

In addition to the PEI rating, porcelain tile is also grouped into categories by quality and appearance.

• Group 1 tile is the best quality and the most uniform.
• Group 2 tile is good quality, but it may have minor imperfections that make it more suitable for floors.
• Group 3 tile is the lowest quality — it’s thin and aesthetically variable. Avoid it for floors, but it’s an economical option for walls.

Water Absorption Rating

The water absorption rating reflects how well tile resists moisture — an important factor when choosing floor and wall materials for wet areas.

Tile is rated by the percentage of water it absorbs as follows:

• Nonvitreous — more than 7%
• Semivitreous — 3%-7%
• Vitreous — 0.5%-3%
• Impervious — less than 0.5%

Only vitreous or impervious tile is suitable for moist areas.

Coefficient of Friction Floor Tile (COF)

The COF rating reflects how slip-resistant tile is — for floors in wet areas, the higher the score, the better. Professionals recommend a COF higher than 0.41 for all indoor flooring — greater 0.60 is safer for floors that are frequently wet.

What is rectified tile?

Rectified tile isn’t a type of tile — it’s a finishing technique in which all four sides are ground to a precision angle. Rectified tile isn’t necessarily better quality, but it fits together better. It’s slightly more expensive than utility tile, but it’s ideal for projects that demand thin grout lines.

Tile Installation Factors and Cost

Removing Old Flooring or Tile

Tile is vulnerable to cracking when laid on an uneven surface — most experts recommend removing old flooring first. Pulling up old sheet vinyl is quick and easy, but breaking up tile without damaging walls or sub-flooring takes time. Plan to pay $2–$3.70 per square foot for removal and disposal.

Surface Repair

Tile can be installed on almost any surface as long as it’s in good condition. Repairs to walls or subfloors can add up to $3.50 per square foot to the cost of your project.

Backerboard

Tile in moist areas like bathrooms should be installed on concrete backerboard. Unlike drywall, it’s moisture-resistant. Panels cost $3–$6 each plus the price of installation.

Supplies and Equipment

Tile installation requires tools and supplies, including:

1. Grout
2. Thinset
3. Trowels
4. Floats
5. Buckets
6. Sponges
7. Tile cutters
8. Wet saws and more

Unlike other home improvement projects, the cost of equipment and supplies is relatively low. Most contractors roll it into a square foot estimate.

How To Measure For Your Tile Project

Measuring for your tiling project is as easy as determining the area of the wall or floor you want to cover — multiply the length by the width to get the square footage and convert that into the amount of tile you need based on its size.

Tile Sizes

Tiles come in a wide range of sizes from 2 by 2 to 36 x 36 inches. Small tile looks better over small areas such as backsplashes — large tile goes up faster and requires less grout. Regardless of the size of individual tiles, boxes show the number of square feet they cover to make it easier to determine how much you need. Always purchase an extra 10% to allow for waste plus another 5% to ensure you have a matching tile if one breaks in the future.

DIY Vs. Hiring a Tile Installer

DIY tile installation can save you up to 60%, but is it worth it? Except for one-piece countertops, installing tile isn’t difficult — but it’s dirty and time-consuming work. For areas such as a laundry or utility room where perfection isn’t required, doing the work yourself can save you hundreds. But for living areas where a refined look is desirable, it’s worth hiring an experienced professional with the skills and tools to do get the job done right.

Tackling preparation, cleanup and material disposal yourself can slash up to 25% off the cost of your project without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts

Why choose tile for your home’s walls, floors or countertops when other materials cost less? In a word — value. The lasting beauty and durability of tile make it among the most economical materials initially — and when you sell your home, you can expect a 60-70 percent return. Tile is a worthwhile investment in both today and tomorrow.

View Other Flooring Costs and Options: From Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, and Carpet Styles

References:

1. The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 5: Partitions, Ceilings, Floors, and Stairs U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research.
2. American Society of Professional Estimators, — How to Estimate the Cost of Commonly Used Flooring Systems.

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