The price of installation ranges between $500 and $5,000, depending on the scope of the job. Square footage and type of tile are the two most significant factors affecting the cost of your flooring or backsplash project.
What factors affect the price of tile installation?
Things like square footage, type of tile and project complexity are the main drivers of tile installation costs.
Most professionals base the price of tile installation on the square footage of your project. The cost per square foot varies, depending on:
A general rule of thumb when it comes to square footage: the larger the project size, the lower the cost per square foot. Determining the square footage of your project is important for getting an accurate quote from tile contractors. First, measure the length of the floor, then multiply that number by its width. For example, a 10-foot by 11-foot room = 110 square feet.
It's not a bad idea to overestimate the square footage on a project because contractors might need a little extra to allow for broken tiles or unusual shapes. Here's a sample of national average pricing for common room sizes.
Room size | National average price |
25 square feet | $500 |
25-50 square feet | $1,000 |
50-100 square feet | $1,200 |
100-200 square feet | $1,500 |
200-400 square feet | $1,900 |
300-400 square feet | $3,200 |
400-500 square feet | $4,500 |
Tile flooring prices range from under $1 to well over $50, depending on the material, manufacturer and demand. Selecting tiles with a higher average cost per square foot affects the total cost of a project. In addition, handmade or nonuniform tiles cost more to install because they need to be 'back buttered a process that involves applying mortar to the uneven components of the back of the tile to ensure it lies flat for even flooring. This adds to labor cost.
If a installation project is in an area that has had a leak, mold damage or a structural integrity issue, the damage needs to be addressed before you can install new tile flooring. Some tile contractors are able to do this work for you (it will cost extra), but depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to specialists.
If the needed repairs aren't apparent until the original backsplash or flooring has been removed, your quote will likely increase to encompass this new scope of work. Contractors aren't trying to trick customers when this occurs; in any construction or remodel project that includes there is always the chance of uncovering surprises such as dry rot. Communicate clearly with your professional about any pricing changes to make sure you understand what repairs are needed and what the cost will be.
In general, the less time a tile flooring job takes, the lower your cost will be. Even if you're no tile pro, you can see that it's much quicker to install tile on smooth, even flooring than on lumpy areas that need to be sanded out first. Tile installation jobs over smooth surfaces typically cost less because the installer needs to do less prep work before laying the tile. Uneven floors, old flooring that must be removed, and walls or counters that require backer board installation or additional steps beyond the standard preparation may increase overall cost per square foot.
Your geographic location will affect floor tile installation costs. Tile professionals in larger cities and regions with a higher cost of living typically charge higher rates for services. This is because it costs more money to run a business in an expensive area where insurance costs are higher, employee labor rates cost more, and vehicle maintenance and fuel are more expensive. In addition, very moist or coastal environments can be more challenging for tile installation, so costs may be higher in these regions as well.
Most floor tiles come as squares that vary in size from 4 x 4 inches to 24 x 24 inches. Tiles can also come in other shapes and sizes, including hexagonal, octagonal and rectangular subway tiles. Small or unusually shaped tiles may require more time and expertise, increasing the overall cost of tile floor installation. Large tiles are far less complex and cheaper to install.
What are the most common tiling materials?
Let's take a closer look at your the options for your new tile floor and how they differ.
Costs of different tile materials per square foot
Trying to price out tile can be a little overwhelming. Here's a rundown of different kinds of tile flooring and how much the tiles cost (before installation).
Type | Pros and cons | Price per square foot |
Ceramic tile | - Very affordable and easy to install - Dent, scratch and stain-resistant - Huge selection of colors, shapes, and sizes - Grout can be prone to discoloration | $2 to $8 |
Terra cotta tile | - Natural material, highly durable - Warm, earthy feel - Resistant to mold and bacteria - Very porous; stains and discolors easily - Requires annual sealing | $1 to $6 |
Mexican or 'Saltillo' tile | - Handmade - Easy to care for - Natural look and soft feel - Inconsistent shape makes installation tricky | $1 to $8 |
Quarry tile | - Resists water better than other tile (great for bathrooms) - Naturally stain and slip resistant - Functional look (pro for some, con for others) - Rough texture | $8 to $13 |
Porcelain tile | - Economical; gives you the look of more expensive tiles at half the price - Extremely strong and dense - Long lasting and easy to clean - Can be difficult to repair if it chips | $3 to $10 |
Natural stone tile | - Unique look but very expensive - Boosts home resale value - Durable, but not as strong as ceramic tile - Prone to scratches and chips - Requires annual sealing | $5 to $15 |
Cement tile | - Environmentally friendly and trendy - Not slippery, even when wet - Expensive (for the quality) - Highly prone to staining and difficult to install | $2 to $10 |
Terrazzo tile | - Lasts for decades - Waterproof - Unique style and material - Extremely expensive | $14 to $40 |
Slate | - Durable and dense - Upscale look, available in darker earthy tones - Heavier weight makes it difficult to install - Hiring a contractor can cost 2-3x more than the tile itself | $4 to $10 |
Granite | - Classic style - Heavy and difficult to install - Requires maintenance and sealing - Can be damaged by water or acid | $10 to $40 |
Marble tile | - Classic style with versatile design uses - Every slab is unique - High maintenance; stains and scratches easily - Expensive to install | $10 to $20 |
Why are some tiles so much more expensive than others?
Time for the really technical stuff tile ratings and porosity. Floor tiles have different classifications based on their strength and durability. In addition to the style and appearance factors mentioned in the previous section, both tile ratings and tile porosity have an impact on the overall tile cost.
What are tile ratings?
Not every tile is good for every surface. For example, your high-traffic front entryway needs stronger, more durable tiles than your low-traffic shower floor. Tiles are rated in five classes, with Class V being the most durable and Class I too fragile for flooring. An experienced tile installer can make recommendations on the best tile product for your application.
What's tile porosity?
A tile's porosity indicates how many air pockets it has. The more porous the tile, the more absorbent it is which could be good or bad, depending on where it's installed. Tile porosity is rated according to what degree it is vitreous or glass-like. Glass being the least absorbent. Here are the porosity classifications of tile:
How much does it cost to install a tile backsplash?
Backsplash installation can cost between $10 and $40 per square foot. So, say you wanted a 25-square-foot kitchen backsplash. The tile installation cost will be between$425 and $900. Backsplashes typically cost more than tile floor installation, to account for the smaller project size.
Will new tile increase the value of my home?
Pros say new tile is the number one feature homeowners should plan to spend extra money on during a remodel. Tile flooring always adds value to your home due to long term durability. A few tile tips:
How to hire a tile installation professional
If you are working on a larger kitchen or remodel, it's likely that your general contractor will hire a tile installation pro as one of their subcontractors. However, if this is an isolated job or you are acting as your own project manager, the task falls to you to find an experienced tile worker. The first step is to research local pros and narrow it down to a few that fit your needs.
Some states require that the pro have a contractor's license specific to tile and mosaic work. For example, California's of Consumers Affairs Contractors State License Board requires anyone who is hired to do more than $500 of tile work on one project to hold a C-54 Ceramic and Tile Mosaic Contractors License. Not all states require such licensing, so be sure to do you research (check that the contractor is insured, too).
Next, ask two to three pros to come out and provide you an exact quote for your job. When scheduling the visit, tell them the square footage of your project and the size and type of tile you will be installing. Be sure to specify whether you need guidance on selecting tile or want them to order the tile on your behalf.
What your tile installation estimate should cover
Tile contractors will quote you a price based on the square footage of the project, any prep or repair work required prior to installation, the complexity of the installation and tile pattern, regional labor costs, and materials costs.
Most contractors will remove existing tile or carpet and other non-tile materials before installing new tile, but that labor should be negotiated into the contract. Tile installers generally provide the installation materials needed. Either clients or the tile installation company can provide the tiles.
Once you've accepted a bid, make sure you have a clearly written contract that:
Tips to maximize your tile budget