The average cost to tile a kitchen countertop is $2,250, though it can range from $1,050 to $3,800, depending on materials and size.
Tile countertops are a lower-cost alternative to solid stone, like granite or marble.
Expect to pay between $18 and $100 per square foot to install a tiled countertop in your kitchen.
The biggest cost factors for this project include the countertop size, the type and grade of tile, and the countertop edge design.
Hiring a professional to tile a kitchen countertop will cost around $10 to $20 per square foot.
The average cost to tile a kitchen countertop is $2,250, with a potential price range between $1,050 and $3,800. Tile is a highly durable material that’s well suited for use in many areas of the home, from the floor to the walls. In addition to being an aesthetically pleasing countertop option, it’s also cost-effective and DIY-friendly. Learn about the factors that most impact the total cost to tile a kitchen countertop.
Consider the following cost factors when calculating the cost to tile your kitchen countertop.
Tiling a kitchen countertop costs between $18 and $100 per square foot. On the low end, if you’re tiling a small bathroom, you might pay as little as $90 or as much as $1,000. But your costs could reach $6,000 or more for countertops in a large kitchen.
Room | Countertop Size in Square Feet | Cost Range |
---|---|---|
Small bathroom | 5–10 | $90–$1,000 |
Small kitchen | 20–30 | $360–$3,000 |
Average kitchen or bathroom | 30–40 | $540–$4,000 |
Large kitchen | 40–60 | $720–$6,000 |
The type of tile you choose will also affect the final cost of this project. Ceramic tiles can cost as little as $1 per square foot for a machine-made wall tile, while a natural stone tile (like granite, marble, onyx, quartzite, or travertine) could cost up to $100 per square foot. Glass tiles, which cost $40 to $80 per square foot, may be best suited to a backsplash because they are susceptible to scratches. Here’s how much you can expect to pay based on your chosen tile material.
Type of Tile | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Ceramic | $1–$50 |
Glass | $40–$80 |
Porcelain | $10–$120 |
Natural stone | $50–$100 |
Tiles come in different grades, from 1 to 5, that rate their hardness and durability. Grade 1 tiles cost the least because they are the most fragile. Countertops should use grade 3 to grade 5 tiles, costing anywhere from $5 to $30. Here are the average costs for different ceramic tile grades.
Tile Grade | Cost per Square Feet |
---|---|
1 | $1–$10 |
2 | $3–$10 |
3 | $5–$15 |
4 | $5–$20 |
5 | $5–$30 |
There are several types of countertop edges you can choose for your kitchen. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each type of countertop edge design.
Edge Design | Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|
Bevel | $10–$15 |
Bullnose | $10–$15 |
Dupont | $20–$40 |
Mitered | $20–$25 |
Ogee | $20–$25 |
Paying a pro to tile your kitchen countertops can cost between $10 to $20 per square foot in labor. Your exact cost will depend on where you live; contractors tend to charge more in areas with a higher cost of living (like a major city or metro area), while you’ll pay less if you live in a low-cost region (like a small city or rural area).
Removing your existing kitchen countertop will cost between $50 and $300. Your contractor might charge an additional disposal fee of $20 to $25. If you’re tiling your countertops as part of a larger kitchen remodel project, the old countertop can go in the dumpster with the rest of your debris.
In addition to the basic cost factors for tiling a countertop, you will pay more if you opt for one of the following common add-ons.
If you want to add a tile backsplash to complement your tile countertop, expect to pay between $15 and $40 per square foot for materials and installation. Your exact cost will depend on the tile material; porcelain tile backsplashes cost between $600 and $1,300.
Installing a cooktop or sink in your tile countertop will add to the overall project cost. First, a pro must cut out a space for the cooktop or sink, costing between $100 and $200 per cutout. Then, the contractor can install a sink for $250 to $650 or a cooktop for $150 to $300.
If your countertop tiling project includes plumbing or electrical work (like changing the sink’s location or adding more electrical outlets), you’ll need to budget extra. Hiring a plumber costs between $45 and $200 per hour, while electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour. Minor electrical or plumbing work may take an hour or less, while more complex projects will take longer.
Taking on countertop tiling as a DIY project will save you between $10 and $20 per square foot. Tile is more DIY-friendly than other countertop materials, like heavy marble or delicate onyx, making it a good choice if you’re committed to tackling the project yourself. If you have enough DIY experience and know how to remove kitchen tile countertops, this project should be doable.
However, it’s best to hire a local countertop contractor if your project involves plumbing or electrical work or if you choose a delicate tile material like glass. Given their experience, a pro can complete the project much faster, and they will have the necessary tools to install your countertop safely and efficiently.
Whether you hire a pro or DIY your tile kitchen countertop, there are several ways to keep the cost down:
Shop around for materials: Check tile prices at your local hardware stores and online to find the best deal, and look out for sales and discounts that can drop the price even further.
Choose larger tiles: Larger tiles are easier to install, making them better suited for DIYers.
Choose standard edges: Bevel and bullnose edges are more affordable than trickier edges like Dupont, mitered, or ogee.
Get multiple project estimates: Request quotes from several local countertop contractors before choosing which pro to work with.
Do the prep work yourself: Save money on labor by removing your existing kitchen countertop yourself.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Tile is an excellent option for kitchen countertops when properly installed. Materials like ceramic are heat- and water-resistant, and sealed grout resists stains. Tile is also a sustainable material that’s easy to clean. Pairing a tile countertop with a tile backsplash provides additional protection while creating a cohesive kitchen design.
Granite countertops cost an average of $3,250 compared to $2,250 for tile countertops. Granite is also harder to DIY than tile, given its weight and bulk, which increases the overall labor cost of installation. Over time, both types of countertops may need sealing to remain resistant to water, heat, and other common kitchen elements.
Tile countertops can last up to 100 years when properly maintained. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most durable types and can last as long as natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and quartz. Tile countertops are much cheaper than natural stone countertops, making them an excellent option for a homeowner with a limited budget.